· Nothing says deceased musical icon like the posthumous album, and so the Dec. 14 release of Michael, the new album from Michael Jackson should be expected. But is that actually MJ's voice on the recently released track, "Breaking News"? Yes, says Howard Weitzman, the lawyer for Jackson's estate. Don't just take his word for it, though:
"Six of Michael's former producers and engineers who had worked with Michael over the past 30 years -- Bruce Swedien, Matt Forger, Stewart Brawley, Michael Prince, Dr. Freeze and Teddy Riley -- were all invited to a listening session to hear the raw vocals of the tracks in question. All of these people listened to the a cappella versions of the vocals on the tracks being considered for inclusion on the album, so they could give an opinion as to whether or not the lead vocals were sung by Michael. They all confirmed that the vocal was definitely Michael."
Case closed! For reference, "Breaking News" isn't even the first single; that honor goes to "Hold My Hand," featuring Akon, which will get released at 12:01 a.m. eastern time on Monday. [NYT/ArtsBeat]
· David O. Russell hasn't shot one frame of film for Uncharted: Drake's Fortune, but that doesn't mean it isn't already being positioned as his personal Norbit. Perhaps this will ease some minds, though: Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci and Mark Wahlberg all might appear in Uncharted, while the film's plot potentially centers on a New York antiquities dealer. You know, that actually doesn't sound that bad. [Showbiz411]
· Disney employees who text while driving are playing with fire. No, not just from the law; from Disney. A memo circulated around the company yesterday said that employees caught using their mobile devices while driving could face penalties as strict as termination. [Deadline]
· Another nail into the Running Wilde coffin: Fox has benched the series for the last two weeks of November sweeps. On the bright side, a cancellation will give Mitch Hurwitz more time to write that Arrested Development movie! [Deadline]
· The list of movie stars lining up to appear in the untitled Muppets movies is getting ridiculous: Jack Black, Donald Glover, Jane Lynch, Danny Trejo and the previously mentioned Zach Galifianakis are all apparently aboard. Better? Lady Gaga might be involved too, with an entourage played by John Krasinski, Ed Helms and Eric Stonestreet. Oh, and Paul Rudd will possibly voice one of the news Muppets. Tell you what: If you're famous and haven't been called to appear in this film, maybe make sure your phone has a dial tone. [The Playlist]
· What's gotten into the MPAA's bonnet this season? James L. Brooks' upcoming How Do You Know was given an R-rating, despite only three instances of the word "f---". Maybe it's time to reevaluate the criteria here? Nah, that would make too much practical sense. Onward! [LAT/24 Frames]
· The Daily Beast and Newsweek will merge, reports the Observer. What kind of fun name combination will these two crazy media conglomerates come up with? Here's hoping for The Daily Week. [NYO]