newsmakers

newsmakers

‘Colbert Report’ off air; network mum

nEW YORK

Comedy Central’s “Colbert Report” is off the air, and it’s a mystery why.

An expected live version of the show was replaced by a repeat Wednesday. Thursday’s live show was off, too.

The network said it was airing the repeats “due to unforeseen circumstances” but offered no other explanation.

Stephen Colbert’s popular “fake commentary” program airs Monday through Thursday at 11:30 p.m., after “The Daily Show” with Jon Stewart.

Aretha, Stevie Wonder to sing at funeral

NEWARK, N.J.

Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder will sing at the private funeral Saturday of Whitney Houston in what promises to be a very musical service.

Publicist Kristen Foster also confirms that invitations went out to Houston’s ex-husband, Bobby Brown; her co-star in “The Bodyguard,” Kevin Costner; and Oprah Winfrey.

Houston’s longtime musical mentor, Clive Davis, will speak at the funeral. The eulogy will be given by gospel singer and longtime family friend Marvin Winans.

Organizers were getting the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, N.J., ready Thursday for the musical part of the service, setting up speakers and drums in the aisles.

Amanda Knox to write memoir

NEW YORK

Amanda Knox has a book deal.

The young exchange student whose conviction and eventual acquittal on murder charges made headlines worldwide has an agreement with HarperCollins to tell her story. The 24-year-old Seattle resident, imprisoned for four years in Perugia, Italy, has not discussed her ordeal publicly beyond a brief expression of gratitude upon her release last October.

“Knox will give a full and unflinching account of the events that led to her arrest in Perugia and her struggles with the complexities of the Italian judicial system,” HarperCollins said in a statement Thursday.

The book, currently untitled, is tentatively scheduled for early 2013.

Winfrey joins Kimmel’s post-Oscar special

LOS ANGELES

Oprah Winfrey is the latest celebrity to join Jimmy Kimmel’s seventh post-Oscar special.

ABC made the announcement Thursday.

Winfrey is making a rare late-night appearance at a time when her year-old cable channel, OWN, is trying to attract viewers after a rocky start. She’s been more visible on the channel as well, with a new weekly series, “Oprah’s Next Chapter.”

Billy Crystal, who is hosting the Oscar ceremony, will help kick off “Jimmy Kimmel Live: After the Academy Awards.” Nominees Meryl Streep, George Clooney and Martin Scorsese will be among the stars on hand.

Kimmel’s Oscar-night special has yielded comedy pieces that became online sensations, including one with Sarah Silverman and Matt Damon and “Handsome Men’s Club” featuring Matthew McConaughey and Sting.

The Oscars will air from Hollywood on Feb. 26 at 8:30 p.m., with Kimmel’s show to follow the awards and local newscasts.

Vindicator wire services