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.

Zendaya, a cast member in "Challengers," poses at the premiere of the film at the Reg ...

‘Greatest challenge’ no match for Zendaya

By C.L. Gaber Special / RJ

April 25, 2024 - 11:13 am

“Everything all at once can be terrifying, but equally exhilarating and exciting,” the 27-year-old star says of her new tennis drama, “Challengers.”

(Grusho Anna/Shutterstock)

Movies and TV shows casting in Nevada

Stacker

April 24, 2024 - 3:50 pm

Backstage has compiled a list of television and movie projects casting right now in Nevada, and which roles they’re looking to fill.

‘CSI: Vegas,’ the iconic show’s second life, has been snuffed out

By Christopher Lawrence / RJ

April 20, 2024 - 9:49 am

The reboot of the series that put Las Vegas on the television map won’t live to see a Season 4.

“Golden Bachelor” Gerry Turner proposes to Theresa Nist on the ABC reality series ...

‘The Golden Bachelor’ and his bride call it quits after 3 months

Greg Braxton Los Angeles Times

April 12, 2024 - 8:14 am

Just more than three months after their sprint to the altar, in a gala ceremony televised live on ABC, the widower and his new bride are breaking up.

Josh “Chop” Towbin stands in his office at Towbin Dodge in Henderson on Sept. 27, 2002. (Jo ...

7 Las Vegas reality shows you’ve likely forgotten

By Christopher Lawrence / RJ

April 5, 2024 - 9:57 am

Thanks to the success of “The Real World: Las Vegas” and “Pawn Stars,” the valley has gone through a couple of reality TV booms.

Michael Douglas in "Franklin," debuting this month on Apple TV+. (Rémy Grandroqu ...

Michael Douglas rediscovers spark with ‘Franklin’ role

By C.L. Gaber Special / RJ

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Actor Joe Flaherty, Eugenie Ross-Leming, Harold Ramis, Judy Morgan (standing) and Jim Belushi b ...

Joe Flaherty, founding member of sketch series ‘SCTV,’ dies at 82

The Associated Press

April 2, 2024 - 1:18 pm

His characters included network boss Guy Caballero and the vampiric TV host Count Floyd.

Josh Lucas, a cast member in "Palm Royale," poses at the premiere of the Apple TV+ se ...

’Yellowstone’s’ Josh Lucas treasures life’s simple pleasures

By C.L. Gaber Special / RJ

March 28, 2024 - 10:40 am

“Something inside makes me yearn for nature,” the 52-year-old actor says. ““There’s no yearning for getting the part or making a movie when I’m out there.”

Lisa Vanderpump arrives at the season 11 premiere of "Vanderpump Rules," Wednesday, J ...

Lisa Vanderpump shares her secrets to a beautiful life

By C.L. Gaber Special / RJ

March 22, 2024 - 10:55 am

“My mantra is love and laughter supersede all,” says the reality star, who has a new series, “Vanderpump Villa,” coming out on Hulu.

Angela Bassett in a scene from the new season of "9-1-1." (Disney/Chris Willard)

Stresses of life, ‘9-1-1’ are no match for Angela Bassett

By C.L. Gaber Special / RJ

March 14, 2024 - 10:45 am

“Transitions are actually beautiful times in life,” says Bassett, who’s gearing up to see her twins graduate and head off to college.