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Will Simon Cowell return to 'America's Got Talent'?

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NBC(LOS ANGELES) — Kelly Clarkson has taken over for Simon Cowell on America’s Got Talent as he nurses a back injury but she may not be there for long. 

Entertainment Tonight spoke with AGT judges Heidi Klum, Sofia Vergara and Howie Mandel, and based on their feedback, it seems Cowell may be back sooner rather than later. 

Mandel, 64, shared, “We have been told he has been recovering tremendously. I would not count him out before the end of this season.”

“He’s had a six-hour operation and he is already on his feet, which is above and beyond expectation, so I am thrilled,” he added. 

The judges also dished that, although Clarkson does a great job filling in, they can’t help but miss Cowell. 

Klum, 47, admitted, “Obviously we miss the boss. There is no one who could actually take his place, even though Kelly did absolutely amazing today. [She did] an amazing job and she had so much fun, but no one is like Simon. That is just the way it is.”

Mandel agreed and said, “I think that Simon is irreplaceable and Kelly was brilliant. She’s done it. She’s a pro. She brings something to the table.”

Vergara, who is new to the AGT judging panel, echoed the same sentiment.

“I want Simon back. This is my first time. I want things to be normal,” the 48-year-old actress said.  

As previously reported, Cowell broke his back in several places after crashing his e-bike on Sunday.  The media mogul remained in good humor over his injury, as he tweeted shortly after coming out of surgery, “Some good advice… If you buy an electric trail bike, read the manual before you ride it for the first time.”

By Danielle Long
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Jake Paul breaks silence following FBI raid of his Calabasas home

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Eric Espada/Getty Images(LOS ANGELES) — Jake Paul is finally speaking out about why the FBI raided his home last week.

In a since-deleted YouTube video, the 23-year-old internet star slammed the “absurd” rumors he’s heard regarding the incident. 

“Just to clarify things and set the record straight, the FBI raid is entirely related to the Arizona looting situation that had happened and it’s an investigation,” Paul said. “There are rumors about it having to do with so many other things that have nothing to do with me or my character and the s*** that people are making up is absolutely absurd.” 

“That being said, when I become aware of someone around me who is doing malicious things they are immediately cut out of my life. I don’t put up with bulls***, I don’t surround myself with bad people. If someone does something bad, they will be removed from my life,” he continued. 

“My goal right now is to continue to focus on my life, myself, boxing, music,” the YouTuber added. 

As previously reported, ABC News confirmed that FBI agents obtained a search warrant and raided Paul’s home located in Calabasas, California on August 5. 

At the time, a spokesperson for the agency said in a statement, “The FBI is executing a federal search warrant at a residence in Calabasas in connection with an ongoing investigation. The affidavit in support of the search warrant is sealed and we are, therefore, prohibited from commenting as to the nature of the investigation. No arrests are planned.”

By Danielle Long
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Police reform hits cop show writers' rooms with CBS partnership

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‘S.W.A.T.’ – Jordin Althaus/CBS ©2020 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved(LOS ANGELES) — Today, CBS Television Studios, which airs hit police-themed shows like S.W.A.T. and Blue Bloods, announced it’s partnering with the law enforcement and public safety advisory group 21CP Solutions to consult with the network’s show writers. 

The decision comes in the wake of massive protests against police brutality following the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. 

The advisors from 21CP include, “former senior law enforcement officials, civil rights scholars, lawyers, academics, and community thought leaders in police reform and public safety,” according to the network.

“Providing our writing staffs with the best and most knowledgeable technical advisers offers more inclusivity and perspective,” said Tiffany Smith-Anoa’i, Executive Vice President, Diversity and Inclusion, ViacomCBS in a statement. “With deeper and richer narratives, our shows can convey experiences that are more authentic to the communities they depict.”

By Stephen Iervolino
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Princess Diana musical set to open on Netflix before Broadway bow

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Jeanna de Waal as Diana – Photo by Evan Zimmerman/MurphyMade(NEW YORK) — Netflix has seemingly taken a cue from Disney+’s hit filmed version of the Tony-winning play Hamilton, today  announcing it’s bringing a musical about the late Princess Diana’s life to streaming. 

Diana began previews on Monday, March 2 and was scheduled to open on Tuesday, March 31 at the Longacre Theatre on Broadway, but the Great White Way was, and remains, shut down over the COVID-19 crisis. 

The musical is now set to open on Broadway on Tuesday, May 25, 2021, but Netflix will premiere a filmed version early next year before the cast takes the stage for an audience. 

In a statement, Diana‘s producers announced, “We speak for the entire company when we say that we couldn’t be more excited to finally be able share our show with theater lovers everywhere. Though there is no substitute for the live theater, we are honored to be a part of the quality entertainment that Netflix provides its subscribers worldwide.”

The production will be filmed without an audience on the stage of the Longacre Theater with its original Broadway cast including Jeanna de Waal as Diana, Roe Hartrampf as Prince Charles, and Erin Davie as Camilla Parker Bowles. Two-time Tony winner Judy Kaye stars as Queen Elizabeth.

By Stephen Iervolino
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Nia Long explains why just starring in 'Fatal Affair' wasn't enough for her to sign on

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Courtesy of Netflix(NEW YORK) — Nia Long says she wanted to be a “part of something bigger” when she agreed to sign on as producer and star of the Netflix thriller A Fatal Affair.

“When you start off in this business, you don’t get to sort of bring your ideas to the table when you’re new,” Long tells ABC Audio. “It’s like just stand on your mark, do what you’re supposed to do, and show me what you can do between action and cut.”

Long explains that although she’s wanted to offer her input and years of experience into the projects she’s been a part of, there wasn’t “a lot of collaborating until you get to a place where you’ve earned that.”

“And I feel like we’ve both been doing it for so long that now we can actually — whether we get the credit or not — we are producers on the projects,” she says, referring to her Fatal Affair co-star Omar Epps, who also has over 20 years experience as an actor.

“Because we’ve been proven to put out successful projects and things that have created the Black culture in the Black filmmaking movement,” Long continues.

“So it’s nice to feel that you’re not just an actor, but that you’re a part of something bigger,” she says. “And I say that with the most humility and appreciation for the journey that we’ve both had.”

While finally getting a producer credit on a film was a big incentive for Long, the actress admits she also had another, more selfish reason, to get on board.  

“And I wanted to make something for all my ’90s girls who are, you know, like, ‘Oooo, I love me some Omar Epps!'” she laughs.  

Fatal Affair, also starring Stephen Bishop, is now streaming on Netflix.

By Candice Williams
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.