HOLLYWOOD - Top Story
Mariah Carey's lawyer said recording companies have already shown interest in the pop diva since speculation of her breakup with EMI surfaced several weeks ago. But while label executives agree Carey is still marketable, most admit they would not pay the terms she received at EMI.
Music lawyer Kenneth Freundlich told Reuters that Carey would do well to sit on the sidelines: "She's been through all the turns, has a lot of money and a tremendous fan base. She could just tap into that. That fan base is what's going to sustain her. The fans will excuse the bad movies and the breakdown, but the corporations won't."
In General
While Mariah Carey was being bought out by EMI to the tune of $28 million, several stars, lead by rocker Courtney Love, lobbied legislators to free artists from what they claim is unfair record company control. The action has the backing of Democratic state senator Kevin Murray, who has introduced a bill to overturn a 1987 exemption that allows record companies to sue musicians and singers for albums not produced over the course of seven-year contracts.Al Pacino will make a cameo appearance in the caper picture Gilgli, Variety reports. The movie is set for release in 2003 and stars Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez.Sylvester Stallone told Britain's Mirror newspaper that he would like to revive Rocky and Rambo, but it was unlikely the pictures would get made. Stallone said he approached Hollywood studios about having Rambo go into Afghanistan and rescue five girls, and about Rocky VI. "I would love to have one more shot at getting that right, even if people say I am a little old for it, " he told the tabloid. "I know I'd have fun trying."T-shirts with the slogan "Free Winona" are popping up in many of Los Angeles' trendiest spots, Reuters reports. They refer to Winona Ryder's arrest on suspicion of shoplifting from a Beverly Hills store in December. The T-shirts, created by L.A. gift shop owner Billy Tsangares, are printed with jail-issue style block letters and don't actually feature Ryder but a picture from a wig ad. The actress is due in court again on February 11.Director Frank Oz has been voted the Art Directors Guild's award for Contribution to Cinematic Imagery, Variety reports. Oz voiced the Yoda character from Star Wars and directed Bowfinger and The Score. The award will be presented at the Guild's Feb. 23 awards ceremonies at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.Katie Couric, who recently signed a new $65 million deal with NBC, is apparently having trouble getting into the Burbank studio without her ID. According to PageSix.com, Couric forgot her NBC credentials while covering the Golden Globes and was not allowed entry until someone came to vouch for her.Donny and Marie Osmond will be among those carrying the Olympic torch on the final stage of its relay to Salt Lake City for the opening ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Games, Reuters reports. Officials have not yet disclosed the identity of the person who will carry the torch into the stadium on Feb. 8.Telepictures Productions announced that the eight key ABC affiliates currently carrying The Rosie O'Donnell Show have approved Caroline Rhea as Rosie O'Donnell's replacement. According to Reuters, the Canadian-born Rhea will take over the show at the end of this session.Dawn Tarnofsky-Ostroff, who was named entertainment president at UPN Wednesday, said her first order of business would be to unify the network's programming. UPN currently runs urban-themed comedies on Monday, sci-fi on Wednesday and wrestling on Thursdays. According to Variety, Tarnofsky-Ostroff wants to turn the all-over-the-map programming into a more consistent image to broaden viewership.Celebrities with bad habits will now have more variety when it comes to rehab clinics. Mision Korian, a privately funded $2 million walled compound, is now open for business in Durango, Mexico. The drug and alcohol treatment center will eventually house 42 patients and will charge a maximum of $3,000 for five weeks of treatment, but fees for locals will be as low as $100, the Associated Press reports. The center's spokesperson said he plans to market the clinic to Hollywood studios, agents and Beverly Hills doctors.Gammy-nominated singer Tamia and Orlando Magic star Grant Hill are parents of baby girl. Myla Grace Hill was born at 9:22 a.m. Wednesday, and weighed 7 pounds, 6 ounces. This is the couple's first child.The Spice Girls lost their legal battle over a sponsorship deal with Italian scooter firm Aprilla, Sky News reports. Posh, Scary, Baby and Sporty sued the company for withholding some of its sponsorship money for their 1998 Spiceworld Tour. Aprilla claimed they were left with many unsold "Spice Sonic" scooters after Geri "Ginger Spice" Halliwell quit the band at the end of the European leg of the tour. A judge sided with the scooter company and ordered the Spice Girls to pay a hefty 1 million pounds in fines and fees.With sales nearing a half-million, country crooner Alan Jackson's album Drive has removed Creed's from their eight-week stay at the top of the pop album charts, Variety reports. Sales were powered by Jackson's hit single "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)." Creed's Weathered slipped just one notch, to no. 2.