Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Insiders Say Vanessa Hudgens Photos Will Make Her Millions


LOS ANGELES — Some say racy new pictures of “High School Musical” star Vanessa Hudgens may have assassinated her adolescent-market appeal ... but big-wigs in the entertainment industry predict they will simply send her fame flying. “Did anybody really know or care about Paris Hilton before her sex tape surfaced?” a high-profile television executive told FOXNews.com. “This scandal is making her a household name — it will definitely elevate her into real star-studded status.”

And while the 18-year-old may not be interested in posing for Playboy or galloping in “Girls Gone Wild," a leading Hollywood entertainment agent believes Vanessa will earn big bucks from purely professional fashion endorsements, appearances and shows.

“Hudgens is on her way to creating a Hollywood brand,” added the agent. “When the media intensity blows over, her name will still ring a bell. If she plays her cards right, Vanessa will be the hottest thing in Hollywood without having to strip down again.”

And it seems Ness is certainly trying to undo the damage, attending church with her parents, cancelling her Jay Leno interview and posting a message of thanks to supportive fans on her Web site.

“It’s been a whirlwind week for Vanessa,” a close pal told Pop Tarts. “She has never had to deal with the media in such a way, but she is a smart girl. She knows how to get back on track.”

Here's to You, Owen

With all the sad news about Owen Wilson, here's something to cheer him up.

According to a prolific producer and entertainment industry big-wig who has worked extensively with Owen and his brother Luke Wilson, “both men are very talented.” But ...

“Owen is easygoing and a dream to work with,” the source splurged to Pop Tarts. “He listens and is an all-round good, funny guy. As for Luke, well…”

Another high-profile actor agreed, insisting that Owen is much “more open and warm” than his brunette bro.

However, Luke, who has been keeping his family strong since Owen’s apparent suicide attempt, has been spotted by Pop Tarts leaving his older brother’s Santa Monica home several times in recent weeks.

“Luke has been very shaken by this whole experience,” an insider revealed to Pop Tarts. “He is just devastated and wants nothing more than to see his brother well and happy again.”

However, friends fear this may be far away, as Owen is reportedly refusing to rendezvous into rehab.

According to In Touch magazine, Wilson has instead decided to spend $750 a day on a “sober companion,” but is in denial about his mental health.

Owen's famous friends say they were shocked that he apparently tried to take his own life.

“It’s so sad — I couldn’t believe it when I heard the news,” comedy veteran and “The Bob Newhart Show” star Marcia Wallace told FOX.

“Often being a comedian can be very dangerous, because people assume that just because you are funny you must always be happy. But he will get through this — you can get through anything you put your mind to. I had a breakdown in my twenties and it was kept hush-hush. If it had happened today I would have been on 'The View.'"

And while magic man Criss Angel can’t make Owen’s depression disappear, he can offer words of support.

“It’s hard when everything you do is under a microscope,” Angel said. “But Owen is fantastic and I know he will continue to be fantastic.”

“Idol” judge Paula Abdul also added that the famed “Focker” is a “special person who will pull through." Even Brody Jenner took time out of hightailing through the Hollywood “Hills” to support his fellow screen star:

“I don’t know the details of what happened, but I hope he’s OK,” Brody said. “He’s funny and I’m a fan. I wish him all the best.”

Eva Longoria to Trade Tinseltown for Texas?

Eva Longoria and hubby Tony Parker are happy in Hollywood for now, but as soon as they become parents, the pair plans to permanently leave town.

“Tony definitely wants to live in Texas. We both want to live in Texas,” the “Desperate Housewife" told “Extra." "But we will spend our summers in France. We want to do both, but they’ll be raised in America.”

Oscar Embarrassment: Anna Paquin Plagued by Academy Award Speech

”Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee” star Anna Paquin may have been the second youngest person in history to take home an Oscar at age 11, but when it comes to reliving her 30-second speech of silence and air gulping, the sweet star would rather recoil.

“I refuse to watch it — I won’t ever bring myself to see that again,” Paquin admitted to FOX on the red carpet of Friday’s Emmy Nominees party. “I must have seemed so silly!”

And if you think no career honor could ever top an Oscar, think again.

“My Emmy nomination probably means even more to me,” Anna added. “I was just a baby in the 'The Piano' — I turned up to work and did what I was told. But now that I’m an adult I can appreciate things much more. I feel like I actually earned it this time.”

Simon Says: If Ryan Seacrest Fails at Emmys, 'Idol' Will Suffer

As the battle for the spotlight between Simon Cowell and Ryan Seacrest reaches a climactic point ahead of this weekend’s Emmy Awards, Simon has come out to express his fear that Ryan may actually ruin the reputation of "American Idol" if his performance is poor.

"We’re in this together, whether we like it or not," the judge told FOX. "I hope Ryan has been practicing hard, because if he fails to impress at the Emmys then all of us at 'Idol' will go down with him. The integrity of the show is certainly at stake here."

But Ryan is only enjoying what he perceives as Simon's jealousy.

"When I found out I was going to host, the first person I wanted to tell was Simon," Seacrest said smugly. "I have never felt better — I know how painful this is going to be for him. This is one step prior to hell for Simon to have to go to the Emmys — that is how bad it is. He can't not go ... and when he does go he has to sit there and really not be featured, which is going to make him miserable."

And while it’s no secret that Seacrest likes to think he’s humorous, he won’t be bashing Britney and her babies Sarah Silverman-style.

"I'm not the type of person that wants to create an uncomfortable or awkward moment," he said. "I really believe that we're there to celebrate the nominees. We're there to have fun, have a laugh — I'm happy to poke fun at myself."

Does Paris' Love Cost 50 Cents? Pamela Pursuing Hilton's Sex-Tape Ex?

When we think of Paris Hilton, we often think of designer dresses and dollars, but it turns out that the reality star may be "Simple" enough to spend just "50 Cent" for a little lovin’.

Overshadowed by Britney’s bizarre behavior at last weekend's VMAs, rumors are rumbling that the hotel heiress hooked up with music mogul 50 Cent at the launch party of his album in Sin City.

According to an eyewitness, the pair cuddled and cooed in the corner over cocktails. The New York Daily News is reporting that the perennial party girl smooched "Entourage" star and pal Adrian Grenier as well, although her rep insists the two are nothing more than friends.

One thing is for sure: Hilton did make it clear she wanted nothing to do with her ex, "Desperate Housewives" star Josh Henderson, while being pampered at the Rolling Stone suite in the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

Instead of a body treatment, Henderson was slapped with the silent treatment from his ex-girlfriend.

Another Paris ex, Rick Solomon, who infamously co-starred with the hotel heiress in "A Night in Paris," has been spending a lot time with Pamela Anderson.

A Pamela pal tells Pop Tarts that the two "get along really well and are just seeing where this takes them."

Sexy and Single: Hayden, Reese and Mary-Kate on the Market

So Paris and Pammy might be off limits, but the good news for single studs is that "Heroes" hottie Hayden Panettiere is pom-poming solo.

In an interview with Us Weekly, the 18-year-old splurged that she has stepped into singledom and split from her longtime boyfriend, Stephen Colletti.

However, the past pair remain "good friends" and "chat frequently."

Speaking of Splitsville, it seems the rumbling romance between Reese Witherspoon and Jake Gyllenhaal has gone "Brokeback" yet again.

According to Us Weekly, the two have called it quits for good and apparently aren’t even on speaking terms.

Mary-Kate Olsen also is available, as her rep told In Touch magazine that the itty-bitty babe and her rocker beau, Max Snow, have broken it off. An insider added that the relationship crumbled over long distance.

"She [Olsen] was in L.A. and Max was in New York," the source said. "This made the long-distance relationship tough."

Panty-Free Preoccupation: Jack Nicholson Was a Nude Addict?

Move over, Britney!

It seems Jack Nicholson really was the original star to "Fly Over the Cuckoo’s Nest" as he combated a compulsion for being clothes-free.

According to biographer Denis McDougall, the star refused to wear cotton covering when inviting guests into his home and even sat stark naked for interviews to promote his 1971 flick "Drive."

Meanwhile, a Pop Tarts spy has learned that Jack and his veteran buddies such as Warren Beatty, Morgan Freeman, Sylvester Stallone and George Lucas plan to pan Armani in favor of Target tuxes on Oct. 3 and hang with Hollywood’s hottest for the American Film Institute's 40th anniversary.

Don't Call Him Harry: Daniel Radcliffe Relieved to Be More Than Just Potter

Although known to millions as "Harry Potter," Daniel Radcliffe is thrilled to chat about his other projects.

"It’s so fun to be here talking about something that isn’t Harry," the suave star said to FOXNews.com last Thursday at the premiere of his new film, "December Boys."

"There is so much more emotion to work with in this one. It’s about four Catholic orphans growing up in outback Australia. My character falls in love and … and it’s a really ‘real’ movie. It is so refreshing to have moved on from Harry Potter. It’s a nice feeling!"

Britney Spears' Management: 'American Idol' Judges?

The days of Britney Spears as a "Toxic" train wreck may finally be over. While most of the world is begging Britney to "Gimme Less," Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson want her to "Gimme More."

The "American Idol" judges announced to FOX that they have decided to take the Britster on board, issuing an open call to the pop princess to let them manage her crumbling career.

"We have decided we can bring Britney back," the normally caustic Cowell confirmed. "We are serious. We plan to buy her underpants, get her bigger shorts to perform in and get her away from her stupid friends."

And while many believe that Brit already has burned her career, the reality judges think Sunday night's performance was just another point on her publicity page.

"MTV ratings are up and all we're hearing is Britney, Britney, Britney!" Simon said. "She can turn it around."

"We always have time for Britney; we love her," Paula added.

So Brit, baby, if you are listening, we suggest you give these guys a call.

"We'd love to take care of you, Spears!" Randy roared. "We will make you a superstar again!"

Brit really does need help ... her new single, "Gimme More," arrived on the Billboard Hot 100 chart at a disappointing No. 85.

The song could have done a whole lot better if Britney hadn't nixed what could've been a real hit collaboration with hit music producer Timbaland and her ex-boyfriend, Justin Timberlake, Timbaland told MTV.

"She has to have a team. She needs to come back with Justin doing records; [then we’d see headlines like,] ‘She went back to her ex and she’s making smashes.’ [But instead she got] so big-headed and [was] like, ‘Screw you, screw you, I don’t need nobody.’"

Not Like a Virgin: Madonna, Mary-Kate and Mandy Get Randy

There is something mischievous in the air for our "M" girls at the moment.

Perhaps life in London is putting Madonna in the mood for "Erotica," which is why she strutted into a sex store to purchase some purple pleasure earlier this week.

Madge was all smiles as she high-tailed it back into her hotel room.

And itty-bitty beauty Mary-Kate Olsen has confessed that she prefers parading panty-free.

"I run around my house naked with heels all the time," she told Elle magazine. "It’s so funny. All of my friends will tell you I love running around in kimonos and jewelry or naked with jewelry."

Meanwhile, the normally modest Mandy Moore did more than just take "A Walk to Remember" in an interview with the new VH1 show "What Perez Says."

The pop princess groaned and gyrated over a stripper pole, obviously determined to pan her Miss Perfect persona.

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