LOS ANGELES (LALATE) – Lady Gaga copied Annie Lennox? That was the assertion made by Kelly Osbourne after Lady Gaga appeared in drag as Joe Calderone for the 2011 MTV VMAs. Kelly Obsourne made her Lennox Gaga assertion via Twitter, posting a link to the 1984 Grammy Awards (video below), clearly a generation earlier. But did Gaga rip Lennox?

Lady Gaga as Joe Calderone appeared in a black dress suit and white t-shirt. Lennox as a male appeared in virtually the same type of suit, but used a black dress shirt and a man’s tie. The two both used similar hair styles, drenched in black Grease-like styling.

Gaga received raves for her appearance on the 2011 MTV VMAs this weekend. But Osbourne said of the performance “I wish she would start giving credit where credit is due!” Osbourne has yet to explain what she is referring to when she states “start giving”, suggesting that Gaga has copied before.

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For Christina Aguilera fans, today’s controversy might seem ironic. Gaga handlers first drew attention to the singer by claiming that Aguilera stole Gaga’s styling. Since then, Gaga has been accused of stealing Madonna’s Express Yourself for her song Born This Way. Bette Midler also recently accused Gaga of stealing her mermaid in a wheelchair stage routine.

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n March 2010, Stefani Germanotta was sued by Rob Fusari who claimed Stefani Germanotta changed her music from rock to dance beats because of him. Then Yana Morgana, mother of deceased Lina Morgana, claimed her daughter’s stage act was ripped by the Germanotta from Morgana.

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LOS ANGELES (LALATE) – Flipping Out is not growing substantially in overall ratings for the season compared to its exponential growth last season. When Flipping Out season 4 concluded, Nielsen Media Research reported to news that the Jeff Lewis series had increased substantially in ratings since season three. This season, however, has not experienced substantial ratings growth. But it has experienced a series of dramatic cast changes which have displeased viewers.

Flipping Out fans applauded when Bravo confirmed Jeff Lewis and Co were returning for their fifth season. Producers proudly told news at the time that, last season, “the fourth season of “Flipping Out” was its highest rated ever in total viewers, averaging 1.49 million total viewers.” In fact, last season experienced “double digits [growth in the ratings] from season three.”

This season, there definitely hasn’t been any double digits ratings growth overall for Jeff Lewis amid the addition of his boyfriend Gage Edward, firings of two staffers, and depiction of client Stacey Farish.

While Nielsen reported an average of 1.49 million viewers per episode last season, Flipping Out hasn’t surpassed that that mark substantially in recent episodes, according to recently released ratings numbers from August 24 and August 17. However, Bravo reports that the 18-49 demographic is increasing. On August 10, Bravo claimed that a recent episode drew 991,000 viewers in the key adult 18-49 demo, “which is a series high for everyone’s favorite house flipper.”

It remains unclear what has prompted overall ratings for Flipping Out to not increase this season. But online reaction has been exceptionally negative about Stacey Farish and Gage Edward.

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One viewer recently wrote “Even Zoila got it right and told Gage he was the “silent enemy”. Gage toils behind the scenes to get someone fired, then when Lewis fires them, Gage acts like he doesn’t know why or what. Sneaky and two faced.”

Another added “I really don’t care for Gage. I’m sure we’ll hear from Jeff that it was the editing that made many people dislike Gage. However, I doubt that.”

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Most viewers have complained that the charming, hilarious nuisances of Jeff Lewis have been lost in the show’s distinct changes this season. While cameras allowed Jeff and Jenni Pulos to inspire and entertain us in previous seasons, this season those cameras are more focused on Gage Edward, Stacey Farish, and others.

Is Flipping Out losing its charm or are producers losing focus? “Flipping Out is losing its edge and charm” wrote one recent viewer. “Lewis use to have some heart hiding beneath all of his ratings but now with Edward in his life it’s all gone. The show has run its course.” What do you think? What changes would you change to the show?

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LOS ANGELES (LALATE) – Is Dog the Bounty Hunter Season 9, debuting this fall on A&E, heading to Los Angeles for new fugitives and fans? Dog the Bounty Hunter will kick off a new ninth season this fall, A&E recently told news. But is the series heading to Los Angeles for at least one hunt this upcoming season?

In October 2010, Dog (Duane Chapman) informed news he was on a hunt in Los Angeles when he got injured. Dog would not confirm if the hunt was for the upcoming season of Bounty Hunter. Beth Chapman had to rush Dog to Los Angeles’ UCLA Medical Center.

Beth told news at the time “He was admitted for tests for a possible blood clot following an injury he suffered on a bounty hunt. Duane is in very capable hands and we thank everyone for their prayers.”

Dog was ultimately fine and released. Beth added “Yes Dog is injured it is an occupational hazard that we deal with he is very strong and in excellent condition he will 4 sure survive.”

In a newly posted picture to Facebook, son Duane Lee shows himself, Leland and baby Lyssa in full gear in a recognizable section of downtown Los Angeles. In the background is the Los Angeles Metro Rapid Transit (red bus), on the right is an Los Angeles city street sign.

Also returning this fall to A&E are Billy the Exterminator and Intervention. (Of note, the A&E news release lists the upcoming season as “season 9″, not 8, for Dog the Bounty Hunter.)

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CORAL GABLES (LALATE) – Shakira took time off her Tour of Mexico to enter the unofficial La Copa del Burro 2011. Shakira reveals to fans this week that she has an additional skill previously not disclosed: donkey riding. In entering what the hit maker dubbed “la copa”, Shakira proved she not only can entertain others but also her staff.

“I want to see the promoter of this race” she reveals this week. Shakira was concerned about getting injured for the remainder of her tour. “I don’t want to be thrown to the floor, I have three concerts left.”

Shakira told fans “I’m going to win the donkey cup!….We are going to ride some donkeys.” But moments later she exclaimed “ouch, he is going to bite me.”

After Shakira “qualified” for the finals, news asked her about her experience. “How does it feel riding the donkey?” asked the reporter. The singer responded “well, you should ask the donkey.”

Shakira ultimately didn’t reveal to fans who became the campeón of her first donkey cup. But considering sixteen thousand fans have applauded the video in just last four hours alone today, Shakira is definitely every fan’s winner.

Shakira is currently on the Sun Comes Out World Tour. The tour made news last year, grossing $16 million from twenty-three dates in just two months. For the current year, the tour is again making news, producing reportedly $40 million so far.

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LOS ANGELES (LALATE) – Jessica Simpson is launching a jewelry line with Zales. The Jessica Simpson jewelry line will feature the Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend collection. The collection will launch this October, the singer tells news. Simpson specifically designed products that will sell across a wide range of consumers, with items starting at $66.

Simpson’s deal with Zales marks her twenty-second retail category. From a rose gold butterfly pendant to stunning earnings, the collection will feature pendants, earrings, rings, bracelets and bangles, the singer tells WWD. Simpson will reportedly be working with gold, silver and diamonds.

Simpson has increased her products each year. Simpson inks individual deals for individual products. Terms of those deals, including Simpson’s take, are never publicly revealed.

But with her company’s 2010 expected annual sales close to $750 million, Simpson is believed to be earning, individually, in excess of $100 million annually. For her own engagement ring, Simpson chose a stunning Neil Lane creation reportedly worth in excess of $200,000.

Simpson told fans today “Have you heard? … [I’m launching a fine jewelry line with Zales! ” Simpson next appears on the NBC reality show “Fashion Star”.

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