Awards / Awards Shows

Taylor Swift may be locked and loaded to go after Scooter Braun Sunday at the AMAs, but we've learned she'll be talking to an empty chair because Scooter will be thousands of miles away.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... Scooter's not scared of what Taylor might do ... fact is, he never planned on showing up for the show. He'll be in Tampa, Florida supporting one of his artists who's performing there ... in case you're not familiar, her name is Ariana Grande.

As we first told you ... Scooter's getting death threats from loyal Taylor fans in the wake of their idol claiming Scooter and other Big Machine honchos were holding her first 6 albums hostage.

Our sources say Taylor -- who's getting an award for Artist of the Decade -- plans to weave her anger toward Scooter and Big Machine into her acceptance speech, but there won't be awkward cutaways of Scooter, and that kind of deflates the balloon.

And, there's more intrigue ... Ariana and Taylor are both nominated for Artist of the Year and Favorite Female Artist Pop/Rock at the AMAs. It'll be interesting if Ariana wins since she's squarely in Scooter's corner.

The speeches could be super entertaining.

Taylor Swift's battle with her old record label, Big Machine, over her performance at the AMAs should be over, but it's not, and the big question ... why is she still reluctant to sing her old songs?

Taylor has been angry at Big Machine and Scooter Braun over ownership of the masters of her first 6 albums. She claimed last week BM was withholding permission for her to sing her old hits, but the label fired back saying she can perform anything she wants during a live broadcast.

Our Taylor sources said that wasn't enough because Dick Clark Productions -- which produces the AMAs and rebroadcasts/repurposes the show -- has to get permission from BM. Then on Monday, BM announced it worked out a licensing deal with Dick Clark Productions so Taylor could sing all her old songs.

Taylor's people then complained that there couldn't be an agreement without notifying her camp in writing of the licensing agreement. That was done Monday, so all should be good. But, it's not.

Now, we're told Taylor may not have enough time to incorporate the old songs in her performance, because such rehearsals take at least a month. Here's the issue ... she told her fans last Thursday she had been planning to perform her old songs, so if she was planning to, you would think she would have rehearsed with them.

On top of that, we're told Taylor wasn't rehearsing in L.A. this past weekend ... she was at her apartment in London so it would seem she's locked and loaded.

So the question ... will you hear "Shake It Off" at the AMAs? The jury is out, but we're not betting on it.

Taylor Swift can perform "Shake It Off" and any of her other early hits at the AMAs this Sunday ... because she's gotten the all-clear from both Big Machine and Dick Clark Productions.

DCP and BM say, "The Big Machine Label Group and Dick Clark Productions announce that they have come to terms on a licensing agreement that approves their artists' performances to stream post show and for re-broadcast on mutually approved platforms."

They go on to say ... "This includes the upcoming American Music Awards performances. It should be noted that recording artists do not need label approval for live performances on television or any other live media."

As we reported, Taylor said she was being blocked by Big Machine -- the label she signed with when she started out and recorded her first 6 albums -- from performing her early hits.  It was always clear she could perform these songs in a live broadcast, but the issue was what happens to the AMA show after it airs on TV. Now, DCP and BM have made it clear ... the subsequent re-broadcasts are within the scope of a live performance.

Taylor has not yet responded.

Taylor Swift has been complaining she's been blocked from performing her early hits during the AMAs because of her old label, Big Machine, but the label tells us she's dead wrong ... Taylor can perform her entire catalog if she wants.

A Big Machine exec tells TMZ, "Taylor Swift can 100% perform all of her catalog, past and present, on the AMAs." The official adds, BM has no issue with her performance going out on the live broadcast, because it recognizes it doesn't have the right to block her. The official says, "Our confusion with her statement is that we have no legal right to stop this and have never tried. She and her team both know this."

Fact is ... Big Machine is correct. Labels can't block artists from performing any songs -- theirs or others -- live, and since the AMAs are airing live ... have at it, Taylor.

BTW ... it's interesting. Taylor performed "Shake it Off" -- a song from her Big Machine catalog -- live on "Good Morning America" on August 22.

The Big Machine exec says, "We are excited for all her fans, as all of the confusion has now been cleared up, and we now welcome Taylor to perform all of her hits on the AMAs."

Taylor Swift's claim Scooter Braun and Scott Borchetta from Big Machine are blocking her from performing her own songs at the AMAs is a complete fabrication ... according to the record label, which thinks she made a calculated move to harm its people.

Big Machine says it was shocked to see Taylor's comments Thursday, and denies ever saying she could not perform at the awards show or blocking her Netflix special. It adds ... "In fact, we do not have the right to keep her from performing live anywhere."

To be fair, Swift never said BM was keeping her from performing ... she specifically stated it was keeping her from performing her own songs, and using her own songs and performance footage in the Netflix documentary.

Big Machine also claims Taylor's admitted to owing the company millions of dollars and it says it was optimistic the 2 sides were working toward resolving the issue ... but then she bailed.

Instead, BM says "Taylor made a unilateral decision last night to enlist her fanbase in a calculated manner that greatly affects the safety of our employees and their families.

The label adds ... "Taylor, the narrative you have created does not exist."

Taylor's spokeswoman says "Big Machine is trying to deflect and make this about money by saying she owes them, but an independent, professional auditor has determined that Big Machine owes Taylor $7.9 million of unpaid royalties over several years."

Despite Big Machine's denial, Swift's friend, Selena Gomez, has her back 100 percent. Selena says she's "sick and extremely angry" over the situation, and accuses the label of "greed, manipulation and power."

Gomez says of BM ... "You've robbed and crushed one of our best song writers of our time an opportunity to celebrate all of her music with fans and the world." She goes on to praise Swift's character, talent and strength ... and says she knows Taylor will not stop fighting.

Halsey echoes many of the same thoughts, accusing BM of making an awful business move and being mean and vindictive. She says the label is banking on people not sticking up for Taylor ... but says it's "barking up the wrong tree."

Just when you thought Taylor Swift's beef with Scooter Braun and Scott Borchetta from Big Machine couldn't get any more bitter ... she now says they're blocking her from performing her own songs at the upcoming American Music Awards ... but sources connected to Big Machine tell TMZ they have tried to reach a compromise with Taylor, but she's rejected everything and is out for blood.

Taylor says she planned to do a medley of her hits throughout the decade at the AMAs -- which is presenting her with the Artist of the Decade Award -- but says Scooter and Scott claim that would be rerecording her music ... something she's not allowed to do until November 2020, because Big Machine owns the masters.

On top of that, Swift revealed Netflix is making a documentary about her life, but she says Scooter and Scott have declined the use of her older music and performance footage for that project too ... UNLESS she bows down to their demands.

Our Big Machine sources say Taylor has admitted she owes the label more than $7 million and hasn't paid for more than a year. The sources add she also owes BM masters and video content. The sources say Scott and Scooter have extended an olive branch to Taylor, asking her to sit down with them and try to bury the hatchet, but she flatly refused, threatening if they didn't give her exactly what she wanted she'd go public and tell people to attack Big Machine as well as Scott and Scooter.

Taylor says BM demanded she NOT rerecord copycat versions of her songs next year like she's planning ... and to stop talking about them. Or as she puts is ... "be a good little girl and shut up. Or you'll be punished."

Swift says she's at wit's end and doesn't know what else to do, so she's asking her fans to speak out and let Scooter and Scott know how they feel about this.

Ultimately, she says she hopes other artists Scooter manages "can talk some sense into the men who are exercising tyrannical control over someone who just wants to play the music she wrote."

Our Big Machine sources say Taylor's lawyer told them he couldn't contain what she does or what she says publicly about them.

Hollywood and Anytown, USA collided for the 53rd annual CMA Awards ... and they blended perfectly.

Gigi Hadid, Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman were on hand Wednesday night at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. Gigi hung out with Kacey Musgraves, who performed with Willie Nelson. Kacey also brought home some hardware as Female Vocalist of the Year and for Music Video of the Year for her song "Rainbow" off her "Golden Hour" album.

Gwen Stefani was arm in arm with Blake Shelton, who won Single of the Year with "God's Country." Lil Nas X also attended ... and he, along with Billy Ray Cyrus, won Music Event of the Year with the smash hit "Old Town Road."

Reese also announced the winner for Entertainer of the Year ... with Garth Brooks beating out Carrie Underwood, Eric Church, Chris Stapleton and Nicole's hubby, Keith Urban.

Kevin Hart's getting back on his feet ... and he's got the support of Hollywood behind him.

Kevin made his first public appearance since his scary car wreck more than 2 months ago, to accept the Comedy Act Award at the E! People's Choice Awards Sunday night for his Netflix special, 'Irresponsible.'

The crowd gave Hart a standing ovation as he came out, and Robert Downey Jr. handed him the award.

Kevin said ... "First and foremost, man, thank God because I definitely don't have to be here." He went on to say he appreciates life more now after his accident, especially the things that really matter -- like his wife and kids.

Hart also thanked the people for their energy and support during his difficult time, saying ... "You have no idea the effect you have on us as entertainers."

As you know, Kevin was involved in a single-car crash on September 1 with 2 other people, and suffered serious injuries along with the driver. Hart's 3 spinal fractures required serious rehab and physical therapy ... which he recently updated his fans about.

Lady Gaga's dress from the 2019 Golden Globes is headed to auction ... but turns out, it could be a case of stolen goods.

A maid at the Beverly Hilton found the dress Lady Gaga wore to the 2019 Golden Globes, where she won an award for her work in "A Star is Born," while cleaning the celeb's room after the show.

Lady Gaga left the gown behind, and we're told the maid claimed she took it to lost and found where it sat until the hotel honchos gave it to the maid -- finder's keepers and all that. And, now the maid's trying to cash in by auctioning it off.

Here's the thing. Our Gaga sources say #1 -- the dress didn't belong to Gaga. It's a Valentino that was loaned to her for the event. We're told Valentino believes someone outright stole the dress and has either gone to police or plans to go to cops.

As you can see, Gaga's dress is a beautiful Valentino Haute Couture periwinkle blue gown ... designed specifically for Lady Gaga with cascading silk faille and a 10-foot train -- an homage to the dress worn by Judy Garland in the 1954 version of "A Star is Born."

The dress comes with a note from the maid ... explaining how the gown came into her possession. She says she's been employed by The Beverly Hilton for 24 years, and always works the Golden Globes.

Gaga's dress is going up for sale on Halloween via Nate D. Sanders Auctions, and bidding opens at $8,000 ... that is, unless the auctioneer gets cold feet given what we've found out.

The 2019 BET Hip Hop Awards are proof "Hot Girl Summer" is far from over ... because some of the sexiest celebs in the industry showed up to rub elbows with rising star Megan Thee Stallion.

Check out the pics from behind the scenes ... Lil Kim turned heads with her pink hair and huge fur coat, and Megan naturally drew a crowd.

The awards show returned to Atlanta -- after a brief hiatus in Miami -- for last weekend's taping ... and Quavo made sure to show out in his hometown, dripping with ice and hanging with Rick Ross. Talk about some BAWSES!!!

The musical performances were fire too ... MTS opened the show with her smash hit, "Hot Girl Summer," twerking on the top deck of the S.S. Hot Girl before being joined on stage by DaBaby.

Christina Aguilera got emotional talking about her experience with domestic violence ... and hailed a women's shelter as heroic for the work it does to help survivors like her.

The singer was accepting a "Community Hero" award Thursday in Las Vegas at a gala for The Shade Tree Shelter, but she paid tribute right back to the organization ... as she shared her personal account of escaping domestic abuse growing up.

Christina told the audience if it wasn't for her loving grandmother, she would have ended up needing a place and a resource like The Shade Tree -- which provides safe shelter to homeless and abused women and children in crisis.

And, the Oscar goes to ... KLAY THOMPSON?!?!? (Hey, Kobe Bryant did it).

The Golden State Warriors superstar is kick-starting his campaign for Academy Award consideration for his breakout performance as Klay Thompson in "Space Jam 2" ... saying he's trying to add to his trophy case!!!

Now that filming wrapped up ... Klay was joking with the media about launching his official Oscars campaign! It's pretty funny.

“It’s all done ... your boy is going for the Oscar nod,” Thompson joked to NBC Sports Bay Area's "Warriors Outsiders."

“Supporting?! Best animated series!? I don’t know.”

Obviously, Klay ain't got a snowball's chance in hell ... but dude SHOULD be recognized for fighting through the pain of an ACL surgery to be on the set to shoot his scenes.

Remember, Thompson injured himself during the NBA Finals and went under the knife just days before filming started.

But, despite being in serious pain, Klay limped onto the set with crutches to shoot with LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Dame Lillard and more.

Hey, some actors postpone production when they a get a slight cold!!!

Bella Thorne is bringing home some hardware courtesy of Pornhub, which is honoring her for her debut in the adult industry ... as a director.

Pornhub honchos tell TMZ ... Bella is being recognized for her directing work on an adult film entitled, "Her & Him" ... and she'll receive the award next month at the 2nd Annual Pornhub Awards Show.

Bella's first foray into XXX directing features porn stars Abella Danger and Small Hands doing the dirty. The film's plot (yes, porn has those too) is about a guy who stumbles upon a surprise text in his girlfriend's phone ... which, SHOCKER, leads to a sexually charged encounter.

Interestingly, the porno includes music from Bella's ex, Mod Sun. Obviously, the collab went down before the former couple's nasty breakup.

Jeff Bezos has the fortune and Farrah Abraham has ... a plan for how to spend that fortune -- and she shot her shot face-to-face with him in the middle of the Emmy Awards.

The Amazon honcho -- whose shows "Fleabag" and 'Marvelous Mrs. Maisel' had big nights -- topped off his award-winning by stopping and posing with the ex-'Teen Mom' star. This was definitely the highlight of the Emmys ... for one of these two.

Farrah captioned the pic with a plea to land a role in an Amazon project of Jeff's choice. She also said, "Let's do a deal for my bio pic." Stranger things have happened. Right?

Hours earlier, Jeff was hanging with the other woman in his life -- GF Lauren Sanchez -- at her beachfront home in Santa Monica.

They were totally twinning in white tops and blue jeans as they enjoyed the view and their morning coffee.

Unclear if she was with Jeff at the Emmys. We're guessing Farrah's moment with the world's richest man wouldn't have happened on Lauren's watch!

BTW, Jeff had another fun moment with 'Mrs. Maisel' star Alex Borstein -- who won the Best Supporting Actress in a comedy series. Alex posted her pre-Emmys text exchange with Bezos.

Bezos was down to clown around with Alex about exchanging some dog food she purchased through Amazon.

Prime humor.

Originally Published -- 8:54 AM PT 

Felicity Huffman got caught in the Emmys' crosshairs with a not-so-subtle shot at the former winner and TV darling that invoked her prison sentence.

Emmys commentator Thomas Lennon made the jab after RuPaul took home the prize for Outstanding Reality-Competition Program. He noted the show producers had asked him to make a special shout-out to any ex-Emmy-winning actresses who might be watching from prison.

He didn't say Felicity's name, but it was obvious he was talking about her ... as he followed up with, "Hopefully those two weeks are going to fly right by."

Lennon added, "Keep your chin up" as he carried a big smirk on his face. Of course, Felicity won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy for her role in "Desperate Housewives" back in 2005. She's been nominated for Emmys several other times as well.

As we reported ... Felicity was sentenced to 14 days behind bars -- among other penalties -- for her role in the college bribery scandal, to which she pled guilty.

She seems to have gotten a jump on her community service, which might be an attempt to show good faith to the judge ... who has the power to send her to the facility she wants -- a cozy-ish place up in the Bay Area that allows tanning and whatnot.

Felicity starred in a show that's up for quite a few Emmys Sunday -- Netflix's "When They See Us" -- but she wasn't nominated for her role as Linda Fairstein.

The 2019 Emmys are in full swing -- and there is quite a variety of famous faces to soak in from behind the scenes ... a testament to where entertainment's headed, perhaps?

There was a very mixed bag of stars on hand Sunday at the Microsoft Theater in L.A. to smile for the camera, congratulate one another and if they were lucky enough ... give an acceptance speech. Just a handful of the celebs who were there Kim K and Kendall Jenner, Anthony Anderson and Regina King, Alfie Allen, Kerry Washington, Taraji Henson, Bill Hader, Jane Lynch, Michelle Williams, Amy Adams, Olivia Colman, Don Cheadle, Patricia Arquette, and others.

It's interesting ... it feels like TV has sorta overtaken the star power and glam of movies, with a bunch of A-list actors having migrated over lately. Watching the Emmys is almost like watching the Oscars these days -- and, apparently, it carries just as much weight.

That much is clear by how happy some of these fine people look to be walking away with a statuette. As we've said before ... the time a changin'.