Robert De Niro will become a cheese-head for 'Lombardi,' ESPN announced Tuesday. The biopic will focus on the years Vince Lombardi led the Green Bay Packers from the bottom of the pack in the NFL to winning the league championships. "Having an icon portray an icon on film is amazing…The results could be magical for NFL fans," said Ron Semiao, senior vice president, ESPN Films - Motion Pictures. Lombardi coached the Packers from 1959-1967, helping them to secure the Super Bowl I and II titles. Following his 1970 death at age 57, he was posthumously inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971. "There are few actors who could accurately portray the fire, passion and grit of Lombardi and we’re thrilled to have Robert De Niro on our team," Charles Coplin, the NFL's vice president of programming, told ESPN. According to ESPN, the movie is aiming to touchdown in 2012 on the weekend between the conference championship games and the Super Bowl, where the Vince Lombardi Trophy is annually presented to the winning team.

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AP - Marie Osmond told a Las Vegas Strip audience as she returned to the stage less than two weeks after her son's apparent suicide that she has relied on her spirituality to cope with his death
AFP - First Lady Michelle Obama bowed to tradition Tuesday and donated the dazzling ball gown she wore for her husband's presidential inauguration last January to the Smithsonian museum institution.
AP - All the war-zone authenticity in the Arab world cannot salvage the silly Hollywood plot at the heart of "Green Zone," Matt Damon and Paul Greengrass' first collaboration outside the Jason Bourne realm.
AP - Jennifer Hudson will have her "One Shining Moment."
Gerard Butler and Madonna: What really happened during their Oscar late-night? Then, Oscar winner Mo'Nique's "Insider" confessions? Plus, Niecy Nash's first on-camera "Dancing with the Stars" rehearsal. Watch "The Insider" on TV tonight for these stories and more!

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Practice, practice, practice! Our own Niecy Nash is working hard on the dance floor with pro partner Louis Van Amstel for her "Dancing with the Stars" debut March 22 on ABC, and she says, "I'm hurting in places I didn't know I had." The dancing couple is fine-tuning their cha-cha for their first dance, and Niecy jokes, "My feet feel like they're bleeding every day, but the other side of that is I get to get a delicious foot massage from my boo!" "I think when it comes to this season's cast, you're going to be the life of the party," Louis tells Niecy, adding, "The chemistry is no problem. ... When Niecy came through that door, I thought, 'Oh, I'm in heaven. It's all good.'" Watch "The Insider" for more with Niecy and "Dancing with the Stars"!

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AP - From the start, David Letterman made sure the story of a $2 million shakedown attempt over his sex life was one he narrated himself.
Gisele Bundchen has described her birth as the most "powerful experience" of her life.

The Brazilian supermodel says she never felt stronger than when she welcomed son Benjamin, her child with husband Tom Brady, into the world last December.
Jessica Simpson says Billy Corgan is "very, very dear" to her.

The singer-and-actress - who has been romantically linked to the Smashing Pumpkins rocker since he helped her record the theme song, 'Who We Are', to her latest TV series 'The Price of Beauty' - says she and the musician have a special bond but refused to say whether the had or are dating.
Simon Cowell treated his fiancee Mezhgan Hussainy to a "private his-and-hers Swedish massage".

The music mogul - who recently got engaged to the beautiful make-up artist - is head-over-heels in love with Mezhgan and treats the brunette beauty to romantic gifts each day, including the joint beauty treatment.
TATUM O’NEAL is "deeply saddened" Farrah Fawcett was omitted from the 201 0 Academy Awards’ tribute to dead stars, insisting the late actress was a n icon and deserved to be included.Tatum’s father Ryan O’Neal, Fawcett’s longtime lover, has already revea led plans to write a letter to Oscar bosses demanding an explanation as t
Reality TV star Jesse James is beaming with pride following SANDRA BULLOC K’s Oscar win, insisting his wife deserved the honour "more than anybody" ..The actress accepted the coveted Best Actress prize for her role in The Blind Side at the Academy Awards on Sunday (07Mar10) - triumphing over f ellow nominees including Meryl Streep
Oscar winner Jeff Bridges would never cheat on his wife SUSAN with a co-s tar - because an affair would cost him "everything".The Crazy Heart star, who scooped the Best Actor prize at Sunday’s (07M ar10) Academy Awards, credits his partner with much of his success, and i nsists he’d never risk their 33-year relationship
Veteran actress DAME Judi Dench is set to tell her life story - she’s wri ting an autobiography.The Shakespeare in Love star will team up with publisher Weidenfeld & N icolson to write the memoir, entitled And Furthermore.The tome will document her lengthy career, as well as her 30-year marri age to actor Michael Williams,
Scottish movie star Gerard Butler struggles to recall moments from his fi rst year in America - because he spent most of his time drunk.The hard-living 300 star turned his back on his studies to become a law yer and moved to Venice, California in the mid-1990s.But his love of drinking and partying took over
Bob Geldof has called for three BBC World Service employees to be fired o ver a report alleging money raised by his Live Aid concerts was spent on weapons for Ethiopia’s rebel army.The ex Boomtown Rats star wants Peter Horrocks, director of the BBC Wor ld Service, Current Affairs Editor Andrew Whitehead and editor Martin
MARIE OSMOND was determined to return to the stage a day after her tragic son’s funeral because she didn’t want to let down the crew working on he r Las Vegas show.Osmond was back in the spotlight on Tuesday (09Mar10) to sing alongside her brother Donny in their Sin City variety act The Donny &
Lily Allen has reportedly invited a camera crew into her life to record a U.K. TV series about her latest fashion venture.The Smile singer is said to have agreed to star in a TV show about the launch of her designer clothing rental shop in London, called Lucy in Dis guise, with her half-sister Sarah
SIR Paul McCartney turned heads after he showed up to watch his son JAMES ‘ most recent live gig - and began singing and dancing to the tunes, acco rding to reports.The Beatles legend and his socialite girlfriend Nancy Shevell were amon g the crowd of 60 who saw the 32 year old perform at
'Twilight''s Rob Pattinson is headed back to the big screen in a romantic new role -- and he tells "The Insider" all about filming love scenes! Pattinson stars in the new drama, 'Remember Me,' and he says of filming love scenes with "Lost"'s Emilie de Ravin, "It's always scary, I think much more scary for girls." But he says, "Emily's just like completely comfortable in herself so it makes you feel more comfortable with yourself." Of choosing to do the film, he explains, "I read it in the summer after I just shot my first 'Twilight' film and [was planning] what to do next. ... I read about 50 scripts and this one just stood out. It seemed completely different and I could hear the voice of the character." 'Remember Me,' which hits theaters on March 12, follows two lovers who are coping with their family tragedies as their newfound love affair progresses. Pierce Brosnan co-stars.

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First Lady Michelle Obama has given away the glamorous gown she wore last year to a number of balls commemorating President Barack Obama's inauguration. Mrs. Obama donated her one-shouldered, white dress by Jason Wu to the Smithsonian Institute. The gown will be displayed at the National Museum of American History as part of an exhibit showcasing gowns worn by first ladies from Mamie Eisenhower to Mrs. Obama. "I am very honored and very humbled, but I have to say that I’m also a little embarrassed by all the fuss being made over my dress," the First Lady said while presenting her gown to the museum on Tuesday. "Like many of you, I’m not used to people wanting to put things I’ve worn on display." "But, at the same time, I truly recognize the significance of this day," she continued. "This gown –- and all of the items that we’ll see in this wonderful exhibit –- help us connect with a moment in history in a very real way." "When I look at my gown –- which I, in fact, have not seen since the day that I took it off –- memories of that moment truly come rushing back," she added. "I'll never forget the moment that I slipped on this beautiful gown. I remember how just luscious I felt as the President and I were announced onto the stage for the first of many dances. And I'll cherish that moment for the rest of my life."

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As Randy Jackson would say, "Check this out." "American Idol" opened Tuesday night with Ellen DeGeneres sitting in Simon Cowell's lap whispering sweet nothings in his ear. Were they trying to put the kibosh on the rumors that they don't get along? It wasn't clear, but it was a fun way to add fuel to the fire. Then the talent portion of the night was launched with Katie Stevens performing a song by the first "American Idol" -- Kelly Clarkson's "Breakaway." Randy Jackson wasn't blown away. He said, "I think Kelly Clarkson is one of the best contestants we have ever had. This paled in comparison. It was like karaoke." Ellen was kinder, saying, "You took our note and sang a young song. I think it was a great song choice. You have a great voice. I didn't feel the words. I didn't feel you breaking away." Kara DioGuardi ed, "You have a great radio voice. I can hear you. What is going on this year is we have people who really know themselves and people who don't. You don't really know who you are as an artist. You will get it, but the singing needed to be perfect tonight to stand out." Simon concurred with Kara, adding, "I think this is confusing to you. To be fair, you took the advice. I think your issue is you haven't worked out what kind of artist you want to be. The problem is the second half of the song didn't go as it should have. You sucked the energy out of it. I have to give you 10 out of 10 for trying." In a tribute to her father, who taught her how to sing, Siobhan Magnus performed "House of the Rising Sun" by The Animals. Randy complimented, "You know I am a fan. You come out every week and surprise us. I love what you do, because you take every risk. We give you advice. I don't think you listen to us. Keep doing it because it is hot." Ellen told her, "You are why I love music -- because it is supposed to move you. I was captivated. I love what you did with the song. You made it current." Kara pointed out, "I loved the a cappella vibe at the front. That was a brilliant choice. The thing about you is you are so unique and different. Week to week, I am surprised by you. You are doing great." Simon wasn't as big a fan. "If this was the first time I had seen you, I would have doubts," he said. "You didn't do anything different with the song. I was under-impressed. You did better last week. You didn't have a moment like last week." Brandi Carlile's "The Story" was Lacey Brown's song choice. Randy declared, "What is cool about this is it is a little sleepy. It is your best performance to me in a long time. I forgot you had that break in your voice. It was very cool." Ellen concurred, adding, "That sounded like something that was written for you. You had a distinctive voice." Kara said, "Performances like this are why you got here. This is the kind of record you need to be doing. It was a brilliant choice and you are back on your path." Simon didn't love the song, but felt Lacey sang it really well. He told her, "Where you are very good is you know where the cameras are and where to look. Still for me, I haven't heard the right song connection yet." Katelyn Epperly channeled her inner Carole King with "I Feel the Earth Move." Randy said, "I like that you did the Carole King hair and played the Wurlitzer. I didn't feel the right vibe. You sang it fine; a little boring." Ellen pointed out, "As Simon said, we are getting down to the Top 12. I don't know if that song was the one to wow people with. I don't know that it will make people pick up and dial. It just wasn't enough." Kara said, "I didn't feel you were competing. I felt you were going through the motions. Carole King is someone who is in the zone. I felt you had it more last week." Simon started with the positive, saying, "I like your hair. On the down side, it was like request night on a Friday night at a restaurant. On what is arguably the most important night of your career, you picked a simple song and didn't do anything special with it. This may have been a mistake for you." Didi Benami selected Fleetwood Mac's "Rhiannon." Randy felt she was definitely a lot better than last week. He said, "I am not sure there was a wow moment in it. I don't know if that is the best you can do, but it was better." Ellen praised her: "What I love is that you were torn apart last week and you get back here and you are smiling and singing. I like what you did with it." Kara complimented her, saying, "One of my favorite moments of the show so far this season. When I saw you were picking that song, I thought you were out of your mind. Song choice is important, but sometimes you can surprise us by what you bring to a song. I have to congratulate you." Simon agreed with Kara, saying, "I thought that was head and shoulders above anything else we have heard tonight. For the first time since the live shows, you proved that you are an artist. The 'wow moment' was the whole performance." Paige Miles went with "Smile," the classic song composed by Charlie Chaplin. Randy gave her a thumbs down, saying, "That is one of my favorite songs. It just didn't work. The song was way too big for you. The melody is important. Then it turned into a bossa nova. It just went completely flat and didn't work at all." Ellen pointed out, "That song is supposed to be inspiring and uplifting. It was sad. We keep saying over and over that this is the time to shine. I don't think that was the right song to choose." Kara agreed that it was the wrong song choice, while Simon added, "It was a horrible choice. The arrangement was bad. It is such a shame because you had so much potential because you have such a great voice, but you have no idea what kind of artist you should be. I think this could be the end of the road." Crystal Bowersox went bluesy with Tracy Chapman's "Give Me One Reason." Randy raved, "This is what the show is about for me. Love that; love you; love the honesty. I am a fan. That was hot." Ellen admitted, "I need new adjectives for you. I am tired of saying you are amazing. Best performance of the night." Kara said, "This is what we talk about when we say people know who they are. You know and you know what to do. That was a great song choice. It was more contemporary. Now, I am starting to see what the record is you would be making." Simon ed, "You are one million billion percent going to be in the Top 12 next week. Definitely, the most improved. What you have now is confidence. Right now, you are the one everyone has to beat. It is yours to lose." Lilly Scott closed the night with her version of Patsy Cline's "I Fall to Pieces." Randy told her, "I love the mandolin; I love the song; I love the original singer of that song. Well done." Ellen added, "Love your voice and your originality." Kara ed, "I don't know how you did it, but you made Patsy Cline feel current." Simon wrapped up the night's critiques saying, "What it didn't have, unfortunately, was the wow factor. It was quirky and cute and it plays into what you are all about. But that could have been a risky thing to do." Tune in to "American Idol" tomorrow night at 9 p.m. on FOX when the eight men from the Top 16 perform.

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Reuters - Media reports that Tiger Woods is working with his swing coach Hank Haney have leading golfers talking of a possible return to action for the world number one.
Reuters - He has played killers and cops in the movies, and two-time Oscar winner Robert De Niro may soon take on the role of iconic U.S. football coach Vince Lombardi in a film backed by sports television network ESPN.
AP - All the war-zone authenticity in the Arab world cannot salvage the silly Hollywood plot at the heart of "Green Zone," Matt Damon and Paul Greengrass' first collaboration outside the Jason Bourne realm.
The TV producer accused of blackmailing comedian David Letterman has been sentenced to six months in jail and five years probation after pleading guilty to one count of grand larceny in the second ...



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Sacha Baron Cohen, Josh Brolin and "Flight Of The Conchords" star Jemaine Clement are frontrunners to land lead roles in the third "Men In Black" movie, according to Internet gossip. The trio are ...



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"Breakfast Club" star Molly Ringwald has recorded a new jazz album - 36 years after her last release. The 42-year-old actress recorded her debut, "I Wanna Be Loved By You", when she was just six a...



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Rocker Billy Corgan has launched a new open audition process to find a new bassist and keyboard player for The Smashing Pumpkins. Corgan has been forced to replace bassist Ginger Pooley after she q...



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Singer/actress Hilary Duff is following in the footsteps of Jennie Garth and Tori Spelling by penning a children's book. The 22 year old will work on a series of young adult novels with publishers...



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LOS ANGELES (AP) - The executive director of the film academy said Tuesday that Farrah Fawcett wasn't included in the Academy Awards' In Memoriam segment because the actress was better known ...



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Filed under: We're Just Sayin'

Here's "Reno 911" star and "Clean House" host Niecy Nash at some event (left) -- and "RuPaul's Drag Race" Season Two contestant Tyra Sanchez (right).One of them is hysterical.We're just sayin'.See Also Kim Zolciak Is on 'RuPaul's Drag Race'? ...

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Filed under: 'Memba Them?!

Max Casella played Vinnie the silly sidekick, opposite Neil Patrick Harris, on the smart kid TV sitcom "Doogie Howser, M.D." Guess what he looks like now! ...

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Filed under: Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods' alleged mistresses are finally getting a shot at that elusive diamond ring -- but this piece of jewelry doesn't exactly represent commitment ... it represents victory in Howard Stern Mistress Beauty Pageant. The official "Mistress ...

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