CBS has spoken. The network yesterday unveiled the cast of Survivor: Gabon -- Earth's Last Eden, the 17th edition of the reality TV franchise. Perhaps hoping to capitalize on the popularity of the just-completed Beijing Games, the 18 castaways include a gold medalist from the 2004 Summer Olympics, as well as a video game champion and a model who once appeared on Gilmore Girls.

As usual, this edition of Survivor will mix things up a bit. When castaways are sent to Exile, they will have the choice of either receiving a clue to the hidden Immunity Idol, or they can receive some sort of "instant comfort," such as food or a pillow. In the past, castaways were always just given a clue.

Survivor: Gabon -- Earth's Last Eden premieres September 25th at 8 p.m. ET on CBS. Here's a capsule look at all 18 castaways:

Name: Ace Gordon
Age: 27
Hometown: Naples, Florida
Occupation: Fashion photographer

Name: Robert "Bob" Crowley
Age: 58
Hometown: Portland, Maine
Occupation: Physics teacher

Name: Charlie Herschel
Age: 29
Hometown: New York City
Occupation: Lawyer

Name: Corinne Kaplan
Age: 29
Hometown: Los Angeles
Occupation: Pharmaceutical sales

Name: Crystal Cox
Age: 29
Hometown: Durham, North Carolina
Occupation: Former track star who won the gold medal at 2004 Summer Olympics as part of the U.S. 4x400 relay team

Name: Dan Kay
Age: 32
Hometown: Boston
Occupation: Lawyer

Name: Danny "GC" Brown
Age: 26
Hometown: Portland, Oregon
Occupation: Maintenance man

Name: Gillian Larson
Age: 61
Hometown: Temecula, California
Occupation: Retired nurse

Name: Jacquie Berg
Age: 25
Hometown: Santa Barbara, California
Occupation: Medical device sales rep

Name: Jessica "Sugar" Kiper
Age: 29
Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
Occupation: Pin-up model who played Shane on four episodes of Gilmore Girls

Name: Kelly Czarnecki
Age: 22
Hometown: Buffalo Grove, Illinois
Occupation: Retail sales

Name: Ken Hoang
Age: 22
Hometown: Westminster, California
Occupation: Professional video gamer who's the current world champion of Nintendo's Super Smash Brothers Melee

Name: Marcus Lehman
Age: 28
Hometown: Atlanta
Occupation: Doctor

Name: Matty Whitmore
Age: 29
Hometown: Pacific Palisades, California
Occupation: Personal trainer

Name: Michelle Chase
Age: 24
Hometown: Los Angeles
Occupation: Music producer

Name: Paloma Soto-Castillo
Age: 24
Hometown: Downey, California
Occupation: Student

Name: Randy Bailey
Age: 49
Hometown: Eagle Rock, Missouri
Occupation: Wedding Videographer

Name: Susie Smith
Age: 47
Hometown: Charles City, Iowa
Occupation: Hairdresser

The new celebrity hotspot is Denver, Colorado, the host city of this week's Democratic National Convention. Several A-list stars have been spotted in the Mile High City, including BEN AFFLECK, who on Tuesday night hosted a poker party at Coors Field to raise money for paralyzed veterans. Saturday Night Live cast member SETH MEYERS was among those who attended the event.

Also this week, singer ASHANTI supported an event for the Every Woman Counts campaign, encouraging others to vote.


More celebrities have agreed to Stand Up to Cancer next week. JESSICA ALBA, HALLE BERRY, ELLEN DEGENERES and JENNIFER GARNER were among the names who were officially added yesterday to the roster of celebrities for the charity special. SCARLETT JOHANSSON, SALMA HAYEK, CHARLIZE THERON and other A-listers were previously announced for the Stand Up to Cancer program, airing September 5th on ABC, NBC and CBS. The fundraiser will also feature a performance of the charity single "Just Stand Up" by MARIAH CAREY, BEYONCÉ and others.

After winning eight gold medals at the Summer Olympics in Beijing, what's next for swimmer MICHAEL PHELPS? How about a guest spot on Saturday Night Live? Phelps has been tapped to host the season premiere of SNL on September 13th. Rapper LIL WAYNE will be the musical guest...

For anyone who's been paying attention this summer, it's pretty obvious that JOE JONAS and TAYLOR SWIFT have something going on, but neither of them would admit it. But now People magazine reports that a source has confirmed the two are, indeed, a couple -- sorry, girls. Taylor and Joe have been spotted at each other's concerts over the last few months, and Taylor is also appearing in the JONAS BROTHERS' upcoming concert film.

Even though Taylor won't comment directly on her relationship with Joe, she told People magazine not long ago that her perfect boyfriend would be someone who, quote, "gets what you do, and gets that you're not going to be around a lot."

In other Jonas news, their album A Little Bit Longer remains at #1 on the Billboard album chart for a second week.