Hudson joins Voice panel as network singing wars hit fever pitch
Jennifer Hudson is taking a turn in one of the spinning chairs of The Voice. NBC says the one-time American Idol contestant will look to uncover potential singing stars when she joins fellow coaches Blake Shelton, Adam Levine and Miley Cyrus for the fall season of the reality singing competition. Hudson was a coach for the U.K. version of the series earlier this year, with her team winning her debut season with the franchise. The announcement comes just days after ABC said it was bringing American Idol back to the air just a year after it was cancelled by Fox. Hudson competed on Idol in 2004, finishing in the top 10.
COURTROOM CAMEO Schumer in session
Amy Schumer may not be giving up comedy for a legal career, yet she took a turn in Judge Judy’s seat during a recent visit to the set of the syndicated courtroom show. Schumer posted pictures and video of her visit to the Los Angeles set on Tuesday. One photo shows Judge Judy Scheindlin playfully pointing at Schumer and Schumer’s sister, comedian Kim Caramele. In a video, Schumer sits in the judge’s chair and takes papers from bailiff Petri Byrd. Byrd also posted a clip to his personal Instagram feed, referring to Schumer as “Her Funnyness.”
THEATRE Peanuts for producers
A New York jury has awarded US$90,000 in damages to the producers of a musical that was supposed to be Broadway bound. The New York Times reports that Rebecca producers Ben Sprecher and Louise Forlenza had sought $10.6 million. While they did win some damages, they lost a defamation claim against publicist Marc Thibodeau. Thibodeau had sent anonymous emails warning a prospective investor about problems with the production. He says he’s “relieved and gratified” with the jury decision. His lawyer calls the verdict a “free speech” victory.
CELEBRITY MTV star dies at 45
Former MTV reality show star Christopher (Big Black) Boykin has died at the age of 45.
Boykin’s ex-wife Shannon Turley tells Entertainment Tonight that Boykin died at a Plano, Texas, hospital on May 9. Turley says Boykin suffered from congenital heart failure and doctors said he likely needed a transplant. She says Boykin had been in the hospital several times over the past year. Boykin starred alongside former pro skater Rob Dyrdek in MTV’s Rob and Big from 2006 to 2008. The network says Boykin “was a long time and beloved member of the MTV family and will be greatly missed.” Dyrdek paid tribute to Boykin on Twitter Tuesday, writing that his “heart is broken.”