Altho I’m not a Country Music fan by any means, the 2009 Academy of Country Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, NV last night attracted their fair share of non-Country Music folks to get my attention … and also clued me into the fact that the amazing Carrie Underwood (my Oklahoma homegirl) had herself a pretty spectacular night at this year’s ACMs (as did Taylor Swift, whose talent also impresses me). Here are a few photos from the red carpet arrivals last night (you will note that LeAnn Rimes showed up all by herself as her hubby was nowhere to be seen … Miley Cyrus was also flying solo, leaving manfriend Justin Gaston at home) along with a couple photos of Carrie and Taylor proudly hoisting up their two ACM awards in the press room last night:

The 44th Academy of Country Music Awards swung political, personal, playful and patriotic on Sunday and ultimately opted for popular in bestowing its top honor on “American Idol” winner Carrie Underwood, naming her entertainer of the year over veteran male performers George Strait, Kenny Chesney and Keith Urban. “I’ve had a lot of good moments in the past four years,” the Oklahoma-born Underwood said at the climax of the three-hour event at the MGM Grand Arena, “but this one takes the cake.” The award was determined for the second year by popular vote during the show at CBS.com instead of being determined as it had been in past years by the performer who sold the most concert tickets during the previous 12 months, which would have given a fifth title to Chesney. But the ACM, in striving to boost ratings and make the event more interactive for fans, opened the voting for entertainer and new artist to the public. That helped TV-friendly faces such as Underwood and former “Dancing With the Stars”-turned-country singer Julianne Hough, who took home the new artist trophy. It was a big night as well for Internet-savvy teen phenom Taylor Swift, who sold more albums in 2008 than any other artist in any genre, passing 5 million. Her overwhelming success contributed to her sophomore album, “Fearless,” which has topped 3 million since its release in November, being named album of the year. The giddy singer and songwriter from Pennsylvania clapped her hands over her mouth and danced in her signature cowgirl boots upon learning she’d been chosen by the academy’s 4,000 voting members over Strait, Underwood, duo Montgomery Gentry and newcomer Jamey Johnson … The CBS telecast also looked to give more fans … to latch on to with a performance by Miley Cyrus, timed to plug the new “Hannah Montana” movie, even though the daughter of country singer and actor Billy Ray Cyrus wasn’t nominated for any awards. Tough economic times coupled with strong sentiment over the war in Iraq figured into two of the night’s most powerful musical performances. John Rich, half of the duo Big & Rich, sang a solo version of his new single “Shuttin’ Detroit Down” that elicited cheers several times from the 11,000 fans in the MGM Grand Arena as he railed against federal bailouts to troubled corporations while family farms continue to fail by the thousands. U.S. troops got a salute from Trace Adkins as he was joined by the West Point Glee Club with a new song recognizing what soldiers have sacrificed from the Civil War through the ongoing fighting in Afghanistan. The ACM announced that proceeds from the downloadable version of the performance will go to Wounded Warrior, a Florida-based organization the helps injured troops once they return home. Jamey Johnson’s “In Color,” an homage to those who weathered the Depression, fought in World War II and sustained long-term marriages, was named song of the year. Johnson’s album “That Lonesome Song,” which has drawn comparisons to the work of Waylon Jennings and others of the ’70s country Outlaw movement, had been chosen 2008’s best by a poll of country music critics. Reba McEntire hosted the show for the 11th year.

While I do not consider myself a Country Music fan per se, I still have a small place in my heart for the genre due to my years spent living in Oklahoma. Down there, you can’t escape Country Music so it’s best to just enjoy it for what it is — emotionally driven, heartfelt songs that have a pretty good way of tearing at heartstrings in order to illicit a response. I’m not ashamed to admit that I have my fave songs. I am prolly Carrie Underwood’s biggest fan who doesn’t own any of her albums. I have a few tracks but I’m most impressed with her singing abilities overall. She is truly the best thing to come from American Idol since Kelly Clarkson. I’m so happy that she continues to enjoy so much success. She’s a woman who works hard for what she has, it’s great to see her being successful. Taylor Swift, as well, strikes me as a very talented girl. The thing that I prolly like most about Country Music is that it is a genre that’s really driven by talent. Many of the biggest Country Music stars can play instruments … which cannot be said for a lot of pop/rock or rap musicians.

While all eyes were on the Country Music stars on the red carpet, there were quite a few celebs who showed up at the awards that have nothing at all really to do with Country Music as a craft. As you can see above, Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves were in attendance and I understand that comedian Carrot Top was there as well. Additionally, new celeb couple Jennifer Love Hewitt and Jamie Kennedy chose the ACM Awards as their official coming out party as a couple:

I find it curious that they were both wearing all white … could they be trying to tell us something? The night wasn’t without it’s own drama as well … Tim McGraw ended up pulling out of performing on the show at the very last minute due to reported “problems” with production. See, even Country Music has their own divas. In any event, much congrats goes out to all the winners at this year’s ACM Awards!

[Photo credit: Bauer-Griffin, Wireimage; Source]

Dina Lohan got busted by the cops over the weekend when she was reportedly clocked driving 65mph in a 35mph zone. It may be difficult to tell but her daughter Lindsay Lohan was in the car with her at the time that Dina got pulled over and did everything she could to try and climb into the car’s glove compartment in order to evade being photographed while her mother got ticketed for unsafe driving:

Clearly, the Lohan ladies were in a hurry to get to Malibu (where they were headed) but the cops in the Pacific Palisades (where the bust took place) take speeding very seriously, as they should. As you may recall, Lindsay has had quite a few traffic violations in her past so I think it’s safe to say that we know from whom she learned to drive.

[Photo credit: X17]

Zac Efron, who is bizzy promoting the release of his new movie 17 Again, will be hosting Saturday Night Live in NYC this coming weekend and has already made his way to the Big Apple to begin preparations for his big night. Here are a couple pics of Zac making his arrival at JFK International Airport late last night:

It remains to be seen if Zac has it in him to pull off such a high-profile live hosting gig but it makes sense that SNL would want him to host. The kid is fairly popular with the young ladies (and a few dudes, both young and old) so he is likely to attract a pretty big audience. The Yeah Yeah Yeahs will be the musical guest so, on that front, it looks to be a great show. Something tells me that Zac will end up doing a fairly decent job on the show … from what I’ve seen of the available footage of 17 Again, he can actually be quite funny. I can’t wait to see the High School Musical skit they’re bound to cook up. I’m curious for the ep but I’m not really holding my breath just yet. Do y’all think he can pull it off?

[Photo credit: Splash News]

In the past week or so, we’ve seen new photos of Kevin Federline — former back-up dancer and ex-hubby to Britney Spears — lookin’ a bit larger than we are used to seeing. Today, we may finally know the reason why K-Fed has been pushing maximum density in recent weeks. Here are a couple pics of K-Fed and his current girlfriend Victoria Prince making their way out of a Winchell’s Donuts shop with a big ol’ box of donuts in hand:

You will note from the sign in the window behind their heads in the first photo that the “Pufffies” are on sale … perhaps K-Fed is carrying a box of Puffies with him, or mebbe he’s a traditionalist and opted for a box of regular old donuts? He strikes me as a jelly donut kind of guy, don’t you think? I’m not sure how many donuts a person can buy using the alimony checks from a superstar like Britney Spears … but I’m sure it’s a lot. And suddenly … it is all starting to make sense.

[Photo credit: X17]

Chris Brown is scheduled to be in LA court this afternoon at about 3pm PT to face charges that he assaulted his girlfriend Rihanna on the morning of February 8 but don’t expect Rihanna to be in court with him. Altho the girl appears to have forgiven him for his vicious assault on her, she will not be standing by her man when he goes to court today. On the contrary, she will remain thousands of miles away in her native Barbados putting as much distance between them as she can. It is being reported that Rihanna wants to stay away from Brown’s legal matters because she does not want to be compelled to testify against him in a court of law. Here are a couple pics of Ri Ri gettin’ her party on in Barbados last night in celebration of her grandparents’ 50th wedding anniversary:

Pop star Rihanna looked as if she hadn’t a care in the world at a family party last night. The 21-year-old has returned to her native Barbados to help her grandparents’ celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. But while she relaxed, her one-time boyfriend Chris Brown was preparing to appear in a Los Angeles court. Brown is due in the dock [Monday] to face charges he assaulted the singer during a heated argument the day before the Grammys. Rihanna was pictured looking battered and bruised following the incident, which allegedly happened in 19-year-old Brown’s sports car. And although she initially stood by the R & B singer, the couple have now reportedly ended their relationship. After getting back to work last week, recording tracks in an exclusive Hawaii studio, Rihanna flew home for a catch-up with her family on Friday. And last night she and her family were joined by the island’s Prime Minister David Thompson as they celebrated. The smiling singer waved a Rastafarian flag as she caught up with her friends.

I have to hope that Rihanna will be true to her word and that she will comply with prosecutors to testify against Brown if she is needed in court but I suspect that the case might not actually make it to trial. I understand that Brown’s attorney and the LA prosecutor are in talks to figure out a way for Chris to plea bargain. Naturally, Brown does not want to serve any jailtime but it remains to be seen if that element of punishment is going to have to be included in an plea deal that might be offered by the prosecution. I would not be surprised in the least if the whole matter was settled by this afternoon’s court appearance. For Rihanna’s sake, I really hope that justice is served. While Chris Brown has NOT been convicted of any crime, it’s really hard to deny the injuries that were done to Rihanna on that fateful day. Someone should be forced to pay for that crime. She knows who assaulted her and if that person is not punished for it, she could very possibly be assaulted again in the future. I just really hope that the LA District Attorney moves forward with the case if Brown turns down a plea bargain with jailtime. I guess we’ll have to wait and see what happens.

[Photo credit: Splash News; Source]

At last!! Some great casting news has come from The CW’s planned remake of Melrose Place … after learning that Ashlee Simpson would be joining the cast (which may or may not be good news) but that Heather Locklear as well as Marcia Cross and Courtney Thorne-Smith would NOT be returning to Melrose Place we learn today that the other red-headed vixen, Laura Leighton, as signed on to reprise her role as Sydney Andrews when the redux hits the airwaves this Fall. While Heather Locklear won’t be reprising her devilishly bitchy character Amanda Woodward, Leighton’s reprisal of Sydney Andrews is a pretty good runner up:

After weeks of speculation about who if any of the original “Melrose Place” cast members might drop in on the CW’s new “Melrose Place,” Laura Leighton has joined the CW pilot as a recurring. She will reprise her role as the irresponsible and scheming Sydney Andrews, one of the most popular characters on the Fox series. In the dramatic fifth-season finale of “Melrose Place” in 1997 – and Leighton’s last episode on the show — Sydney was run over by a car on her wedding day in a near-fatal accident. While she was presumed dead for the rest of the Fox series, she now is back at Melrose Place, and while the script is being kept under wraps, sources said she would be the landlord to the new crop of tenants. Leighton’s casting on CW’s “Melrose” is reminiscent of the CW’s tapping of “Beverly Hills, 90210″ alumna Jennie Garth to reprise her role on the new “90210.” Leighton’s two-episode stint on the original “Melrose Place” in 1993 was her first acting gig. It led to a full job on the series for four years. On “Melrose,” Leighton also met her husband, co-star Doug Savant, now on ABC’s “Desperate Housewives.” After finishing her contract on “Melrose Place,” Leighton recurred on “Beverly Hills” alongside Garth. Leighton, who next stars in Hallmark Channel’s movie “The View From Here,” is repped by APA and Untitled.

Finally, some good news. I love that Sydney was “left for dead” all those years ago and that she will rise again for the redux. Brills. I had no idea that Leighton was married to Doug Savant … perhaps Leighton’s involvement will lead to Savant’s return to Melrose as well. While Savant’s character Matt Fielding was the most ungay gay character on TV in the 1990’s, there is still time for him to reprise his role and give his character a little man-on-man action to make up for all the action Matt Fielding wasn’t getting back in the day ;) But, I digress. News of Laura Leighton’s return to Melrose Place is the best casting news of the series so far for me. Sydney is a crazy beyotch and I’m now really looking forward to having her back on TV. Woot!!

[Source]

At the start of the weekend, as y’all prolly remember, we learned that the court in Malawi overseeing Madonna’s adoption bid to become mother to 3 year old Chifundo Mercy James denied her petition for adoption and altho Maddy extended her stay in the country for a while longer she finally decided to leave Malawi early yesterday morning while her lawyers in Malawi launch an appeal to overturn the denial. It turns out that Maddy and her children Lourdes Maria, Rocco John and David Banda (her first adopted child) made their way to London instead of NYC where they were met at the airport by a very supportive person … her soon to be ex-hubby Guy Ritchie. Here are a few photos of Madonna’s arrival in London yesterday and of Guy happily collecting his son David Banda:

Madonna returned to Britain last night after ordering lawyers to ‘do everything’ to win her adoption battle. The singer, 50, was said to be ‘devastated and shaking’ at having to leave Mercy James, four, behind in Malawi. As she touched down at Luton airport, the strain visible on her face, her Gulfstream jet was met by ex-husband Guy Ritchie. Ritchie leapt up the stairs to sweep their adopted son David into his arms for a hug, and whisk him and son Rocco, eight, off to his Wiltshire estate. He and Madonna did not appear to speak to each other, but Ritchie has publicly supported the adoption of Mercy. However, the pair were said to have argued over the issue while still married, and Ritchie’s father John said yesterday that his son would be ‘very relieved’ by the court’s decision. Judge Esme Chombo ruled last week that Madonna could not adopt Mercy as she had not met residency rules which require adoptive parents to live in Malawi for 18 to 24 months. The star’s lawyer Alan Chinula described the judgment as ‘incomprehensible’, saying the same court had approved her adoption of David Banda in 2006. He said they were appealing the decision in Malawi’s Supreme Court, and believed he had a good chance of winning. Sources said Madonna told him: ‘Do whatever you can to get me my Mercy; I can’t imagine her going back to the orphanage.’ The singer and her eldest daughter Lourdes, 12, were said to have fought back tears as they left Malawi without the child. Madonna also reportedly told aides: ‘I can’t believe I’m leaving my beautiful baby behind. It’s not right. I love that baby girl . . . She’s my little girl – she needs to be with me.’ Officials have already returned Mercy to an orphanage, despite the appearance of a man claiming to be her biological father. Security guard James Kambewa, 24, said he was willing to take a DNA test to prove he was Mercy’s father and wants to raise the child. If the court in Malawi accepts his paternity claim it is likely to be the final blow to Madonna’s hopes of adopting the child. Mr Kambewa, who lives in a remote village 100 miles from Lilongwe, said he was told Mercy had died with her mother the birth. He told the Sunday Mirror: ‘I bear no grudge against Madonna. But I am Mercy’s father and I want her to stay with me… I will make it plain that my daughter will be staying in Malawi with me.’ Madonna had been told the girl was an orphan and Malawian authorities said her mother and father were dead. The girl’s other relatives had consented to the adoption.

What a swell Guy, indeed. Altho this report makes sure to mention that Madonna and Guy did not speak on the tarmac, I can only believe that Guy was there to offer his support for Maddy in her time of grief. I imagine that all of this has been emotionally hard on Maddy and I’m sure Guy is the kind of person to offer support instead of offering petty nonsense. I think being with Guy and her children, at least for a bit, will be very good for Madonna. Concerning these men coming forth to claim Mercy as their daughter, I really hope that it turns out that her father is still alive. My question is why did these men only step forward after Madonna tried to adopt the little girl? As I said, I hope her father is alive and that he steps forward to care for her … it’s just a sad matter all around. Here’s hoping that Madonna can get the support she needs from the folks in her life and, in the end, I hope the situation works out the best for little Mercy James. She is the most innocent person in all of this with the most to lose.

[Photo credit: Bauer-Griffin; Source]