Melissa Gilbert: From Prairie to Stage

Some actors are embarrassed by the shows that made them famous. Others embrace them. Melissa Gilbert definitely falls into the second category. The actor who became a star in "Little House on the Prairie" is now appearing in a stage adaptation of the hit show. But with a unique twist...

Melissa Gilbert portrayed Laura Ingalls Wilder for nine years on television. Courtesy Everett Collection Now, the 45-year-old actress is playing "Ma" in a stage version of the hit show. Theo Wargo/WireImage.com

Gilbert, who played the young Laura Ingalls during the TV show's run from 1974 to 1983, is starring as "Ma" in the stage version. News that Gilbert is back in pioneer-era garb inspired huge searches on the actress. Web lookups on "melissa gilbert" and "melissa gilbert play" each posted triple-digit gains.

The fact that Gilbert is playing a different character shouldn't come as a huge surprise. After all, it would really stretch the audience's suspension of disbelief to ask a 45-year-old to play a teenager (apologies to Luke Perry). What came as a surprise to us, as well as to Ms. Gilbert, is that the stage adaptation is a musical. The New York Post reports that Gilbert's initial response to the news was: "Are you crazy?"

Still, the actor has grown confident with the new material. She's even abstained from giving too much advice to Kara Lindsay, who has taken on Gilbert's old role. Reviews of the production appear to be mixed. The New York Times calls it "pretty and well-meaning, but a little too sincere." Meanwhile NJ.com calls it "a lyrical, likeable journey," but also says the musical is "wholesome without being emotionally moving." Reviews aren't everything, however -- the show is already sold out.

Fans who cant get to the Paper Mill Playhouse might just have to wait and hope it moves to Broadway. Hey, stranger things have happened. Remember Cats?

Raksha Photo Gallery

Lady Gaga to Debut New Single on SNL

As if performing on the upcoming episode of Saturday Night Live wasn’t cool enough, Lady Gaga has announced that she will be debuting a hot new single off her forthcoming album "The Fame Monster," which drops on November 24.

Gagita is also scheduled to do "Paparazzi" on the live show hosted by "X-Men" star Ryan Reynolds this weekend. It promises to be hot!

We’re excited we don’t have to wait for the album release to hear the Lady’s new single! How about you? Are you going to check out Lady Gaga’s fresh track on the upcoming episode of Saturday Night Live? Let us know.

Report: Simon Cowell's 'The X Factor' Heading Stateside

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Simon Cowell's "The X Factor" is America-bound, according to a new report.

Britain's Daily Mirror reported that television's Mr. Nasty is bringing his U.K. reality competition stateside in a deal with FOX worth an alleged $103 million.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: The Brit Pack: Hot Shots Of Stars From The U.K.! Simon Cowell attends auditions for 'American Idol'

Last week, The Hollywood Reporter claimed Simon and FOX were "hammering out a deal" to launch the show to America and the Mirror claims it is now a reality.

"Simon knew how much they needed him for 'Idol,' but there was no deal until they agreed to do 'X Factor,'" a source told the newspaper.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: The Verdict Is In! Judges Of Reality Television

"It's been a long hard slog, but we got there," the source added.

The paper reported that Simon will announce the deal on October 7 at a party for his 50th birthday.

"The deal has virtually been done for the last two weeks, but there are still a couple of loose ends that need to be tied up," another source said.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Anything But Dreadful! Hot Shots Of Simon Cowell!

A rep for FOX had no comment about the reported deal when contacted by Access Hollywood.

While "The X Factor" is a reality competition -- the very one that introduced Leona Lewis to the world -- it differs from "American Idol" in several ways.

Potential contenders - which can include groups -- audition in front of the judges and an audience, similar to the "America's Got Talent" try-out style.

Those put through are divided up into four categories - boys 16-24, girls 16-24, over 25s and groups. The show's four judges are then each assigned one section of the competition to mentor.

But it's still the public that votes on the winner.

In related news, according to the Hollywood Reporter, among the names being bandied about for judging posts on "The X Factor" stateside are British girl band singer Cheryl Cole and music manager Louis Walsh, who both judge the show on the other side of the pond.

Paula Abdul, who announced her departure from "Idol" over the summer, is also reportedly being considered.

A rep for Simon were not immediately available for comment when contacted by Access Hollywood.

Exclusive Kamna Jetmalani Photo Gallery