3/9 msnbc.com: Entertainment

Scoop: Rihanna quietly goes back to work March 8, 2009 at 10:35 pm Producer says singer is using her music as a means to try to move forward and as a refuge from much-publicized assault case. Rihanna's father waiting for her to call March 8, 2009 at 8:19 pm Rihanna's father is reportedly waiting for his daughter to tell him about the alleged attack by R&B singer Chris Brown. Pop culture sings an 'American Idol' tune March 8, 2009 at 7:00 pm In 2001, Simon Cowell figured a singing contest snapped up by British TV would be an easy sell in America. Instead, network responses ranged from lukewarm to hostile. Guess who was right? Male singers have edge among 'Idol' finalists March 8, 2009 at 6:38 pm How will "American Idol" ever send home people with such sad stories 'Dancing' relies on four main ingredients March 8, 2009 at 6:07 pm "Dancing With the Stars" pulls it off every year thanks to four main ingredients: Actual good dancers, the right bad dancers, personal drama, and surprising improvement. Musical birthday salute on tap for Ted Kennedy March 8, 2009 at 5:43 pm The stars are coming out in Washington for a musical birthday salute to ailing Sen. Edward M. Kennedy. Bill Cosby will host the Kennedy Center event. Coolio out on bail after drug arrest March 8, 2009 at 5:11 pm Rapper Coolio has been released on bail after being arrested on suspicion of drug possession at LAX. Britney Spears surprises sick kids in Miami March 8, 2009 at 4:47 pm Just hours before taking the stage, singer Britney Spears, herself a mom of two, made a surprise visit to a group of sick children at Miami Children's Hospital. Who's watching the 'Watchmen'? Everybody March 8, 2009 at 4:39 pm "Watchmen" clocked in with $55.7 million in ticket sales to claim the top spot at the box office, giving director Zack Snyder's comic book adaptation about a team of twisted superheros the biggest opening weekend of 2009 so far. Best bets: Cha cha cha! 'Dancing' suits up March 8, 2009 at 3:54 pm C-list celebs and all, "Dancing With the Stars" has returned. Also new this week: "Milk" on DVD, and a new album for "Idol" winner Kelly Clarkson. Dakota Fanning to play Jane in 'New Moon' March 8, 2009 at 12:25 pm After weeks of speculation, Dakota Fanning has officially joined the cast of "New Moon" to play the role of Jane, Summit Entertainment confirmed to Access Hollywood on Saturday. Jilted 'Bachelor' contestant to go 'Dancing' March 8, 2009 at 11:52 am Jilted by Jason Mesnick on the season finale of "The Bachelor," Melissa Rycroft will rebound nicely — on "Dancing With the Stars," PEOPLE has learned.