Celebrity News
Despite losing judge Paula Abdul, “American Idol’’ started its ninth season with an estimated audience of nearly 30 million. Tuesday’s viewership of 29.9 million is about 2 percent lower than last year’s season debut audience of slightly more than 30 million, according to preliminary Nielsen Co. figures released yesterday. By comparison, the 2009 debut episode saw a 10 percent drop compared to 2008. It’s an indication that “Idol’’ can capitalize on cast changes to resist viewer boredom as it ages. That will be further tested when judge Simon Cowell leaves after this season to launch another Fox talent contest, “The X Factor.’’ (AP)
Actor reveals illness
“Dexter’’ star Michael C. Hall said he was diagnosed with cancer and is on the road to the successful completion of treatment. In a statement yesterday, Hall, 38, said he was fortunate to be diagnosed with a “treatable and curable condition,’’ Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and thanked his doctors and nurses for their expertise. The name of the Los Angeles area health facility where he has undergone treatment was not released. (AP)Suspect charged
California prosecutors have charged a woman suspected of burglarizing the homes of Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton, and Audrina Patridge. The attorneys said yesterday that Rachel Lee, 19, is suspected of spearheading the break-ins. She faces three counts of first-degree residential burglary and two counts of receiving stolen property. Lee joins five other defendants charged with various break-ins in the Hollywood Hills. Lee was arrested in Las Vegas in October. (AP)Out of the slums
“Slumdog Millionaire’’ child star Rubina Ali played a poverty-stricken child in the Oscar-winning film, but the real-life daughter of India’s shantytowns now has a small fortune in book and movie deals. The 10-year-old’s publisher and a producer said she is already committed to projects worth more than $145,000, and her family will soon move out of the slums and into an apartment paid for by a trust set up by the film’s director, Danny Boyle. (AP)Presenters named
Kate Hudson, Ashton Kutcher, Zoe Saldana, and Amy Adams will appear on the Golden Globes. The Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which puts on the Globes, said that the actors will serve as presenters at Sunday’s ceremony. Ricky Gervais will host the show, which will air live on NBC. Other presenters include Cameron Diaz, Josh Brolin, Christina Aguilera, Colin Farrell, Julia Roberts, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jodie Foster, Mel Gibson, and Sophia Loren. (AP)
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