Simon Cowell, Mets contribute to Daily News Sandy relief fund – The Daily News’ first relief truck, loaded with urgently needed supplies, has reached the hard-hit Rockaways, while the New York Mets organization donated to The News’ disaster relief fund and offered additional support to affected areas. The effort received a major boost when Simon Cowell, the creator and judge of The X Factor, donated $25,000 to the cause. That contribution will help local recovery efforts and relief distribution. Well done, Simon! – Read more at The Daily News
Colton Dixon tweets – Singer Colton Dixon shared a quick update from the studio: “Tracking drums and guitars for a song called Where My Heart Goes today. I love this song. @davidgarcia83.” The brief message gives fans a behind-the-scenes glimpse at his recording process and an early hint of new material in progress. (Tweet)
Nicki Minaj addresses Mariah Carey feud on My Truth – On her E! reality series My Truth, airing tonight, Nicki Minaj publicly discusses the much-publicized tension between her and fellow American Idol judge Mariah Carey. Seated aboard a private jet, Minaj says, “I think that Mariah met her match this time, and I don’t think she was expecting to meet her match.” The show promises candid moments and fresh perspective on the dispute. – Read more at Rap-Up
Phillip Phillips surprises students at pep rally – Phillip Phillips made an unexpected appearance at his alma mater’s final pep rally of the year, delighting students and faculty. Expecting a routine assembly, attendees instead erupted in cheers when Phillips took the microphone, making it difficult for him to be heard over the excitement. Principal Kevin Dowling described the visit as a memorable moment for students. Phillips came to show support for Mission Change, an organization focused on improving the local community. The visit was kept under wraps until the morning of the rally. – Read more at Panoptic Online
Bucky Covington discusses five-year recording gap and Good Guys – Bucky Covington reflects on the long road to his sophomore album, Good Guys. After a strong debut in 2007, Covington faced delays and contractual obstacles when his former label, Lyric Street Records, closed. He eventually released Good Guys on Sept. 11 through eOne Entertainment, delivering a collection that spans heartfelt ballads, message songs and rowdy anthems such as “Drinking Side of Country,” a duet with Shooter Jennings. The video for that track, featuring fellow American Idol alum Kellie Pickler in a Daisy Duke cameo, has earned significant attention online. Covington recalls convincing Pickler to wear the classic look himself, joking about his efforts to find the right costume inspiration. – Read more at Taste of Country
Jennifer Hudson debuts curly hairstyle at Poitier gala – Jennifer Hudson, who often wears her hair straight, surprised guests at a gala in Paradise Island, Bahamas, honoring actor Sidney Poitier by sporting a dramatic curled look. The 31-year-old singer and actress wore her hair in a pompadour style with tight curls at the top and a long ponytail at the back, presenting a striking and glamorous appearance for the event. – See the photos at Dailymail.co.uk
Keith Urban and Jennifer Nettles at CMA Country Christmas 2012 – Keith Urban and Jennifer Nettles performed at the 2012 CMA Country Christmas concert taping at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on Saturday, Nov. 3. During the show, Nettles, who was hosting and appeared to be expecting a child, shared the stage with guests including John Legend, who joined her during parts of the taping. The concert brought together several country favorites for a holiday-themed event. – See the photos at Just Jared
Hollie Cavanagh shares photo from recent shoot
Dancing With the Stars Week 7 preview – Week 7 of Dancing With the Stars All-Stars brings relief for the remaining celebrities: Monday’s two-hour episode (ABC, 8 ET/PT) will be a performance show without an immediate elimination. ABC decided to delay a planned live elimination because many viewers on the East Coast remain without power, which would affect voting fairness. Host Tom Bergeron announced that no contestant will be eliminated this week, and there will be no results show on Tuesday as coverage of the presidential election takes precedence. This change gives competitors an extra week to perform and earn viewer support. – Read more at USA Today
The Voice Season 3, Week 8: Jamar Rogers’ inside look – Former contestant Jamar Rogers shares his impressions of The Voice’s Knockout Rounds, calling them the most exciting and tense segment of the season so far. As a new format for the show, the Knockouts create challenging situations where contestants must sit on stage while their opponents perform, sometimes resulting in visible discomfort. Backstage, eliminated or waiting contestants watch the battles on screens, adding to the emotional pressure. Rogers also notes recurring song choices that tend to shine on the show and highlights several standout performances. His reflections provide an inside perspective on the high stakes and dramatic moments that define this phase of the competition. – Read more at The Insider
Performers announced for the American Music Awards – Several high-profile artists are slated to perform at the 40th annual American Music Awards on Sunday, Nov. 18. Usher, No Doubt, Justin Bieber and Ke$ha join previously announced acts including Pink, Taylor Swift, Nicki Minaj, Christina Aguilera, Carrie Underwood, Pitbull and Linkin Park. More performers are expected to be revealed in the weeks ahead. Rihanna and Minaj lead the nominations with four apiece, and the show introduces a new category for Electronic Dance Music, recognizing artists such as David Guetta, Calvin Harris and Skrillex among potential nominees. – Read more at The Hollywood Reporter