Carrie and company returning for 'Sex' sequel
There's still sex to be had in the city, even though Carrie Bradshaw has settled down with one man.
New Line Cinema spokeswoman Candice McDonough confirms that Sex and the City star Sarah Jessica Parker, her three co-stars and writer-director Michael Patrick King are signed for a sequel to last year's hit movie.
The film will reunite Parker and gal pals Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon.
In a statement, King says: "I'm very excited to work with these amazing actresses again and would love to give everyone more information about the sequel ... but I'm busy with my Sex life."
New Line parent Warner Bros. plans to have the sequel out in summer 2010.
At least she didn't lip-sync
A bizarre 38-minute set by opening act Jessica Simpson inadvertently stole the spotlight from headliner Rascal Flatts in a show at the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Mich.
The Grand Rapids Press says Simpson forgot her lyrics, struggled with her ear monitors, mumbled through songs and fought back tears during Thursday night's performance.
At one point, she asked her backing band to start over on one song, and she forgot the words to another.
Cindi Berger, a representative for Simpson, says the 28-year-old singer-actress had an "off night."
Simpson apologized to the supportive audience of about 9,000 by mouthing the word "sorry" on two large video screens.
Hudson in 'Spotlight'
Days after her triumphant return to the spotlight with her Super Bowl appearance, Jennifer Hudson is booked for Grammy-related events, including a party honoring music mogul Clive Davis.
The singer rehearsed for the party, which will be held tonight, on Thursday, singing her hit "Spotlight." Davis says the spotlight is where Hudson belongs.
He said the Oscar winner asked to be part of his evening and will sing a duet.
Hudson is up for four awards at the Grammys and will also perform on tomorrow's broadcast. She has been in seclusion since the October killings of her mother, brother and nephew.
Bale: 'Punk,' potty mouth
Christian Bale says he acted like a "punk" and that his profane tongue-lashing on the set of Terminator Salvation was inexcusable.
In remarks yesterday on a Los Angeles morning radio show, Bale said he never intended to get physical with cinematographer Shane Hurlbut. He also said he was likely channeling too much of his character, John Conner.
Bale also told the Kevin and Bean show on KROQ 106.7 that he and Hurlbut reconciled and worked together for another month after the tirade.
Just kidding!
Etta James says she was joking when she said she "can't stand Beyonce" and would "whip" the singer for performing James' hit "At Last" at an inaugural ball for President Barack Obama.
The 71-year-old singer tells the New York Daily News she "didn't really mean anything" by her remarks at a concert last week.
James says: "Even as a little child, I've always had that comedian kind of attitude. ... That's probably what went into it."
Even so, James says it stung that she wasn't asked to sing her most famous song on the historic night.
Miley still kids' choice
Miley Cyrus snagged two trophies at last year's Kids' Choice Awards, and now, the teen queen is back for more.
The Hannah Montana star received a leading three nominations, including favorite TV actress and favorite female singer. She is also nominated for favorite voice in an animated movie for her role as Penny in the canine adventure Bolt.
The Nickelodeon cable network's 22nd annual awards show is slated to air March 28.
'Talent'-less Springer
America's Got Talent isn't getting more of Jerry Springer.
Springer says he won't return as host of the NBC talent contest this summer.
In a statement Thursday, Springer said he's leaving the show because of other commitments, including his syndicated talk show and a stage role. He didn't offer details about the play. Springer called his job on the high-rated show produced by FremantleMedia "an amazing ride." His replacement for the fourth season hasn't been announced.
From Sun news services
today's birthdays
Author Gay Talese, 77.
Actor Miguel Ferrer, 54.
Actor James Spader, 49.
Country singer Garth Brooks, 47.
Comedian Chris Rock, 44.
Actor Ashton Kutcher, 31.