Comedian Katt Williams in weapons arrest

November 8, 2008 at 12:00a.m.

NEW YORK — Comedian Katt Williams has been arrested on weapons charges in midtown Manhattan after police say they pulled him over for driving a car without license plates.

The 35-year-old performer was released on bail Thursday in time to make it for his show at Carnegie Hall. He told the audience that he “just got out of jail.”

Police say a handgun was found in Williams’ car after he was stopped for the alleged traffic violation.

Williams is best known for his role in the movie “Friday After Next” and for his appearances in rap videos. He also voices “A Pimp Named Slickback” in “The Boondocks” animated television series.

‘American Idol’ returns; ‘House’ will move

LOS ANGELES — Fox’s “American Idol” will return for its eighth season Jan. 13 while medical drama “House” is moving to a new night, the network said in announcing its midseason lineup.

“American Idol,” the singing contest that consistently ranks as TV’s most-watched series, is trying to keep the streak going by freshening its formula. A fourth judge, singer-songwriter Kara DioGuardi, joins Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul this year.

“House,” starring Hugh Laurie as irascible physician Gregory House, was airing on Tuesdays but will move to 8 p.m. Monday starting Jan. 19, Fox said.

Also shifting time slots are “Bones,” moving to 8 p.m. Thursday as of Jan. 15; game show “Hole in the Wall,” which will air back-to-back episodes at 7 p.m. Sunday, starting Jan. 18; and “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles,” to 8 p.m. Friday, starting Feb. 13.

New series debuts include the crime drama “Lie to Me,” which is getting a cushy spot after the Wednesday results episode of “American Idol.” The drama starring Tim Roth will premiere at 9 p.m. Jan. 21.

“Dollhouse,” from “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” creator Joss Whedon, will debut 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13. The counterterrorism drama “24,” starring Kiefer Sutherland, is opening its new season with a four-hour special airing over two nights, Jan. 11-12, at 9-11 p.m. The drama will settle into its regular 9 p.m. Monday slot on Jan. 19.

Will.i.am debuts video on ‘Oprah’ show

CHICAGO — Black Eyed Peas frontman will.i.am debuted his new music video celebrating President-elect Barack Obama’s victory during a live broadcast of “The Oprah Winfrey Show.”

The lyrics of “It’s a New Day” include: “I woke up this morning, feeling brand new/Cuz the dreams that I’ve been dreaming has finally come true.”

A video featuring photos of Obama played on a giant screen behind the Grammy-award winning artist.

Earlier this year, will.i.am made a “Yes We Can” music video that showed celebrities reciting an Obama speech. The video received millions of online views.

Britney, Timberlake perform at same show

LOS ANGELES — Britney and Justin still share one bond: Madonna.

In separate appearances, Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake performed Thursday night during Madonna’s show at Dodger Stadium. The former pop power couple did not take the stage together, and it wasn’t clear if they’d crossed paths.

Rumors of the guest appearances swirled Thursday, making it a can’t-miss event for some of Hollywood’s biggest stars: Elizabeth Banks, Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Lopez and Lucy Liu were among those in the first few rows.

Today’s birthdays

Singer Patti Page is 81. CBS newsman Morley Safer is 77. Singer Bonnie Raitt is 59. “Entertainment Tonight” host Mary Hart is 58. Actress Alfre Woodard is 55. Singer-songwriter Rickie Lee Jones is 54. Singer-actor Leif Garrett is 47. Actress Gretchen Mol is 35. TV personality Jack Osbourne (“The Osbournes”) is 23.