Thia still in the running in "American Idol"

Plus: Charice is finally back on the set of “Glee” to tape 5 episodes ShowbizDribble

Thia Megia continues her march towards her dream  being crowned American Idol.

The 16-year-old Fil-Am from California last week advanced to the final 12 of the popular talent show, following a viewer vote. (According to host Ryan Seacrest, 30 million viewers voted.)

Thia chose to sing “Smile,” inspired by her idol Michael Jackson’s version of a Charlie Chaplin classic.

According to the American Idol website, judges Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler all agreed that “Thia's voice really shined at the beginning of the song when it was just her voice and the acoustic guitar.”

Randy said he “loved the beginning” of the song; “it was golden to me.” Jennifer described Thia’s voice as “transcendent.” And Steven predicted, “You have such a strong future in front of you.”

I myself felt that Smile was not Thia’s best performance. She herself acknowledged right after she sang that she had doubts that she would make the cut.

But it was Ashthon Jones who failed to impress the viewers enough with her song, “Love All over Me,” and was eliminated.

Way to go, Thia!

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Firemen rushed to the condominium unit of Ethel Booba in Quezon City last week after a fire was reported there. According to reports, the comedian went ballistic after finding out that her boyfriend, identified as Mario Murize, a Norwegian, is gay and set fire to some appliances.

Fortunately, the sprinklers in the unit automatically turned on, putting out the blaze.

Now Ethel is facing charges of arson and could go to jail.

The booby Ethel had a stormy relationship with basketball star and hunk Alex Crisano some ago. Alex had grumbled that his athletic career was suffering because of their frequent fights. The relationship crumbled after a sex video of Ethel and Alex surfaced.

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Charice has begun taping new scenes for the hit musical series “Glee.”

Last week, Charice tweeted: “Filipino power!!!! Blaine Anderson (Darren Cris) and Sunshine Corazon (Charice)!!!!” Darren, who has Filipino blood, is the newest addition to the Glee cast.

Main Glee star Lea Michelle welcomed Charice back. “Look who’s back!! @officialcharice!!! So happy!!!” Michelle tweeted.

The petite Pinay will tape five episodes of the show which is well into its second season.

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Just days after getting fired from “Two and a Half Men,” Charlie Sheen got an unscheduled visit from the Los Angeles police. It wasn’t a social call, either. The cops searched the actor’s house to determine if he was keeping any firearms, which would violate a restraining order the court had granted to his ex-wife, Brook Mueller.

The police did find what was described as an antique gun and “a few bullets.”

The incident, however, failed to ruffle Sheen, who even commended the police. "#fastball; the LAPD were AWESOME. Absolute pros! they can protect and serve this Warlock anytime!!! c", he tweeted.

Just last week, Sheen filed a $100-million lawsuit against the show’s producer Warner Bros. and its main writer Chuck Lorre demanding that he paid the eight episodes that never aired. He also wants the producer to pay the cast and crew.

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Everyone knows Lady Gaga, the flamboyant pop megastar. But do you know Baby Gaga?

No, Baby Gaga is not Lady Gaga’s child. It’s not even a person. Baby Gaga is the name of an ice cream that is made from – don’t laugh – breast milk!

Last week, the flamboyant singing sensation threatened to sue the ice cream parlor in London that produces Baby Gaga, claiming it was exploiting her name. The parlor owner, Matt O'Connor, denies the name of his product was inspired by Lady Gaga. "It's just the first noise a baby makes -- it's nothing to do with anyone else," O’Connor was quoted as saying.