Morning Edition:
The Miss Universe Organization reversed its decision to not allow Jenna Talackova, a transgender contestant, to compete at Miss Universe Canada. But, there are a few stipulations. Michael D. Cohen, executive vice president and special counsel to Donald Trump, said in a statement, “The Miss Universe Organization will allow Jenna Talackova to compete in the 2012 Miss Universe Canada pageant provided she meets the legal gender requirements of Canada, and the standards established by other international competitions.” The current rule of the pageant is that a contestant has to be a naturally born female. Talackova was born male but has identified as female since the age of 4. She began hormone therapy at 14 and underwent gender reassignment surgery at 19. The winner of Miss Universe Canada will represent the country at the Miss Universe Pageant in December. The last Miss Universe Canada to win the international pageant was in 2005 when Natalie Glebova took home the title.
Adele revealed while talking to a French radio station that she will release a new single by the end of 2012. But, she also said that she will not release a new album for about two more years. The Grammy-winning diva said, “There will be a new song, probably coming out at the end of the year. But then it depends how quickly I write some of the other songs. If I didn’t write my own songs, I’d be out next week with a new album. I have to take time and live a little bit. There were a good two years between my first and second albums, so it’ll be the same this time.” There is speculation that Adele will be singing the theme song of the next James Bond movie, Skyfall. That film will arrive in theaters later this year on November 9th.
Evening Edition:
Maroon 5 frontman and judge on The Voice, Adam Levine, has confirmed that he will have a role on the next season of American Horror Story. Levine said of the hit FX show “It is the truth. I mean, it’s pretty much happening. I think it’s happening. It’s going to be fun. I think I’m going to be kind of playing myself so hopefully it will be easy.” FX has already announced that season-one castmembers Jessica Lange, Zachary Quinto, Evan Peters and Sarah Paulson will be returning.
Current James Bond, Daniel Craig, has agreed to shoot an introduction for the upcoming 2012 Olympic Games after visiting Queen Elizabeth by personal invitation. The Games, directed by Slumdog Millionaire director Danny Boyle, will show James Bond receiving a mission to launch the Opening Ceremony. 2012 marks the 50th anniversary of the Bond Films. The short film will be called “The Arrival” and shows Bond being informed of his mission at Buckingham Palace and then flown in to the Olympic Stadium in Stratford, east London.
