newsmakers

newsmakers

Carey: Nick Cannon has kidney failure

NEW YORK

Nick Cannon is spending the first week of the new year in the hospital, with wife Mariah Carey by his side.

Carey tweeted that Cannon is suffering from “mild kidney failure.” His representative confirmed Cannon’s hospitalization. He is in Aspen, Colo., where he and Carey were vacationing.

Carey posted a picture on her website of a miserable-looking Cannon in a hospital bed as she lay beside him. She asked for prayers and said Cannon’s situation was “very painful.” She later called it a “serious moment that’s very tough on all of us.”

The couple became the parents of twins — a boy and a girl — last year.

Grocery changes mind on Alec Baldwin ads

ROCHESTER, N.Y.

A New York-based supermarket chain has had a change of heart about grounding Alec Baldwin as a spokesman because of his antics aboard an American Airlines flight.

Wegmans Food Markets said Wednesday it will continue running television ads featuring Baldwin after being inundated with “hundreds and hundreds of tweets, emails and phone calls” in support of the actor.

“We regret ending the Alec Baldwin holiday commercials one week earlier than planned in response to a couple of dozen complaints,” Wegmans said in a statement. “We have decided to run the commercials again, effective immediately. Clearly, many more people support Alec.”

Wegmans revealed Tuesday it had pulled the ads after drawing customer criticism about Baldwin’s behavior. He was removed from a New York-bound flight at Los Angeles International Airport on Dec. 6 for refusing to turn off his cellphone.

The commercials, which were filmed for the 2010 holiday season, were supposed to run again for three weeks last month but were pulled a week early after Baldwin’s airline dustup.

“We appreciate Wegmans’ decision and the sentiment expressed in their statement,” Baldwin publicist Matthew Hiltzik said.

Trump unveils new ‘Apprentice’ crew

NEW YORK

Mob boss widow Victoria Gotti, singer Clay Aiken and IndyCar champ Michael Andretti are on tap for the next edition of NBC’s “Celebrity Apprentice.”

Host Donald Trump announced the new batch of contenders on Wednesday’s “Today” show. They also include “Real Housewives of New Jersey” cast member Teresa Guidice, comedian Lisa Lampanelli, former Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza, rock star Dee Snider and “America Chopper” star Paul Teutul Sr.

Other contenders include radio host Adam Carolla, comedian Arsenio Hall, singer-actress Aubrey O’Day and magician Penn Jillette.

Rounding out the rivals are model Cheryl Tiegs, singer Debbie Gibson, “Star Trek” star George Takei, singer Tia Carrere, actress-model Patricia Velasquez and “Incredible Hulk” Lou Ferrigno.

“Celebrity Apprentice” returns for its new season Feb. 12.

Hugh Jackman plans Broadway return

NEW YORK

Hugh Jackman liked his record-setting Broadway run so much this winter that he’s handcuffing himself to a future musical about Harry Houdini.

Producers said Wednesday that Jackman will star as the famed illusionist in “Houdini.” It’s scheduled to reach Broadway during the 2013-14 season.

Jackman’s one-man, 10-week Broadway concert show closed Sunday at the Broadhurst Theatre after earning more than $2 million in its final week. It was the highest weekly gross recorded by the Shubert Organization, which owns the Broadhurst and 16 other Broadway theaters.

Vindicator wire services