Tom Cruise, obsessed with security, allegedly has body double for Suri: Favorite People

Tom Cruise is so obsessed with his daughter's safety that he meets with risk-assessment teams and kidnapping specialists and, in a security measure usually reserved for royals and despots, even employs a body double, according to the New York Daily News.

The paper quotes sources who say the actor, who divorced Katie Holmes last year but remains deeply involved in their daughters life, has stepped up security around her in recent months for unknown reasons. However, the News suggests they were spooked by reports of an alleged plot to abduct, murder and castrate Justin Bieber.

"No threats of any nature can be ignored, the insider said, adding that Holmes shares her ex's security fears.

The News says it spotted Suri Cruise's alleged doppelganger as recently as Friday afternoon when Holmes picked her 6-year-old up from her Manhattan school, trailed by paparazzi. The paper described an elaborate ruse involving dual black SUVs, a stop at a police precinct and a visit to a favorite sandwich shop.

There, Holmes appears to carry in her daughter to photographers' delight, though her face is mostly shielded. Then a second SUV reportedly arrives at a side entrance shortly after with Suri's nanny, who whisked in the identically dressed tot almost unnoticed. Almost, the News points out, citing its photographic evidence.

I've seen this type of thing when stars have stalkers, said an observer, who has done legwork for private eyes. Though celebrities often use body doubles in steamy scenes on screen, it's rare in real life even among the rich. But the News points out that Sta! lin and Saddam used impostors.

Cruise, who declined to comment for the story, also requires the names of all the parents of Suri's playmates, said a snitch close to Holmes: He has to approve them before Suri can go to their houses or apartments alone. He has them investigated and he keeps a file on everyone. He is very cautious when it comes to her.

So cautious that he has sought the help of professionals, sources told the News.

They have talked with them specifically in relation to Suri and her well being, one insider revealed. These guys deal with kidnap threats of families and children for super rich people and corporations. They work in high risk territories and targets around the world. They advise on how to best prevent subjects being placed in compromising situations, while offering protection solutions, too.

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Nick Lachey will put you to sleep, and this time it's intentional

First-time dad Nick Lachey knows all about rocking a baby to sleep. Now he wants to help other kids get their rest.

His new album, "A Father's Lullaby," will be released in a few weeks. It features 12 songs, including classics like "You Are My Sunshine" and "Brahms Lullaby." The album also features four original tracks that Lachey co-wrote, inspired by his own baby.

The 39-year-old singer and his wife, TV personality Vanessa Lachey, welcomed their son, Camden, last September.

"A Father's Lullaby" will be available on iTunes and Amazon on March 13. It will be in stores in April.

Lachey will release a new album, "2.0," in May with his group, 98 Degrees.

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Stern, Mandel, Mel B. heading to New Orleans

Howard Stern, Howie Mandel and former Spice Girls singer Melanie "Mel B." Brown head to New Orleans next week for the taping of auditions for "America's Got Talent."

The three judges of the popular NBC reality TV variety show, which is in its 8th season, will be walking a red carpet at the UNO Lakefront Arena on! Monday.

Certain contestants selected from the open-casting round of auditions held in New Orleans earlier this month will be invited to perform in front of the celebrity judges. The process will repeat in select cities across the country, with the top 48 acts moving on to compete during this summer's live televised shows.

The top prize is $1 million and a headlining show in Las Vegas. "America's Got Talent" is hosted by actor and comedian Nick Cannon.

The search is open to acts of all talents and ages. Previous auditions have included singers, dancers, comedians, contortionists, jugglers, magicians and ventriloquists.

Last season's winner was Richard and Nick Olate, of Olate Dogs, a fast-paced act filled with impressive dog tricks.

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Funeral service for actor Lou Myers set for Friday

A funeral service for actor Lou Myers will be held Friday in his home state of West Virginia.

Tonia McDonald of Myers' nonprofit Global Business Inc. says the service is scheduled for 1 p.m. Friday at First Baptist Church in Charleston. McDonald says Myers died Feb. 19 at Charleston Area Medical Center after becoming ill with pneumonia. Myers was 76.

A native of Chesapeake, Myers was best known for his role as ornery restaurant owner Mr. Gaines on the television series "A Different World." His TV credits included "NYPD Blue," ''E.R.," ''The Cosby Show" and "Touched by an Angel." He also appeared in a number of films, including "Tin Cup" and "Wedding Planner."

Myers also appeared on Broadway, including in "Oprah Winfrey's The Color Purple."

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Metallica bringing its Orion Music fest to Detroit

Metallica, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and two-dozen other acts have signed on to play at a two-day music festival in Detroit this June.

Organizers on Monday announced the lineup for the 2013 Orion Music + More Festival, which is to be held June 8-9 on Belle Isle, an island in the middle of the Detroit River.

The inaugur! al Orion ! Music + More was held last year in Atlantic City, N.J., with headliners Metallica, Arctic Monkeys and Avenged Sevenfold.

Metallica serves as a host for the event.

Other bands set to play the festival in Detroit include Rise Against, the Deftones and the Dropkick Murphys.

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Today's birthdays: Actress Joanne Woodward is 83. Actress Barbara Babcock is 76. Actor Howard Hesseman is 73. Guitarist Neal Schon of Journey is 59. Guitarist Adrian Smith of Iron Maiden is 56. Keyboardist Paul Humphreys of OMD is 53. Singer Johnny Van Zant of Lynyrd Skynyrd is 53. Actor Adam Baldwin (Chuck) is 51. Actor Grant Show (Melrose Place) is 51. Guitarist Mike Cross of Sponge is 48. Actor Donal Logue (Knights of Prosperity, Grounded for Life) is 47. Singer Chilli of TLC is 42. Keyboardist Jeremy Dean of Nine Days is 41. Singer Roderick Clark (Hi-Five) is 40. Bassist Shonna Tucker of Drive-By Truckers is 35. Singer Bobby Valentino is 33. Singer Josh Groban is 32. Drummer Jared Champion of Cage the Elephant is 30. Actress Kate Mara (American Horror Story) is 30.

The Oregonian and The Associated Press