Randy Jackson exits ‘American Idol’

    “American Idol” judge and mentor Randy Jackson is leaving the Fox TV singing competition after 13 seasons, the network said on November 11.

    Music producer Jackson, 58, was one of the show’s original three judges along with Paula Abdul, who departed the show in 2009, and Simon Cowell, who left in 2010. Jackson left the judges’ panel after 12 seasons, but continued as a mentor on the 13th season this year.

    Tarantino plans retirement

    Director Quentin Tarantino has revealed he plans to retire after completing his 10th film, saying he likes the idea of leaving audiences “wanting a bit more.”

    He told an American Film Market audience in Santa Monica, “I don’t believe you should stay onstage until people are begging you to get off.”

    The director was speaking at an event to promote his current project, western “The Hateful Eight.”

    Britney Spears dates Charlie Ebersol

    Britney Spears has a new man in her life.

    E! News confirms that the 32-year-old pop star is dating producer and writer Charlie Ebersol, the son of veteran TV producer and executive Dick Ebersol.

    “They met through friends,” a source tells E! News of Spears and Ebersol. “He is the sweetest guy ever and they are very much enjoying getting to know one another. They are both very happy and having fun.”

    Stars gather to record single for Ebola

    Boy band One Direction and U2 lead singer Bono joined some of the biggest names in British pop and rock music on November 15 to record a new version of the Band Aid charity song to raise money to combat* Ebola in Africa.

    The single “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” has been given a makeover*, with words to the original version, which he co-wrote with Midge Ure, changed to reflect the current crisis.

    (SD-Agencies)