LOS ANGELES — Michael Jackson's mother gained permanent custody of her late son's children during a hearing yesterday that included a surprise objection from the pop icon's former dermatologist.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff made a series of key rulings during the morning portion of the hearing. In addition to approving Katherine Jackson's guardianship petition, he also granted monthly stipends to the 79-year-old and the three young grandchildren she is now charged with raising.

The ruling came after a few tense moments in which an attorney for Beverly Hills Dr. Arnold Klein, Michael Jackson's longtime dermatologist, raised nonspecific objections to the custody arrangements. Beckloff ultimately determined Klein didn't have legal standing to object to the care of Jackson's children, but said he could raise objections later.

'LATE LATE SHOW' HOST LOVES THE WILD BLUE

LOS ANGELES — Craig Ferguson, who earned his pilot's license last week, says he loves aviation because it's the complete opposite of show business.

The host of CBS' "Late Late Show" says getting ahead in entertainment means claiming to be able to do anything that's asked. In aviation, Ferguson says, a person has to tell the truth or risk death.

He likes to keep much of his life involved in more "rational areas" than entertainment, Ferguson said.

GAME SHOW MAKES A COMEBACK DEAL

PASADENA, Calif. — The game show "Let's Make a Deal" is coming back to daytime television.

CBS says an updated version of the show will debut Oct. 5, with Wayne Brady as host. The network says the premise of audience members trying to win prizes by making "wacky deals" will be intact.

Monty Hall, longtime host of the original "Let's Make a Deal," is a consultant. It will replace "Guiding Light," the soap opera that's ending its more than five-decade run Sept. 21.

'THE GOOD WIFE' STAR GOING FOR A HIT

PASADENA, Calif. — Julianna Margulies says her character in CBS' new fall drama "The Good Wife" is no "silly little wallflower."

Margulies stars as Alicia Florrick, wife of a politician who faces a sex and corruption scandal. Chris Noth of "Sex and the City" plays her spouse.

In the pilot episode, Alicia stands tensely by her husband's side at a news conference about his transgressions. Later, she gives him a ferocious slap — which left Noth with a red welt across his face.