‘Are You Hot?’ suit settled

Los Angeles — Howard Stern has settled a lawsuit against the producers of the television series “Are You Hot? The Search for America’s Sexiest People,” which he claimed was based on an idea stolen from his radio show.

The two-page dismissal notice on the suit was filed Thursday in Los Angeles Superior Court. Terms were not disclosed.

Stern sued ABC and Telepictures Productions in March, claiming “Are You Hot?” was derived from a segment on his syndicated radio show called “The Evaluators.” In the segment, Stern and three panelists comment frankly on contestants’ physical attributes, rating them on their worthiness to appear in men’s magazines.

L.A. New Year’s Eve bash planned

Los Angeles — Grammy-winning musician-producer-arranger Quincy Jones, who has boosted the careers of dozens of musicians, will help organize a “Legends of Los Angeles Pop” New Year’s Eve concert to take place downtown.

The concert will include a range of music, City Councilwoman Jan Perry said in announcing Jones’ involvement this past week. The city hopes 30,000 people will attend.

Large-scale New Year’s Eve parties in the sprawling city have fizzled in the past, and Perry said officials were hoping to turn that around with the high-profile concert.

Country legends to enter hall

Nashville, Tenn. — Floyd Cramer and Carl Smith will be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame during the 37th annual CMA Awards this year.

Cramer, who died in 1997, will be the first inducted into the new category of “Recording and-or Touring Musician Active Prior to 1980.” Smith will be inducted in the annual “Open” category.

Cramer popularized the “slip-note” technique on the piano, sliding up a note from the one beneath. His hits included “San Antonio Rose.”

“I wish Floyd could be here to enjoy that, but I think somehow he’ll know,” said his widow, Mary Cramer.

Smith, 76, was a country hit-maker during the 1950s and ’60s, known for his dynamic voice. His hit songs include “Are You Teasing Me,” “Back Up Buddy” and “Loose Talk.”

Burke seeks park’s salvation

Winter Haven, Fla. — Delta Burke has filmed a public service announcement urging people to help preserve Cypress Gardens, one of Florida’s oldest theme parks, which closed in April after struggling financially.

Burke, a former Miss Florida, filmed the public service announcement for Friends of Cypress Gardens, a group trying to save the 67-year-old attraction. Burke, 47, is best-known for her role on the “Designing Women” television show.

State officials are scheduled to meet Aug. 20 to hear presentations on possible state purchases.