Katherine Heigl is Leaving Grey’s Anatomy

Mike Ausiello of Entertainment Weekly has just announced the end of ‘Izzie Stevens’ on ‘Grey’s Anatomy.’  Since Heigl’s film career has taken off, she has long desired to escape her contract on ‘Grey’s Anatomy.’  As a result, there have been some cutting barbs in the press between Heigl and the show’s creators over the years.  Here are some of them:
Heigl took her name out of the Emmy race and, she told the press that she felt she wasn’t given the proper material by Grey’s writers to warrant an Emmy nomination
Heigl told Letterman that she had a 17 hour work day which she thought was “cruel and mean,” and the Grey’s camp responded by saying that the long work day was actually a favor to her to work around her movie schedule

Heigl complained to the press that she wasn’t given the respect she deserves during her contract renegotiation so she walked out.   

You may remember my post about why George Clooney is so respected in Hollywood.  Clooney’s film career took off while he was on ER, and instead of acting like Heigl and bashing ER to get out of his contract, he respected the show and stayed until his contract was up.  I think she should have done the same.  Time will tell as to whether she will pay the price for this.

‘A Time to Kill’ is Headed to Broadway

Remember this film?  It’s the one where Matthew McConaughey can actually be seen acting instead of running around with his shirt off.  Well, it’s headed to Broadway sometime next year.  It is the first Grisham book to go to Broadway, and it will be adapted by Rupert Holmes.  Fear not though . . . I don’t think anyone will be singing.

‘American Idol’ Will Cover the Rolling Stones Next Week

‘American Idol’ needed to plan something big next week for the top 12, and I think they’ve done it.  The singers will perform songs by the Rolling Stones.  No word yet on whether any members of the band will show up, but my guess is that they won’t.  I can’t even believe that the Stones agreed to release their songs on Idol, though its probably great promotion. 

‘Hurt Locker’ DVD Sales on the Rise

If you want your film to make more money, just get a Best Picture Oscar.  The ‘Hurt Locker’ recently earned the distinction of being one of the lowest grossing films to win Best Picture.  The film seems to be making up for that in DVD sales.  It has managed to make the top 10 rental list each week.  Interestingly, the ‘Hurt Locker’ is also returning to theaters following the Oscar win.  Double the venue, double the money? 

Bruce Willis Makes ‘Gorillaz’ Very Popular

The new ‘Gorillaz’ video for their song ‘Stylo’ has become very popular thanks to Bruce Willis.  It has become one of the most successful music videos on the web, already garnering over 1.8 million hits on YouTube.  The video beat both U2 and Weezer, the previous record holders.  Click on the link below to watch it.

Gorillaz Video – Stylo

Conan O’Brien Launches 30-City Comedy Tour

This is great news for O’Brien fans.  He is bringing his show on the road, beginning on April 12th.  O’Brien tweeted the news, saying “Hey Internet: I’m headed to your town on a half-assed comedy & music tour.”  The cities so far include: Seattle; San Francisco; Vancouver; Los Angeles; NYC; Chicago.  More cities to come!

Gossip Girl Spoiler: Blair Waldorf’s Eating Disorder will Return

When I heard this story, I had to search my memory for when she had an eating disorder.  I think it was in Season 1.  Executive Producer Stephanie Savage has now confirmed that there will be a subtle reference to Blair’s eating disorder resurfacing (no pun intended).