It’s what Hollywood does best-- rises to the occasion, and uses star power to help people in need. Last year, Fox TV’s phenomenal talent show American Idol had the stars come out to benefit worthwhile charities to make the world a better place. And the recent Idol Gives Back did it again. The final figures have just come in, and $65 million have been raised to help children across the globe.

The Entertainment Today fans have left comments about their favorites, who happen to be the most popular stars on hand at this year’s Nickelodeon’s Kids Choice Awards-- Miley Cyrus, the Jonas Brothers, the Naked Brothers Band, and iCarly’s Miranda Cosgrove.

At Nickelodeon’s 2008 Kids Choice Awards, young fans inside UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion, and outside in the bleachers overlooking the orange carpet, were screaming at the top of their lungs. They were trying to get the attention of their favorite celebrities, such as Cameron Diaz, who got the Wannabe Award. That’s the honor given to the star the kids most want to be.

These great gals helped create the entertainment business. They were pioneer women in TV, stage and films. Others just follow in their footsteps. They are the legendary ladies who have become showbiz icons-- Carol Channing, Florence Henderson, Julie Newmar, Esther Williams, Tippi Hedren, June Lockhart and Rose Marie. These seven stars were recently honored by the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, which will showcase mementos from their enduring careers in permanent exhibits.

Every year Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards gets better and better, with the traditional gooey green slime flowing all over the stars at the fun-filled mess-fest. This year, the 21st annual KCA airs live March 29 from UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion, with Jack Black back hosting the big event. Black (of School of Rock and King Kong fame) is the perfect host for the noisy, no-holds-barred, Kids Rule! celebration. “When you’re doing a show for the kids, you can get extra crazy and loony.”

Tyra Banks has her own secret for success-- “I listen to my mother, who taught me how determination, hard work and vision will get me to the top.” A formula which obviously has succeeded, since the tenth cycle of the America’s Next Top Model is underway on Wednesday nights on the CW network. The hit reality show, is better then it has ever been, with a new stable of drama queens battling it out for the Top Model title.

Out of tens of thousands of hopefuls from across the country, who auditioned for the seventh season of American Idol, the top 24 contestants are now set to rock the airwaves on Fox TV. “It will be a bumper year” for the phenomenal show, predicts Nigel Lythgoe, executive producer of American Idol. “We’ve got some excellent individuals this year. First and foremost, it’s about the kids, the talent that comes on and their stories. That’s what will keep people watching.”

Almost two years ago, we saw Miley Cyrus stroll down the red carpet at a celebration for the High School Musical DVD release and theater screening. Miley was not the center of attention with the paparazzi and screaming fans. In May of 2006 they only wanted the HSM stars. Back then, Miley’s Hannah Montana series for the Disney Channel had just debuted, and Miley was only 13-years-old. Yet this sweet young lady showed the poise and confidence of a veteran star. She smiled and waved to the few in the crowd who recognized her, posed for a few pictures, and talked with me about how exciting it was just to be invited to the big event.

The Starz network had a great party to celebrate their big venture into original programming. Their comedies Head Case and Hollywood Residential were launched with panache at West Hollywood’s Mondrian Hotel’s trendy Skybar rooftop lounge. And the stars and creative forces behind both shows grabbed the spotlight.

Lost, ABC’s phenomenal mind-boggling adventure series returns to the primetime schedule, Thursday, January 31. Although the producers promise they will answer some questions, you can bet they will also leave viewers with brand new puzzle pieces to ponder. The last time I personally saw the cast of Lost was last year as they were in Pasadena, on hiatus from their Hawaiian location filming. It felt like I was in the middle of the Dharma Project...