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Fox News' Bill O'Reilly writing 'Killing Jesus' book

NEW YORK, Feb. 21 (UPI) -- U.S. author and Fox News personality Bill O'Reilly is writing "Killing Jesus: A History," announced publisher Henry Holt and Co.

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The follow-up to his best-sellers "Killing Kennedy: The End of Camelot" and "Killing Lincoln: The Shocking Assassination That Changed America Forever" is set for release Sept. 24, The Hollywood Reporter said.

Frequent O'Reilly collaborator Martin Dugard is co-writing "Killing Jesus," an account of the death of the founder of Christianity.

"Jesus Christ has not walked among us physically for more than 2,000 years, yet his presence today is felt the world over and his spirit is worshiped by more than 2.2 billion people," O'Reilly said in a statement issued by Holt Wednesday. "His teachings, his legacy, his life as a flesh-and-blood man and his death created the world in which we live."

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Ben Foster replaces Shia LaBeouf in Broadway play 'Orphans'

NEW YORK, Feb. 21 (UPI) -- Ben Foster has replaced Shia LaBeouf in the Broadway production of "Orphans," producers announced Thursday.

LaBeouf's departure from the play due to "creative differences" was announced Wednesday. The actor later said via Twitter he left because of an unspecified "disagreeable situation" involving his co-star Alec Baldwin.

The production of Lyle Kessler's play is being directed by Daniel Sullivan.

Preview performances are to begin March 19. Opening night is set for April 7 at the Schoenfeld Theatre in New York.

"We are delighted that Ben will join Alec Baldwin and Tom Sturridge when rehearsals commence at 'Orphans' tomorrow morning. He is an extraordinarily gifted actor," producers Frederick Zollo and Robert Cole said in a joint statement Thursday.

Foster's film credits include "The Messenger," "Rampart," "Alpha Dog," "3:10 to Yuma" and "X-Men 3: The Last Stand." He also was a cast member of the iconic, but short-lived TV series "Freaks and Geeks."


Mel. B to replace Sharon Osbourne as 'America's Got Talent' judge

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 21 (UPI) -- British pop star Melanie Brown is to replace Sharon Osbourne for the upcoming eighth season of "America's Got Talent," The Hollywood Reporter said.

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The former Spice Girl will serve alongside returning judges Howard Stern and Howie Mandel on the NBC talent show, which is to kick off its new season May 28.

Brown previously served as a judge on the Australian edition of "The X Factor" and as co-host of "Dancing with the Stars Down Under."

Osbourne announced her departure from "America's Got Talent" last August, alleging NBC fired her son, Jack, from the physically arduous competition show, "Stars Earn Stripes," because he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

The network has denied the claim, The Hollywood Reporter said.


Baauer's 'Harlem Shake' tops U.S. record chart

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 21 (UPI) -- Baauer's infectious dance hit "Harlem Shake" is No. 1 on the U.S. record chart, Billboard.com reported Thursday.

Coming in at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 is Macklemore & Ryan Lewis' "Thrift Shop" featuring Wanz, followed by Rihanna's "Stay" featuring Mikky Ekko at No. 3, Will.i.am and Britney Spears' "Scream & Shout" at No. 4 and Taylor Swift's "I Knew You Were Trouble" at No. 5.

Rounding out the top tier are the Lumineers' "Ho Hey" at No. 6, Bruno Mars' "Locked Out of Heaven" at No. 7, Mars' "When I Was Your Man" at No. 8, Justin Timberlake's "Suit & Tie" featuring Jay-Z at No. 9 and Drake's "Started From the Bottom" at No. 10.

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