Topless Miley Cyrus Photos

(Miley Cyrus photo by Annie Leibovitz
exlusively for Vanity Fair Magazine)

Is Miley Cyrus a bad role model? The general consensus seems to be yes.

It seems that anything Miley Cyrus does these days is scrutinized under a microscope. The latest escapade with the "topless Miley Cyrus photos" is a perfect example.

While on the Vanity Fair photo shoot, neither Miley, her parents, or anyone else on the shoot, ever said anything about the photos being "too racey" or "inappropriate". But after all of the hoopla and media circus, Miley is changing her tune. In a caption released by Vanity Fair with the photo last week, Cyrus expressed her comfort with how the apparently topless picture turned out.

"I think it's really artsy," she told the magazine at the time. "It wasn't in a skanky way. Annie took, like, a beautiful shot, and I thought that was really cool. That's what she wanted me to do, and you can't say no to Annie."

But now this week, Miley seems to have changed her mind.

"I took part in a photo shoot that was supposed to be 'artistic' and now, seeing the photographs and reading the story, I feel so embarrassed," Cyrus said Sunday in a statement through her publicist. "I never intended for any of this to happen and I apologize to my fans who I care so deeply about."

"Miley's parents and/or minders were on the set all day," the magazine said. "Since the photo was taken digitally, everyone saw it on the shoot and everyone thought it was a beautiful and natural portrait of Miley."

A spokesman for The Disney Channel, which airs the Hannah Montana TV show, said: "Unfortunately, as the article suggests, a situation was created to deliberately manipulate a 15-year-old in order to sell magazines."

But it was indeed Miley's Parents who are responsible for making sure that "manipulation" does not occur and the hands of Vanity Fair, or any one else.

Senior Citizens Get In The Act On Hannah Montana Movie

Millions on kids showed up for the Hannah Montana Movie open call for extras in Nashville on April 6th, but now Senior Citizens can get in on the act, as the film needs older aged background actors to fill the void of real people in the production.

An estimated 6,000 girls lined up on a Sunday morning April 6th at the Sommet Center in Nashville, Tennessee. It was a fight for position in the early hours of the morning. A shot at being in the next Hannah Montana movie was on the line. But as the casting directors piled up the photos for young aspiring extras, one thing was certain.... where are the adults?

As most films require all ages and types of people to fill the background in order to make the scene look real, Hannah Montana Movie casting directors are seeking interest from the over-18 crowd wanting to be a part of the show. Now the film is focusing especially on casting senior citizens to work as extras in the upcoming production.

People interested in being an extra and are adults 18 and older, especially people 50 and older can fill out a form and send in a photo. The details are on the Hannah Montana Casting Blog.

Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens unlikely to appear in High School Musical 4

Disney has begun work on a fourth installment of the High School Musical film series, with the movie’s main stars Zac Efron, Vanessa Anne Hudgens not willing to appear.

High School Musical 3: Senior Year is set for release later this year and fans were led to believe the movie would be the final episode in the hit franchise.

But now the company has revealed plans are well underway for another film, with a script already being penned.

Disney Channel Worldwide President Rich Ross confirmed the news to MTV, saying: "We are writing High School Musical 4.

"We have learned that just putting a number next to a title is a very old idea. We have to have a new story."

All the stars of the original TV movie, including Zac Efron who plays Troy, Vanessa Hudgens starring as Gabriella and Ashley Tisdale in Sharpay’s role, have signed up for the third picture.

However Ross fears Disney might not be able to persuade the entire original cast to reprise their roles for a fourth time.

He adds, "Are we going to have all the cast back? Probably not. Will we have some of them? I hope so." But Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens will pass on the 4th installment of the Disney Channel Franchise.

Auditions and Casting information for High School Musical 4 will be posted Here.

Charlton Heston Dead at 84

Charlton Heston, the chisel-jawed Hollywood icon best remembered for his Oscar-winning performance in the 1959 epic "Ben Hur" died Saturday at his home, his family said. He was 84.

Heston's family said in a statement that the actor famed for his heroic roles and portrayal of historical figures ranging from Moses to Michelangelo died with his wife of 64 years, Lydia, by his side.

The actor, an outspoken liberal Democrat during the 1960s who later attracted controversy for his unapologetic support of the National Rifle Association (NRA) and conservative causes, had been battling Alzheimer's.

"To his loving friends, colleagues and fans, we appreciate your heartfelt prayers and support," the Heston family said in a statement.

"Indeed, he committed himself to every role with passion, and pursued every cause with unmatched enthusiasm and integrity," the statement went on to say.

"We knew him as an adoring husband, a kind and devoted father, and a gentle grandfather, with an infectious sense of humor. He served these far greater roles with tremendous faith, courage and dignity.

"He loved deeply, and he was deeply loved.

"No one could ask for a fuller life than his. No man could have given more to his family, to his profession, and to his country. In his own words, 'I have lived such a wonderful life! I've lived enough for two people.'"

Heston's long-time representative Michael Levine said Heston's death represented not only "the loss of a great actor and human being, but also the end of an era."

Born John Charlton Carter on October 4, 1924 in Evanston, Illinois, Heston created his pseudonym by combining his mother's maiden name, Charlton, with his stepfather's name, Heston.

His talent for acting was discovered after his family moved to suburban Chicago, where he became the star in several school plays.

From there, he went to nearby Northwestern University, served in the air force in World War II and eventually landed on Broadway, making his debut in "Antony and Cleopatra." He made his feature film debut in 1941 appearing as the lead character in "Peer Gynt."

His penchant for playing historical figures was in evidence again when he appeared as Mark Anthony in 1950's "Julius Caesar", yet it was his performance as circus manager Brad Baden in the Cecil B. DeMille epic "The Greatest Show on Earth", that signalled his star potential.

Another collaboration with DeMille saw him star as Moses in the blockbuster 1956 film "The Ten Commandments", before William Wyler's landmark Roman chariot-racing epic "Ben Hur."

Weighing in at nearly four hours in length, the film was to mark the zenith of the then Hollywood fashion for lavish biblical-themed productions.

In later years Heston would often recall that before filming the climactic scene in "Ben-Hur," director Wyler told him that if he could just stay in the chariot, Wyler could guarantee he would win the race.

As well as "Ben Hur", Heston played dozens of fictional and historical heroes, playing the lead in "El Cid" 1961 and starring as Michelangelo in "The Agony and the Ecstasy" (1965).

"I've played cardinals and cowboys, kings and quarterbacks, presidents and painters, cops and con men," Heston once said.

Other memorable roles include a marooned astronaut in the superb 1968 science-fiction film "Planet of the Apes" and a detective in another futuristic cult classic, 1973's "Soylent Green".

In later years Heston worked on successful television soap operas including "Dynasty" and its spinoff, "The Colbys."

As president of the NRA he achieved notoriety in 2000 when declaring at the organization's convention that his guns would have to be taken away "from my cold, dead hands."

Heston had hip replacement surgery in 1998 and survived prostate cancer that same year. In August 2002 he announced that he had Alzheimer's. One year later he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

He is survived by two children, Fraser Clarke Heston and Holly Heston Rochell, and three grandchildren, Jack Alexander Heston, Ridley Rochell and Charlie Rochell.

All of our prayers and good thoughts go out to Mr. Heston's family and loved ones.

Nationwide talent search for High School Musical: Summer Session

Two epic open casting calls will be held, one in Southern California (date, time, details to be posted here soon) and one at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida on May 7, 2008. Both of these open auditions will be a part of the early episodes of the series. Anyone between the ages of 16 and 22 is welcome to give it a shot at the open calls (if you are under 18, you must bring your parent or legal guardian).

In addition to the open calls in southern California and Orlando, the casting scouts from "High School Musical: Summer Session" will be scouring the country looking for otherwise unknown talent who they think deserve a chance to try out for this new reality series. The casting scouts will select some of these individuals to be brought to the final auditions, before a panel of judges, which will be held as the final phases of the open calls. If you are selected to audition, bring your A-game for a chance to appear before our judges and show them why you deserve to join the "High School Musical" family.

The series debuts on ABC on Sunday, July 20 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET) and runs Sundays and Mondays (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET) for three weeks, then continues Mondays at 8:00 p.m., ET through mid-September. The producers welcome anyone and everyone ages 16-22 who has dreamed of being center stage - the high school quarterback who's never tried out for a play but has a song in his heart, the drama club extrovert looking to break into the big time, someone looking to trade the chess club routine for a dance routine - all are invited to try to "Get'cha head in the game," as the hit song says.

The finalists will ultimately participate in a summer music program to hone their skills, and one talented newcomer will receive the opportunity of a lifetime, becoming a part of the "High School Musical" family. The winner will receive a grand prize - details will be announced separately. Lots of fantastic surprises await someone with the talent to go to the head of the class!

Details for the open call can be found on the Reality Show Auditions Website.

Diabetes Doesn't Slow 15-Year-Old Nick Jonas

Type 1 Diabetes is not something that Nick Jonas lets cramp his style. Nick and his brothers Kevin and Joe signed a deal with the Disney Channel to star as themselves in a reality program tentatively titled “Jonas Brothers: Living the Dream.” The show will follow the trio around on their current “Look Me in the Eyes” tour, covering their lives on and off the stage.

In late March, the boys visited the White House to give an assist at the annual Easter Egg Roll. The hunt, a tradition since 1878, draws children from all over the country to roam the White House’s South Lawn seeking colorful hidden wooden eggs.

While there, the brothers met President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush. The President not only complimented Joe Jonas’s shoes but also revealed that he’s a fan of the teen trio.

Later, when asked if being invited to the White House would go to the Jonas Brothers’ heads, Joe pointed out that the three siblings are still expected to do routine chores on their tour bus.

In June, Disney will air “Camp Rock,” a TV movie featuring the brothers. On July 4, the Jonases will kick off their summer “Burning Up” tour in Toronto.

Disney Channel Worldwide "Camp Rock" Rollout June 20!

In an unprecedented, far-reaching cross-platform rollout, the Disney-ABC Television Group today announced that Disney's "Camp Rock," a celebratory, song and dance-filled Disney Channel Original Movie for kids and families, will premiere on Disney Channel, the ABC Television Network (as part of the “Wonderful World of Disney” franchise), ABC Family, Radio Disney and Disney.com in Disney XD, FRIDAY, JUNE 20 through Monday, June 23 in the U.S. It will also premiere on Family Channel Canada and on Quebec's VRAK.TV (dubbed in French) on Friday, June 20 and on Disney Channels around the world beginning in August.

The "Camp Rock" soundtrack will release Tuesday, June 17 from Walt Disney Records and the DVD, with exclusive bonus features, will release around the world beginning Tuesday, August 19 from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment.

In making the announcement, Anne Sweeney, co-chair, Disney Media Networks and president, Disney-ABC Television Group said: "Our ability to harness the strength of the entire Television Group and work with other lines of business to help launch a potential new franchise for the Company is what differentiates us among our peers. This will be evident to everyone beginning Friday, June 20, when the world will be treated to an unprecedented rollout of song and dance with our new Disney Channel Original Movie, 'Camp Rock.’"

Starring Platinum-certified Hollywood Records recording artists and Top 40 and Radio Disney hit-makers Jonas Brothers (Joe, Kevin and Nick) and singer/songwriter/actress Demi Lovato (of Disney Channel's "As the Bell Rings"), "Camp Rock" is the story of a talented yet unsure teen who yearns to share her songs with the world, and of a tempestuous young superstar who's lost his passion for music and is sent packing by his band mates. Together, at a camp for aspiring young music artists, they learn to believe in themselves and to value the freedom to be who they really want to be.

Also starring are Alyson Stoner ("Cheaper by the Dozen"), Meaghan Jette Martin, Anna Maria Perez de Taglé (of Disney Channel's "Hannah Montana"), Jasmine Richards ("Naturally Sadie"), Maria Canals-Barrera (of Disney Channel's "Wizard of Waverly Place"), Daniel Fathers, Roshon Fegan, Jordan Francis and screenwriter/actress Julie Brown.

Rich Ross, president, Disney Channels Worldwide, said: "We're thrilled to give 'Camp Rock' the launch it deserves and to showcase the great talents of Joe, Kevin and Nick Jonas and our series crossover stars Demi Lovato, Alyson Stoner and Maria Canals-Barrera."

The global premiere schedule is as follows:

Tuesday, June 17 – "Camp Rock" on-demand preview begins on Disney Channel on Demand, a video-on-demand service available to Cablevision iO Digital Cable, Time Warner and Verizon FiOS TV customers.

Friday, June 20 (8:00 p.m., ET/PT) – "Camp Rock" premiere on Disney Channel U.S. with an audio simulcast on Radio Disney and a video simulcast on Sprint and MobiTV devices. Movie also premieres on Family Channel in Canada.

Saturday, June 21 (8:00 p.m., ET/PT) – Premiere on the ABC Television Network

Sunday, June 22 (8:00 p.m., ET/PT) – Premiere on ABC Family

Monday, June 23 (8:00 p.m., ET/PT) – Premiere on Disney.com in DXD

Saturday, June 28 (8:00 p.m., ET/PT) – "Camp Rock" Rock-a-Long programming event on Disney Channel (song lyrics visible on screen and via DisneyChannel.com)

July - Premiere on Disney Channels Latin America (dates to be announced)

Tuesday, August 19 – Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment releases "Camp Rock" on DVD, with exclusive bonus features, in the U.S. and Latin America. It releases around the world beginning in November.

August – Premiere on Disney Channel Japan (dates to be announced)

September – Premiere on Disney Channels India, Southeast Asia, Korea, Taiwan, the UK, Spain, Portugal, Germany, France, Italy, Australia and New Zealand (dates to be announced)

October - Premiere on Disney Channels Scandinavia.

The movie was written by Regina Hicks ("Girlfriends") and Karin Gist (Disney Channel's "Jump In!") and Julie Brown ("Medusa Dare to be Truthful") and Paul Brown. The director is Matthew Diamond ("Great Performances: Dance in America") and the cinematographer is Dean Cundey ("Who Framed Roger Rabbit," "Jurassic Park"). Emmy Award winner Alan Sacks ("Welcome Back, Kotter," "The Color of Friendship") is the executive producer. Kevin Lafferty ("Twitches," "Twitches Too," "Jump In!") is the producer.