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In the news
Compiled from Times wires Gasteyer to leave 'SNL'Saturday Night Live scene-stealer Ana Gasteyer, best known for her impersonations of Martha Stewart and Celine Dion, has announced that she's leaving the show after six seasons. The 35-year-old funny lady, who gave birth to her first child in June, is leaving to pursue "new artistic challenges outside the realm of sketch comedy," reports TVGuide.com. Gasteyer's exit comes on the high heels of Molly Shannon's and Cheri Oteri's departures. Estefan, Smits to host Latin GrammysPop star Gloria Estefan and actor Jimmy Smits have agreed to host this year's Latin Grammys ceremony. The duo also co-hosted the event's inaugural celebration in 2000 with Andy Garcia and Jennifer Lopez. The ceremony is set to be telecast live by CBS on Sept. 18 at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood. On 'American Idol' ...Viewers voted Tamyra Gray, 23, of Atlanta out of American Idol on Wednesday night, leaving three contestants in the competition that promises to deliver the next big pop star. The top two finishers get record contracts. The winner, based on voting by viewers, will be announced Sept. 4. In New York theater ...ROCKETTES GET NEW CONTRACT: The owners of Radio City Music Hall agreed on a three-year contract Wednesday with the union that represents its signature dancers, the high-kicking Rockettes. Negotiations broke down eight days ago over Radio City Entertainment's attempt to use open auditions rather than guaranteeing positions to veteran dancers. The contract gives 41 veteran Rockettes buyouts ranging from $27,000 to $120,000. At least 100 Rockettes will receive a one-year guarantee of employment under the contract, rather than the open-ended guarantee of the past. Radio City employs 200 Rockettes nationwide, with 80 in the New York show. APOLLO HIRES NEW PRODUCER: The Apollo Theatre has hired a new team to produce its syndicated television amateur talent series, Showtime at the Apollo, ending a bitter battle that sparked allegations of financial mismanagement at the famed theater. The Heritage Networks, an independent distribution company based in New York, received a one-year contract, it was announced Wednesday. Heritage will pay $1.6-million for the right to use the theater and its name.
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From the wire |
