Clark ready to rock again on New Year’s Eve TV show

New York – As he did last year, Dick Clark will co-host the annual “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.”

The former “American Bandstand” host, now 76, will join Ryan Seacrest and musical guest Christina Aguilera to ring in 2007 before a national TV audience of millions. Clark missed the show two years ago when he suffered a stroke but returned to the holiday staple last New Year’s Eve.

Seacrest, the 31-year-old host of “American Idol,” handled co-hosting duties last year and is expected to eventually succeed Clark as the show’s host.

Clark originated the New Year’s Eve program in 1972.

‘Idol’ crooner will make appearance on ‘Days’

New York – Clay Aiken is about to enter a world of back-stabbing, scandal and diva fits – and no, it’s not backstage at “American Idol.” He’s taping an appearance on NBC’s “Days of our Lives.”

The 27-year-old Aiken will perform two songs, one from his new album “A Thousand Different Ways,” and “O Holy Night” from his 2004 CD, the soap opera’s spokeswoman, Kellie Kulikowsky, said.

He’ll perform a private concert for Steve (Stephen Nichols) and Kayla (Mary Beth Evans). The episode is scheduled to air Dec. 22.

Aiken was runner-up in the second season of Fox’s “American Idol” to Ruben Studdard.

Snoop Dogg arrested on drug, gun charges at airport

Burbank, Calif. – Snoop Dogg was arrested on suspicion of illegal drug and gun possession, police said.

The rapper, whose real name is Calvin Broadus, was arrested at 3:45 p.m. Thursday at Bob Hope Airport, police said. Snoop Dogg posted $35,000 bail and was scheduled to appear in court Dec. 12.

Airport police officers stopped Snoop Dogg at a loading zone for a vehicle code violation. When officers searched the vehicle they found a gun and marijuana, police said.

“There was no basis for this arrest,” said the rapper’s attorney, Donald Etra. “We believe that once this is cleared up, all charges will be dismissed.”

The Orange County district attorney’s office has been considering charges against Snoop Dogg after authorities last month discovered a 21-inch collapsible baton in his bags as he boarded a New York-bound flight from John Wayne International Airport.

The rapper was convicted in 1990 of cocaine possession and charged with gun possession after a 1993 traffic stop. He pleaded guilty in exchange for three years’ probation.