See what we’re chatting about over vanilla lattes:
• Taye Diggs will co-star in TNT’s new pilot Murder in the First. Diggs joins his former Private Practice co-star Kathleen Robertson in the crime drama. Diggs and Robertson play detectives working to solve unusual murder cases. While their work lives seem to be difficult, their personal lives at home prove to be even worse. Digg’s wife on the show suffers from a terminal illness, while Robertson plays a single mother. There’s no word on when TNT will decide to either keep or reject the show. [Hollywood Reporter]
• Actress Rochelle Aytes has been cast as Pebbles in the new TLC biopic, according to a press release. That’s the latest casting news from the much talked about film already co-starring Lil Mama as Lisa “Left Eye” Lopez, Keke Palmer as Chilli and Drew Sidora as T-Boz. Filming for the biopic is expected to begin sometime this month.
• American Idol judge Nicki Minaj isn’t too happy with the nation’s decision to vote off singer Curtis Finch Jr. After he was sent to the bottom two, Minaj threatened to walk off the set if he was sent home. In true diva fashion, she got up and walked away when Curtis’ name was called for final elimination. Minaj returned about 10 seconds later and began to pout at the judges’ panel. [Hollywood Reporter]
• Oprah Winfrey was named Forbes’ most influential celebrity with a 48% ranking. Voters labeled her most notable attribute as “compassionate.” Director Steven Spielberg came in with a 47% ranking with his most notable attribute being “interesting.” Other top celebs that made the cut include Barbara Walters, Suze Orman and Clint Eastwood. [Entertainment Weekly]