If you survived a plane crash but had burns on much of your body, you'd probably find someone to blame. After the September crash that DJ AM and Blink 182 drummer Travis Barker survived, but that cost the lives of both of their pilots and two friends, AM (real name Adam Goldstein) wants payment for his pain and suffering, lost earnings, property damage, past and future medical and health-related expenses, and punitive damages.

And what would a lawsuit in America accomplish if it didn't involve a dozen different teams of lawyers? Goldstein's legal team is suing everyone they can think of: the estates of the two late pilots, Sarah Lemmon and James Bland; Clay Lacy Aviation; Global Exec Aviation; Inter Travel Services Inc.; Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co; and Learjet. In the suit that was filed on Dec. 23, Goldstein alleges that the pilots decided to "abort and/or reject the take-off in a negligent manner" despite knowing that at least one tire had blown as the jet reached take-off speed... More >> ..

Taylor Swift in the Number Four slot on the Forbes list of estimated top earners in country music for 2009?

 

No, really, it's true.  To create its list of top earners in country music, Forbes considers concert grosses, merchandise revenue, album sales, and income from endorsement and licensing deals. The monetary estimates represent gross earnings for the twelve months beginning in June 2008, and project May 2009 earnings based on those of the previous months. Swift has generated an amazing $18 million income from record and merchandise sales alone-the country starlet has yet to launch a headlining tour.

 

At just nineteen years old-which means she generated a million dollars for each year of her life last year-her income falls short of the likes of country music gods Kenny Chesney ($65 million), Rascal Flatts ($60 million), and Toby Keith ($52 million), but surpasses the amount earned by Brooks and Dunn and Tim McGraw, both tied at fifth place with $15 million... More >> ..

While American Idol flagship winner Kelly Clarkson tops charts with her latest album All I Ever Wanted, fellow winner Taylor Hicks has reached a new low. The silver-haired Alabama native with an oh-so-down-to-earth disposition has hit rock bottom in the past few days, drowning among other Idol graduates who have swept the Grammies, plundered iTunes, and sold out national tours.  

 

Although the crooner maintained a loyal fan base (referred to as the "Soul Patrol") during his Season Five stint, his sophomore album The Distance, has stayed close to the bottom of the charts, with just 9,000 copies sold so far-the worst first-week sales of any Idol alumnus. Before his latest disc dropped, Hicks performed in the Grease national tour, singing "Beauty School Dropout" as Teen Angel, a small role in the show.  

 

But it gets worse. The bluesy crooner was set to play at The Roxy on Sunset Boulevard on March 18th for $36... More >> ..

Michael Jackson is already a bit upset about the number of tour dates his team has committed him to.  Nevertheless, he's not holding back! MJ has spent $25 million on some show-stopping theatrics; along with his usual glitz and glamour, he's added some new gadgets to the show.

 

You can tell how much Jackson loves his fans by the profligacy of his spending. Michael's already in debt, and his uncontrollable expenditures are cutting into his profit margin. But you can't fault the guy for wanting to put on an amazing show.

 

A film crew will be following the tour-they'll capture the show, film backstage encounters, and of course depict the angry parents that chase MJ down the streets, yelling at him about all the little boys with whom he likes to consort.  

 

Good luck with the tour, MJ! In my book, you're still the King of Pop.   

When Michael Jackson announced his fifty-show European tour, every concert sold out within hours. At £50 a ticket, that should keep Michael in the money and thus living the lifestyle to which he's accustomed.

For those who were unable to secure tickets to the show, England's eBay has ticket packages listed for £49,999 and up. Some of these packages include VIP status, after-party packages, and limousine service.

Possibly in celebration of the strong ticket sales, Michael Jackson went shopping at L.A.'s underground art Mecca, the La Luz de Jesus Gallery on Sunset. The gallery is known throughout Los Angeles as the definitive resource for underground art. Money is, however, apparently still somewhat tight for the masked musician, because he tried to bargain with gallery owner Billy Shire: he asked for a 35 percent discount on a painting worth an undisclosed amount. Hilariously, Billy said "no" to the musician, so Jackson paid in full... More >> ..