nick lachey

Nick Lachey, wife expecting

Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minnillo (WENN.COM)

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Former pop star Nick Lachey and his new bride Vanessa Minnillo are expecting their first child less than a year after they wed.

The ex-98 Degrees star and his TV presenter wife got married in a secret ceremony in July last year and they announced on U.S. TV on Monday that Minnillo is pregnant.

Lachey tells Live! with Kelly, "she was in new York and I was in the Bahamas. she went to the store and got a pregnancy test and it came back positive. We’re having a baby!… this is the one thing that more than any other I’ve looked forward to, and it’s overwhelming."

Lachey said the couple has already discussed a name for the child, adding, "If it’s a girl, I think it might be Sophia. If it’s a boy, I’m not sure."

He also joked his wife’s baby bump was initially blamed on too many calories, saying, "It just looked like she had eaten a really big burrito for a while… she loves, she craves Mexican food right now. she could eat a burrito a day so you can imagine what our house smells like right about now."

The baby is due later this year.

Whitney Houston dead at 48; celebs react on Twitter

This post has been updated, as indicated below.

Singer Whitney Houston's death Saturday at age 48 had few details immediately available, but celebrities on Twitter were quick to respond.

Russell Simmons said he was "deeply saddened by the death of Whitney Houston…may she rest in peace."

"just heard the news. so crazy," tweeted Justin Bieber. "One of the GREATEST VOICES EVER just passed. RIP Whitney Houston. My prayers go out to her friends and family I am sadden to hear of the passing of Whitney Houston today…"

PHOTOS: Stars react to Whitney Houston's death

Melanie Amaro, who won the first season of "the X Factor" and recently belted out Aretha Franklin's "Respect" for Pepsi, tweeted, "I love u sooo much Whitney Houston :'( u will always be in my heart and my mind an my soul your music made me the girl I am today "

"Is the sad news about Whitney Houston true?!?!," singer Michelle Branch asked early on.

Houston died Saturday afternoon at the Beverly Hilton hotel, authorities told L.A. Now. Houston was in the Los Angeles area for a musical tribute to music executive Clive Davis and had performed and spoken to reporters earlier in the week. the investigation into her death was ongoing. 

PHOTOS: Whitney Houston, 1963-2012

"Wow. RIP Whitney Houston. Grew up on her," actress Elizabeth Banks said. "She contributed to the soundtrack of many of my 12-year old sleepover parties."

"so so sad that Whitney Houston died..," Kris Jenner said. "praying for her daughter and her family…tragic..just heartbreaking..amazing talent, amazing voice.."TV host Nancy O'Dell kept it simple: "I am in shock and so sad…Whitney Houston reported dead." "RIP Whitney Houston. Sad to see anyone go so early. My thoughts and prayers go out to her friends and family," said actress and TV host Olivia Munn."Whitney Houston is dead. A beautiful & talented woman RIP Whitney," said author Jackie Collins.CNN's Roland Martin, recently in the news over a Super Bowl tweet, noted that "Clive Davis has his annual Grammy party tonight. Something tells me it will be turned into a Whitney Houston memorial service."

In fact, Houston was to have attended that party Saturday night at the Beverly Hilton, L.A. now reports.

And one touching non-celebrity tweet, from writer Jordan Bach: "May the wings of angels encircle Whitney Houston. Gratitude for her gifts, sorrow for her agony, and prayers for her release at last."

[UPDATED, 6: 30 p.m. Feb. 11: Fellow diva Mariah Carey expressed her condolences over a series of tweets, saying, "Heartbroken and in tears over the shocking death of my friend, the incomparable Ms. Whitney Houston. My heartfelt condolences to Whitney's family and to all her millions of fans throughout the world. She will never be forgotten as one of the greatest voices to ever grace the earth."

Her husband, Nick Cannon, noted, "'To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord' RIP to Whitney Houston a true queen."

And more celebs weighed in:

Nick Lachey: "how tragic to hear about Whitney Houston's passing. Such a shame. She had one of the most iconic voices of my lifetime. #rip"Wendy Williams: "My family & I are saddened by the loss of a true icon & legend - Whitney Houston. our thoughts & prayers are w/ the entire Houston family."Dwyane Wade: "RIP to a legend..Sad day for music lovers...Whitney Houston should be celebrated 4 blessing us with her gifts..#Icon #mother #beautiful"

Tyrese Gibson: "I'm in Houston on the night we lose Whitney Houston .. Tonight's show is dedicated to her legacy"]

RELATED:

Whitney Houston, pop titan, dead at 48

Voice for the ages tarnished by addictions

VIDEOS: Six legendary Houston performances

Whitney Houston died in Beverly Hills hotel room

Whitney Houston was to attend Clive Davis' party tonight

Whitney Houston had large entourage in Beverly Hills, police say

Houston spotted displaying erratic behavior the day before death

– Christie D'Zurilla

Photo: Whitney Houston in 2009. Credit: Getty Images

Beard Shopping, Drunken Judge, Bad Boy Bander – Blind Items

“this actor has been immersing himself in work and flying under the radar lately. That will soon change. His reps have been beard shopping for him to start publicity just in time for a couple of films to hit theaters. [Hollywood Dame]

“this C list boy-bander who was once a much bigger star, is not only struggling with substance abuse, he’s struggling with fidelity. He recently cheated on his girlfriend by having a one night stand with his stepsister.” [Buzzfoto]

My Guess: While it sounds like a bad Lifetime movie, I will guess Nick Lachey for funsies.

“This award-winning actor is slipping back into bad habits? Even though this is the same behavior that got him condemned by the public and got him fired from a cushy gig and got his kids taken away, there are fears that he’s back at it. Well, we have some good news to report. He’s fine. It’s all just talk to stir up buzz about his newest project. Publicity: it’s a hell of a drug.” [Blind Gossip]

My Guess: I’d say Charlie Sheen, but I don’t think he has seen a sober/sane day since 1978.

“what reality judge on a very hit show was so hammered when she came to a taping of her show that there was literal panic about whether or not they could sober her up enough to participate in the taping or going to have her be ‘sick.’” [CD&N]

My Guess: my favorite Vicodin pinata, Paula Abdul!

For more blind items click HERE…