‘Fox’s New Year’s Eve’: Phillip Phillips out, Tate Stevens in

Credit: FOX

As if The X Factor USA didn’t have a hard enough time avoiding comparisons that paint it as a Discount American Idol, it’s now confirmed that multi-platinum Idol champ Phillip Phillips has bowed out of Fox’s New Year’s Eve Live! due to a scheduling conflict, and will now be replaced by X Factor season two champ Tate Stevens. Stevens joins previously announced performers Lifehouse and Carmen Electra (she sings?).

The 90-minute special will be hosted by Marlan Wayans, who ranks somewhere around number 3 in the Wayans heirarchy. You got Damon at the top, you see, and then there’s Damon Jr. at number two, and then Shawn somewhere towards the bottom below Kenan Ivory and Kim. Marlon’s new movie, A Haunted House, hits theaters January 11. On a related note, I can’t be the only one who enjoys the comic stylings of Cedric the Entertainer, can I? Sure, his non-Barbershop movies are terrible, but his stand-up is outstanding.

Full story: Entertainment Weekly

Fox’s New Year’s Eve Live! airs (when else?) New Years Eve on FOX.