American Idol Accused Of Racism

American Idol’s troubles with accusations of racism are far from over. Earlier this week, a letter was obtained by the tabloid TMZ, in which New York attorney James Freeman is asking permission from the EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) to sue Idol, as well as Fox on behalf of nine of his clients, all of whom have been disqualified from the show.

The plaintiffs, who are all black, have been disqualified publicly, on the grounds that they didn't notify Idol about their previous convictions and the letter claims that this hasn’t happened to any white or non-black contestants. This of course, constitutes discrimination. Additionally, Freeman is claiming that part of the background checks Idol performs on the contestants are unconstitutional – particularly asking about their criminal history. The nine plaintiffs are Corey Clark and Jaered Andrews (season 2), Donnie Williams (season 3), Terrell Brittenum and Derrell Brittenum (season 5), Thomas Daniels and Akron Watson (season 6), Ju'Not Joyner (season 8) and Chris Golightly (season 9), all of whom have been ousted from the show and are now claiming damages to their reputations and personal lives.

Idol reps have vehemently denied any instances of racism on the show and four former contestants have come forward to defend the show as well. Season six finalist Melinda Doolittle adamantly said: “It is shocking to see such allegations. In my experience on the show, the 'Idol' team strives to champion everyone, regardless of race. However, each contestant is explicitly told that the withholding of information that may compromise the show or artist, can and will result in immediate disqualification.”

Regardless of what anyone from the side of the show claims, however, if this case goes ahead the show, as well as the network, could be facing some tough legal battles.

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Justin Bieber is starring in new documentary

Justin Bieber is starring in new documentary about his 'Believe' tour, which will be a 3D follow up to his previous hit film 'Never Say Never'

Justin Bieber is set to star in a new concert movie.

The 'As Long As You Love Me' singer - who admitted he isn't in a happy place right now following his split from his girlfriend of two years Selena Gomez earlier this month - has confirmed he is currently filming a follow up to his big screen hit 'Never Say Never' in Miami, Florida.

The 18-year-old Canadian popstar told fans via Twitter on Saturday (26.01.13): ''And yeah word is out... we are shooting a movie here in Miami. Need u all live tomorrow again!!''

The singer's new documentary is based on his 'Believe' tour and will be in 3D.

Justin's dancer Carlena Britch also shared her excitement over the film, tweeting: ''So Miami, help us celebrate tonight & make this a show AND a movie we'll never forget! #BELIEVE3D''

Justin's close pal Aldredo Flores revealed that the footage already looks amazing.

He said: ''Making another movie! Looks sick. Pretty coo! Pretty coo!''

Despite Justin and his entourage's excitement, the singer has admitted in a new interview with Billboard magazine, which will be released in full on Monday (28.01.13) ahead of his new album 'Believe Acoustic' on Tuesday (29.01.13), that he is not in a good place at the moment.

He said: ''I'm not in the happiest place that I've ever been.''

Justin is said to be desperate to win Selena, 20, back and was recently said to be trying to act more mature so she can see he has changed.

The couple broke up shortly after holidaying in Mexico where they had planned to ring in the New Year together but got into a huge argument on December 30 after she allegedly found text messages from other girls on his phone.

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OUR DREAMS

The first day of school our professor introduced himself and challenged us to get to know someone we didn't already know. I stood up to look around when a gentle hand touched my shoulder.

I turned around to find a wrinkled, little old lady beaming up at me with a smile that that lit up her entire being.

She said, "Hi, handsome. My name is Rose. I'm eighty-seven years old. Can I give you a hug?" I laughed and enthusiastically responded, "Of course you may!" and she gave me a giant squeeze.

"Why are you in college at such a young, innocent age?" I asked.

She jokingly replied, "I'm here to meet a rich husband, get married, have a couple of children, and then retire and travel."

"No seriously," I asked. I was curious what may have motivated her to be taking on this challenge at her age.

"I always dreamed of having a college education and now I'm getting one!" she told me.

After class we walked to the student union building and share a chocolate milkshake. We became instant friends. Every day for the next three months we would leave class together and talk nonstop. I was always mesmerized listening to this "time machine" as she shared her wisdom and experience with me.

Over the course of the year, Rose became a campus icon and she easily made friends wherever she went. She loved to dress up and she reveled in the attention bestowed upon her from the other students. She was living it up.

At the end of the semester we invited Rose to speak at our football banquet. I'll never forget what she taught us. She was introduced and stepped up to the podium. As she began to deliver her prepared speech, she dropped her three by five cards on the floor. Frustrated and a little embarrassed she leaned into the microphone and simply said, "I'm sorry I'm so jittery. I gave up beer for Lent and this whiskey is killing me! I'll never get my speech back in order so let me just tell you what I know."

As we laughed she cleared her throat and began: "We do not stop playing because we are old; we grow old because we stop playing. There are only four secrets to staying young, being happy, and achieving success. "You have to laugh and find humor every day. You've got to have a dream. When you lose your dreams, you die. We have so many people walking around who are dead and don't even know it!"

"There is a huge difference between growing older and growing up. If you are nineteen years old and lie in bed for one full year and don't do one productive thing, you will turn twenty years old. If I am eighty-seven years old and stay in bed for a year and never do anything I will turn eighty-eight. Anybody can grow older. That doesn't take any talent or ability. The idea is to grow up by always finding the opportunity in change."

"Have no regrets. The elderly usually don't have regrets for what we did, but rather for things we did not do. The only people who fear death are those with regrets."

She concluded her speech by courageously singing The Rose. She challenged each of us to study the lyrics and live them out in our daily lives. At the years end Rose finished the college degree she had begun all those years ago.

One week after graduation Rose died peacefully in her sleep.

Over two thousand college students attended her funeral in tribute to the wonderful woman who taught by example that it's never too late to be all you can possibly be. 

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