Reality TV

Before the world even knew Raquel Leviss and Tom Sandoval were a thing, he was comfortable enough to bring her home -- making the bold decision to bring her around his friends and family -- an offer his loved ones shut down ... TMZ has learned.

Check out the photo, obtained by TMZ, showing Tom and Raquel posing in front of the Apotheosis of Saint Louis in his hometown on December 29. We're told the two spent time together there ... Tom even brought her to hang out with some of his closest friends.

Our sources say Tom's family knew Raquel was with him in town, but had no interest in meeting her. We're told they thought it was inappropriate for him to bring another girl home while he was still with Ariana -- and they didn't support his seemingly new, secret relationship with Raquel.

As for his friends, our sources say Tom told them he was trying to break things off with Ariana right before the trip, and they were going to therapy together.

After the hometown visit, the two drove to Chicago for one of Tom's shows, but Raquel didn't attend out of fear she'd get recognized.

TMZ broke the story ... Tom and Raquel have continued to be an item even after the two were both roasted on the "Vanderpump Rules" reunion show. In fact, they grabbed dinner together at Musso and Frank Grill just hours after taping wrapped.

Turns out, the two were a serious thing wayyy earlier than anyone could've thought ... and the timeline just continues to get a whole lot messier.

We covered all the drama in the latest episode of The TMZ Podcast, available on all podcast platforms!

Kim Kardashian is dippin' her toes in the acting pool once again -- only this time, she isn't doing voice-over work -- she's apparently gonna appear alongside some heavy hitters in the upcoming season of "American Horror Story."

Kim dropped the bombshell news Monday morning ... posting a clip that reads, "Emma Roberts & Kim Kardashian are Delicate." It then flashes to the show's title with the iconic intro music.

Of course, 'AHS' is known for keeping the story of each season under wraps for a while, so nothing's known about her role, the connection to Emma's character, or how long KK will appear in the season ... but fans are already begging for more.

The show's honcho, Ryan Murphy, had some glowing things to say about Kim, telling THR, "Kim is among the biggest and brightest television stars in the world and we are thrilled to welcome her to the AHS family,”

It's worth mentioning this isn't Kim's first time at the rodeo -- she's appeared in several projects over the years as cameos and voiced Delores in "PAW Patrol: The Movie" in 2021 ... and will be coming back for the sequel alongside her daughter North, as we reported.

As for Emma, her comeback is HUGE for 'AHS' fans -- she first appeared in "Coven" way back in season 3, and hasn't been seen since 2019's "1984" season ... but many have been asking for her to come back for a while.

Big news for fans of Kim, Emma, and the show, but now the big question ... can Kim take a spot as the next great scream queen?

Tom Sandoval is moving on from the Scandoval -- and he's doing it by getting back onstage and singing his heart out.

The 'Vanderpump' reality star got under the spotlight this weekend with his band, The Most Extras, for 2 live gigs where the guys apparently played to packed houses. On Friday, Tom performed at a venue called the Canyon in Montclair, CA ... way out near Pomona.

On Saturday, he did it again ... only this time, him and the band went in the other direction -- again playing at a Canyon establishment, but in Agoura Hills ... which is near Calabasas.

In both instances, TS lost his shirt ... and handled microphone duties bare-chested. He wasn't shy either ... Tom was up there belting out songs like there was no tomorrow, and it sounds like the crowds were rockin' with him for the most part. All in all, pretty good vibes.

Of course, the question some might ask is ... too soon? Clearly not -- the guy was booked, so he has every right to perform ... and it doesn't sound like the cheating hurt sales either.

He's already gone to the reunion and gotten chewed out by everyone under the sun -- both on and off set -- and he's apologized for betraying Ariana Madix. At this point, though ... this saga's been going on a month-plus and there's nothing more to really say. It's over.

AM's reportedly already lined up her next act -- apparently, she's set to appear on 'DWTS' -- and Tom seems set to do the same ... playing his music and running his businesses.

Ariana Madix is using her new-found super fame to expand her brand ... apparently joining "Dancing with the Stars" in Sept., according to a new report.

"ABC is in late stage conversations with [Madix] to be a contestant to join 'DWTS' this fall" ... a show insider told Page 6.

It's a bit complicated, since "Vanderpump Rules" is on Bravo -- owned by NBC -- and 'DWTS' is on ABC, but these things get worked out all the time.

It's an interesting move .... 'DWTS' won't air until September, and the highly-anticipated reunion 'VPR' show will air months before. But ABC clearly thinks the Scandavol has legs.

Ariana has reached the status of a heroine, at least among her fellow cast. This is a huge opportunity for her ... going from bartender to, as she hopes, actress. 'DWTS' could be a gateway to her goal as she's also set to appear in a Lifetime movie.

"Jersey Shore" stars Ronnie and Sammi were in one of reality TV's most toxic relationships, one that forced her away from the cast for years ... and now the two are shockingly back under the same roof.

We got pics of Ronnie at Margaritaville Resort in Orlando Friday -- the same hotel Sammi, Snooki, The Situation, JWoww, Pauly D, Vinny and Deena are all shacked up to shoot the new season of "Jersey Shore: Family Vacation."

Ronnie's presence is surprising for a multitude of reasons, including the fact Ronnie hasn't been a full-time cast member for several years after stepping away from the show following a string of arrests and domestic violence issues with his ex-girlfriend and mother of his child, Jenn Harley.

Of course, it's also surprising to see him reuniting with everyone while Sammi is around, as she's chosen to steer clear of him for years. Sammi was the only OG cast member who did not return for 'Family Vacation' in 2018 and many speculated she only returned now because Ronnie was no longer in the picture.

It's still unclear if Ronnie and Sammi will shoot any scenes face-to-face or if they'll do parts separately with the other cast, but we do know Sammi's boyfriend is also on the trip ... so it's absolutely not a rekindling type of thing.

Ronnie and Sammi dated off and on through the first 6 seasons of "Jersey Shore" and their fights were explosive -- with furniture thrown from balconies, and one instance where Sammi punched Ronnie in the face.

Drake had a lot of people wondering if he'd accomplished the nearly impossible -- to get Kim Kardashian to pose in a promo photo with him -- and while the woman with him definitely raised some Kim comparisons, we've figured out her true identity.

Drake dropped "Search & Rescue" Friday, his latest in a whole army of singles with art that showed him and a mystery woman wearing helmets complete with face guards.

Fans were quick to notice a similarity between the woman's features and Kim Kardashian's. While it seemed like a stretch for Kim K to be in the pics, Drake also sampled Kim's voice in the song ... so people thought it was possible.

However, we've learned the mystery woman is Lilah, an artist who has gotten major props from OVO in the past.

Jimmy Buffett, meet "Jersey Shore" ... the MTV reality stars are descending on the singer's Margaritaville resort, with a film crew in tow.

TMZ obtained these photos of 'JS' stars Vinny Guadagnino, Sammi 'Sweetheart' Giancola and Deena Cortese in the lobby of the Margaritaville Resort and Spa in Orlando this week ... and it looks like this is the latest stop on their 'Family Vacation.'

As you can see, camera crews are capturing the Guidos' every move ... and the cast has matching pink shirts that say "Family Fun Trip."

Folks who are staying on the property tell us MTV camera crews have been filming all over the resort ... with the 'JS' cast even renting out a pool for a private party.

There's also video floating around social media showing Pauly D walking through the pool area with Vinny, Sammi and Deena ... but so far there's been no sign of JWoww, Snooki or The Situation.

Florida's been the setting for a lot of filming for the upcoming season ... we previously saw the cast out to dinner in Celebration, FL, shooting a scene at a restaurant.

Kim Kardashian and North West's popular TikTok page has seemingly disappeared, and while it may only be temporary, there's also a chance it could be gone for good ... TMZ has learned.

Fans were stunned to see a message reading, "Couldn't find this account" when they tried to visit the page Thursday. However, a family source shed a little more light on what happened, telling us this was a decision made by North ... she just wants to try something new.

The source says, "North has been more interested in focusing her creativity in other areas lately and is taking a break from TikTok. Like most kids, interests change often, so she may be back on as early as tomorrow — or never again."

Of course, North was just as much (if not more) of a driving factor behind the account than Kim, so it makes sense to shut down if she's not feeling it.

Kim recently took her kids on a trip to Japan, so maybe it's possible North found some new creative inspiration abroad ... and decided to ditch the app.

The @kimandnorth account has not only racked up millions of followers since its launch, it's also been a spot for big-time celeb guest appearances ... including most recently Ice Spice.

Tom Sandoval's affair with Raquel Leviss has moved into the "love" category ... at least, according to his friend and business partner Tom Schwartz, who's spilling a TON of tea about the Scandoval.

Schwartz finally opened up about the messy relationship drama Wednesday night on "Watch What Happens Live" ... telling Andy Cohen he knew the 2 hooked up way back in August, but thought it was a one-time thing.

That is, until January when Sandoval dropped the L-bomb on Schwartz.

He says his buddy admitted he was in love with Raquel -- something Schwartz was mostly shocked by, but not completely ... adding their "emotional affair" was sort of an "open secret."

Fans have been wondering why Schwartz didn't fill in his friend Ariana Madix about the sneaking around, and he answers that question, too -- putting the blame squarely on Sandoval.

TMZ broke the story, Sandoval and Ariana split last month after she found explicit messages on his phone, and it's been a whirlwind of drama ever since.

The "Vanderpump Rules" cast filmed a reunion where we're told things got heated ... and fans everywhere are dying to see it all unfold.

As we reported, Schwartz was pretty quiet for a while but spoke out for the first time last month ... remaining firmly on the fence in the fallout between his friends.

Sandoval shared some of his thoughts last week, BTW.

He kept things pretty vague, but noted his businesses with Schwartz have definitely taken a hit in response to the scandal.

Here's Sammi 'Sweetheart' Giancola filming with her "Jersey Shore" castmates ... the first time we've seen her back together with the group since her surprise return.

Sammi looks right at home in video obtained by TMZ ... getting back on the horse with Vinny, JWoww, Pauly D, Angelina, Deena and The Situation for the upcoming season of 'Family Vacation.'

Folks who were there tell us the cast was shooting scenes Tuesday night at Reggiano's restaurant in Celebration, Florida ... and the only one who seems to be missing was Snooki.

As you see, it appears to be a couple's outing for a birthday party ... complete with cake, candles and significant others -- unclear whose birthday it was.

It's interesting ... Sammi's date is a tattooed hunk with a striking resemblance to her reality TV ex, Ronnie Ortiz-Magro.

Remember ... Sammi and Ronnie have an extremely rocky history, and there's speculation she's finally back on the show in large part due to Ronnie moving on from the 'JS' life.

Sammi's return is a huge deal for fans of the MTV show, and it looks like she's happy to be back in the fold.

Jen Shah isn't lettin' prison bars keep her out of showbiz -- she's developing a stage play similar to her 'Housewives' Bravo series, and some of her fellow inmates are all-in too!

Yeah, if you were wondering what the 'RHOSLC' star's been up to at the Federal Prison Camp in Bryan, TX -- Jen's manager, Chris Giovanni, tells us she's working on a production aptly titled "The Real Housewives of Bryan."

Chris says it's still in the early phases, as Jen's taking time to teach some of her crew how to read and write. Regardless, we're told the script revolves around the real-life housewives residing at FPC Bryan ... but the personalities are cranked up to 11.

Aside from her directorial debut, Jen's been making strong friendships ... even mentoring other ladies and keeping them encouraged during their sentences. Chris says she's been working in the prison's educational department and the library since going in almost two months ago.

We're told she's lost about 15 pounds, and has been working out daily -- she's also not eating much. Shocker, she doesn't find the food all that good.

Chris adds ... Jen hasn't lost touch with her faith. It's currently Ramadan and Jen and about five other ladies in her unit are fasting and praying daily.

TMZ broke the story ... Jen surrendered herself to FPC Bryan in February to begin serving her 6.5-year sentence (which has reportedly been reduced by a year according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ inmate database) after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

Khloe Kardashian and Tristan Thompson clearly had a hankerin' for the golden arches ... hitting the McDonald's drive-thru to pick up a bunch of grub.

Tristan and Khloe pulled up to the fast food joint Tuesday in Rialto, CA -- unclear what their whole order was, but eyewitnesses say it was a LOT of food.

We're told they did get some happy meals as part of their big order, so it's possible their kiddos True and new baby boy were in tow ... or at least waiting for the goodies at home.

KK and TT have been together quite a bit recently -- she was right by his side earlier this year when his mom died after suffering a heart attack. They both were spotted landing in Toronto, with Khloe being there to comfort him during his loss.

Tristan also showed face at Khloe's BFF Malika's birthday party, an event that most of the Kardashian sisters attended.

She also posted a super heart-warming birthday message about him last month, calling him "the best father, brother & uncle."

Looks like things are going well ... and we're lovin' it!

It's no secret Kim Kardashian has a crazy-expensive collection of cars, but to see them all in one shot is a pretty insane visual ... given their price tags totaling a couple million dollars.

Check out the fleet -- Kim's got her Hidden Hills driveway lined with 8 beautiful whips, including 2 versions of the Range Rover Autobiography and a 2022 Rolls-Royce Ghost.

She's also got a 2023 Cadillac Escalade, a 2022 Maybach, and a 2022 Lamborghini Urus Mansory. Altogether, her rides are worth at least an estimated $2.1 mil. And if ya couldn't tell, grey is KK's color of choice when it comes to what she rolls around in.

Looks like she's also getting some landscape work done while she travels -- with some machines moving dirt around the front of her property.

Kelsea Ballerini doesn't regret her groundbreaking performance alongside drag queens on national television, and it definitely wasn't a surprise to showrunners ... TMZ has learned.

Sources with direct knowledge tell us ... the backlash Kelsea's getting for Sunday's CMT Music Awards moment -- having four "RuPaul’s Drag Race" queens come on stage during one of her performances -- is falling on deaf ears ... 'cause she doesn't regret it one bit.

We're told Kelsea fully stands by her decision to feature the drag queens ... which some folks in conservative circles have gone ballistic over -- accusing CMT of going woke.

FWIW, the drag queens' appearance was fully planned. Production sources tell TMZ ... both CMT and CBS were extremely supportive of the cameo and knew about it from the get-go ... we're also told they'd been part of rehearsals since Friday.

One of the drag queens, Manila Luzon, says it was actually Kelsea's idea to involve them -- and she did so cause she's an ally. Manila says the drag queens were super happy with how things went and appreciate the network heads for giving them a platform in front of a new type of audience.

ML adds ... country music is moving forward with the rest of the world. The performance was a celebration of love and a celebration of artistry.

Todd Chrisley is in a great place during his prison stint -- and we don't just mean a jail cell ... apparently, he's quite the social butterfly, according to one of his daughters.

Lindsie Chrisley made the revelations about her old man in a new episode of PodcastOne's 'Southern Tea,' and says not only does Todd look really good with longer, grayer hair ... but she says his spirits are up too.

In the snippet People obtained, LC adds ... "He is really just embracing the process there and making the best of the process there with the people that are also there serving time with him."

There's more ... Lindsie says he's made "great friends" in the pokey, and he's probably in such a great mood because "reform has happened," and that "more reform is coming."

Unclear when last Lindsie went to see Todd in person, but it sounds like she visits regularly. He's serving out his 12-year sentence in a federal prison in Florida, while his wife Julie is doing her time at a facility in Kentucky. The family is usually based in Georgia.

As we reported ... the couple was convicted in their bank fraud and tax evasion case, which had been ongoing for years.

Kris Jenner and Khloe Kardashian are one step closer to being next-door neighbors -- because it looks like their swanky side-by-side mansions are practically complete.

Check out the overhead views of this Hidden Hills, CA compounds they've built ... Kris' pad is the dark-colored one, while Khloe is moving into the lighter building.

Interesting to note -- there isn't so much as a white picket fence separating their homes, and they have shared driveway space ... so, privacy is out the window!

Two peas in a pod would be an understatement for the mother-daughter duo.

We've seen this huge plot of land get built up for roughly 2 years now ... as we reported, construction was underway in April of 2021, with nothin' but a bunch of dirt surrounding the future homes.

We were told Khloe got the better end of the housing deal, though ... because hers is 18K square feet, while Kris got the 17K square foot place. Sorry, momager!