Conan O'Brien Leaving NBC WIth Large Payout, Leno Back To 'Tonight Show': Daily Beast

UPDATE: The Wrap reports that NBC will pay Conan $30 million to in a deal that could be announced "as early as Friday." Conan's agent Leslee Dart denies that figure.

The Daily Beast's Kim Masters reports that Conan O'Brien will exit NBC with a large payout and no noncompete clause in a deal negotiated by Universal President Ron Meyer:

According to the outlines of a settlement, Conan O'Brien will leave NBC and the network will make an as-yet unspecified payment. The comedian will be free to appear elsewhere on television well before his contract expires, despite earlier threats from NBC that it would prevent him from working anywhere else.

Masters' report follows Nikki Finke's reportThursday afternoon that Meyer had been negotiating a deal with Team Conan for days:

Universal Studios President/COO Ron Meyer was secretly drafted during this NBC late night crisis to negotiate a settlement between the network and Team Conan after O'Brien and his reps were threatened by NBC Universal chief Jeff Zucker (see below). "Ron is a former agent, one of the biggest in Hollywood. He could get this done, so NBC used him," a source just told me. "No one would talk to each other, and they talked to Ron. He got everybody to talk to everybody." The deal as sketched puts Jay Leno back hosting The Tonight Show, and Conan O'Brien exiting with a lot of money. But there are still some terms to be worked out -- which is why there hasn't been any announcement yet. But I'm warned that "anything can happen" now that Meyer did his duty, and NBC is back in charge. I can tell you there are definitely people around NBC Universal boss Jeff Zucker who want to keep Conan in place at The Tonight Show. "But Zucker is digging in his heels because of the bad press. He's being stubborn," a Team Conan insider just told me.

Previously, Zucker had reportedly threatened to enforce O'Brien's contract and keep him off the air for 3.5 years until his contract ran out.

People.com reported Thursday that Conan would likely not host any new "Tonight Show" episodes after January 22.

TMZ reported Thursday that Leno and NBC had struck a deal for him to return as host of the "Tonight Show."

Top 10 'American Idol' Songs

With each 'American Idol' season, without fail, we fall in love with these unknown, small town voices and vote on our favorites. We listen to the judges' critiques; Simon Cowell's bickering (with this season to be his last) and Randy Jackson's belief in promising stars (for he fortuitously predicted Adam Lambert, Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson's success on day one). But in the end, we, the viewers, decide who stays in the running, where finalists hope the show will jump-start their careers, and soon after commercialize their talent. Over the past eight seasons, here are the Top 'American Idol' Songs that have been successful on the airwaves and rated by AOL Radio listeners. Let us know in the comments which idol songs are your favorite!

10) Katharine McPhee:' Over It'

Season five finalist, Katharine McPhee, sings 'Over It,' a song about a girl who is getting over her ex-boyfriend. The only thing is, she isn't entirely over the breakup yet: "For wanting you to be wanting me / No that ain't no way to be." To market her new single, McPhee guest-starred in an Webisode of 'Lonelygirl15,' which also played her song. Listen below to the MIG Mix, which was released with five other versions in the album, 'Dance Vault Mixes.'

9) Kris Allen: 'Heartless'

When Allen performed Kanye West's 'Heartless' on stage, he instantly won the judges' hearts. His acoustic performance of 'Heartless' propelled him into the lead and helped him win the No. 1 spot in the eighth season.

8) Elliott Yamin: 'Wait for You'

The 98 Degrees/S Club 7-sounding tune is about a man who is waiting for his lover to return. Yamin finished third place in season five -- his only singing experience covering scattered karaoke stints. Yamin toldPopEater: "I didn't have a whole lot of ambition. I wasn't really working toward any goals. I definitely wasn't pursuing a career in music." Yamin now recommends that if you are an upcoming artist, it's important to practice your craft everyday.

7) David Cook: 'Permanent'

Cook's live version of this single on the eighth season of 'American Idol' became downloadable via iTunes, with all proceeds going to Accelerate Brain Trust Cancer Cure, a non-profit in search of finding a cure for brain cancer. The seventh season winner co-wrote the heart-rending tune about his late brother, who succumbed to the disease just months before Cook's performance. The song was also featured on his 2008 eponymous album, which sold over a million copies in the states.

6) Jordin Sparks: 'No Air'

After winning the sixth season (in 2007), Sparks became the youngest winner and was considered to be the most improved over the course of the season (even beating the better-performing Leona Lewis). She's most known for her song with Chris Brown, 'No Air,' which sold more than 4 million digital copies internationally.

5) Adam Lambert: 'Whataya Want From Me'

Following Lambert's controversial American Music Awards performance for his single 'For Your Entertainment,' his scheduled talk show appearances were canceled. Finally, he debuted his next single 'Whataya Want From Me' on the CBS's 'The Early Show.' But as part of the deal, he also had to explain his behavior during a live interview on the morning show. Randy Jackson previously said that Lambert has a "bigger personality" than Allen. Hey, we were forewarned.

4) Carrie Underwood: 'Before He Cheats'

The song is about a girl who wants to take action before her boyfriend cheats again. So what does she do? She vandalizes his car. The song received some criticism -- for the double standard violence showcased both in the lyrics and the music video. That aside, country fans and the rest of the world went crazy for it -- the single sold more than 2.8 million downloads. And so far, Underwood has collectively sold 11 million albums.

3) Kelly Clarkson: 'Breakaway'

Close to Underwood in numbers, Clarkson has sold 10.5 million albums to date. Avril Lavigne co-wrote this song, but handed it off to Clarkson. 'Breakway' made the 'American Idol' sensation a pop princess, saving her from her first two unsuccessful singles. The song apparently fit Clarkson's life so "perfectly," that in the music video, she opted to play herself.

2) Chris Daughtry: 'Home'

Daughtry penned the song on his sofa before he auditioned for 'American Idol.' He wrote: "I don't regret this life I chose for me / But these places and these faces are getting old / So I'm going home, well I'm going home." After he was booted off the show, he landed a record deal with RCA Records. To promote the song before its release, the sixth season of 'American Idol' played the 'Home' before bidding farewell to contestants.

1) David Archuleta: 'Crush'

The seventh season runner-up finished strong, receiving 44 percent of the 97 million votes. But it's not surprising 'Crush' was such a hit (and our No.1 'American Idol' song) -- Jackson said Archuleta could "sing the phone book" and it would still sound great. Growing up in the 'American Idol' generation, he became one of the youngest contestants to participate in the show. To keep better tabs on him, check out his frequent tweets.

Listen to Pop Idols Radio

Dennis Hopper Files For Divorce

Dennis Hopper was diagnosed with prostate cancer in October, and though reports suggest his condition has declined in recent weeks, the actor has just filed for divorce from his wife of 13 years, according to PEOPLE. Hopper, 73, cites irreconcilable differences in his split with Victoria, Los Angeles court records show.

The actor is requesting joint legal and physical custody of their 6-year-old daughter Galen, and plans to provide spousal support to Victoria.

Hopper has been a mainstay in Hollywood for five decades, including an Oscar nomination for co-writing 1969's counterculture classic 'Easy Rider.' He also was nominated for an acting Oscar in 1986 for 'Hoosiers,' and had roles in films like 'Apocalypse Now,' 'Blue Velvet,' 'True Romance' and 'Speed.'

Hopper recently wrapped the second season of Starz series 'Crash.' . He plays maniacal music producer Ben Cendars on the series. The actor also has several film projects in the works.

The Ugly Truth of Facebook's Inner Workings?

Did you know hat everything you do is not only permanently stored and saved, but completely available to Facebook staff and associates? That's what an anonymous employee of Facebook is claiming.

The source further goes on to state that "any sort of interaction on Facebook (say your uploading a photo, visiting somebody's profile, or even updates to your status, or amending your profile information) that activity is stored on Facebook's servers.

Why is this done? Well it's done so that Facebook can identify a member's "best friends," a feature which debuted recently,rather quietly where the site tracks and stores (at one of four massive data centers) every possible interaction made.

And if that wasn't socialist in nature and troubling enough, there are now revelations that any Facebook employee could log into any member account with a single master password (which was reportedly some derivation of Chuck Norris). The anonymous worker also said that various employees were caught inappropriately using that password to gain access to accounts. I guess we should feel happy that at least two of whom were terminated?

The site All Facebook has expectedly and deservedly retaliated to the anonymous whistleblower claims, and has dismissed the supposed expose' as rather common everyday knowledge with which all Facebook members should be completely familiar.

Now I ask you how many of you knew that?

How to Plan Your Move and Avoid Being Held Hostage by Moving Companies

How to Plan Your Move

Plan Ahead Summer time is the busiest time of the year for movers. In addition, the beginning and end of each month are traditionally busier than mid-month, regardless of the season. If you are planning to move during one of the times, plan well in advance so your mover's schedule will fit yours. Now it is time to contact the movers on your list. Inform them of your destination and the timing of your move. Ask movers to provide you with a written estimate, and have them explain the services listed in the estimate in detail. Carefully compare each estimate to see which company best suits your needs and budget. Check out our Moving Countdown Calendar planner, to be sure you don't forget anything. Packing Proper packing by a trained packer using specially designed cartons and materials is crucial to a good move. Schedule packing with the mover a day or two before the moving van is loaded. If you are packing yourself, it is never too soon to start. While packing yourself can save money, movers will not usually accept liability for damage to items packed by owners. Be present when your goods are packed. An inventory of your goods will be made and it is important to resolve any disagreements prior to signing the inventory. Make sure all copies are legible and all items are numbered. Have valuable items listed separately. Some appliances may require servicing prior to the move. Your mover can schedule these services for you. There are several options for insuring your goods. All household goods shipments move under limited liability. However, you may purchase additional liability coverage from your mover. Planning Your Moving Day Your mover may ask you to select several consecutive days during which your goods can be loaded and a second series of dates during which your goods can be delivered to your new home. A spread of days gives you and your mover the flexibility needed to keep your move on schedule. Remember that summer months are the busiest, and some movers offer lower prices between the months of October and April. Moving Day Be on hand when the movers arrive Discuss the delivery arrangements fully with your mover. Have beds stripped and ready to be packed. Save your energy - let the moving crew disassemble goods. Read the Bill of Lading before you sign it. Tell your mover how to reach you at your destination. Keep in contact with the mover's agent at your destination while you are in transit. Delivery Generally, your belongings will be transported in a van along with those of other families in the same general direction. This helps to keep your costs down. Delivery is made on any of the several consecutive days agreed upon before the move began. Make sure the mover knows how to contact you to schedule actual delivery. If you cannot be reached at destination, the mover may place your shipment in storage to avoid delaying other shipments. This can mean additional charges for storage and handling. Upon delivery, check your goods for damage. Do not sign the inventory until you have inspected your furniture and the exterior of the cartons. Claims If any of your household goods are damaged or lost, report the facts promptly and in detail on the van driver's copy (original) of the inventory sheet before you sign it. If you notice damage after unpacking, a claim must be filed within nine months after delivery. However, it is to your advantage to report damage as soon as possible. The mover must acknowledge receipt of your claim within 30 days and must deny or make an offer within 120 days of receipt of your claim. When making a claim or considering a settlement offer, keep in mind the amount of liability that you declared on your shipment. For example, if the value declared on your shipment was $5,000, the mover's maximum liability for loss or damage to the articles in your shipment is $5,000. Claims for more than this amount will be declined because they are in excess of the mover's liability that you declared on your shipment.

Are the 'Slumdog' Kids Actually Doing Okay?

There's a new article in USA Today about howSlumdog Millionaire star Rubina Ali has $145,000 in new deals. Surely this is meant to be the bright light at the end of a long tunnel of post-film troubles -- living in filth, shantys torn down, claims that dad was trying to sell young Rubina. But reading through the piece, it doesn't look like much has changed at all. According to the article, Ali has "already committed to projects worth more than $145,000, and her family could soon move out of the slums and into a new apartment paid for by a trust set up by the film's director, Danny Boyle." She's also said to have gotten about $32,515 in an autobiography advance, with perhaps another $80 thousand by April. Meanwhile, Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail has landed a gig along with Ali in the indie film Lord Owen's Lady, which will net them roughly $1,626/day over 20 days of production. It sounds good, but at the same time, more of the same. Ali is still in the shanty, still truant with school, and could lose her trust fund because of it. What's being done with the money she's received is anyone's guess. "Legalities" have been cited in why she's still waiting for an apartment a year later. And that's the thing -- much of this so-called success is potential, rather than actual. When these deals come to fruition, when she's not living in a shanty made of pink corrugated metal and goes back to school or gets a tutor, then things will be looking up.

SADE 'SOLDIERS' ON WITH SIXTH ALBUM

Notoriously reclusive British quartet Sade, led by singer-songwriter Sade Adu, may have taken a decade-long break between releasing albums, but their labored approach to recording music has paid off. Last night, Epic Records held an exclusive listening party for the band's sixth album 'Soldier of Love,' a diverse collection of tracks threaded together by Adu's mysteriously engaging vocals and the group's relaxed compositions. "No songs were written ahead of time," explained guitarist Stuart Matthewman in a previously-recorded statement played before the album. "That's why it takes so long ... All of the band members live on different continents," he added before studio footage of the group recording the album and behind-the-scenes clips from the set for the 'Soldier of Love' music video were shown. Though the band admits to having struggled during the recording sessions, 'Soldier of Love' is much creamier and calmer than their concerted efforts would suggest. With ten tracks spread over 45 minutes, the album incorporates livelier, more hip-hop inflected rhythms into the band's previous sound. Kicking off with the syrupy jam 'The Moon and the Sky,' 'Soldier of Love' immediately sets the smooth tone by recalling the low-calorie hue of '90s R&B, with Sade cooing, "You could have let me love anyone" and "Why didn't you come get me last time?"

After the six-minute version of lead single 'Soldier of Love,' the group pulls back on the instrumental reigns and lets the album breathe with 'Morning Bird,' a track built on a lingering piano melody, emphatic kick drum and sporadic tambourine. "You are the blood of me," Sade whispers before kicking her vocals up an octave. "How could you? You are the river/I told this life, how could you/You are the morning day, you sang me into life." On the rest of the album, the group dabbles in brighter fare (the hip-hop-tinged 'Babyfather' and spaghetti Western-inspired 'Be That Easy'), but they also include songs performed in the classic lounge style that put them on the map back when they debuted in 1984. 'Skin' is supple and sultry with its vague, buried vocals that whisper, "I love you so/Sometimes love has to let go," while 'Bring Me Home' boasts acid drum hits as Sade moans, "Let the tide take me/I won't fight, I've cried the tears." 'Soldier of Love' ends on a mellow note with 'The Safest Place,' resting on a comfortable groove complete with cellos, spidery acoustic guitar plucks and a string section. It's a smoky, victorious conclusion to the album, conveying the group as complacent and placid as they've ever been.