"Dancing with the Stars" Finale: Kellie Pickler Wins Mirror Ball Trophy

ABC/Adam Taylor(LOS ANGELES) — Country singer Kellie Pickler and pro partner Derek Hough were crowned the winners of the 16th season of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars Tuesday night.  Disney star Zendaya and partner Val Chmerkovskiy finished in second place.

Pickler, who had been a fan favorite during ten weeks of competition, reacted to the announcement by declaring, “Oh my God. This is amazing. Oh my God.”

Zendaya said after the vote that she was very proud of what she accomplished. “I’m very proud. I’m very happy and I get to leave here with an amazing experience, so I’m very happy.”

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Jacoby Jones and partner Karina Smirnoff finished in third place.  Jones made a lighthearted comment about Smirnoff’s tough practice regimen. “Out of all my trainings that I’ve had, I’ve never had a woman push me like she did,” he said.

Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman and partner Mark Ballas were eliminated in the first hour of Tuesday’s season finale results show, ending the competition in fourth place.

Raisman told the audience, “This has been the best experience of my life. Thank you, Dancing with the Stars. It’s been so amazing.”

Pickler, Zendaya and Jones and their respective partners had to compete in one final “instant dance” routine Tuesday before the winner was declared.  Those scores were added to the judges’ scores for both nights.

Instant Dance Routines:

Jacoby Jones: The NFL star’s salsa earned uniform praise from judges Len Goodman, Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli. Goodman told Jones he had a “naturalness” about his dance, and was full of fun and vitality. Tonioli said Jones had charisma and showmanship, adding, “I could watch you anytime.” Inaba told Jones, “You are a champion. That was the dance of a champion.”  Jones earned a perfect score of 30 points, giving him a two-night judges’ total of 86 out of 100 points.

Kellie Pickler: Tonioli told the country singer her jive had accuracy, precision and technique, and compared her to Julianne Hough, a former DWTS pro who is now a recording artist and actress. Inaba told Pickler that she and her partner, Derek Hough, were “like a bright ray of sunshine.” Goodman offered one of his trademark quips: “You’re always clean, you’re precise, you’re sharp, your dancing is always polished. I’m telling you, Kellie, you’re the bee’s knees, my mama’s pajamas, my uncle’s carbuncles. You’re awesome.” Pickler earned 30 points, giving her a two-night judges’ total of 94 points.

Zendaya: The Disney star’s jive won rave reviews from the judges. Inaba told her she made every dance special, and Goodman added that, for a 16-year-old, she danced with precision and maturity and always turned in a performance, rather than just a routine. Added Tonioli: “For somebody so young you have pitch-perfect performer instinct.” Zendaya earned 30 points, for a two-night judges’ total of 95 points.

When all the points were tabulated, Pickler was the star with the highest combined tally of judges’ scores and viewers’ votes.

Of the four finalists, Zendaya was considered the most technically accomplished, and was the early standout. She was the youngest competitor in the show’s history, and her performances consistently put her at or near the top of the leader board. She earned the first perfect score of the season.

Pickler was perhaps the most surprising contestant of the pack. She seemed to get better week after week, and she, too, was consistently at or near the top of the leader board during the competition. Her moving contemporary freestyle routine Monday night brought Inaba to tears and earned her a rare standing ovation from Goodman. The judges requested that routine as Tuesday’s encore performance.

Jones’ flair and showmanship gave him staying power even when his routines were less than perfect.  He improved during the course of the season, making up for technical flaws with energetic, crowd-pleasing performances.

Raisman turned in physically demanding routines that capitalized on her gymnastic skills, but the judges also said she’d shown remarkable development of her dance abilities.

Tuesday’s finale also included musical performances by Pitbull, PSY and Wynonna, who was eliminated from the show earlier this season.

There were also dance performances from the rest of the season 16 cast.  General Hospital star Ingo Rademacher was voted off the show last week. He was preceded by “Bachelor” Sean Lowe, comedian Andy Dick, boxer Victor Ortiz, comedian D.L. Hughley, Wynonna and reality TV star Lisa Vanderpump.  An injury forced figure skating legend Dorothy Hamill to withdraw from the competition in the second week.

Dancing with the Stars returns to ABC in the fall as a one-night event.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Why Brad Pitt Tries to Avoid ‘Sexy Scenes’ Without Angelina Jolie

Christopher Polk/WireImage(LOS ANGELES) — Brad Pitt is engaged to one of the world’s most beautiful women, actress Angelina Jolie – and since they met in 2004, he’s tried to avoid doing “sexy scenes” with anyone else, says his friend, Frank Pollaro.

“He’s crazy about her and she’s the same way about him,” Pollaro, Pitt’s furniture business partner, told Esquire for its June issue. “Once I walked in and Angie was standing there and Zahara walked up and said, ‘Daddy, you’re not going to start making out with Mommy again, are you?’ And it’s like that.”

But recently, the couple has had to withstand a lot. Jolie, 37, revealed last week that she had a preventative double mastectomy after learning that she was genetically predisposed to breast cancer, and her doctor added that Pitt, with whom Jolie is raising six children, was by her side for every procedure.

For Pitt, that decision was obvious. In Esquire, which hits newsstands May 31, the World War Z star, 49, said that his family is his priority.

“I always thought that if I wanted to do a family, I wanted to do it big. I wanted there to be chaos in the house,” he said. “There’s constant chatter in our house, whether it’s giggling or screaming or crying or banging. I love it. I love it. I love it.”

“I hate when they’re gone,” he added. “I hate it. Maybe it’s nice to be in a hotel room for a day — ‘Oh, nice, I can finally read a paper.’  But then, by the next day, I miss that cacophony, all that life.”

That life was a long time coming. Pitt admitted in the magazine that in the years prior to meeting Jolie, he was a “drifter” who “did too much…drug damage.”

“But then I got burnt out and felt that I was wasting my opportunity.  It was a conscious change,” he said. “This was about a decade ago.  It was an epiphany – a decision not to squander my opportunities.  It was a feeling of get up.  Because otherwise, what’s the point?”

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

"Dancing" Champ Melissa Rycroft: The One Thing Tuesday’s "DWTS" Winner Will Need

Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images(LOS ANGELES) — Last winter, reality show veteran Melissa Rycroft and her partner, Tony Dovolani, won Dancing with the Stars: All-Stars, and she’s got some advice for this season’s finalists: Invest in comfortable footwear.

“My feet are still rebelling about high heels,” she told ABC News with a laugh. “I was wearing, like, five-inchers and I’m working my way up. I had a herniated disk in my neck this time. At the ripe old age of 30 my body was falling apart. I’m so not jealous [of the competitors tonight]. I don’t want to be back out there.”

In spite of her (literally) scarring experience on Dancing with the Stars, Rycroft, who also was on The Bachelor, has been watching this season. As far as she’s concerned, there’s no clear winner, at this point.

“I said from day one it’s Kellie [Pickler]‘s trophy, and I still think it’s Kellie’s trophy, but I would love to see, like, Aly [Raisman] come in there and sneak it,” she said, adding that she’s “a huge Jacoby [Jones] fan.”

“They’re all phenomenal,” she said. “I’m glad I didn’t have to go up against any of them.”

Now a spokeswoman for Banana Boat’s Unconditional Fun Sweepstakes, Rycroft has begun to think about her own summer plans, which include spending time at her parents’ beach house and going to Europe with her husband, Tye Strickland, and their 2-year-old, Ava.

One thing not on the agenda just yet? Baby No. 2.

“We’ve always talked that we want a big family, but I look at Ava and go, ‘I’m not ready to share her yet,’” Rycroft said. “It’ll happen eventually.”

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Justin Bieber’s Pet Monkey Now Belongs to Germany

CHRISTOF STACHE/AFP/Getty Images(MUNICH) — Justin Bieber’s abandoned pet monkey is now German property.

For nearly two months customs officials in Germany had been asking Bieber to pick up his capuchin monkey, named Mally.

Bieber had brought Mally with him on tour, but reportedly didn’t have the proper paperwork to take the monkey with him on the road in Germany and was forced to leave it behind.

The German animal shelter that has been keeping Bieber’s monkey has asked the singer to pay for his pet’s two-month stay. Mally has reportedly racked up a bill of several thousand euros for food, housing and veterinary care.

Bieber has six weeks to contest ownership.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Chris Harrison, Lara Spencer to Host Miss America 2014

ABC/Lorenzo Bevilaqua | ABC/Craig Sjodin(NEW YORK) — Two ABC television personalities will co-host the 2014 Miss America beauty pageant in Atlantic City, N.J., the pageant announced Tuesday.

Lara Spencer, the lifestyle anchor for ABC News’ Good Morning America, and Chris Harrison, who hosts ABC’s reality TV show The Bachelor, co-host the competition on Sept. 15 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. The event will be broadcast live on ABC.

“Hosting Miss America is one of the most iconic hosting jobs in television so I am thrilled to host it on this historic return home. I am extremely pleased to see the pageant return in September and to be a part of this tremendous television event with Lara,” Harrison said in a release.

Harrison has hosted the pageant’s live broadcast for the past four years.

Spencer served as a national judge for the pageant in 2012.

The pageant started in 1921 in Atlantic City. Winners earn scholarship opportunities and travel across the country to represent the pageant and promote their chosen platforms.

Tickets for the pageant will go on sale in early June through Ticketmaster.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Jennifer Lawrence’s "X-Men" Look Revealed

BryanSinger/Twitter(MONTREAL) — Attention, comic book fans: X-Men: Days of Future Past is already in production and now, director Bryan Singer is giving a sneak peek of what Jennifer Lawrence will look like in the 2014 blockbuster.

Reprising her X-Men: First Class role, the Oscar-winner will star as Mystique — and from the looks of it, she’ll be fairly unrecognizable. (Lawrence, 24, has said that it took makeup artists about six hours to complete her look for the first film.)

Singer is clearly excited about the flick, and has been tweeting up a storm from the Montreal set. Many of the stars from the 2011 X-Men film will also return, including Hugh Jackman, Michael Fassbender, Ellen Page, and Lawrence’s ex Nicholas Hoult, with whom she was recently spotted having dinner.

X-Men: Days of Future Past is scheduled to be released on July 18, 2014. The studio is Marvell Entertainment, which is owned by The Walt Disney Co., which also owns ABC News.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Luke Skywalker’s Pants at Auction; "Star Wars" Series in Development

Terry O’Neill/Getty Images(LOS ANGELES) — The pants worn by actor Mark Hamill in his portrayal of Luke Skywalker as a Jedi Knight in Star Wars are being sold at auction.

Nate D. Sanders Auctions says the current high bid for the pants is $22,413. The auction company expects the pants to sell for as much as $100,000 when the auction ends May 21 at 5 p.m. Pacific time. 

The auction company says Hamill once stated in an interview that the pants were actually “just bleached Levi’s with the tag still in them.  Additional details about the pants at NateDSanders.com.

In other Star Wars news, production has begun on Star Wars Rebels, a new animated TV series set to air in the fall of 2014 as a one hour special on the Disney Channel before shifting to Disney XD Channels around the world.

According to Disney, Star Wars Rebels is set in the time period between Star Wars: Episode 3 and Episode 4, an era in which the Empire is “securing its grip on the galaxy and hunting down the last of the Jedi Knights as a fledgling rebellion against the Empire is taking shape.”

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Why Haven’t Arnold and Maria Gotten Divorced?

Chelsea Lauren/FilmMagic(LOS ANGELES) — Maria Shriver filed for divorce from Arnold Schwarzenegger back in 2011, but the couple, who had been married for 25 years, never finalized the paperwork.

TMZ is reporting there could be two reasons for this: “either they’re so rich it doesn’t matter,” or they’re getting back together again — despite the Terminator star having secretly fathered a child with their longtime former nanny.

The gossip site reports friends of the former power couple say they’ve been getting “mixed messages” from the pair about whether or not they’ll finally pull the trigger or reconcile. TMZ reports that unlike contentious splits, the pair have already decided to split their reported $400 million fortune down the middle.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

"Dancing with the Stars" Recap: Zendaya Leads Pack in Final Week

ABC/Adam Taylor(LOS ANGELES) — The four remaining couples on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars pulled out all the stops Monday night in their final bid to win the mirror ball trophy.  Each couple performed three routines, including the all-important freestyle.

At the end of the night, Zendaya and partner Val Chmerkovskiy were atop the leader board, while Jacoby Jones and Karina Smirnoff found themselves in last place.

The fourth-place couple will be eliminated within the first hour of the results show on Tuesday, and in a final element of the competition, the three remaining couples will perform a new routine in an instant dance.  The routine will be scored and added to the judges’ scores for both nights.

The couple with the highest combined total of judges’ scores and viewers’ votes will be declared the winner.

Host Tom Bergeron made a point during the broadcast to mention the deadly tornado that struck Oklahoma Monday afternoon.  Bergeron said “our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by the devastating tornado…”  He then asked the studio audience to applaud the “amazing courage of the first responders on site.”

The Routines:

For the first routine, the judges picked a style of dance each star had previously performed, asking them to re-do it and improve upon it.  The second routine was a cha cha cha relay in which all the stars danced and had the opportunity to earn up to five extra points from the judges.  The third dance was the freestyle.

Jacoby Jones: For their first dance, the jive, the Baltimore Ravens wide receiver and partner Karina Smirnoff got some advice during rehearsals from head judge Len Goodman, who advised the NFL star to make his kicks sharp and crisp.  Judges saw improvement in Jones’ kicks during the ballroom performance, but said the routine had a few flaws.  “The footwork was a bit better…you got excited on occasion and you lost it but overall I’ve got to say, I saw that slightly crisper footwork,” Goodman said.  Bruno Tonioli told Jones he always brought a “limitless supply of energy and power” but said he missed the beat “quite a few times” and also went flat-footed.  Carrie Ann Inaba told Jones he “always brought the swagger” and was always exciting to watch.  Total score: 27 out of a possible 30 points.

In the cha-cha relay, judges ranked Jones fourth place, earning him two extra points.

Jones’ tap dance-inspired supersized freestyle came with help from several other dancers on the ballroom floor, and while the judges commended the upbeat, celebratory air, they also found flaws.  Tonioli said the routine was “like watching a Mardi Gras parade down Bourbon Street.”  Inaba thought the production was good but felt that it overshadowed Jones.  “That’s the sad part.  I wanted you to be the star,” she said.  Total score: 27 out of a possible 30 points.

Aly Raisman: The Olympic gymnast got advice from Tonioli, who walked her through performing the samba roll, a difficult move, for her first dance.  Her samba with partner Mark Ballas wowed the judges.  Tonioli said Raisman did everything he asked for and she was “prettier than ever, and cleaner and slicker than ever.”  Inaba told Raisman she had the musicality and sensuality, swagger and beautiful lines of her fellow finalists.  Goodman said the routine was “a little bit heavy in the legs on occasion,” but overall, the performance was terrific.  Samba score: 28/30.

In the cha-cha relay, Raisman was ranked third, picking up three points.

Raisman’s supersize freestyle was a futuristic performance that unfolded with her and Ballas dancing on poles to showcase her gymnastic ability.  The judges were impressed.  Inaba said it was “one of the most amazing routines” she’d seen in a finale freestyle, and Goodman said he loved the concept, adding that it had “great imagination.”  Tonioli told Raisman that she took “an incredible risk.”  The risk paid off.  Total score: 30/30.

Kellie Pickler: The country music star and partner Derek Hough performed the quickstep for their first dance.  Pickler had danced the quickstep before and Inaba had noted that she didn’t see enough body contact.  The ballroom audience loved Pickler’s routine Monday and gave her prolonged applause.  Inaba also approved, saying the performance had the body contact she wanted to see.  Tonioli told Pickler the routine was, technically, “a tour de force.”  Total score: 30/30.

In the cha-cha relay, Pickler was ranked second, earning four points.

Pickler’s contemporary freestyle routine brought her another enthusiastic standing ovation from the audience and a hug from a teary-eyed Inaba.  “Kellie, you just bared your soul on the dance floor and it was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen.  Thank you,” Inaba said.  Goodman also stood up to applaud for Pickler, telling her the routine drew everyone in.  Tonioli called the routine “a dance of spellbinding beauty.”  Total score: 30/30.

Zendaya: The season’s youngest competitor had a visit from Inaba during rehearsals for her first dance, the samba, and she got some pointers from the judge.  Inaba Ann called the 16-year-old Disney star’s performance with partner Val Chmerkovskiy “magical,” while Goodman exclaimed, “That was eye-popping, show-stopping, jaw-dropping – that’s a samba.”  Tonioli added, “You’re just incredibly fierce, child…you have a natural flamboyance that’s so easy.  It comes out without effort.”  Total score: 30/30.

Zendaya won the cha cha cha relay, earning 5 points.

Zendaya’s freestyle, with elements of contemporary, cha cha cha and hip hop, ended with several young dancers joining her and Chmerkovskiy on the ballroom floor.  Goodman liked the variety of styles in the performance.  “There were so many parts to that number but it all came together and created a fabulous routine,” he said.  Tonioli said Zendaya brought a “unique luminosity” to everything she performed.  Total score: 30/30.

The Scores (First dance, second dance, freestyle dance, grand total):

• Zendaya and Val Chmerkovskiy: 30, 5, 30. Total: 65
• Kellie Pickler and Derek Hough: 30, 4, 30. Total: 64
• Aly Raisman and Mark Ballas: 28, 3, 30. Total: 61
• Jacoby Jones and Karina Smirnoff: 27, 2, 27. Total: 56

The two-hour season finale results show, featuring musical performances from Pitbull, Wynonna and PSY, airs on ABC Tuesday at 9 p.m. Eastern time.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Catherine Zeta-Jones Checks Out of Rehab

Donna Ward/Getty Images(LOS ANGELES) — Michael Douglas says his wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones, has completed her current treatment for Bipolar II disorder and is heading home.

In an interview with People magazine on Monday, Douglas revealed, “She comes home tomorrow.  She’s doing a really good job of getting balanced.  I’m proud of her.”

The 43-year-old actress entered a treatment facility in April.

Zeta-Jones previously sought treatment for the condition in spring 2011.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Seth MacFarlane Won’t Return to Host Oscars

Kevin Winter/Getty Images(LOS ANGELES) — It’s official: Seth MacFarlane won’t return to host Hollywood’s biggest night.

“Traumatized critics exhale: I’m unable to do the Oscars again.  Tried to make it work schedule-wise, but I need sleep,” the Family Guy creator announced Monday via Twitter.

After being offered the gig by the telecast’s producers — Craig Zadan and Neil Meron — MacFarlane turned down the job and claimed he suggested another host: Joaquin Phoenix.  (No word on if that was a joke.)

MacFarlane immediately rejected the possibility of hosting again after receiving tons of criticism when he hosted the 85th Academy Awards in February.  One of the most criticized elements of the show was the “Boobs Song,” in which MacFarlane sang about the topless scenes of many Hollywood actresses.

Perhaps the Oscars didn’t fit in MacFarlane’s schedule because he’s currently busy preparing for his next film, a comedy titled A Million Ways to Die in the West, which will star MacFarlane, Charlize Theron and Amanda Seyfried.  He is also planning a sequel to his blockbuster 2012 comedy, Ted.

The 86th Academy Awards will go on without him on Sunday, March 2, 2014, from inside the Dolby Theatre on level one of the Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood.  It will air live on ABC.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Kelly Rowland and Paulina Rubio Join "X Factor" Judges’ Panel

Laura Cavanaugh/FilmMagic(LOS ANGELES) — The rumors are true.  Fox announced Monday night that one-time Destiny’s Child member Kelly Rowland and Mexican singer Paulina Rubio will be joining Simon Cowell and Demi Lovato on the judges’ panel when The X Factor returns this fall.

“It’s taken more than a decade, but I’m delighted to finally be on a panel with three girls (I think!), Cowell declared in a statement.  “Paulina and Kelly both have great taste and massive experience in the music industry and together with Demi, this is going to be a fun panel.  It just feels like the time to do something different.”

Rowland and Rubio fill the vacancies left by the departures of Britney Spears and L.A. Reid.

Rowland served as a judge on the British version of The X Factor in 2011. 

“I am very exciting to be reuniting with Simon Cowell and The X Factor family,” said Rowland in a statement.  “It feels great to be able to take this journey here at home in the states.”

Rubio, who has sold more than 20 million records and released 10 studio albums, said in a statement, “I love The X Factor.  I can’t wait to find the next big music star here in America.  Simon, be careful what you wish for.  Let’s see if you are ready to handle me, empieza la fiesta, amigo.”

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

"Downton Abbey" Stars Auctioning Themselves Off for Charity

iStockphoto/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) — Great news for Downton Abbey fans who may be experiencing withdrawal symptoms due to the lack of new episodes at the present time.

The New York Post reports Brendan Coyle, the actor who portrays the valet Mr. Bates, and Lesley Nicol, the actress who plays the cook Mrs. Patmore, will be auctioning themselves on May 30 to benefit the Origin Theatre Company in New York City.

Last year, someone paid $20,000 to read poetry to Coyle in a horse-drawn carriage in Central Park, followed by dinner.  This year, Coyle is adding the opportunity to have lunch with him in London. 

Nicol is offering a lucky bidder the chance to have tea with her at Tea and Sympathy in Manhattan. 

Additional details can be found at Biddingforgood.com.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

CBS Pulls "Mike & Molly" Tornado-Themed Finale

George Doyle/Stockbyte/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) — In light of the real-life devastation that tornados are causing in the Midwest, CBS has decided to postpone the finale of the sitcom Mike & Molly, which dealt with a tornado hitting Chicago.

“Due to the tragic events this afternoon in Oklahoma, we are pre-empting tonight’s season finale of Mike & Molly, which has a related storyline,” a CBS spokesperson tells ABC News in a statement. “A repeat broadcast of Mike & Molly will run in the time period.”

On Monday, a huge tornado ripped through Oklahoma City, delivering a “direct hit” on an elementary school. The twister is just one of more than 50 devastating storms that have ravaged the Midwest since Sunday, leaving dozens of people dead and injured.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

The Doors’ Ray Manzarek Dead at Age 74 After Battle with Cancer

The Doors in 1968. Ray Manzarek (far right) died May 20, 2013 (Express/Express/Getty Images)(ROSENHEIM, Germany) — Ray Manzarek, founding keyboardist of The Doors, died Monday at age 74 at a medical clinic in Rosenheim, Germany, after a long battle with bile duct cancer.  At his side was his wife of 45 years, Dorothy, as well as his brothers Rick and James Manczarek.

Ray co-founded The Doors in Venice Beach, California, in 1965 with singer and fellow UCLA film student Jim Morrison, along with guitarist Robby Krieger and drummer John Densmore.  Driven by Morrison’s charismatic stage presence, powerful voice and poetic lyrics, as well as Manzarek’s hypnotic, jazzy keyboards, the band soon shot to stardom on the strength of such classic hits as the chart-topping “Light My Fire” and “Hello, I Love You.”  The group continued to release popular albums and singles until Morrison’s death from heart failure at age 27 in July 1971.  On the strength of The Doors’ enduring body of work, the band has gone on to influence and inspire countless other artists, while selling more than 100 million albums worldwide.

After The Doors broke up in 1973, Manzarek continued his music career, releasing a number of solo albums and collaborative albums.  From 2001 until his death, Manzarek performed Doors music in a popular touring group with Krieger that most recently was called the Manzarek-Krieger Band.  Manzarek also has recorded albums with blues guitarist Roy Rogers and poet Michael McClure, has produced music by such bands as Echo and the Bunnymen and X, and has written a memoir and two novels.

Commenting on Manzarek’s death, Krieger said in a statement, “I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of my friend and bandmate Ray Manzarek today.  I’m just glad to have been able to have played Doors songs with him for the last decade.  Ray was a huge part of my life and I will always miss him.”

Besides his wife and brothers, Manzarek is survived by a son, Pablo Manzarek, as well as three grandchildren — Noah, Apollo and Camille.  No official funeral plans have been confirmed.  The family is suggesting that rather than sending flowers, fans can make a donation in honor of Ray to StandUp2Cancer.org.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

"30 Rock" Actress Katrina Bowden Weds

Ali Goldstein/NBC(NEW YORK) — Katrina Bowden, who played Cerie, the ditzy secretary of Tina Fey’s Liz Lemon, on 30 Rock, is a newlywed.

She and musician Ben Jorgensen married in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Sunday, according to People magazine.

The actress tweeted, “I married y’all!!! I’m now Mrs. @benjorg!!!!”

The 24-year-old Bowden got engaged to Jorgensen in January 2012.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Antonio Banderas to Play ‘Super Mario’ in Chilean Miners Drama

Kevin Winter/Getty Images for AFI(LOS ANGELES) — Antonio Banderas has signed on to play one of the stranded miners in the reality-based drama The 33.

The film tracks the plight and ultimate rescue of 33 Chilean miners who were stranded underground for 69 days back in 2010.

Variety reports Banderas will play Mario Sepulveda, the charismatic miner who became known as “Super Mario” by the media that covered the trapped men around the clock.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Tony Stark Will Be Back for "Avengers 2"

Buena Vista(LOS ANGELES) — Avengers writer/director Joss Whedon confirmed that despite Iron Man 3‘s ending, hinting Tony Stark was hanging up his metal suits for good, the armored Avenger will be back for Avengers 2.

During an interview with the gaming website IGN, Whedon said, “The question is, if The Avengers are called, does he show up? And the answer is, ‘Yes!’”

Whedon also confirmed that comic heroes Scarlett Witch and Quicksilver would be joining the team for the 2015 film.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Taylor Swift Dominates "Billboard" Music Awards with Eight Wins

Sara De Boer/STARTRAKS PHOTO via ABC(LAS VEGAS) — Taylor Swift’s night at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas was a success.  She led all artists at the Sunday-night ceremony with eight wins, including top artist and top Billboard 200 album, for Red.

During her top artist acceptance speech, Swift thanked her fans for making her music about her crazy emotions the soundtrack to their own crazy emotions.  She added that her relationship with her fans was the longest and best relationship she’s ever had.

Swift found out she won the top Billboard 200 album category when fans in the mosh pit held up smartphones that spelled out the album title, RED, in big letters.  She said, “I’m really happy about this” and went on to thank her fans for the “magical” award.

Swift also delivered one of the more memorable performances of the night, singing her hit “22″ in an elaborate production that began backstage and featured several dancers, a bicycle ride and plenty of red balloons.

Click here to see photos of the stars on the red carpet.

Rihanna and Gotye each received four awards.  Several artists, including Justin Bieber, picked up three.

Bieber made a bid for musical relevance while accepting the first-ever Milestone Award for musical ingenuity and innovation. 

During his acceptance speech, Bieber took the opportunity to address all the tabloid headlines saying, “I’m 19 years old.  I think I’m doing a pretty good job, and basically, from my heart, it should be about the music and the craft that I’m making it.”

He added, “This is not a gimmick.  I’m an artist, and I should be taken seriously, and all this bull should not be spoken of.”

Bieber also accepted the top male artist award from Miley Cyrus.  Her new song, “We Can’t Stop,” comes out on June 3.

Prince closed out the night performing a rocked out version of his classic “Let’s Go Crazy” backed by his all female band, 3rdEyeGirl.  The Purple One, who received the Billboard icon award, was dressed in a fringe jacket and wore his hair in an afro.  It was the first full-on rock performance of the show, and he went into the new song, “FIXURLIFEUP,” after an extended guitar and bass solo.  

Here’s a rundown of the rest of the night’s performances and winners:

The Performances:

Bruno Mars kicked off the night with a finely choreographed performance of “Treasure.”  Mars’ set looked like it was lifted from classic Soul Train footage with its multiple disco balls and gold flashing lights.  Mars worked the stage with him and his band all wearing matching ’70s-inspired, red suits.

Selena Gomez heated things up performing a Middle Eastern-inspired dance routine as she sang “Come and Get It.”  Gomez returned later to introduce Swift’s performance of “22.” 

Swift kicked the song off singing in her dressing room before continuing the performance with a choreographed romp through the backstage area.  An entire crew of dancers, showgirls and masked men accompanied Swift as she entered the arena on the back of a bicycle during the second verse.  She then took the stage to finish the song out with a dance remix breakdown of the song as red balloons rained down on the crowd.

Country star Jennifer Nettles was on hand to introduce The Band Perry’s performance of their number one country hit, “Better Dig Two,” which featured a dramatic laser light show.  The sibling trio broke it down towards the end with all three members playing individual drums in synch before returning to the chorus.

Carly Rae Jepsen introduced new Swedish pop duo Icona Pop to sing their debut U.S. hit, “I Love It.”  Psy and host Tracy Morgan had a dance off before Chris Brown hit the stage for a performance of “Fine China.” Brown’s Chinese-inspired set and costuming were accented by a martial arts-style dance breakdown.  Brown even tapped Michael Jackson’s former guitar player, Orianthi, to play as he closed the performance with moves reminiscent of Jackson’s classic “Billie Jean” routine.

Nashville’s Hayden Panettiere introduced Macklemore & Ryan Lewis singing “Thrift Shop” live from the Tryst nightclub at Wynn Las Vegas.  Country duo Florida Georgia Line introduced fellow country newcomer Kacey Musgraves’ acoustic performance of her debut hit, “Merry Go ‘Round.”

Bieber emerged from an airplane cockpit to sing and dance his way through “Take You,” the song his fans chose via Twitter for him to perform.  Bieber returned to perform “That Power” with will.i.am from Will’s new album #Willpower.

Ke$ha introduced Pitbull and Christina Aguilera’s performance of “Feel This Moment,” which includes a sample of the ’80s hit “Take on Me” by Norwegian band A-ha.  A-ha actually showed up to sing a chorus of the original song to close it out.  Pitbull returned later for his latest collaboration with Jennifer Lopez, “Live It Up.”

Miguel crooned his breakthrough hit “Adorn” behind a screen projecting evocative images to go along with the sexy song.  Once the screen went up, Miguel danced around the smoke-filled stage and even jumped over the fans in the mosh pit to the catwalk, accidentally landing on top of one girl and kicking another in the head.

Ed Sheeran turned in an intimate, solo performance of “Lego House” from the arena’s b-stage.  David Guetta, Ne-Yo and Akon transformed the MGM Grand into a giant rave with their high-energy performance of “Play Hard,” and Nicki Minaj gave Lil Wayne a full-on lap dance during their performance of “High School.”

The Winners:

Vegas headliner Shania Twain noted how odd it was that she was presenting the evening’s first trophy, top rap artist.  Minaj took that award and admitted she didn’t expect to win it in her acceptance speech.

Will.i.am confessed his favorite Madonna song is “Like a Virgin” before introducing Madonna herself to accept the top touring artist award for her blockbuster MDNA tour.  An extended highlights reel of the show, including a shot of Madonna’s bare backside, aired before she took the stage.  She joked that it took longer to negotiate whether she could show her bottom in that trailer than it took to rehearse for the actual tour.  Madonna took off what she called her “pretentious sunglasses” to thank a few key people in her touring organization, her four children and her fans.

Avril Lavigne and Alyssa Milano presented the digital song award to Jepsen for “Call Me Maybe,” which has sold seven million downloads.

Kid Rock got a jab in at people lip-synching to pre-recorded music on the show before presenting the top rap song award to “Thrift Shop” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis.  Macklemore thanked Goodwill and Value Village for the win.

Kelly Rowland and Austin Mahone handed the top EDM artist award to Guetta.  Fun. took the top rock artist award, and Psy’s “Gangnam Style” won honors for top streaming video.  Rihanna was named top radio artist, and One Direction won new artist honors.

For a full list of winners, go to Billboard.com.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Taylor Swift Dominates "Billboard" Music Awards with Eight Wins

Sara De Boer/STARTRAKS PHOTO via ABC(LAS VEGAS) — Taylor Swift’s night at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas was a success.  She led all artists at the Sunday-night ceremony with eight wins, including top artist and top Billboard 200 album, for Red.

During her top artist acceptance speech, Swift thanked her fans for making her music about her crazy emotions the soundtrack to their own crazy emotions.  She added that her relationship with her fans was the longest and best relationship she’s ever had.

Swift found out she won the top Billboard 200 album category when fans in the mosh pit held up smartphones that spelled out the album title, RED, in big letters.  She said, “I’m really happy about this” and went on to thank her fans for the “magical” award.

Swift also delivered one of the more memorable performances of the night, singing her hit “22″ in an elaborate production that began backstage and featured several dancers, a bicycle ride and plenty of red balloons.

Click here to see photos of the stars on the red carpet.

Rihanna and Gotye each received four awards.  Several artists, including Justin Bieber, picked up three.

Bieber made a bid for musical relevance while accepting the first-ever Milestone Award for musical ingenuity and innovation. 

During his acceptance speech, Bieber took the opportunity to address all the tabloid headlines saying, “I’m 19 years old.  I think I’m doing a pretty good job, and basically, from my heart, it should be about the music and the craft that I’m making it.”

He added, “This is not a gimmick.  I’m an artist, and I should be taken seriously, and all this bull should not be spoken of.”

Bieber also accepted the top male artist award from Miley Cyrus.  Her new song, “We Can’t Stop,” comes out on June 3.

Prince closed out the night performing a rocked out version of his classic “Let’s Go Crazy” backed by his all female band, 3rdEyeGirl.  The Purple One, who received the Billboard icon award, was dressed in a fringe jacket and wore his hair in an afro.  It was the first full-on rock performance of the show, and he went into the new song, “FIXURLIFEUP,” after an extended guitar and bass solo.  

Here’s a rundown of the rest of the night’s performances and winners:

The Performances:

Bruno Mars kicked off the night with a finely choreographed performance of “Treasure.”  Mars’ set looked like it was lifted from classic Soul Train footage with its multiple disco balls and gold flashing lights.  Mars worked the stage with him and his band all wearing matching ’70s-inspired, red suits.

Selena Gomez heated things up performing a Middle Eastern-inspired dance routine as she sang “Come and Get It.”  Gomez returned later to introduce Swift’s performance of “22.” 

Swift kicked the song off singing in her dressing room before continuing the performance with a choreographed romp through the backstage area.  An entire crew of dancers, showgirls and masked men accompanied Swift as she entered the arena on the back of a bicycle during the second verse.  She then took the stage to finish the song out with a dance remix breakdown of the song as red balloons rained down on the crowd.

Country star Jennifer Nettles was on hand to introduce The Band Perry’s performance of their number one country hit, “Better Dig Two,” which featured a dramatic laser light show.  The sibling trio broke it down towards the end with all three members playing individual drums in synch before returning to the chorus.

Carly Rae Jepsen introduced new Swedish pop duo Icona Pop to sing their debut U.S. hit, “I Love It.”  Psy and host Tracy Morgan had a dance off before Chris Brown hit the stage for a performance of “Fine China.” Brown’s Chinese-inspired set and costuming were accented by a martial arts-style dance breakdown.  Brown even tapped Michael Jackson’s former guitar player, Orianthi, to play as he closed the performance with moves reminiscent of Jackson’s classic “Billie Jean” routine.

Nashville’s Hayden Panettiere introduced Macklemore & Ryan Lewis singing “Thrift Shop” live from the Tryst nightclub at Wynn Las Vegas.  Country duo Florida Georgia Line introduced fellow country newcomer Kacey Musgraves’ acoustic performance of her debut hit, “Merry Go ‘Round.”

Bieber emerged from an airplane cockpit to sing and dance his way through “Take You,” the song his fans chose via Twitter for him to perform.  Bieber returned to perform “That Power” with will.i.am from Will’s new album #Willpower.

Ke$ha introduced Pitbull and Christina Aguilera’s performance of “Feel This Moment,” which includes a sample of the ’80s hit “Take on Me” by Norwegian band A-ha.  A-ha actually showed up to sing a chorus of the original song to close it out.  Pitbull returned later for his latest collaboration with Jennifer Lopez, “Live It Up.”

Miguel crooned his breakthrough hit “Adorn” behind a screen projecting evocative images to go along with the sexy song.  Once the screen went up, Miguel danced around the smoke-filled stage and even jumped over the fans in the mosh pit to the catwalk, accidentally landing on top of one girl and kicking another in the head.

Ed Sheeran turned in an intimate, solo performance of “Lego House” from the arena’s b-stage.  David Guetta, Ne-Yo and Akon transformed the MGM Grand into a giant rave with their high-energy performance of “Play Hard,” and Nicki Minaj gave Lil Wayne a full-on lap dance during their performance of “High School.”

The Winners:

Vegas headliner Shania Twain noted how odd it was that she was presenting the evening’s first trophy, top rap artist.  Minaj took that award and admitted she didn’t expect to win it in her acceptance speech.

Will.i.am confessed his favorite Madonna song is “Like a Virgin” before introducing Madonna herself to accept the top touring artist award for her blockbuster MDNA tour.  An extended highlights reel of the show, including a shot of Madonna’s bare backside, aired before she took the stage.  She joked that it took longer to negotiate whether she could show her bottom in that trailer than it took to rehearse for the actual tour.  Madonna took off what she called her “pretentious sunglasses” to thank a few key people in her touring organization, her four children and her fans.

Avril Lavigne and Alyssa Milano presented the digital song award to Jepsen for “Call Me Maybe,” which has sold seven million downloads.

Kid Rock got a jab in at people lip-synching to pre-recorded music on the show before presenting the top rap song award to “Thrift Shop” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis.  Macklemore thanked Goodwill and Value Village for the win.

Kelly Rowland and Austin Mahone handed the top EDM artist award to Guetta.  Fun. took the top rock artist award, and Psy’s “Gangnam Style” won honors for top streaming video.  Rihanna was named top radio artist, and One Direction won new artist honors.

For a full list of winners, go to Billboard.com.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

"Dancing with the Stars" Finals Begin Monday Night

ABC/Adam Taylor(LOS ANGELES) — This week, a new Dancing with the Stars champion will be crowned. 

The finals begin Monday night with the four remaining couples — Jacoby Jones and Karina Smirnoff, Kellie Pickler and Derek Hough, Aly Raisman and Mark Ballas, and Zendaya and Val Chmerkovskiy — stepping onto the dance floor to perform three times.

First, the duos will have to repeat a dance style as chosen by the judges.  Next, the couples will take part in a “cha cha relay,” in which they each dance to a different section of the same song.  Finally, the pairs will participate in a “supersized freestyle.”

Zendaya isn’t lacking in confidence; she says she knew from the get-go that she would advance this far into the competition.

The Disney star tells ABC News Radio, “I’ve always kind of thought I’m here to the end.  I’m going to work hard, and it’s always been in my thought process.”

Olympic gold-medal-winning gymnast Aly Raisman suggests she’s just happy to be in the finals.

She comments, “I just really, really wanted to make it to the finals.  You know, this competition is so tough. It’s going to be a very, very tough final.”

Super Bowl-winning football player Jacoby Jones isn’t satisfied with his performance yet.  He has his eyes on the prize: “I want the trophy.  It is a competition at the end of the day, and I am competitive.”

Kellie Pickler undoubtedly wants the Mirror Ball trophy, too, but if she does take it, it will have come at a price.

The country singer laments, “My legs are sore.  My calf is, we have to do the quickstep this week.  That dance is exhausting.  My legs, they’re like overcooked noodles where they’re just like, they’re going to collapse at any minute.”

The performance show airs Monday on ABC at 8 p.m. Eastern time.  The Mirror Ball trophy will be awarded Tuesday night, at the end of a two-hour results show.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

"Dancing with the Stars" Finals Begin Monday Night

ABC/Adam Taylor(LOS ANGELES) — This week, a new Dancing with the Stars champion will be crowned. 

The finals begin Monday night with the four remaining couples — Jacoby Jones and Karina Smirnoff, Kellie Pickler and Derek Hough, Aly Raisman and Mark Ballas, and Zendaya and Val Chmerkovskiy — stepping onto the dance floor to perform three times.

First, the duos will have to repeat a dance style as chosen by the judges.  Next, the couples will take part in a “cha cha relay,” in which they each dance to a different section of the same song.  Finally, the pairs will participate in a “supersized freestyle.”

Zendaya isn’t lacking in confidence; she says she knew from the get-go that she would advance this far into the competition.

The Disney star tells ABC News Radio, “I’ve always kind of thought I’m here to the end.  I’m going to work hard, and it’s always been in my thought process.”

Olympic gold-medal-winning gymnast Aly Raisman suggests she’s just happy to be in the finals.

She comments, “I just really, really wanted to make it to the finals.  You know, this competition is so tough. It’s going to be a very, very tough final.”

Super Bowl-winning football player Jacoby Jones isn’t satisfied with his performance yet.  He has his eyes on the prize: “I want the trophy.  It is a competition at the end of the day, and I am competitive.”

Kellie Pickler undoubtedly wants the Mirror Ball trophy, too, but if she does take it, it will have come at a price.

The country singer laments, “My legs are sore.  My calf is, we have to do the quickstep this week.  That dance is exhausting.  My legs, they’re like overcooked noodles where they’re just like, they’re going to collapse at any minute.”

The performance show airs Monday on ABC at 8 p.m. Eastern time.  The Mirror Ball trophy will be awarded Tuesday night, at the end of a two-hour results show.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Are Kelly Rowland and Paulina Rubio Joining "The X Factor"?

Laura Cavanaugh/FilmMagic(LOS ANGELES) — Has Simon Cowell found two new judges for The X Factor?  TMZ.com is reporting that Kelly Rowland is in final negotiations to join the panel of the Fox singing competition, which currently has two vacancies due to the departures of Britney Spears and L.A. Reid.

The one-time Destiny’s Child member served as a judge on the British version of The X Factor in 2011.

The website further reports that Mexican singer Paulina Rubio is also close to joining the U.S. X Factor.  Both artists reportedly will finalize their deals as early as Monday.  The Hollywood Reporter adds that the two should be on board by Tuesday, when auditions will be taped in Charleston, S.C.

If Rowland and Rubio are indeed added to the show, they would sit alongside Cowell and Demi Lovato, who’s returning for her second season. 

The X Factor will be back on Fox this fall.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Are Kelly Rowland and Paulina Rubio Joining "The X Factor"?

Laura Cavanaugh/FilmMagic(LOS ANGELES) — Has Simon Cowell found two new judges for The X Factor?  TMZ.com is reporting that Kelly Rowland is in final negotiations to join the panel of the Fox singing competition, which currently has two vacancies due to the departures of Britney Spears and L.A. Reid.

The one-time Destiny’s Child member served as a judge on the British version of The X Factor in 2011.

The website further reports that Mexican singer Paulina Rubio is also close to joining the U.S. X Factor.  Both artists reportedly will finalize their deals as early as Monday.  The Hollywood Reporter adds that the two should be on board by Tuesday, when auditions will be taped in Charleston, S.C.

If Rowland and Rubio are indeed added to the show, they would sit alongside Cowell and Demi Lovato, who’s returning for her second season. 

The X Factor will be back on Fox this fall.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

"All-Star Celebrity Apprentice" Recap: Trace Adkins Wins

Virginia Sherwood/NBC(NEW YORK) — The All-Star Apprentice’s finale aired on NBC Sunday night, and the ultimate ice cream showdown was appropriately a split.

While Donald Trump declared “Maple Macadamia Mashup” creator Trace Adkins the first-ever All-Star Celebrity Apprentice champion, Penn Jillette earned his charity a hundred thousand dollars from Walgreens for having the best-selling flavor — his “Vanilla Chocolate Magic Swirtle.”

Tied into their flavors, the two contestants presented their commercials during a star-studded ice cream social in which they took big dollar donations from their friends.

While Team Trace raked in big checks from the likes of country music stars like Billy Ray Cyrus, and Wynonna, and NASCAR driver Tony Stewart, Jillette used his Sin City connections to attract money from Vegas performers like Wayne Newton, Blue Man Group, former American Idol winner Taylor Hicks.

In the end, it was revealed that Jillette earned $503,655, while Adkins earned $664,000 — however, donor Tim Tebow showed up past a deadline, meaning his $100,000 donation didn’t count towards Trace’s bottom line.

Both presentations also featured a live performance — magic from Penn & Teller, and music from Adkins, playing his hit “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk,” which he called the, “nastiest song ever heard at an ice cream social.” 

The country star also performed “Not Fade Away” for which Gary Busey reprised his Oscar nominated role as Buddy Holly, and the competitors came together to play Adkins’ new single “Love Will” with Adkins on vocals, and Jillette on bass.

Trump gave Lil Jon a hundred thousand dollar check for his charity, the American Diabetes Association, in honor of the recording artist’s mother, who recently died from complications of the disease.  The rapper was moved to tears behind his trademark giant sunglasses.

Trump also doled out $20,000 checks to the respective charities for the stars who hadn’t won any money for them during the season, including Busey and Dennis Rodman.

In a tweet before the show’s finale aired, the real estate mogul hinted, “The cast for next season looks really good!”

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Bill Hader Says Goodbye to "Saturday Night Live"

Dana Edelson/NBC(NEW YORK) — Bill Hader bade farewell to Saturday Night Live over the weekend with one final appearance from his signature character, Stefon.

For the season finale of the NBC sketch comedy show, the “city correspondent” joined Seth Meyers and guest anchor and ex-SNL star Amy Poehler at the “Weekend Update” desk.  Eventually Stefon declared that Meyers does not respect him and that he was running away to marry someone who does.

With some prompting from Poehler, Meyers ran after Stefon, discovering him at the altar of a church with Anderson Cooper.  It was basically a spoof of The Graduate — aside from the fact that the wedding guests included ALF, the Smurfs, and an assortment of other random fictional characters.

Hader also appeared in the final sketch, which signaled the possible end of Fred Armisen’s run on SNL.  The two, along with Jason Sudeikis — also rumored to be leaving the show — and Taran Killam, resurrected their fake British rock band The Bizarros for a performance featuring guests such as Armisen’s Portlandia co-star Carrie Brownstein and the Sex Pistols’ Steve Jones.

Armisen opened the performance by saying, “Well, look it’s our last night here.”  Hader added, “But we’re going to keep playing together.”

The season finale was hosted by Ben Affleck, who in his monologue poked fun at the fact that, while accepting the best picture Oscar for Argo this year, he referred to how he and his wife Jennifer Garner were “working” on their marriage.  The actress herself joined him on stage as they attempted to clarify the comment.

Garner said she wasn’t sure why Affleck shared his thoughts on their marriage to a billion Oscar viewers worldwide, noting that she would’ve called their relationship “a gift,” not “work.”

Affleck then said, “I want to tell you how I wish I had ended that speech, OK?  I couldn’t do any of the things I do without you, without your support.  You’re my angel, my life, and my world.”

Garner then pointed out that he was reading off of a cue card.

Affleck told his wife he loved her.  She responded by kissing him and saying, “You’re a lot of work.”

Kanye West was the musical guest, performing two new songs.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

‘Star Trek: Into Darkness’ Tops Weekend Box Office

Zade Rosenthal/Paramount Pictures(NEW YORK) — Spock beat Stark this weekend at the box office, as Star Trek: Into Darkness took the top spot from Iron Man 3.

The second installment of director J.J. Abrams re-booted Star Trek franchise opened on 3,868 IMAX and traditional movie screens across the country in both and 3D and 2D.

Since its opening on Thursday to Sunday the flick has brought in over $90 million, the highest of any movie in the franchise. Adams’ 2009 Star Trek had a weekend debut of $79.2 million.

In third place, The Great Gatsby continues to outperform expectations, offering moviegoers an alternative to the sci-fi and superheroics of the top two films.

Here are the top 10 movies from Friday through Sunday, with estimated ticket sales, according to Hollywood.com:

01     Star Trek: Into Darkness $70.555M
02     Iron Man 3 $35.182M
03     The Great Gatsby $23.415M
04     Pain & Gain $3.1M
05     The Croods $2.75M
06     42 $2.73M
07     Oblivion $2.22M
08     Mud $2.16M
09     Tyler Perry Presents: Peeples $2.15M
10     The Big Wedding $1.1M

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

‘Scandal’ Star Kerry Washington Shares Memories From Her College Years

ABC/CRAIG SJODIN(WASHINGTON) — Kerry Washington may have taken television by storm, playing crisis manager Olivia Pope on ABC’s Scandal, but she joked Sunday that she is still haunted by being cast as a frog in a college musical.

“It was not my lifetime dream role to play a frog. In fact, the thought of it terrified me,” Washington said in a commencement speech Sunday at her alma mater, George Washington University.

It was Washington’s junior year when she was cast as a frog in the musical Croak, or The Last Frog, depicting the journey of Cassandra, the last frog on earth.

As a presidential scholar for the arts, Washington said, she was required to audition for every production at the school in order to keep her scholarship. After being cast in the show, Washington said she took the challenge head-on and spent hours watching frogs, reading about frogs and holding frogs.

“I crossed the threshold into unknown territory,” she said with a laugh, adding that of all the roles she has played as an actress, it was still her father’s favorite.

The “Scandal” star graduated from George Washington University in 1998 with a Bachelor of Arts and was named an Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts at Sunday’s commencement ceremony.

Washington, whose character on Scandal, Olivia Pope, is having a steamy affair with the president, joked that graduates were probably thinking they were celebrating their achievements “with that lady who is having an affair with the president on that television show.”

“In real life, I’m just an actor. I play pretend. I tell stories,” Washington said. “So bear with me because that is what I am going to do.”

During her four years at George Washington University, Washington designed her own interdisciplinary major, taking acting classes, but also focusing on anthropology, sociology, and psychology.

She recalled “a lot of sleepless nights” and “more than a few drinks” at a bar near campus during her college years.

Since her graduation, Washington has catapulted onto Hollywood’s A-list and has scooped up awards for her performances on Scandal and in the movies Ray and Django Unchained.

In 2009, she was named to the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities, and last year delivered a speech at the Democratic National Convention.

Washington, who has carved out a unique path in Hollywood, urged graduates to do the same, wherever their dreams lead them.

“Your life is your story and the adventure ahead of you is the journey to fulfill your own purpose and potential,” she said.

And for those students with stories that would translate onto the big screen, Washington joked she would be calling to option the rights, because “I am so Hollywood now.”

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Dwayne Wade Attends High School Senior Prom

Ingram Publishing/Thinkstock(MIAMI) — A Florida high school senior got a huge surprise Friday night when basketball star Dwayne Wade surprised her at her senior prom.

Nicole Muxo, a senior at Archbishop Colman Carroll High in Miami, posted a YouTube video in April inviting the Miami Heat basketball star to her prom, even sending him a Tweet with the address of the prom in Coral Gables.

Wade decided to show up, calling her at the start of the prom to wish her well – without telling her he was actually there. He said it was fun to suddenly appear, upstaging her actual date.

“To be talking to her on the phone and then um to be able to walk in and see her reaction was awesome,” he recounted later.

Wade had a dance with Muxo, mingled with her family and posed for lots of photos.

“This was definitely the highlight of my senior year,” Muxo said.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Zachary Quinto On Coming Out: I Just Did It–No One Knew

ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — When Zachary Quinto, who plays Spock in Star Trek Into Darkness, came out publicly that he is gay, he gave no warning to his friends, family or publicists.

“I didn’t tell anyone I was going to do it so no one had a chance to [give me advice],” said Quinto in an interview with movie critic Peter Travers on ABC’s Popcorn. “I just did it. No one in my life knew.”

The star’s high-profile ‘coming out’ two years ago, which preceded others like NBA player Jason Collins, seems to have help undermine the prejudice that publicly gay actors won’t be accepted by audiences in straight film roles.

Quinto said he has experienced no adverse effects in his career in the aftermath of his announcement, and thinks people are more accepting of homosexuals and marriage equality than they were a few years ago.

“I felt supported at the time in a really profound way, by fans and people that just know me by my work,” he said. “I think I’m in a really good place.”

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Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio