The Muppets may have taken Manhattan, but they’re getting a spiffy new home in Queens.A person familiar with plans for Fox’s “The X Factor” says Britney Spears is out of the show.
Spears was a mentor on the singing contest for one season, reportedly drawing a $15 million paycheck but failing to pull reviews to match. The person who confirmed reports of her departure wasn’t authorized to comment publicly, speaking Thursday on condition of anonymity.
Group reunites
Destiny’s Child is back together – for a new song.
The R&B trio said Thursday they will release a new track called “Nuclear.” The song is the group’s first new offering since 2004.
“Nuclear” will appear on the compilation album, “Love Songs,” out Jan. 29.
Destiny’s Child, which includes Michelle Williams, Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland, released its self-titled debut in 1998 with a fourth member.
Leaving ‘Millionaire’
Meredith Vieira is leaving “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” after 11 years as host of the syndicated game show.
The former “Today” show host and two-time Emmy winner as best game show host said Thursday she’s leaving for other ventures including more work at NBC News.
Posthumous nod
The late Amy Winehouse has been nominated for a Brit Award, joining acts such as Emeli Sande and Paloma Faith in the running for best British female act.
Winehouse – who died in July 2011 from accidental alcohol poisoning – was eligible as a result of the release of her “Lioness: Hidden Treasures” album.
Sande, Mumford & Sons and Alt-J led the nominations for Britain’s premiere music awards, with three each.
Happy birthday
Among celebrity birthdays today: Actor Rod Taylor is 83. Actor Felix Silla is 76. Country singer Naomi Judd is 67. Actress Phyllis Logan is 57. Guitarist Vicki Peterson is 55. Actress Kim Coles is 51. Singer Mary J. Blige is 42. Actress Amanda Peet is 41.
