IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Cowell to judge ‘America’s Got Talent’ through 2019
LOS ANGELES >> Simon Cowell will serve as a judge on “America’s Got Talent” through 2019.
NBC said Tuesday that Cowell has signed on as part of the talent show’s judging panel for three more seasons.
Cowell, who created “America’s Got Talent,” was a judge on the hit summertime series for the first time this year. He already knew the ropes: He was among the original “American Idol” judges.
When “America’s Got Talent” comes back on the air next year, Cowell will be joined by returning judges Mel B, Heidi Klum and Howie Mandel, NBC said. Nick Cannon again will host.
Ben Stiller credits prostate cancer test for saving his life
NEW YORK >> Ben Stiller Tuesday revealed that he battled prostate cancer in 2014, and he credits the test that diagnosed the cancer with saving his life. In an essay posted on the website Medium, Stiller recounted his experience with prostate cancer.
Stiller is now cancer-free and believes that would never have happened without a PSA or prostatespecific antigen test. Stiller said he wanted to tell his story in support of the much-debated test.
Stiller had his PSA test when he was 46, four years before the American Cancer Society recommends. Many experts say a PSA can do as much harm as good. PSA tests are imprecise, and they can lead to unnecessary treatment of nonlethal cancers.
But PSA tests can be a useful early indicator of prostate cancer, which affects one in six men. The American Cancer Society recommends men discuss the test with their doctor at age 50.
In Stiller’s case, he was given a PSA test for more than a year and a half. As his numbers rose, Stiller was sent to a urologist for examination, then given an MRI and eventually a biopsy that came back positive.
“This is a complicated issue, and an evolving one,” Stiller wrote. “I believe the best way to determine a course of action for the most treatable, yet deadly cancer, is to detect it early.”
Dolly Parton to receive lifetime award at 50th annual CMAs
NASHVILLE, TENN. >> Country star Dolly Parton will receive the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award at the upcoming 50th annual Country Music Association Awards.
Parton will receive the award in Nashville on Nov. 2, the CMA said Tuesday. The show will air on ABC. Parton, who wrote “I Will Always Love You” and “9 to 5,” is a nine-time CMA winner, including entertainer of the year.
Nelson was the first recipient of the award, presented in 2012. It honors an artist who has achieved national and international fame through performances, philanthropy, humanitarian efforts and record sales. Previous recipients also include Kenny Rogers and Johnny Cash.
CMA CEO Sarah Trahern said in a statement that Parton is a “trailblazer who continues to enchant and captivate fans around the world.”