Dispatches from our Chicagoan in Hollywood, Liz Crokin, on Fergie, Khloe Kardashian and the next Austin Powers.
Congratulations to Black Eyed Peas singer Fergie and actor Josh Duhamel, who are expecting their first baby! Not even three months ago, Fergie told this column that she wanted to have a family. Sources told me to expect a pregnancy announcement in 2013, and the superstar couple just announced via Twitter that they’re over the moon about the news.
“Fergie and Josh have known for a long time that they wanted kids, but it was never the right time with both of their careers on the fast track,” the source said. “They’ve been trying for a while — Fergie cleared her schedule so she could focus on getting pregnant.”
A source insists the couple will be amazing parents. “Fergie is very motherly. She’s close to her family, and she and Josh have a great relationship. She’s had her fun and is ready to be a mom!”
Khloe Kardashian voted off!
Khloe Kardashian will not return to host “The X Factor.” Insiders tell me there are a few reasons she was let go.
“She did not bring in the ratings they thought she would,” a source said. “She was hired for her star power as a Kardashian. They knew she didn’t have hosting skills, but they thought she would learn fast.” Not only did Khloe’s skills not improve, but she didn’t have the best relationship with co-host Mario Lopez. “It was a bad combination,” said the source.
Losing her “X Factor” gig isn’t Khloe’s only problem. Sources say hubby Lamar Odom continues to have a wandering eye. Khloe may need to find more than just a new job!
Paging Austin Powers!
Whenever I see “Mini Me” — aka Verne Troyer — I ask for an update on the next installment of “Austin Powers.”
At Joanna Krupa’s Save A Friend’s Life event at Next Door Lounge in Hollywood, Verne told me to have patience — Mike Myers will soon move forward with the next installment.
“At first, he wanted the movies to come out every two years, like the James Bond films,” Verne said. Sadly, it’s been more than a decade since the last film, “Austin Powers in Goldmember,” came out.
“Mike’s a perfectionist — it won’t happen until the script is right!” says Verne.
“Austin Powers 4” is already listed on IMDB.com — so here’s hoping. Yeah, baby!
