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Entertainment

'Jersey Shore' cast joins 'Divas' lineup

Santa Monica, Calif. -- Brandy, supermodel Marisa Miller and the "Jersey Shore" cast have joined the lineup for a TV special honoring U.S. troops, VH1 announced Tuesday.

The cable channel also said Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart and comedian Jeffrey Ross will appear on the show. They will join previously announced guests and performers Katy Perry, Sugarland, Keri Hilson, Nicki Minaj, Paramore and Grace Potter & the Nocturnals, VH1 said.

Comedian and television host Kathy Griffin is to serve as host of the evening.

The USO Presents "VH1 Divas Salute the Troops" is to air Sunday on VH1 and internationally courtesy of the Armed Forces Network.

Copyright 2010 United Press International, Inc. (UPI).

Aykroyd to appear on new Belushi show

Los Angeles -- Dan Aykroyd has landed a recurring role on the U.S. drama series, "The Defenders," CBS said Tuesday.

Aykroyd is to appear opposite his longtime friend and collaborator Jim Belushi in upcoming episodes, beginning in early 2011, the network said.

Aykroyd is set to play the role of a judge who comes to Belushi's character, defense attorney Nick Morelli, for help.

The two actors and musicians tour together in The Blues Brothers band as Elwood and Brother Zee, respectively.

Copyright 2010 United Press International, Inc. (UPI).

'Bone,' 'Kids' earn Spirit Award nods

Los Angeles -- "127 Hours," "Black Swan" and "Winter's Bone" were nominated for the Independent Spirit Award for best feature in Los Angeles Tuesday.

"Greenberg" and "The Kids Are All Right" also earned nods for the top film prize.

In the running for the best director title are Darren Aronofsky for "Black Swan," Danny Boyle for "127 Hours," Lisa Cholodenko for "The Kids Are All Right," Debra Granik for "Winter's Bone" and John Cameron Mitchell for "Rabbit Hole."

Nominated for the best first feature prize are "Everything Strange and New," "Get Low," "The Last Exorcism," "Night Catches Us" and "Tiny Furniture."

Kid Rock slams scalpers on Web site

Detroit -- U.S. recording star Kid Rock took to his Web site Tuesday to blast scalpers who sell tickets to his concerts at inflated prices.

The country rock singer posted the message online under the heading "Fans upset about Ford Field tickets and what not."

J. Lo named Boys & Girls Club spokeswoman

New York -- Jennifer Lopez has been named the first spokeswoman for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the organization said Monday.

She joins 18-year veteran Denzel Washington as a celebrity face of the group.

The stars are to join clubs President Roxanne Spillett in speaking to reporters about the merits of the organization Tuesday at Nokia Plaza in Los Angeles.

Parsons joins 'Good People' cast

New York -- Octogenarian actress Estelle Parsons has joined the cast of the upcoming stage production of "Good People," the Manhattan Theatre Club said Monday.

Parsons, 83, won an Oscar for her work in "Bonnie & Clyde." Her television credits include "Roseanne" and "All in the Family."

She will co-star with Tate Donovan and Frances McDormand in the world premiere of playwright David Lindsay-Abaire's drama, which is being directed by Daniel Sullivan.

Preview performances are to begin Feb. 8. Opening night is scheduled for March 3.

Buble and Lopilato to wed in April

Los Angeles -- Canadian-born singer Michael Buble says he and his fiancee, Argentine actress and model Luisana Lopilato, plan to marry in April.

UsMagazine.com said he announced on Monday's edition of the "Today" show that their wedding will take place April 6.

"I was going to do it on the 29th," Buble said. "But figured I wouldn't get any press."

Britain's Prince William is to marry Kate Middleton on April 29.

Copyright 2010 United Press International, Inc. (UPI).

Director Irvin Kershner dead at 87

Paris -- Film director Irvin Kershner has died at his home in Paris, his family said. He was 87.

The Hollywood Reporter confirmed his death Monday.

Kershner's film credits include "The Empire Strikes Back," "Never Say Never Again" and "Robocop II."

The Philadelphia native was trained as a musician and photographer before he started working on documentaries and feature films, the entertainment industry trade newspaper said.

He also directed episodes of TV dramas including "Ben Casey" and "Naked City."

Copyright 2010 United Press International, Inc. (UPI).

Turner Prize to be given in Londonderry

Londonderry, Northern Ireland -- The Turner Prize will be presented in Northern Ireland for the first time when Londonderry serves as host city for the 2013 festivities, organizers said.

An exhibition featuring works by the shortlisted artists, as well as a ceremony announcing the winner, are to take place as part of the City of Culture celebrations, the BBC said.

Between 70,000 and 90,000 visitors are expected to flock to the city for the events surrounding the presentation of the award, which is given by The Tate.

"This is part of our remit and aspiration to share the collection and programs as widely as possible and to promote public understanding and enjoyment of British, modern and contemporary art," The Tate told the BBC.

Report: Eva Longoria not adopting

Los Angeles -- U.S. television actress Eva Longoria is not adopting a child from Haiti, contrary to reports claiming she is, a source told People.com Monday.

The "Desperate Housewives" star recently announced she is divorcing Tony Parker, her husband of three years.

Longoria, 35, has accused Parker, 28, of infidelity.

Copyright 2010 United Press International, Inc. (UPI).