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Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Scarlett Johansson poses for champagne brand

American superstar Scarlett Johansson poses for a champagne brand.

American superstar Scarlett Johansson poses for a champagne brand.

American superstar Scarlett Johansson poses for a champagne brand.

American superstar Scarlett Johansson poses for a champagne brand.

Shakira watches tennis tournament in Florida

Colombian singer Shakira watches a match between Rafael Nadal of Spain and Frederico Gil of Portugal at the Sony Ericsson Open tennis tournament in Key Biscayne, Florida March 30, 2009.

Colombian singer Shakira watches a match between Rafael Nadal of Spain and Frederico Gil of Portugal at the Sony Ericsson Open tennis tournament in Key Biscayne, Florida March 30, 2009.

Colombian singer Shakira watches a match between Rafael Nadal of Spain and Frederico Gil of Portugal at the Sony Ericsson Open tennis tournament in Key Biscayne, Florida March 30, 2009.

Naomi Campbell set for Bollywood role

Supermodel Naomi Campbell takes part in the Mai Mumbai fashion show during the second day of the Lakme fashion week in Mumbai March 28, 2009. The charity show was organised to pay tribute to last year's Mumbai attack victims.

Naomi Campbell is set to star in a Bollywood movie.

The British supermodel wowed casting directors during her appearance at the Fashion For Relief fundraiser in Mumbai last week and is now planning to return to India to audition for her first major film role.

A source said: "Naomi had never modelled in India before but she loved every minute. "At the end of the show, two well-known Bollywood producers approached her and asked if she'd be interested in screen testing. "

Naomi was incredibly flattered and plans to come back to Mumbai for more talks whenever she next has a break in her schedule." Although Naomi may be keen to launch a movie career, she admits her previous ventures away from modelling have not been as successful.

The 38-year-old-beauty tried to become a pop star in 1995, but her album 'Baby Woman' flopped.

She said: "I must say that I am not a great singer. I gave it a try but it didn't really work. I had a song 'La-La-La Love Song' which had a video heavily influenced by India. "Even where Indian fashion is concerned, I love the clothes - the sari.

Also, Indian women are very pretty and they carry themselves very well."

Gisele Bundchen's love child 'surprise'

Brazilian model Gisele Bundchen watches the first night of the Carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro's Sambadrome February 22, 2009.

Gisele Bundchen says discovering Tom Brady had a love child was a "wake up call".

The Brazilian supermodel, who married American football star Tom in February, was left reeling after Tom's ex-girlfriend Bridget Moynahan announced she was pregnant soon after they began dating in 2006.

She said: "It was definitely a surprise for both of us. In the beginning you're living this romantic fantasy, you're thinking, 'This can't be true, it's so good!' And then, 'Whoops - wake-up call!' " Gisele had only been dating Tom for around two months when Bridget discovered she was pregnant and admits she considered dumping the athlete after hearing the news.

Gisele told Vanity Fair magazine: "It was a very challenging situation. Obviously, in the beginning of a relationship it's not the ideal thing. "You question at times, 'Should I stay here? Maybe you should work this out.' But when people break up, it's for a reason."

The 28-year-old beauty is glad she decided to stay with Tom and says the rocky patch brought them even closer. Gisele quickly bonded with Tom's son John, who is now six months old, and treats him like her own child.

She said: "I understand that he has a mom, and I respect that, but to me it's not like because somebody else delivered him, that's not my child. I feel it is, 100 per cent. I want him to have a great relationship with his mom, because that's important, but I love him the same way as if he were mine. "All this was a blessing. It made me feel more in love with Tom, it made me realise who he was."

Madonna visits a school she financed in Namitete

U.S. pop star Madonna walks while holding her adopted Malawian son David Banda at a school she financed, some 50 km south of Malawi's capital Lilongwe, March 30, 2009. A court in Malawi is expected to rule on Friday whether Madonna can adopt a second child from the southern African country, a move likely to be opposed by human rights groups. Madonna appeared in court on Monday seeking to adopt a four-year-old girl, Mercy James. The case was adjourned until April 3.

U.S. pop star Madonna and her daughter Lourdes visit a school she financed in Namitete, some 50 km south of Malawi's capital Lilongwe, March 30, 2009.

U.S. pop star Madonna and her daughter Lourdes visit a school she financed in Namitete, some 50 km south of Malawi's capital Lilongwe, March 30, 2009.

U.S. pop star Madonna walks around a school she financed in Namitete, some 50 km south of Malawi's capital Lilongwe, March 30, 2009.

U.S. pop star Madonna (L) stands with her bodyguard at a school she financed, some 50 km south of Malawi's capital Lilongwe, March 30, 2009.

U.S. pop star Madonna walks around a school she financed in Namitete, some 50 km south of Malawi's capital Lilongwe, March 30, 2009. A court in Malawi is expected to rule on Friday whether Madonna can adopt a second child from the southern African country, a move likely to be opposed by human rights groups.Madonna appeared in court on Monday seeking to adopt a four-year-old girl, Mercy James. The case was adjourned until April 3.

Prince performs three L.A. shows in one night

Musician Prince performs at the taping of the ALMA awards in Pasadena, California June 1, 2007.

Funk rocker Prince blasted a concert promotion giant for its poor sound equipment as he struggled to perform three concerts in one night at separate venues in Los Angeles.

The man who once sang about traveling "Around the World in a Day," shuttled among three venues on Saturday at a new downtown entertainment complex operated by AEG Live.

But his ambitious promotion for an upcoming album hit a snag soon after he hit the stage at the 7,100-capacity Nokia Theater. He had problems with the monitors, and constant pleas to the venue's crew to fix them never had much impact.

"This is my celebration. I don't care what goes wrong," he said midway through the 90-minute set, before scrunching up his nose in disgust.

The second show, at the 1,100-capacity Conga Room, began with a five-minute soundcheck and lasted about an hour. Each of the shows was promoted as being "full-length."

The third show, scheduled to begin at midnight, kicked off an hour late as Prince and his crew grappled with sound issues, forcing fans to wait in a long line outside the 2,300-capacity Club Nokia. He began the show before many entered the venue.

Toward the end of the show, he mentioned a few AEG executives by name, and told fans to complain to them about the buzzing speakers.

"I came to see Alicia Keys here, and it was the worst sound I've ever heard," Prince said, noting that the AEG had spent plenty of money on seating and lighting.

"If you fix the sound, I'll be here every night, and I'll do it for free."

Prince played most of his hits, like "1999," "Kiss" and "Let's Go Crazy," at the first show, which was attended by celebrities like basketball legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson and Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood. The set lists and the bands were different for each show.

Prince's new album, the three-disc set "Lotusflow3r," will be released on Sunday exclusively at big-box retailer Target Corp and on his Web site.

Officials at AEG did not reply to a late-night email seeking reaction to Prince's criticisms. The firm is owned by Denver billionaire Philip Anschutz.

Monday, March 30, 2009

Lady GaGa shocked by signing

U.S. singer Lady Gaga performs at the Monte Carlo Grimaldi Forum in Monaco, February 17, 2009.

Lady GaGa was left red-faced when a male fan asked her to sign his genitals.

The 'Poker Face' singer was lost for words when the cheeky admirer made the X-rated request after she had performed a show in Canada.

She said: "I feel embarrassed saying this but the strangest thing I ever autographed was a man's penis. "I was doing a meet and greet backstage in Canada. I had enough room to write Lady GaGa but I don't really remember. I was laughing so hard I could barely breathe.

Maybe it is still there - who knows? It was a permanent marker too!"

The 22-year-old star recently admitted she isn't keen when the opposite sex approach her and try and flirt.

She is quoted as saying: "I don't give them a chance to even try a chat-up line. I give them a good, firm, 'No!' before they even speak. I find that does the trick every time."

'High School Musical 3' wins at Kids Choice Awards

"High School Music 3: Senior Year" graduated with honors Saturday at the Kids Choice Awards.

The Disney musical was selected as the favorite movie by audience votes at the 22nd annual slime-filled Nickelodeon spectacle held inside UCLA's Pauley Pavilion. "High School Musical" star Vanessa Hudgens was also selected as the favorite movie actress.

"Lately, a lot of people have been taking credit for bringing back the musical," Zac Efron said while accepting the movie's trophy. "The truth is we've known who's been responsible for bringing back the musical all along. It was you guys!"

The show's hijinks kicked off with host and "Race to Witch Mountain" star Dwayne Johnson zip-lining over the audience of screaming teens and tweens into a "slime temple." Johnson proceeded to spray the first row with gooey green slime. Other shenanigans included squirting singer Jesse McCartney with a fake microphone and Will Farrell slipping and sliding down a hill.

Winners included "iCarly" for TV show, "American Idol" for reality show, Jonas Brothers for music group and "Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa" for animated movie. Jack Black arrived in motorcycle sidecar to pick up his award for favorite voice from an animated film for "Kung Fu Panda."

Miley Cyrus was brought to tears when she was announced as favorite female singer.

"I really thought I was gonna lose, so thank you, guys," said Cyrus.

Johnson said over 90 million viewer votes were cast at Nick's Web site. Instead of envelopes, blimp recipients were revealed from inside spy-like steel briefcases. Some held surprises throughout the show. Before presenters Sandra Bullock and Hugh Jackman announced the "Twilight" series as favorite book, a briefcase doused the pair with green slime.

The green theme took on an entirely different meaning when Cameron Diaz presented her "Gangs of New York" co-star Leonardo DiCaprio with the first-ever Big Green Help Award. The "Titanic" and "Revolutionary Road" actor was selected to receive the green blimp trophy because of his contribution and promotion of environmental issues.

"Right now, our mother — our mother — all of our mothers, Mother Earth is hurting," said DiCaprio. "And she needs a generation of thoughtful, caring and active kids like all of you to protect her for the future. You can help us win the battle to clean up our air, our water, our land, to protect our forests, our oceans and our wildlife."

Most of the blimp recipients were relegated to brief announcements before and after the commercials.

Among those winners were "Wizards of Waverly Place" star Selena Gomez for TV actress, "The Suite Life of Zack and Cody" star Dylan Sprouse for TV actor, "SpongeBob SquarePants" for cartoon, Jesse McCartney for male singer, Beyonce's "Single Ladies" for song, Will Smith for movie actor, "Guitar Hero World Tour" for video game, Candace Parker for female athlete and Peyton Manning for male athlete.

Earlier this year, controversy found its way into the show when pop star Chris Brown withdrew his name from Kids' Choice contention. The nominations were announced shortly before his arrest for allegedly attacking girlfriend and fellow Kids' Choice nominee Rihanna. Neither was in attendance Saturday, and Rihanna, twice nominated, lost in both categories.

The show concluded with Johnson and a troop of Polynesian dancers summoning the "slime temple" to spew the sticky stuff all over the audience. Instead, the Jonas Brothers emerged and sang a cappella, causing slime to cascade over the boy band, Johnson, the dancers and much of the audience.

"What you guys don't know is that's real boogers," comedian Marlon Wayans said earlier in the show.

Rihanna's tattoo artist explains her new ink

Rihanna isn't shy about getting tattoos. When she wanted a new one, she flew her friend BangBang, a New York-based tattoo artist, to her home in Los Angeles to give her new ink.

"She flew me out for the purposes of tattooing one of her friends," he said. "I've tattooed her a few times, and she gave me a call and asked if I could come out to her house. I wound up tatting her as well. We've been playing with it for about a year, and I was at her house, and I suggested she finally get the gun."

BangBang - who also did the star tattoos on Rihanna's back, the Roman numerals on her shoulder and the word "Shhh ... " on her finger - said the singer seemed in great spirits when he was at her house. Rihanna has been in the news a lot lately because of an alleged altercation with boyfriend Chris Brown last month.

BangBang said he thinks the gun tattoo represents strength and power. Initially, the duo wanted to put the tattoo below her shoulders near her armpits but changed it to her ribcage because "it takes away from her face. You don't want to be starting at tats. You want to be staring at her face."

Rihanna didn't express any reservation about getting the gun tattoo.

"People are going to react all different ways," BangBang said. Rihanna and BangBang already have more tattoo plans up their sleeves. "We got something planned for this year," he said.

Madonna's adoption ruling delayed until Friday

U.S. pop singer Madonna leaves the high court in Lilongwe March 30, 2009. Madonna appeared in a Malawi court on Monday seeking to adopt a second child, a girl called Mercy James, from the southern African country.

A Malawian judge held a closed-door hearing Monday on Madonna's application to adopt a second child from this southern African nation but delayed ruling on the matter until Friday, a court official said.

The 50-year-old pop star spent about an hour in court Monday in the Malawi capital of Lilongwe. Court official Thomson Ligowe confirmed that Madonna's adoption application was adjourned until Friday but said he could not reveal any more details.

Monday's court docket listed only the child's name — Chifundo James, which means "Mercy" in a local language. It was not immediately known whether any of the girl's relatives were present at the courthouse Monday.

A Malawian welfare official and another person involved in the adoption proceedings say the girl is about 4 years old and her unmarried mother died soon after she was born. The girl's father is believed to be alive but no other details were available. They spoke on condition of anonymity because the case is considered sensitive.

Madonna has not commented on the adoption application and did not speak to reporters Monday morning.

The adoption of her 3-year-old son, David, whom she had met at a Malawian orphanage in October 2006, was finalized last year.

Children's advocacy groups have accused Madonna of wielding her immense wealth and influence to circumvent Malawian law requiring an 18- to 24-month assessment period before adoption. David's adoption was a trying process for the singer, who has said the storm of criticism hurt.

More criticism erupted over the weekend, with the Save the Children UK charity saying the recently divorced superstar risked sending the wrong message by going through with the second adoption. It said adoptions from orphanages encourages poor parents "to abandon children in the hope that they will have a better life."

U.S. pop singer Madonna leaves the high court in Lilongwe March 30, 2009. Madonna appeared in a Malawi court on Monday seeking to adopt a second child, a girl called Mercy James, from the southern African country.

Some Malawians have said, though, that they support Madonna in her effort to adopt the little girl.

"We are blessed for what Madonna is doing here," said E. Ngulinga, who was among the onlookers gathered outside the courthouse Monday.

"That baby is going to have the advantages of going to school and of becoming someone," he said. "Here it is very difficult."

Ngulinga said he hoped the girl and Madonna's adopted son, David, would return when they were older to help Malawi, an impoverished country where 14 percent of adults are infected with the virus that causes AIDS. The U.N. estimates that half of the 1 million Malawian children who have lost one or both parents have been orphaned by AIDS.

If the latest adoption goes through, Madonna would become a single mother of four. She also has an 8-year-old son, Rocco, with ex-husband and British film director Guy Ritchie and a 12-year-old daughter, Lourdes, from a previous relationship.

Madonna brought both David and Lourdes to Malawi this time, arriving Sunday. David later spent 2 1/2 hours with his biological father at an exclusive lodge where the pop star is staying.

"I was very happy to see him," the father, Yohane Banda, told The Associated Press, adding that David did not recognize him. "He asked me who I was."

David's mother died when he was a month old. His father has said he believed he could not care for him alone, and that placing him in an orphanage was the best way to ensure David's survival.

On Sunday, Madonna and Lourdes visited the Malawi village of Chinkhota and Madonna spoke to residents and looked over drawings for a new school there.

Madonna first traveled to Malawi in 2006 while doing charity work and filming a documentary on the devastating poverty and AIDS crisis here. Her Raising Malawi organization, founded in 2006, raises funds to fight poverty by providing food, shelter, education and health care for children here.

Last year Madonna was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, passed Elvis Presley as the star with the most top ten hits in Billboard history and staged an immensely successful "Sticky & Sweet" world concert tour.


Paris Hilton considers proposal

Paris Hilton has told her boyfriend she will "think about" his proposal.

The 28-year-old hotel heiress was reportedly unimpressed when Doug Reinhardt got down on one knee during dinner with her parents Kathy and Rick at The Ivy restaurant in Los Angeles on Tuesday (24.03.09).

Doug, 23, presented Paris with a Lorraine Schwartz engagement ring but instead of jumping for joy, the socialite snapped the ring box shut and said she would need time to consider his marriage offer.

The couple were photographed leaving the eatery together some time later, but Doug looked devastated and refused to look at the blonde beauty.

Hours before the dinner, Doug hinted at the imminent proposal on his Twitter page, writing: "I'm about to do something very exciting and life-changing. I'll announce what happens later." Days earlier, he had gushed about his dreams of having children with Paris.

He said: "Paris would make a great mom - she's my Angel Princess. I'd love to have some mini Parises one day. I'd love to have children. That's what completes your life."


The Juno Awards unveiled in Vancouver

Singer Lights shows off her tattoo while on the red carpet during the Juno Awards in Vancouver, British Columbia March 29, 2009.

Singer Lights holds up her award after winning New Artist of the Year during the Juno Awards in Vancouver, British Columbia March 29, 2009.

Singer Lights holds up her award after winning New Artist of the Year during the Juno Awards in Vancouver, British Columbia March 29, 2009.

Singer Lights holds up her award after winning New Artist of the Year during the Juno Awards in Vancouver, British Columbia March 29, 2009.

Sarah McLachlan performs during the Juno Awards in Vancouver, British Columbia March 29, 2009.

Singer Bryan Adams carries singer Kathleen Edwards on the red carpet during the Juno Awards in Vancouver, British Columbia March 29, 2009.

Singer Elise Estrada arrives on the red carpet during the Juno Awards in Vancouver, British Columbia March 29, 2009.

Singer Jessie Ferrell arrives on the red carpet during the Juno Awards in Vancouver, British Columbia March 29, 2009.

Sam Roberts performs during the Juno Awards in Vancouver, British Columbia March 29, 2009.

Singer Feist arrives on the red carpet during the Juno Awards in Vancouver, British Columbia March 29, 2009.

Kreesha Turner arrives on the red carpet during the Juno Awards in Vancouver, British Columbia March 29, 2009.

Sarah McLachlan holds her award for Allan Waters Humanitarian Award during the Juno Awards Gala in Vancouver, British Columbia March 28, 2009.

The Barenaked Ladies hold their award for Best Children's Album during the Juno Awards Gala in Vancouver, British Columbia March 28, 2009. Band members are from left: Jim Creeggan, Tyler Stewart, Ed Robertson and Kevin Hearn.

Members of the 1980s band Loverboy wave to the crowd after being inducted into the Hall of Fame during the Juno Awards in Vancouver, British Columbia March 29, 2009.

DJ Brace holds up his award after winning the Instrumental Album of the Year during the Juno Awards Gala in Vancouver, British Columbia March 28, 2009.

Humble holds up his award after winning Reggae Album of the Year during the Juno Awards Gala in Vancouver, British Columbia March 28, 2009.

Singer Michael Buble arrives on the red carpet during the Juno Awards in Vancouver, British Columbia March 29, 2009.

Songwriter and artist Dallas Green arrives on the red carpet with Leah Miller (R) during the Juno Awards in Vancouver, British Columbia March 29, 2009.

Chad Kroeger of Nickelback performs during the Juno Awards in Vancouver, British Columbia March 29, 2009.

Members of the band State of Shock pose on the red carpet during the Juno Awards in Vancouver, British Columbia March 29, 2009.

Members of the band Barenaked Ladies arrive on the red carpet during the Juno Awards in Vancouver, British Columbia March 29, 2009.

Members of the band Beast arrive on the red carpet during the Juno Awards in Vancouver, British Columbia March 29, 2009.

Jazz singer Diana Krall and her husband Elvis Costello arrive on the red carpet during the Juno Awards in Vancouver, British Columbia March 29, 2009.

Members of the band Creature arrive on the red carpet during the Juno Awards in Vancouver, British Columbia March 29, 2009.



Heigl says she'll stay if 'Grey's' will have her

In this May 31, 2008 file photo, actress Katherine Heigl arrives at the 7th Annual Chrysalis Butterfly Ball in Los Angeles.

Katherine Heigl said Friday she's ready to stay with "Grey's Anatomy" and the decision rests with the show.

Attending a studio party to mark the ABC medical drama's 100th episode, Heigl said it's premature to think her days as Dr. Izzie Stevens are numbered.

"I was assuming that at one point and I got a lot of shrugged shoulders and shakes of the head, so I don't know if that's a yes or a no. No one will tell me and I don't know how this is going to go," Heigl said, noting series creator Shonda Rhimes' passion for plot secrecy.

"I don't know if I live or die. I don't know how Izzie fares," said the actress, who's played the character since the show debuted in 2005.

"I'm there" if Izzie remains part of "Grey's Anatomy," Heigl said. She called the set "one of my favorite places to be" and said her colleagues are also friends.

She and fellow cast members, including Ellen Pompeo (Dr. Meredith Grey) and Patrick Dempsey (Dr. Derek Shepherd), were on hand for the celebration that included a cake decorated with scalpels and syringes made out of icing.

Rhimes, who's also an executive producer for the show, called the milestone a "huge accomplishment" and thanked the cast and crew for their efforts.

In an interview, she dropped a tantalizing clue about the episode airing May 7.

"The only thing I'll tell you about the 100th is that it takes place on Meredith and Derek's wedding day," Rhimes said. "That's big ... and that's all I'm going to say."

On Thursday's episode, Izzie was seen surviving brain surgery. There's been speculation that Heigl wants to pursue her blossoming film career ("Knocked Up," the upcoming "The Ugly Truth") full-time, and that her character might be killed off.

Rhimes declined comment on what would happen to Heigl's character.

Last month, fellow cast member James Pickens Jr. said Heigl was leaving the show, along with T.R. Knight, both of whom declined comment at the time. Knight missed the studio party because he'd previously scheduled the day off, an ABC spokeswoman said.

On Friday, Heigl said she's comfortable balancing movies and TV by working on big-screen projects during the summer hiatus for "Grey's Anatomy."

"I'm more than happy to make that compromise. As my agent likes to say, 'High-class problems,'" Heigl said.

"I don't know if I want to continue for five years working 12 months a year, but I can take at least another year or two," she said.

Dempsey said he intends to fulfill the remaining two years on his contract with "Grey's Anatomy and "then we'll see what happens after that."

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Zac Efron at premiere of "17 Again" in Leicester Square, central London

Actor Zac Efron arrives for the UK premiere of "17 Again" in Leicester Square, central London March 26, 2009.


British actress Jemma McKenzie-Brown poses for photographers as she arrives for the UK premiere of "17 Again" in Leicester Square, central London March 26, 2009.


Actor Zac Efron arrives for the UK premiere for "17 Again" in Leicester Square, central London March 26, 2009.

Actor Zac Efron arrives for the UK premiere for "17 Again" in Leicester Square, central London March 26, 2009.

Actor Zac Efron arrives for the the UK premiere for "17 Again" in Leicester Square, central London March 26, 2009.

Actor Zac Efron poses for photographers as he arrives for the UK premiere of "17 Again" in Leicester Square, central London March 26, 2009.