All you need to know about Simon Cowell, Madonna, Tequila

Following is a summary of current entertainment news briefs.

Star maker Simon Cowell gets his place on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Simon Cowell, once known as the Mr. Nasty of talent show "American Idol,"all smiled on Wednesday when he got his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Joined by Kelly Clarkson, the first "American Idol" winner, the British television and music mogul basked in the limelight as he recalled his time as a reality show judge, record producer and creator of long-running franchises "The X Factor," "America's Got Talent" and "Britain's Got Talent."

Madonna defends herself after Aretha Franklin tribute backlash

Madonna on Tuesday hit back at critics of her speech about the late Aretha Franklin at the MTV Video Music Awards (VMA) show, saying she had been asked only to share an anecdote about the late Queen of Soul. The "Rebel Heart" singer sparked a backlash with a 10-minute speech focused mostly on her own early career at Monday's live show, which organizers had said would pay honor and tribute to Franklin four days after her death at age 76.

Tequila sends George Clooney to top of best-paid actors list

George Clooney on Wednesday soared to the top of an annual list of the world's highest-paid actors, thanks largely to the sale of his tequila company. Clooney, 57, earned an estimated $239 million between June 2017-June 2018, marking the highest earnings of his 35-year career in film and television, Forbes said.

'Crazy Rich Asians' author wanted in Singapore for dodging military service

The author of the book "Crazy Rich Asians", which inspired the Hollywood hit film of the same title, is wanted in his home country of Singapore for defaulting on his military service, the defense ministry said on Wednesday. Kevin Kwan, the author of the 2013 book and an executive producer of the film, was notably absent from the Singapore premiere of the romantic comedy on Tuesday.

A plane with rapper Post Malone lands safely after blown tires

A private jet carrying rapper Post Malone landed safely at a New York airport after two of its tires blew out during takeoff on Tuesday, according to the Federal Aviation Administration and media reports. There were 16 people aboard the Gulfstream plane, which took off from Teterboro Airport in New Jersey and was headed to London before it was diverted to Stewart Airport, about 70 miles (113 km) north of New York City, the FAA and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said.

Second Kevin Spacey sex assault case under review by Los Angeles prosecutors

Los Angeles prosecutors said on Wednesday they were reviewing a second sexual assault case involving Oscar-winning actor Kevin Spacey. "A sex assault case was presented yesterday to our office by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department involving Kevin Spacey. It remains under review," Los Angeles District Attorney spokesman Greg Risling said in an emailed statement.

The success of 'Crazy Rich Asians' movie sparks plans for a sequel

The Warner Bros. movie studio is in the early stages of developing a sequel to its groundbreaking romantic comedy "Crazy Rich Asians," a source with knowledge of the matter said on Wednesday. It is unclear when a sequel could reach theaters. No script has been written and no deals have yet been signed with the movie's screenwriters, the source said.

Fake Trump family riffs on real news in a musical spoof

The family of reality show star turned U.S. President Donald Trump has inspired a new Off-Broadway cabaret spoof promoted by former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci. The entrepreneur and political consultant, who was fired from the White House after an 11-day stint a year ago, lent his name to "The 1st Annual Trump Family Special," which opens in New York on Sept. 13, saying that its "kernels of truth make a good satire."

Danny Boyle out as next James Bond movie director

Acclaimed British director Danny Boyle has pulled out of the latest James Bond movie due to "creative differences," the producers of the multimillion-dollar film franchise said on Tuesday. "Michael G. Wilson, Barbara Broccoli, and Daniel Craig today announced that due to creative differences Danny Boyle has decided to no longer direct Bond 25," said a statement on the official 007 website and Twitter account.

The actor who accused Asia Argento said he tried to keep story private

Actor Jimmy Bennett, who The New York Times reported has accused Italian actress, Asia Argento of sexual assault, said on Wednesday he tried to handle the matter privately and felt "ashamed and afraid" after the story was published. The Times reported on Sunday that Bennett had accused Argento, an outspoken advocate in the #MeToo social media movement against sexual misconduct, of sexually assaulting him in 2013 when he was 17 and she was 37.

(with inputs from Reuters)