The University of Hawai'i and the University of Montana cheer squads are the finalists in a reality TV show hosted by "American Idol" judge Paula Abdul.

The 90-minute show, "RAH! Paula Abdul's Cheerleading Bowl" was filmed in November in New York City. It airs today on MTV.

The winning team gets a trip to MTV Spring Break.

DANE COOK HIT BY EMBEZZLEMENT

WOBURN, Mass. — The half-brother of Dane Cook has pleaded not guilty to embezzling millions from the comedian. Bail was set at $3 million when Darryl McCauley, 43, was arraigned yesterday. He allegedly stole from Cook while being paid $12,500 a month as business manager for Great Dane Enterprises Inc.

ONE OF OPRAH'S FAVORITE THINGS

ATLANTA — A letter from Oprah Winfrey last week seemed like a wonderful Christmas present — even before teacher Ron Clark noticed an extra piece of paper flutter out of the envelope. It turned out to be a $365,000 check for the innovative school he opened in one of Atlanta's poorest neighborhoods in 2007.

"To have an unsolicited gift come like that is incredible," said Clark, who raises funds to cover most of the $14,000 annual tuition for each student.

Clark's students became overnight stars during the election with a YouTube video of them performing a political rap they wrote. The children went on to perform the rap, "Vote However U Like," on national TV shows.

HUDSON INVITED TO INAUGURATION

Oscar-winning singer-actress Jennifer Hudson, who has not performed live since the slayings of her mother, sister and nephew in October, has been invited to sing at Barack Obama's Jan. 20 inauguration. The New York Post says Hudson, who sang at the Democratic convention in August, has been asked to repeat her performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner." Says the source, "they are talking to Jennifer about it. ... She is from Chicago and a huge Obama supporter."

DILLON NABBED ON INTERSTATE

NEWBURY, Vt. — Actor Matt Dillon was charged with allegedly driving 106 mph on an interstate highway, the Vermont state police said.

A trooper pulled over New York resident Dillon, 44, on Interstate 91 in Newbury about 10 p.m. Tuesday.

Dillon, set to appear in court Jan. 21, could get three months in jail.