John Mayer head-over-heels in love with Katy Perry

By Bill Zwecker November 15, 2012 12:16AM

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Updated: November 15, 2012 7:18AM

At first, Katy Perrys inner circle was upset and constantly warning the singer about the dangers of dating fellow music superstar John Mayer. Considering Mayers reputation as one of the biggest celebrity serial daters having been an item with such high-profile headline magnets as Jennifer Aniston, Taylor Swift, Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Love Hewitt .

But now, Im hearing Perrys pals are singing a different tune having witnessed what appears to be total Mayer devotion to the ex-wife of Brit actor and comedian Russell Brand.

He truly appears to be totally head-over-heels [in love] with Katy, said a longtime Perry friend. For once, he might be the one who has placed himself in a very vulnerable place.

The sources rationale? Perry reportedly may not be ready to take on a serious relationship so soon after her split with Brand.

Wouldnt it be ironic if it was John who got the boot this time? said the source with a laugh quickly adding, but Katy is a very sensitive girl and if she does dump him, it will be done very gently.

CLOSER TO HOME: With Chicago Fire having been given a full season pickup, were likely to see even more of Lady Gaga around town whenever she comes here to visit her beau and Fire star Taylor Kinney.!

Gaga has come to be quite gaga about Our Town. She reportedly loves the Chicagoans shes already met, telling a friend, They are very much like New Yorkers, but with a different kind of edge. People in Chicago are much more patient!

Having some fun with her own Big Apple accent, Gaga also reportedly quipped, Like New

Yawkers ... Chicagawans have their own distinctive way of speaking.

As for her relationship with Kinney, two separate sources confirm the couple is doing just fine. Taylor is not only one gorgeous hunk of man who is quietly self-confident and mature, but he gets how to handle dating a world-famous superstar, said a friend of the actor. Lady Gaga clearly loves being with a man who is not intimidated either by her or by the whole fame thing.

Another source also close to the couple added, Taylor certainly is no boy toy. Hes his own man and he will always be that kind of guy. I think thats why it seems to be working so well for the two of them.

The only challenge, of course, is the one facing all entertainers: The difficulty of maintaining a relationship long distance.

MADEA GETS ACADEMIC: Tyler Perry has become such a major player in the world of filmmaking and entertainment that his eternally cranky Mabel Madea Simmons character, portrayed by Perry in drag, will be the subject of a scholarly roundtable at Northwestern University.

A daylong symposium including screenings and discussion of Perrys work will be held at the universitys Evanston campus Nov. 28. For more information on this free program, call (847) 491-4000 or go to

blockmuseum.northwestern.edu.GENES DO TELL: The acting career of another Meryl Streep daughter is moving ahead nicely with the news Grace Gummer has snared her second major TV role. The actress will p! lay a rep! orter embedded with Mitt Romneys campaign as Aaron Sorkins second season of The Newsroom on HBO turns its focus on our just-completed presidential election. Earlier, Gummer starred on Gigantic on Nickelodeon.Her older sister,

Mamie Gummer, has received a lot more attention in recent years, thanks to critically acclaimed stage performances and co-starring in the award-winning John Adams mini-series. This fall she has been playing the title role on the CW medical series Emily Owens M.D, which has been on shaky ground due to ratings.

BOO HOO TO THIS: Get ready! TVs trailer-trash reality phenomenon Honey Boo Boo is getting a new way to reach her, uh, fans.

Bluewater Productions continues to chronicle what it calls the underbelly of fame with 15 Minutes: Honey Boo Boo, all about the little girl whose real name is

Alana Mitchell. The comic book was released Wednesday.HOLIDAY HA-HA: Comedy and popular culture will merge as the ComedySportz folks stage Its a Bieberful Life, a holiday season spoof of Justin Bieber stepping in for the beloved George Bailey in this irreverent send-up of Frank Capras Its a Wonderful Life. In this show, Bieber is depressed over declining CD sales and constant scandals. One funny twist: Hes visited by an angel with a strong resemblance to Twilight heartthrob Robert Pattinson and every time you hear Biebers iconic Baby, an angel gets its wings.

Comedians Paul Rodriguez and Tom Dreesen will be here Thanksgiving Day to headline a free show that offers a holiday meal for entertainers who are away from home on the big day. It all happens at the Laugh Factory comedy club on North Broadway an idea that expands on a 32-year traditi! on at the! Laugh Factory in Hollywood.

The event is also open to members of the public looking for a bit of humor to go with their turkey dinner. Seatings will be at noon and 3 p.m., with a live comedy show to follow each meal service. For reservations, call (773) 327-3175, Ext. 1.

AWARD ACTION: Chicagoan Nicholas Celozzi II has been awarded the Grand Jury Award for best documentary at the Bel-Air Film Festival in Los Angeles and will receive a similar honor at the Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival Dec. 5.

The awards are for Momo: The Sam Giancana Story, Cellozis documentary about his great-uncle, the infamous Chicago organized crime boss.

SEEN ON THE SCENE: A relaxed and happy new mom Kristin Cavallari was seen lunching with a galpal at Prasino in Wicker Park. Michael Wilbon, co-host of Pardon the Interuption on ESPN relaxed with buddies at Hub 51.