Music mogul Simon Cowell has shot down reports George Michael is set to join him as a judge on the U.S. version of The X Factor.

The Faith hitmaker was rumoured to be preparing to make his comeback with a central role on the reality TV show after he was spotted in a meeting with The X Factor creator Cowell in November.

But Cowell has dismissed the speculation, telling "Extra" TV presenter Terri Seymour, "(Michael) will not be a judge on the U.S. The X Factor".

The TV job was expected to mark Michael's return to the spotlight following a series of personal woes, which recently saw him ser...

Music mogul Simon Cowell is preparing to re-launch George Michael's career by offering him a judging seat on the upcoming U.S. version of The X Factor, according to a U.K. report.

The pair was spotted holding a meeting last month, sparking rumors Cowell was plotting Michael's comeback following several years of personal woes, including his recent stint behind bars for driving under the influence of drugs.

Cowell has now decided the Faith hit-maker would be perfect as a panelist on his latest TV talent show venture, according to Britain's The Sun.

A source tells the publication, "Georg...

Pop star George Michael is looking forward to a fresh start following his release from jail on Monday.

The former Wham! singer walked free from Highpoint Prison in Suffolk, England after serving 27 days of an eight-week sentence for possession of marijuana and driving under the influence of drugs, stemming from an incident in July.

Speaking to reporters outside his London home on Monday afternoon, Michael said, "I just want to say thank you for everybody who has supported me in there.

"I'm coming out here on my own so that you'll realize I just want to start again."

Michael also vowed t...

George Michael has regained his freedom after he was released from prison in Suffolk, England on Monday.

The Wham! singer served 27 days of an eight-week sentence handed to him on September 14th for possession of cannabis and driving under the influence of drugs.

He was arrested in July when he was found passed out behind the wheel of his car after crashing into a storefront in north London. The star admitted smoking dope before driving.

Michael began his stint in London's tough Pentonville Prison before officials transferred him to Highpoint Prison, where he carried out the remainder...

George Michael is resigned to serving out his jail term in full - his lawyers have dropped a planned appeal against his sentence.

The former Wham! singer intended to mount a legal challenge to his eight-week prison sentence for possessing cannabis and driving under the influence of drugs.

But his legal team withdrew its application just hours ahead of a scheduled appeal and bail hearing at a court in London on Friday.

A court spokesperson said a letter from criminal defense firm Burton Copeland stated the Faith hitmaker was officially "abandoning the appeal".

Michael was caged for eight...

Mark Wahlberg has offered his support to incarcerated singer George Michael - he's praying for the troubled star during his eight-week prison stint.

The former Wham! singer was jailed on Tuesday after he pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis and driving under the influence of drugs.

Now Wahlberg, who was sentenced to two years in prison as a teenager for assault, has reached out to Michael - because he doesn't envy anyone who spends time in jail.

He says, "I was 16 when I went to prison but he's been busted a couple of times. He should get a driver or go to Amsterdam where pot is lega...

Jailed pop star George Michael has been dealt another blow - a planned re-release of his debut solo album Faith has been put on hold.

The former Wham! singer was locked up for eight weeks on Tuesday after he pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis and driving under the influence of drugs.

Following the sentence, bosses at his record label Sony agreed not to go ahead with plans to re-release his 1987 album Faith later this month.

A spokesperson tells WENN the album's release has been "rescheduled" but no new date has yet been confirmed.

Michael's prison stint stems from his arrest in Ju...

George Michael has been jailed for eight weeks for driving under the influence of drugs and possessing cannabis.

The former Wham! singer was warned last month that he faced a possible prison sentence after he admitted smoking dope before climbing behind the wheel of his Range Rover in the early hours of July 4.

He later crashed into a shopfront near his home in Hampstead, north London and was found dazed and confused in the vehicle by a passing police patrol.

Careless Whisper star Michael pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis and driving under the influence of drugs, and was sentenced...

George Michael checked himself into rehab following his car crash last month and has been undergoing drug counseling sessions ever since.

The pop superstar was arrested after smashing his Range Rover into a store front near his home in Hampstead, north London.

He appeared in court in the British capital this week and pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis and driving under the influence of drugs.

The hitmaker has now revealed he checked himself into a clinic shortly after the incident to undergo a 14-day detox program. He is now receiving outpatient treatment, which includes drug counsell...

Singer George Michael was banned from the roads on Tuesday after he admitted DUI and drug possession.

The former Wham! star was arrested last month after crashing his Range Rover into a photographic store near his home in Hampstead, north London.

A passing police patrol found the hitmaker slumped at the wheel, sweating and breathing heavily, with the vehicle's engine still running. He appeared unaware he had crashed and even tried to put the car in gear when cops arrived.

He was taken to a nearby police station, where officers found cannabis joints in his pocket. He was charged with poss...

George Michael was arrested on Sunday after he smashed his car into a shop in London, according to a report.

The Faith hit-maker was reportedly taken into police custody after his Range Rover mounted a curb and hit the front of a photography store in Hampstead, North London in the early hours of Sunday morning.

According to Britain's Daily Mirror, the singer was uninjured in the crash and waited by his vehicle for officers to arrive. He was reportedly tested for alcohol and drugs at a nearby police station and was bailed until August pending further inquiries.

A spokesperson for Scotl...

George Michael has fueled rumors he's split from longtime love Kenny Goss, after he was spotted kissing a mystery man on vacation in Australia.

The former Wham! singer spoke out to deny speculation of a split from Goss late last year, following reports the couple had parted over the star's promiscuous behavior.

Michael silenced the rumors by revealing he would be spending Christmas with Goss and his family.

However, the Faith hit-maker, who was recently touring in Australia, has sparked speculation he is no longer with his lover - he was photographed kissing a mystery man in the sea n...

George Michael is adamant he will never re-team with his Wham! band mate Andrew Ridgeley - because he is too old to relive their heyday.

The singer enjoyed his first taste of fame as one-half of the 1980s duo, who charted with hits including Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go and I'm Your Man, before going solo in the mid-1980s.

Michael is now an international gay pop icon, while Ridgeley has opted for the quiet life in Cornwall, England - and neither want to relive the past.

Michael says, "Wham! was about being young and exuberant and you can't recreate that feeling at a certain age. ...

"I totally love Christmas. I love the parties and the glitter. I'm still like a kid on Christmas morning but I also get a kick out of getting really cool gifts for my friends and family. I put a lot of effort into my Christmas shopping." Paris Hilton is a big fan of the holidays.

"It should be cold, you should be bundled up. You shouldn't be wearing a tanktop and flip flops." Actress Christina Applegate looks forward to a having a white Christmas every year.

"Scrooge was the first corporate scumbag and so, in this time where all our constructs are breaking down because of greed and se...

Movie legend Judy Garland has been named the top female gay icon of all time in a new online poll. The late Hollywood star was voted above celebrities including Kylie Minogue and Madonna, who were named second and third respectively, and another film icon, Marilyn Monroe, who came in sixth place.

Meanwhile Elton John was awarded the title for the top male gay icon in the survey by OnePoll.com.

The Rocket Man was placed above late Queen star Freddie Mercury, British actor Stephen Fry, and Faith hit-maker George Michael, as well as playwright Oscar Wilde, who rounded out the top five....

George Michael has defended his decision to cruise public toilets for gay sex - insisting it's better than approaching potential partners in a bar.

The Faith hit-maker's sexual preferences were outed in 1998 when he was arrested for engaging in a lewd act in a public lavatory in California.

In 2006 he was again accused of engaging in anonymous public sex, this time on London's Hampstead Heath, and he was arrested in the same park last year after police found drugs in his possession.

However, Michael is quick to defend his actions when cruising for sex - insisting the environment...

Singer George Michael is amused critics brand him "tragic" - insisting he sees nothing wrong with smoking crack cocaine and cruising public toilets for gay sex.

The hitmaker was arrested on London's Hampstead Heath last year after police found drugs in his possession.

Now, the star admits it was deadly crack cocaine he had on his person, but doesn't see the harm in using the dangerous narcotic sporadically.

When quizzed by the Guardian newspaper over whether he was using the drug at that time, he replies, "Was I? On that occasion, yeah."

He adds, "I've done many different things...

George Michael has lashed out at reports he has split from his partner of 13 years, Kenny Goss - insisting the pair is still very much an item.

The former Wham! singer had reportedly broken up with Goss back in December, after the art gallery owner grew tired of Michael's run-ins with police for drug use and promiscuous behavior.

According to Britain's Daily Mirror newspaper, Goss finally walked away from the relationship weeks after the singer was arrested in a men's toilet block on London's Hampstead Heath - a popular gay cruising ground.

However, the Faith hit-maker has refut...

George Michael has reportedly split with his partner Kenny Goss after 13 years. Goss is said to have walked out on the singer at Christmas, just three months after the Michael was arrested in a toilet on London's Hampstead Heath, but the pair tried to keep their relationship split a secret, according to Britain's Daily Mirror.

A source tells the publication, "Kenny had given George many chances. But after the Hampstead Heath incident he said he couldn't take any more. Everyone knew George wasn't just in there to do drugs - the place is well known as a place to pick up men. Despite Georg...

George Michael was arrested on Friday after he was involved in a car crash with a truck - just two months after he got his license back following a two-year driving ban.

The "Faith" hit-maker was reportedly quizzed by police on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs after his Land Rover collided with the vehicle in Berkshire, England.

According to a spokesperson for the Thames Valley Police, he was released without charge after five hours.

The rep says, "The driver of the Land Rover, a 46-year-old man, was arrested at the scene and taken into police custody. H...

George Michael can demand a whopping $2.2 million pay check for private party performances, according to newly published accounts.

The Careless Whisper hit-maker fuelled speculation he had quit the music industry after performing at London's Earl Court in a set of final concerts dubbed The Final Two August. However, the reclusive star needn't worry about his retirement - after the accounts from touring company Twentyfive Live reveal he could make a fortune performing private gigs for the super-rich.

The accounts show the star made a staggering $2.2 million for a 13-song set at t...

Burlesque star Dita Von Teese is to launch a music career after signing a record deal. The sultry striptease artist has already admitted to harboring acting ambitions, insisting she would love to write and star in her own movie.

And now the star is determined to tackle the charts too.

She says, "I signed a deal with Interscope in Europe."

Von Teese, who was previously married to shock rocker Marilyn Manson, has previously appeared in a string of music videos, including her former husband's 2003 hit "Mobscene".

She also featured in Green Day's "Redundant" video in 1998 an...

Each year, ordinary people across the country watch celebrities get into trouble, some of whom end up off the hook and some of whom land a trip to the slammer. Regardless of the outcome, they all stir Hollywood up and provide year-long off-screen entertainment for us. Here are the ten naughtiest celebrities of 2008, all of whom should be getting coal in their stockings this year.

Shia LaBeouf

It's sad when one remembers a celebrity from family-oriented entertainment and that person has now disobeyed the law more than once. The former Even Stevens star had his most recent run-in with ...

Lose weight. Stop being late. Get a date. 'Tis the season to make New Year's resolutions. Surveys show that people around the world view the advent of a brand new year with hope, optimism and the intent to make personal and professional improvements.

Here's a look at the top 10 New Year's resolutions made each year and the celebrities who should commit now to making changes in 2009.

1. Spend More Time With Family and Friends

We love Brad and Angelina's devotion to their brood, so we venture this suggestion with all due respect: Spend time with the six crumb-snatchers you h...

Things just keep on chugging along on "Eli Stone," despite word of the series' impending doom. This week, Eli (Jonny Lee Miller) takes some time off from wooing rich clients and/or saving the world and instead focuses on helping someone very near and dear to him, his assistant Patti (Loretta Devine). Other continuing storylines concern Jordan's (Victor Garber) disintegrating marriage and the Dowd/Taylor baby saga, the latter of which features a special appearance by Seal. So let's check in on our favorite San Franciscans (well, aside from Danny Tanner of course), shall we?

Fun at th...

Funnyman Ricky Gervais has his sights on a new target for his hit TV show Extras - Hollywood legend Al Pacino. The British comedian has convinced a string of A-list stars - including Kate Winslet, David Bowie, George Michael, and Orlando Bloom - into agreeing to appear on the program in the past.

Now he wants to land his biggest ever target, by luring the star of The Godfather onto the show for a one-off special episode on the TV series, about a struggling actor who rubs shoulders with the stars.

Gervais writes on his blog that he is penning a new episode with comedy partner Steph...

Things are somewhat back to normal in San Francisco on Eli Stone. Eli (Jonny Lee Miller) has the aneurysm (and thus the visions) once more, pretty much everyone thinks he is crazy, and the city still has a fake baseball team (seriously guys, you can't pay a little extra to use the Giants?). Alas, the fake Barry Bonds from last season is nowhere to be seen.

A new vision, new case, and new love

The episode gets started with Eli and Nate jogging through a park. Eli mentions to Nate (Matt Letscher) that he finds it strange that he hasn't had another vision since getting the aneurys...

When last we left everyone's favorite heartless lawyer turned defender of the defenseless, he had just undergone an operation to remove a dangerous aneurysm from his brain. It wasn't clear at the time whether Eli's (Jonny Lee Miller) visions also would disappear once the aneurysm was gone, as that whole "Lostish" science vs. faith argument was a major component of the show's first season. In the end, Eli hoped that with the aneurysm out of his brain, his visions would cease, and he could go back to living a normal live.

Whether or not he could go back to a normal way of life may have...

Pop star George Michael has reportedly signed a $1.7 million deal to perform at a lavish Abu Dhabi hotel next month - despite recently staging a series of "retirement" shows.

The singer performed at London's Earl Court in August in a set of final concerts dubbed The Final Two - fueling speculation he is to quit performing. However the star doesn't seem able to step away from the spotlight just yet - he has allegedly agreed to play a gig at the $ 5.3 billion Emirate Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi in November.

According to Britain's Daily Mirror newspaper, tickets to the show are expec...

Shamed pop star George Michael has reportedly been dropped from next year's Brit Awards following his recent arrest for drug possession.

The troubled singer was allegedly lined up to receive the Outstanding Contribution to Music Award at the prestigious U.K. ceremony. However Brit Award bosses are said to be searching for another candidate to honor, after Michael, 45, was arrested by police in the Hampstead Heath area of north London in September.

He was found to be in possession of class A and class C drugs - cocaine and marijuana - and was released with a caution. A source tel...