LOS ANGELES – There is something about those Disney girls and scandals — think Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, Vanessa Hudgens and now, Miley Cyrus.
But former teen sensation Hilary Duff has professed that she never would have made the mistake that 15-year-old Miley did by posing topless beneath a sheet for Vanity Fair.
"Everyone goes through things and takes their own path; who am I to judge decisions that she made? People are pushing you to do something, and if you want to do it, that's your choice,” Duff told People magazine. "It's not what I would choose to do, but if she did, then that's fine. That's her choice."
Speaking of choices, Pop Tarts has been told that Hilary had no choice but to fly solo on the red carpet at the after-party for her Tribeca Film Festival flick “War Inc.,” held at Tenjune’s Cadillac Lounge on Monday night.
Apparently, Hils got a little worried while posing for pics on the carpet as her New York Islander beau Mike Comrie snuck in through the back door.
“He wanted it to be her night to shine,” our inside source said. Awww.
Nigel Lythgoe Justifies 'Idol' Ratings Drop, Calls Simon Cowell a 'Mad Dog'
"American Idol" is still the hottest show on TV; however, the viewership is down an average of 10 million in comparison to last season. Last Wednesday's episode got its lowest rating among the 18-49 demographic in five seasons, stirring speculation that the show may have lost a little heat.
But according to Nigel Lythgoe , the show's executive producer, it's actually a positive sign that America may very well be shedding its rep as a country of couch potatoes.
"I think the ratings drop is a reflection that people aren’t just turning on television willy-nilly. They’re saying 'I want to watch this program' or 'I don’t want to watch this program,'" Lythgoe told Pop Tarts at last week's Brit Week party to celebrate 50 years of British ties to the entertainment industry in Los Angeles.
"I also think the writers strike made a lot of people realize that they can do better things than just sitting vegetating in front of a television," he said. "They can go out and even start ballroom dancing, so, you know, you can go out and get yourself fit.”
But we couldn't help but question why his hand was all bandaged up, and it turned out that judge Simon Cowell "bit" him. Right.
“I had an operation on my thumb. Simon Cowell bit me and it’s a bite like when a mad dog gets you, so I've learned to be careful around mad dog Simon," Nigel said with a smile.
"But Simon does do nice things sometimes; the sweetest thing I've seen him do was kiss Paula (Abdul). He didn't have to do that, he went above and beyond."
Speaking of “American Idol," its highest-selling alum Carrie Underwood reportedly broke down during her performance with Keith Urban in Atlanta last week.
While singing her hit “Don’t Forget to Remember Me,” the season-four sensation shed noticeable tears. However, her rep told People.com that the waterworks were a result of Underwood becoming “overwhelmed” amid the highly strung performance.
Jay-Z 'Ring-Free' Mystery Explained
So we've all been wondering why Jay-Z hasn't been out and about wearing a wedding ring since he tied the knot with longtime lover Beyonce in New York in early April. But apparently, he never takes it off.
According to a very close insider, Jay-Z is content with the ring tattooed to his ring finger.
"He doesn't need more bling; this is a very personal thing for him and he won't wear anything other than a tat in public," said the source.
The (naturally) ring-free newlyweds were busted boogying at New York's Angel & Kings bar last Thursday night for the after-party of B's new film "Cadillac Records," which debuted at Tribeca Film Festival.
We're told the two were "extremely lovey-dovey" as the singer and her hubby stayed strong until the wee hours sipping the guarana/caffeine-infused vodka p.i.n.k.
Beyonce's co-star Adrien Brody was also present and getting lots of love of a different kind. Apparently, his parents stayed by his side for the entire evening and were the last to leave the pumping party.
Shia LaBeouf Back to Being Bad?
"Transformers" star Shia LaBeouf is no stranger to naughtiness, given his 2007 arrest on charges of misdemeanor criminal trespassing and again in early 2008 on charges of unlawful smoking and failing to turn up to court (both complaints were later dropped).
And now, the 21-year-old may be back to bad behavior. A Pop Tarts spy popped LaBeouf, er, "sleeping" in the middle of the massive Coachella music festival over the weekend.
"It was very loud, but he was still on the floor totally out," the spy said.
Chris Evans Has a Dirty Mind
Chris Evans might be starring alongside Hollywood big-wigs like Keanu Reeves, Forest Whitaker and Common in the new action/drama “Street Kings," but he still has the same naughty thoughts shared by most 26-year-old males.
Video: Pop Tarts Hits 'Street Kings' Premiere
“If I could spy anywhere in the world? Oh man, no man I can’t answer that,” Chris told Tarts at last week’s Hollywood premiere when asked where he would be if he could be a secret spy. “I’m flooded with inappropriate answers … very inappropriate answers, so I can’t answer. I’m sorry.”
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