Billboard Bits serves up the best bite-sized nuggets of music news and gossip.
Juliette Lewis Hospitalized After Hit-and-Run Accident
Actress and singer Juliette Lewis was hospitalized yesterday evening (Oct. 6) after her car was totaled by a hit-and-run driver in Burbak, Calif. Lewis, who was coming from an event for her new movie “Convinction” when the accident occurred, was released from the hospital after sustaining only minor bruises, according to her rep. Coincidentally, Lewis released a new music video, for her single “Terra Incognita,” today. (TMZ)
Chelsea Handler Denies Romance with 50 Cent
Chelsea Handler used her Twitter account last night (Oct. 6) to respond to rumors that she and rapper 50 Cent are romantically involved. “Everyone, calm down. I met with Mr. Cent about a potential project. There’s nothing to report yet, I’ll let you know if there is,” wrote the talk show host. (@chelseahandler)
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Heart Problems for Drummer Max Weinberg; Real Reason for Not Joining Conan on TBS
Max Weinberg, the leader of Conan O’Brien’s late night band, admitted in a recent interview that he turned down joining O’Brien on his new TBS talk show because of serious heart problems. Weinberg, also known for his longtime role as Bruce Springsteen’s drummer, underwent invasive open heart surgery two weeks after Conan’s “The Tonight Show” went off the air. The drummer cites his health as his motivation for turning down the TBS gig rather than personal reasons, but said the Conan/Leno fiasco and the television environment did not help his stress levels. (Fancast.com)
Man Named Justin Bieber Affected By Teen Idol’s Success
A 35-year-old Jacksonville, Fla. resident is less than thrilled about Justin Bieber’s worldwide famedom, which seems to increase with each passing day. The man, who shares his name with the pop star, has been inundated with phone calls and mail from fans. Additionally, Facebook shut down his account, claiming that it was a fake celebrity account. (Gawker)
Lee DeWyze Announces ‘Live It Up’ Album and Single
“American Idol” Season 10 winner Lee DeWyze announced today that his first post-“Idol” album will be called “Live It Up.” DeWyze will be premiering the album’s first single, also titled “Live It Up,” exclusively on “On Air with Ryan Seacrest” on Oct. 13. The full album makes its way to stores on Nov. 16. (AmericanIdol.com)
The Heavy to Drop ‘How You Like Me Now’ EP Oct. 19
Rock band the Heavy announced today that it will release a new EP, “How You Like Me Now,” on Oct. 19. The EP will feature new tracks as well as the hit title track. “How You Like Me Now” will be available via iTunes as well as sold in vinyl and CD format on The Heavy’s fall tour, which kicks off Oct. 16 in Philadelphia and ends Nov. 14 in Milwaukee.
(Reporting by Jillian Mapes, Megan Vick)