BNL Get A TV Show

Fox Broadcasting has ordered a pilot for a variety show starring the Barenaked Ladies that will feature the playful rock group performing music and comedy skits along with guest actors. The homegrown band, known for writing upbeat songs with quirky lyrics and engaging their audiences with onstage banter, will have plenty of leeway to ad-lib on the show, tentatively titled, "The Barenaked Ladies Variety Show."

American Idol finalist JOHN STEVENS -- the red-headed kid who croons like FRANK SINATRA -- has landed a recording deal. Stevens is working with DAVID FOSTER, the producer behind countless CELINE DION and WHITNEY HOUSTON hits. Stevens plans to release something around Valentine's Day. Meanwhile, fellow finalist GEORGE HUFF will release a Christmas EP in November.

While no one really knows who'll win The Apprentice, an offshore betting company may have some idea. BestWWTS.com actually suspended the wagers on the outcome of the second season of DONALD TRUMP's hit reality show because of the, quote, "unusual betting pattern" on Trump wannabes JENNIFER MASSEY and KELLY PERDEW. Apparently, several accounts originating in New Hampshire had put the maximum amount -- three-hundred bucks -- on these ladies. Wagering director STUART DOYLE says that the typical bet is 25 bucks. You can check out a special edition of The Apprentice tonight at 9:00 pm.

Hours after Kobe Bryant was accused of rape, he reportedly told cops that his Los Angeles Lakers teammate Shaquille O'Neal had paid women up to $1 million to keep "situations like this" quiet. O'Neal, a 32-year-old All-Star center, is married with three children and has a fourth by an ex-girlfriend. He has never been accused of sexual impropriety.