TV

Former ‘Idol,’ ‘Fear Factor’ contestant accused of selling heroin

By Dennis Rudner / Las Vegas Review-Journal

October 15, 2018 - 1:56 am

Antonella Barba, a former contestant on “American Idol” and “Fear Factor” is accused of distributing heroin. News outlets report 31-year-old Barba was arrested Thursday by authorities in Norfolk, Virginia, and charged with distributing more than 100 grams of the drug. She’s set to appear in court Monday, Oct. 15, 2018. (Charles Sykes/AP file)

NORFOLK, Va. — A former contestant on “American Idol” and “Fear Factor” is accused of distributing heroin.

News outlets report 31-year-old Antonella Barba was arrested Thursday by authorities in Norfolk, Virginia, and charged with distributing more than 100 grams of the drug. She’s set to appear in court Monday.

Barba, of New Jersey, reached the top 16 on “American Idol” in 2007 and competed on “Fear Factor” in 2012. She appeared this year on comedian Jimmy Kimmel’s show for a segment featuring other Idol alums titled “Where Are They Now?”

She previously has been charged in New York with shoplifting. It’s unclear if Barba has a lawyer.

‘Baby Reindeer’ lawsuit: Woman who says she’s the real Martha sues for $170M

By Andrew Dalton The Associated Press

June 7, 2024 - 10:53 am

A woman who says she is the inspiration for the relentless stalker at the center of Netflix’s “Baby Reindeer” sued the streaming giant Thursday for defamation and is seeking at least $170 million in damages.

Vanna White, left, and Pat Sajak make an appearance at Radio City Music Hall for a taping of ce ...

Final spin: Pat Sajak’s last episode as ‘Wheel of Fortune’ host has arrived — PHOTOS

By Kaitlyn Huamani The Associated Press

June 7, 2024 - 5:00 am

After 41 years and over 8,000 episodes, Pat Sajak’s final turn as the renowned host of “Wheel of Fortune” will air tonight.

Jake Gyllenhaal in a scene from the Apple TV+ limited series "Presumed Innocent." (Ap ...

‘I’ve always been the curious one,’ actor Jake Gyllenhaal says

By C.L. Gaber Special / RJ

June 7, 2024 - 7:05 am

For the 43-year-old star of the new “Presumed Innocent” miniseries, that means: “I ask a lot of questions. Doesn’t matter the topic.”

Kimmel, Letterman trying to help Vegas comic get her own talk show

By John Katsilometes / RJ

June 7, 2024 - 9:13 am

One of the current stars of Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club in Las Vegas is in talks about developing her own talk show. And two late-night TV icons are involved.

Celine Dion and her family are shown backstage with cast members of The Beatles "Love" at the M ...

‘Celine? Celine’: 911 call revealed in Dion documentary

By John Katsilometes / RJ

June 5, 2024 - 8:06 am

A scene that brings to light Celine Dion’s battle with Stiff Person Syndrome is in her “I Am” documentary,

Watch Penn & Teller get fooled (maybe) for free

By John Katsilometes / RJ

June 6, 2024 - 9:52 am

Penn & Teller have had their TV series “Fool Us” renewed for an 11th season, and they’re inviting people to watch tapings for free in Las Vegas.

Buddy Valastro replacing famed NYC pizzeria on the Strip

By Johnathan L. Wright / RJ

May 31, 2024 - 7:05 pm

The new restaurant from the “Cake Boss” star is also a pizzeria that will serve signature pies and Jersey-style sandwiches.

‘Price is Right Live’ game show coming to Henderson

By: Samantha Segura / RJ

May 29, 2024 - 6:51 pm

“The Price is Right Live” is coming to Lee’s Family Forum in Henderson later this year, the venue shared on its website.

Basketball Hall of Fame legend Bill Walton, left, jokes with Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic ...

Bill Walton, Hall of Fame NBA player who became a star broadcaster, dies at 71

By Tim Reynolds AP Basketball Writer

May 27, 2024 - 11:06 am

Bill Walton, who starred for John Wooden’s UCLA Bruins before becoming a Hall of Famer and one of the biggest stars in basketball broadcasting, died Monday, the league announced

Johnny Wactor attends the "Silent River" opening night theatrical premiere at Laemmle Glendale ...

‘General Hospital’ actor shot dead in Los Angeles robbery

Theresa Braine, New York Daily News

May 27, 2024 - 6:00 am

Actor Johnny Wactor, known for playing Brando Corbin on “General Hospital,” was shot dead during a robbery attempt in Los Angeles, family members and his agent said Sunday.