Singer Adele holds her six Grammy Awards at the 54th annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California February 12, 2012.[Photo/Agencies]

Soul singer Adele triumphed in her return to music's stage on Sunday, scooping up six Grammys and winning every category in which she was nominated including album of the year for "21" and best record with "Rolling In the Deep."

As joyous as the show was for Adele, it was equally as serious with tributes to late pop star Whitney Houston, who died suddenly on Saturday. She was remembered by fellow artists in acceptance speeches and songs. Jennifer Hudson sang Houston's signature hit "I Will Always Love You," and Grammy host LL Cool J offered a prayer for Houston's family, friends and fans.

But it was Adele who stole the show. The 23-year-old, who has taken the music world by storm, underwent surgery on her vocal cords late last year and had been resting her voice on doctor's orders until music's biggest night. The British singer took the stage to belt out "Rolling In the Deep," and finished to a standing ovation.

Adele claimed three of the music industry's top awards, album, record and song of the year, and added best pop solo performance, pop vocal and short video to her stack of trophies.

"Thank you so much. This is ridiculous," she said upon accepting the record of the year Grammy. "I want to say thank you to every radio programmer and broadcaster that has been playing 'Rolling in the Deep' ... because I know it's not really a pop record." She flashed a big smile and a thumbs up.

Rockers Foo Fighters were the other big winners, picking up five Grammys including best rock performance for the hit "Walk."

"This is a great honor because this record was a special record for our band. Rather than go to the best studio ... we made this one in my garage with some microphones and a tape machine," said frontman Dave Grohl. "It shows that the human element of making music is what's most important."

But as jubilant as the audience was for Adele and as much as Foo Fighters rocked the house, Grammy organizers were equally as serious about the death of Houston, whose body was found in the bathtub of her Beverly Hills hotel room. The cause is still unknown.

Host LL Cool J took the stage and offered a prayer for Houston, her fans and her family. "Although she is gone too soon, we remain truly blessed by her musical spirit," he said.

Other highlights included a Beach Boys reunion and a lifetime award for Glen Campbell, who sang "Rhinestone Cowboy."

Rousing performances came from Taylor Swift singing her hit "Mean," Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Chris Brown, Coldplay and Rihanna. Alicia Keys and Bonnie Raitt sang "A Sunday Kind of Love" from Etta James, who also died in 2012.

Director Michel Hazanavicius (C) celebrates with Christina Ricci and Jeremy Irvine after winning the award for original screenplay for "The Artist" at the British Academy of Film and Arts (BAFTA) awards ceremony at the Royal Opera House in London February 12, 2012.[Photo/Agencies]

Black-and-white turned to gold as silent movie "The Artist" won seven BAFTA awards including best film at a ceremony in London on Sunday, raising expectations of a strong showing at the Academy Awards.

Meryl Streep clinched the leading actress prize for her portrayal of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher both as a politician at the height of her power and as a frail elderly lady suffering from dementia, in "The Iron Lady."

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) awards are not always an accurate predictor of what is to come at the Oscars, but they are the most coveted film honors outside of the United States.

Streep, looking regal in a sparkling black gown with her hair piled high in an elaborate style, lost a shoe on her way up to the stage to collect her award.

"That couldn't be worse," she said, having recovered her shoe, to laughter and cheers from the audience at the Royal Opera House in the popular Covent Garden area of London.

Apart from Streep, the undisputed star of the night was The Artist, a French-made romance set in Hollywood in the 1920s and 30s. It had been nominated for 12 awards and walked away with the prizes for best film, leading actor, director, original screenplay, costumes, cinematography and music.

The film, which tells the story of a star of silent movies whose career is destroyed by the advent of "talkies," had already done well at the Golden Globes and now has further momentum ahead of Oscar night in two weeks.

"I'm so proud that Brad Pitt pronounced my name so well," said Michel Hazanavicius, the film's director, as he accepted his award from the Hollywood heart-throb.

The film's star, Jean Dujardin, was a surprise winner in the leading actor category. George Clooney had been the bookmakers' favorite for his part as a man steering his family through troubled times while his wife is in a coma in "The Descendants."

"SOMETHING REAL" ABOUT MRS THATCHER

The Artist overshadowed the Cold War espionage thriller "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy," which picked up only two prizes out of the 11 for which it had been nominated, outstanding British film and best adapted screenplay.

Peter Straughan, who created the script from a classic John Le Carre novel, brought both humor and emotion to the ceremony in his acceptance speech.

"I'd just like to thank The Artist for not being adapted from a book," he said to laughter from the audience.

Straughan went on to pay homage to the co-winner of the award, his wife Bridget O'Connor, who died before the film was made.

"She wrote all the good bits and I made the coffee. So Bridget, I love you, I miss you, this is for you," he said.

Streep, who has already won a Golden Globe for her turn as Thatcher, is heavily favored to bag an Oscar for the role.

"The ambition of this film, The Iron Lady, was to look at the life of the iron lady from the inside out and to locate something real, maybe hidden, but truthful, in the life of someone that we've all decided we all know everything about already," she said in her acceptance speech.

It was a second BAFTA win for Streep, who had received the 1981 leading actress prize for "The French Lieutenant's Woman."

While her performance in The Iron Lady has been well-received in Thatcher's home country, the overall film has had lukewarm reviews.

The choice to dwell on the subject of Thatcher's dementia has been criticized, not least by current British Prime Minister David Cameron, who like Thatcher is a Conservative.

Martin Scorsese had a mixed night at the BAFTAs. His first family film, "Hugo," a 3-D adventure exploring the magic of movie-making in its early days, had been nominated for nine awards but went home with just two, for sound and production design.

Scorsese was also nominated in the documentary category for his film "George Harrison: Living in the Material World," but there too he lost out, to "Senna," a film about the life of the formula one champion Ayrton Senna.

However, the "Taxi Driver" and "Raging Bull" director went home with a BAFTA Fellowship celebrating his life in cinema.

A model walks the runway during a presentation as part of Full Figure Fashion Week in New York, June 16, 2010.[Photo/Agencies]

In the middle of New York Fashion Week, typically filled with skinny models in slender garments, it was a celebration of the full figured and fabulous when lingerie maker Bare Necessities launched Bare Plus -- a new line catering to the rising numbers of plus-size women.

"The new American woman," says Jay Dunn, chief marketing officer for Bare Plus, noting that more than 60 percent of American women wear a size 14 or higher.

"They are no longer the minority. You would never know that by looking at media, advertising and entertainment, but they really are the majority," Dunn said.

Weight and questions of what constitutes a healthy and attractive body image have been flashpoints in fashion for years, of course. After two anorexic Latin American models died in 2006, countries including Italy and India banned underweight models from the catwalk as part of an effort to promote a healthier image of beauty.

France did not, but the style-conscious country did introduce an awareness campaign. Yet critics still say the fashion industry contributes to eating disorders in young women.

Bare Plus champions the idea that size 8 or 10 is average. Indeed millions of American women who are considered plus size fit into clothes often not found in many stores -- usually size 14 and up.

Away from fashion week's main runways, a mini catwalk of Bare Plus' lingerie showed off many animal prints, as well fabrics of lace and satin. Designs by Hanky Panky, Calvin Klein and DKNY will also be available through Bare Plus.

The lingerie collection will soon be part of a "Curvy Fashion Show," at the next New York Fashion Week in September. That show will include six individual designers and feature apparel, sleepwear, swimwear and lingerie.

"There are millions of plus size women around the world who have a voice and a style that up until today nobody has heard or seen in the proper light," said Jeff Grinstein, the Curvy Fashion Show's creator.

In the audience of the Bare Plus event were several plus-size women who said they liked what they saw.

"Plus-size fashion has been the step-child of Fashion Week and of fashion in general for just too long," said Maryellen Kernaghan, a 53-year-old blogger who has been working as a plus-size model for several decades.

"A plus-size woman, just like any other woman, wants to feel great. And lingerie really does support a woman in more ways than one," said Kernaghan, adding she fully intends to purchase some of the under-garments ahead of Valentine's Day.

Singer Alicia Keys speaks about Whitney Houston before performing at the 2012 Pre-Grammy Gala & Salute to Industry Icons at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California February 11, 2012.[Photo/Agencies]

Music producer Clive Davis's pre-Grammy party is typically one of the most fun-filled highlights of the week leading to the music industry's top awards, but this year's event quickly turned into a tribute for Whitney Houston, who died earlier in the day.

On the red carpet outside Saturday night's event, the recording industry's biggest stars were stunned by news that Houston, among the biggest female recording stars of all time, died that afternoon in the same hotel, the Beverly Hilton.

Inside the gala dinner, the mood among stars ranging from Sean Combs to Tony Bennett was initially somber, but in opening remarks Davis, who had first discovered Houston and became a mentor to the singer, said it was time to celebrate her life.

"Simply put, Whitney would have wanted the music to go on and her family asked that we carry on," Davis said to the audience.

But performances and touching tributes from artists such as rapper Combs, veteran British rock band The Kinks, rising star Wiz Khalifa and R&B singer Alicia Keys turned the mood more joyful. And guests were encouraged to remember Houston for her musical legacy.

"Whitney Houston, simply put, had the greatest voice in the world. She was a gift of God. Hearing her sing was like listening to magic. If it wasn't for Clive Davis, the world may not have known about this miracle voice," Combs told those in attendance.

Veteran crooner Bennett kicked off the evening with a subdued performance of "How Do You Keep The Music Playing," and gave a speech that recalled the tragic deaths of Michael Jackson and Amy Winehouse who, like Houston, had suffered from drug abuse during their lives. He used the opportunity to advocate for the legalization of some drugs, saying it would give users greater medical supervision.

The Kinks came together to sing a collection of their hits including "Waterloo Sunset" with Jackson Brown and "The Days" with Elvis Costello, before livening up the party with their famous 1964 single "You Really Got Me."

Sir Richard Branson was awarded the Grammy organizers' President's Merit Award for his contributions to the music industry as the founder of the Virgin Music record label. The Grammy awards will be held on Sunday night.

"While I'm honored to receive this award tonight, it's obviously about the celebration of an incredible singer and the loss of a friend, daughter, sister and mother," said Branson referring to Houston.

Keys sang a medley of her hits including "Somewhere in a City Like Mine" and "Empire State of Mind," and said she wouldn't be a singer without Houston's influence, while newcomer British pop star Jessie J dedicated an emotional performance of "We Are Who We Are" to the late singer.

Rounding out the night was a tribute to iconic soul singer Diana Ross, who gave a rousing rendition of her hit song "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" with Jamie Foxx.

Whitney Houston performs before winning for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance at the 42nd annual Grammy Awards, in this file photo taken February 23, 2000.[Photo/Agencies]

From the New Jersey church where Whitney Houston's singing career first took flight to the Beverly Hills hotel where her life abruptly ended, family and fans of the pop diva expressed their grief on Sunday with prayer, tears and raw anguish.

Houston's only child, daughter Bobbi Kristina Brown, 18, was taken by paramedics from the hotel to nearby Cedars-Sinai Medical Center on Sunday suffering from anxiety, Beverly Hills police and fire officials said.

A fire department spokeswoman declined to disclose any information about the daughter's medical condition but said she was "awake and talking" at the time she was transported.

Brown, who was reported by celebrity news website TMZ.com to have been enraged at authorities at not being allowed into the hotel room where her mother's body was found, was treated at the hospital for stress and released, a source close to the family told Reuters. A hospital spokeswoman declined comment.

At the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey, Houston's hometown, fans and admirers gathered to celebrate her life during three Sunday services, portions of which were devoted to the singer and her family.

Cards and flowers were tied to the railings of the church, where congregants hugged and cried at the entrance. Among those paying their respects was the Reverend Jesse Jackson, the civil rights activist.

"The suddenness of it all leaves us traumatized," said Jackson, who watched Houston grow up and sing at New Hope. It was in that red brick church on a quiet backstreet near downtown Newark where Houston's career began as a soloist in a gospel choir in the 1970s.

"We must lean on our faith. Our hearts are heavy today," Jackson said.

CAUSE OF DEATH A MYSTERY

Houston, whose soaring voice lifted her to the top of the pop music world, but whose personal decline was fueled by years of drug abuse, died on Saturday afternoon in a fourth-floor room at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. She was 48.

Police and the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office were continuing their investigation to determine a cause of death, which came on the eve of the Grammy Awards at the same hotel where Houston's mentor, record mogul Clive Davis, was holding an annual pre-event party.

Police said there was no immediate sign of foul play.

The Los Angeles Times, citing an unnamed source briefed on the case, reported that investigators were trying to discern whether she might have drowned in a bathtub shortly before she was set to attend the pre-Grammy gala.

The Times said Houston, disheveled, sweaty and smelling of alcohol, was behaving erratically when she stopped by the Hilton two days earlier, accompanied by her daughter, for rehearsals. She was seen flailing her hands frenetically, skipping around the ballroom and wandering aimlessless through the lobby, the newspaper said in its online editions.

Houston's death was expected to be a central focus of Sunday night's Grammys, and Jennifer Hudson was scheduled to sing a tribute during the program.

Houston's family expressed their grief in a brief statement issued on Sunday.

"We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Whitney. This is an unimaginable tragedy and we will miss her terribly," it said. "We appreciate the outpouring of love and support from her fans and friends."

EX-HUSBAND 'DEEPLY SADDENED'

In a separate statement issued through People magazine, Houston's former husband, R&B singer Bobby Brown, with whom she had shared a long struggle with substance abuse, said, "I am deeply saddened at the passing of my ex-wife, Whitney Houston."

Brown, who is Bobbi Kristina's father, was described by an unnamed relative as "beside himself" with grief, according to the magazine.

On the West Coast, the First AME Church of Los Angeles, the city's oldest African-American congregation, held a special moment of silence in Houston's memory.

"Many of us were rooting and pulling for her because she has been a blessing to this generation with talent, with a special anointed voice," Pastor John Hunter told parishioners. "We will miss her. This world will miss her."

Up to 200 people attended the Newark church's services, where Denise Dean, 57, recalled once hearing Houston sing. Dean said she still has her faded autograph on an old checkbook.

"We prayed for the family," Dean said afterward.

Coroners removed Houston's body from the Beverly Hilton after midnight through a back door to avoid the crush of media set up to cover her death.

Typically, coroners conduct an autopsy within a day or two, at which point they might release some preliminary information about the death. If drugs or alcohol are involved, however, an official cause of death would not be released until after toxicology tests, which could take six to eight weeks.

By late Sunday afternoon, neither police nor coroners officials had offered an update. But TMZ reported that the autopsy had been completed.

Houston's songs were already dominating Internet music sales early on Sunday. Her album "Whitney Houston - The Greatest Hits" was the top seller in the music category on Amazon.com, and her signature hit, "I Will Always Love You," was the No. 1 download at iTunes.

Over the course of a 30-year career in which she established herself as one of the most-admired and influential singers of her time, Houston won six Grammys, 30 Billboard awards and 22 American Music Awards.

The soundtrack for the hit movie in which she starred, "The Bodyguard," was among the best-selling film soundtracks ever.

By the early 1990s, Houston's success on stage was accompanied by an increasingly troubled personal life. In 1992 she married singer Bobby Brown and their tumultuous 14 years together were marred by drug abuse and domestic violence.

The last 10 years of Houston's life were dominated by drug use, rumors of relapses and trips to rehab.

Hip hop artist Nicki Minaj arrives at the 54th annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California February 12, 2012.[Photo/Agencies]

The show must go on. Despite Whitney Houston's shocking death a day earlier, music stars came out to celebrate Sunday's Grammy Awards with typical red carpet flash and over-the-top fashion.

Several artists exuded glamour, including Carrie Underwood, nominated for best country solo performance, who arrived shimmering in a silver Gomez-Garcia gown with a Swarovski black clutch. Other musicians raised eyebrows, including up-and-coming Russian-born singer Sasha Gradiva, who wore a soft pink mermaid shaped gown that featured a machine-gun adorned sleeve.

"I think in the last five to seven years the Grammys have become a showcase for the most outlandish look in fashion. If an artist comes in couture, it is usually accompanied with a statement," said style expert and TV host Sam Saboura.

And that was exactly what Black Eyed Peas frontwoman Fergie appeared to be going for when she appeared wearing a designer gown that left little to the imagination. The 36-year-old singer wore a blood orange peek-a-boo Jean Paul Gaultier haute couture gown revealing black bra and panties beneath.

She took a page from other pop stars like nominee Katy Perry who famously arrived last year in a Giorgio Armani dress embellished with angel wings.

This year, Perry arrived wearing sky-high blue hair that complemented a full-length baby blue sparkly gown with plunging back.

Hip-hop rapper Nicki Minaj, nominated for best new artist and other awards, arrived sporting a red Versace couture hooded cape on the arm of an escort dressed in a pope outfit.

Lady Gaga strutted into the show in a black Chanel gown adorned with silver chains and dramatic net over her face.

"It's usually one-up game at the Grammys," said Saboura. "Now artists have stylists fixing their trains on the red carpet. It's become as dramatic as the Oscars. We expect craziness."

The death of pop singer Houston, a six-time Grammy winner, on the eve of the awards shook the world. She will be honored during the ceremony by singer Jennifer Hudson according to Grammy organizers, who scrambled to rearrange the show in response to Houston's death.

Grammy awards favorite Adele, known for wearing 60s style dresses and hairstyles, sported a classic look in a long black beaded gown. She wore her hair swept down in a wavy bob.

"Adele does big 60s hair well and always looks a little flirty," said Saboura.

Singer Adele accepts her award for "Best Pop Solo Performace" for "Someone Like You" at the 54th annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California, February 12, 2012.[Photo/Agencies]

British soul singer Adele won three early Grammys on Sunday, including best pop solo performance for her song "Somebody Like You," in a show that began on a somber note with a prayer for late pop superstar Whitney Houston.

Adele, whose album "21" was among the smash hits of 2011, took the stage and thanked her doctors who helped her recover from recent surgery to remove a polyp from her vocal cord. "Seeing as it's a vocal performance I need to thank my doctors, I suppose, who brought my voice back," she said.

Aside from surgery, the British singer has enjoyed a stellar year. Her sophomore album "21" has sold more than 6.3 million copies in the U.S. and broken many sales records, including spending 19 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard album chart.

She has thrilled fans singing about personal heartbreak in a raw, soulful manner in singles including "Rolling in the Deep," "Somebody Like You" and "Set Fire to the Rain."

Rockers Foo Fighters were the other big winners early in the show, picking up four Grammys in rock music categories and a fifth for best long form music video. Their hit "Walk" earned them best rock performance.

"This is a great honor because this record was a special record for our band. Rather than go to the best studio ... we made this one in my garage with some microphones and a tape machine," said frontman Dave Grohl. "It shows that the human element of making music is what's most important."

But as jubilant as the audiences was for Adele - they gave her a standing ovation - and as much as Foo Fighters rocked the house, the Grammys audience was equally somber about the death of Houston on Saturday in a Beverly Hills hotel room.

Host LL Cool J took the stage and offered a prayer for Houston, her fans and her family. "Although she is gone too soon, we remain truly blessed by her musical spirit," he said.

Organizers played a video of Houston performing her hit "I Will Always Love You" from a previous Grammy show. Later, actress an4d singer Jennifer Hudson, who won an Oscar for her role in movie musical "Dreamgirls," is expected to perform the same song in a tribute to the singer.

Other early winners included Jay-Z and Kanye West for best rap performance with their song, "Otis" from the album "Watch the Throne," but they failed to show up to claim their prize.

Rousing performances came from Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Chris Brown, Coldplay and Rihanna, Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson, and Alicia Keys and Bonnie Raitt sang a duet of "A Sunday Kind of Love" from Etta James, who also died in 2012.

Grammy organizers give out awards in more than 75 categories and many early winners mentioned Houston. Singer Melanie Fiona, who won with Cee Lo Green for traditional R&B performance for "Fool For You," said she was inspired by Houston.

"Whitney Houston, I would not be standing up here if not for you," Fiona said. Backstage, she told reporters her mother had rocked her in the cradle to Houston's songs when she was a baby.

WINEHOUSE IN THE HOUSE

Perhaps the most poignant moment came when Mitch and Janis Winehouse, parents of late singer Amy Winehouse who died of excessive drinking in 2011, accepted the award for best pop duo or group performance - Amy and Tony Bennett - "Body and Soul."

"Long live Whitney Houston. Long live Amy Winehouse and long live Etta James," referring to the "At Last" singer who died earlier this year. "There's a beautiful girl band up there."

Country singer Taylor Swift picked up two awards for her song "Mean," about people she felt had wronged her, and DJ Skrillex won two Grammys for best dance recording and top dance/electronica album with "Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites."

British soul singer Adele, who received six nominations and was expected to be a big winner, claimed her second Grammy for best pop vocal album with "21," and earned a third Grammy for best short form music video with the song, "Rolling in the Deep."

All eyes will be on Adele in top categories such as best album and record of the year. She will perform in front of a live audience for the first time since vocal cord surgery in November 2011. Fans will be listening to hear if her voice is back to its sultry, soulful best.

Rapper Kanye West earned seven nominations, but was shut out of the top categories, paving the way for Adele to be the night's big winner - or surprise loser if she fails to overcome competition. Along with his rap performance trophy, West won a second award for best rap album with "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy."

In the category of best album, Adele's "21" faces rockers Foo Fighters and their hit "Wasting Light," Lady Gaga with "Born This Way," Bruno Mars and his "Doo-Wops & Hooligans," and pop star Rihanna with "Loud."

Adele also figures prominently among nominees for record of the year where "Rolling in the Deep" squares off against rockers Bon Iver and "Holocene," Bruno Mars for "Grenade," Mumford & Sons with "The Cave," and Katy Perry for "Firework."

British singer Amy Winehouse performs at the St. Lucia Jazz Festival in St. Lucia in this May 8, 2009 file photo.[Photo/Agencies]

Amy Winehouse's dad still feels her presence with him.

Mitch Winehouse is convinced the spirit of his late daughter - who was found dead in her London home last July aged 27 - will be with him at the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday (12.02.12), where she is posthumously nominated for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for 'Body and Soul', her duet with Tony Bennett.

Mitch said: "I'm a firm believer in life after death and she's with me all the time. She'll definitely be there.

"[I'm most looking forward to] picking up Amy and Tony Bennett's Grammy."

Tony added: "Absolutely, yes [she'll be there]. She's a great, great artist. I made a wonderful recording with her. That was her last record."

In 2008, Amy scooped five Grammy Awards - Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for the single 'Rehab', Best Pop Vocal Album for 'Back to Black' and Best New Artist - and performed at the ceremony via a satellite link up.

Mitch says the ceremony was always important to Amy, particularly after her record-breaking haul of wins four years ago.

He told E! News: "That night at the Grammys was pivotal for her because she realised what a talent she was. And how much she enjoyed that evening, it gave her a new lease on life. So the Grammys are very important to Amy and to my family."

Director Madonna arrives for the premiere of her film W.E. in London January 11, 2012.[Photo/Agencies]

Madonna has slammed M.I.A. for her "teenage" antics during their Super Bowl performance.

The 'Music' hitmaker admits she was disappointed in the British rapper - who caused controversy when flipped her middle finger at the camera during her appearance for 'Gimme all your Luvin' - because she didn't feel her antics were appropriate for the prestigious Super Bowl XLVI Half Time Show last weekend.

Madonna told KIIS-FM DJ Ryan Seacrest: "I wasn't happy about it. I understand it's kind of punk rock and everything, but to me there was such a feeling of love and good energy and positivity, it seemed negative.

"It's one of those things, it's such a teenager. in a way, kind of irrelevant kind of thing to do. There was such a feeling of love and unity there, what was the point? It was just out of place."

Despite her comments, Madonna admitted she didn't know about the incident until afterwards.

She added: "To tell you the truth, I didn't even know about it. I didn't know about it until I left. I found out about it in the elevator, actually.

"I was really surprised. I didn't know anything about it."

TV station NBC Sports have already issued an apology over M.I.A.'s actions.

A spokesperson said: "We apologise for the inappropriate gesture that aired during halftime. It was a spontaneous gesture that our delay system caught late."

Cast member Daniel Radcliffe poses at a special screening of "The Woman in Black" in Los Angeles, California February 2, 2012.[Photo/Agencies]

Daniel Radcliffe has only been to nightclubs three times.

The 22-year-old actor - who gave up drinking alcohol in August 2010 - insists he is a "dull" person and has never had fun when he has visited late-night music bars.

He said: "I think [paparazzi] know I'm quite dull so they don't really follow me around. I don't do much, I go to work, I do my job, I come home and then I sleep. There's really nothing that I do in between.

"I think I've been to three clubs in my life which were awful nights. It was just terrible, I don't need to go into it. I don't give them as much to be interested in."

Daniel - who spent several months last year appearing on Broadway in 'How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying' - believes he is a better person for giving up alcohol and says sobriety has given him more opportunities to try new things.

He told BBC Radio 2 DJ Chris Evans: "It's restored happiness that I didn't expect, I have the most amazing relationship now with my mum and dad and just with people generally. I don't live in fear anymore."

"There are times when I look at a situation that I'm in and go wow, I would never have been able to be here if I still drank . I would never have been able to do the musical last year, I couldn't have done that. It's been amazing for me."

Actress Kim Kardashian attends the Cinema for Peace event benefiting the J/P Haitian Relief Organization, in Los Angeles January 14, 2012.[Photo/Agencies]

Kim Kardashian got married for "the right reasons".

The socialite split from Kris Humphries after just 72 days of marriage in October and though the sportsman is claiming fraud in his response to the reality TV star's divorce petition, their wedding planner Sharon Sacks insists there was nothing fake about their union.

Sharon said: "I would never have done a wedding if it was fake. Kim got married for the right reasons and so did Kris and it's sad. It's the journey they needed to take for happiness for each other.

"All I felt was love between the two of them. They got married for the right reasons and sometimes a couple isn't destined to be together. I don't know what happened. All I can tell you is celebrities love to share their weddings but they don't share their marriage."

Sharon enjoyed working with "glorious" Kim and believes the brunette beauty will eventually walk down the aisle again - and would love to be hired for the next ceremony.

She told HollywoodLife.com: "Kim and Kris' wedding was glorious. It wasn't difficult [to plan] it was wonderful.

"Working with Kim is a treat and the marriage was what it was supposed to be about and it's sad what happened but I think Kim is a glorious woman and I absolutely think she'll get married again. I hope I plan her next wedding. The Kardashians are friends to me, they're family to me and more than just clients."

Makiyo is released on bail after her alleged involvement in the beating of a taxi driver in Taipei.

Life's not fair. No one says it is. But that doesn't stop people from feeling a sense of anger when justice is not done. Which brings us to the firestorm that has exploded about the pretty head of singer/actress Makiyo in Taiwan.

The facts of the case, so far, seem to be that last Friday the 27-year-old celebrity, born to a Japanese father and Taiwan mother, went out drinking with her friends in Taipei. On their way home or to another bar, they flagged down a taxi and got in.

The driver asked them to buckle up, but Makiyo and her friends refused to do so and instead got angry and told him to drive more quickly.

When he didn't do so they made him stop the car because they wanted to get another cab with a more compliant driver.

What is at dispute is what happened next and is the subject of a court case. But the outcome was the taxi driver ended up in intensive care, with serious head injuries, two fractured ribs, a brain hemorrhage and a concussion.

What made the situation worse was that the male friend in the group of four (along with two female starlets) was Japanese and a rumored gangster with links to the yakuza.

Takateru Tomoyori admitted he was the one who had beaten up the taxi driver, which gave the story a race dimension and provoked a storm of anti-Japanese comments - regrettable and unfair, of course, as one man doesn't make a country.

What was even worse was that Makiyo called a news conference on the Sunday and, dressed in a slinky, off-the-shoulder black dress, tried to play down the seriousness of the incident.

There was a huge public reaction, and hundreds of thousands of people went online to condemn her.

Makiyo brought in her mom, who has cancer, to try and apologize to the cab driver's wife - but it didn't help. The damage was done.

Now, it is a generally accepted fact that justice is rarely done in the court of public opinion.

But Makiyo thought she could get out of the situation by showing up at a news conference, putting on a cute smile and coming up with some tall tales.

She blamed the taxi driver for pushing her, while Tomoyori suggested the cabbie touched Makiyo's breast when he was handing over change for the fare.

She also claimed she did not call an ambulance for the driver because she left her money and purse in the cab.

Police charged Makiyo for malicious destruction of property and aggravated assault, and she was released on bail.

Then, a few days ago, prosecutors said they had video evidence from an onboard camera that allegedly proved Makiyo had lied about the incident.

Allegedly, Tomoyori wasn't the only one kicking the cab driver all over the floor. Makiyo did so, too.

Makiyo claimed she was drunk and couldn't remember anything. But the taxi driver who picked them up afterward said they were all talking and laughing in his car, totally compos mentis.

Most people would agree there shouldn't be one rule for one and another rule for others.

While Makiyo deserves her day in court, the fact that she went public with the case, tried to use her celebrity status to get out of it and blatantly lied suggests the court of public opinion should have a say, too.

It would be a brave judge who doesn't listen to the public's condemnation in this case.

Whitney Houston bows after performing "I Didn't Know My Own Strength" at the 2009 American Music Awards, California on November 22, 2009. [Photo/Agencies]

Grammy Award-winning singer and actress Whitney Houston has died at age 48, a family spokesman said on Saturday.

"Unfortunately it is true," the spokesman said.

Houston, inspired by soul singers in her New Jersey family, including mother Cissy Houston and cousins Dionne Warwick and the late Dee Dee Warwick, as well as her godmother Aretha Franklin, became one of the most celebrated female singers of all time, taking multiple Emmy, Grammy and Billboard Music awards.

Her popularity soared in the 1980s and 1990s with consecutive No. 1 hits including the smash single "I Will Always Love You," from the soundtrack of the feature film "The Bodyguard," in which she starred. The soundtrack won the 1994 Grammy for Album of the Year.

Kris Humphries doesn't want any of Kim Kardashian's fortune.

The sportsman and the reality TV star - who split in October after just 72 days of marriage - signed a pre-nuptial agreement on how to split their assets, but the socialite is said to have offered a financial settlement in order to get their divorce completed as soon as possible.

However, Kris is said to by adamant he doesn't want any money and is determined to pursue his claim to have the divorce granted on the grounds of fraud, arguing that he and Kim married under false pretences.

A source told RadarOnline.com: "There have been informal settlement talks going on between Kim and Kris' respective lawyers. Team Humphries has made it crystal clear though that Kris isn't seeking any money from Kim. Kris doesn't want one penny from her.

"His lawyers have said the only terms acceptable for a settlement would be if Kim agrees to Kris' contention that the marriage was a fraud. There is a stand-off at this point because Kim will never agree to that, she says the marriage wasn't a fraud. It just didn't work out."

It was revealed earlier this week that Kris' lawyers want to study video footage from 'Kourtney and Kim Take New York' as an emotional discussion between Kim and her mother Kris Jenner about the marriage is alleged to have taken place in December, two months later than claimed in the show.

Kris' legal team are said to feel this strengthens their claim for the marriage being a fraud.

Hilary Duff's dog is "doing great" after undergoing brain surgery.

The 24-year-old actress - who is expecting her first child with husband Mike Comrie - was upset when her six-year-old Chihuahua Lola fell ill before Christmas but the pooch is now on the mend after having fluid drained from her brain.

Hilary tweeted: "Update! Lola was having terrible seizures. She had a shunt put in her skull to drain fluid off her brain and now is doing great."

Today (09.02.12) Hilary had an appointment with her doctor about her unborn baby boy and was pleased to report the impending new arrival is doing fine - though she herself is suffering from sore ribs.

She tweeted: "Early morning dr appointment. Baby's looking perfect! So it's a great day..except for my ribs..which get a good solid kick every half hour! (six)"

Hilary - who is due to give birth next month - revealed in December that Lola had fallen ill and asked her fans to pray for the dog.

She tweeted: "Could everyone please say a prayer for my pup Lola, she has surgery in a half hour, She's a strong girl but needs all good energy sent her way."

Beyonce Knowles' baby daughter is "doing great".

The singer and husband Jay-Z - whose real name is Shawn Carter - welcomed their first child into the world last month and the 'Crazy In Love' hitmaker's mother Tina Knowles is loving being a grandmother to little Blue Ivy Carter.

Tina said: "She's doing great. She's beautiful.

"[Being a grandma is] amazing. It's the second best job I've ever had."

While Tina is smitten with the baby, she is unsure just yet as to which of her famous parents the tot resembles.

She added to People: "She's only a month old. So we have to give her a minute."

Meanwhile, it has been revealed that Beyonce and Jay-Z's close friends Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin splashed out on a $1,029 black Bugaboo Chameleon stroller for Blue Ivy.

A source told Life & Style magazine: "It only makes sense for Beyonce to have this ultrachic stroller. Blue has the hottest ride!"

Blue isn't the only person to be given gifts since her birth - Beyonce's manager splashed out $9,500 on two pendants for the 30-year-old star.

A source said: "Her manager ordered Tacori monogram B pendants for Beyonce."

According to the insider, one pendant features blue sapphires in tribute to Blue Ivy, while the other is a diamond letter B.

Singer Lady Gaga performs during New Year's Eve celebrations in Times Square in New York, December 31, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

Lady Gaga used to suffer from bulimia.

The 'Alejandro' hitmaker used to make herself sit after eating family meals because she wanted to lose her "voluptuous" curves and be a "skinny little ballerina".

Speaking at the 'It's Our Turn' conference in Los Angeles yesterday (08.02.120, she said "I used to throw up all the time in high school. So I'm not that confident. I wanted to be a skinny little ballerina but I was a voluptuous little Italian girl whose dad had meatballs on the table every night. I used to come home and say, 'Dad, why do you always give us this food? I need to be thin.' And he'd say, 'Eat your spaghetti.'

"It's really hard, but you've got to talk to somebody about it."

Gaga admitted the eating disorder damaged her voice, which was why she eventually stopped making herself sick.

She explained: "It made my voice bad, so I had to stop. The acid on your vocal chords - it's very bad."

The eccentric singer admitted she still worries about her weight but urged young girls to stop being so body-conscious and obsessed with being thin.

She added: "Weight is still a struggle. Every video I'm in, every magazine cover, they stretch you - they make you perfect. It's not real life. I'm gonna say this about girls: The dieting wars have got to stop. Everyone just knock it off. Because at the end of the day, it's affecting kids your age. And it's making girls sick."

Actress Naomi Watts poses at the opening night gala for AFI Fest 2011 with the premiere of her new film film "J. Edgar" directed by Clint Eastwood in Hollywood November 3, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

Actress Naomi Watts will play Britain's Princess Diana in a new feature film about the last two years of her glamorous life that ended in tragedy, Britain's Ecosse Films said on Thursday.

Called "Caught in Flight", the movie is thought to be the first big screen film about Diana, whose death in a Paris car crash in 1997 has been chronicled in several, mostly U.S., television movies.

Watts, last seen in "J.Edgar" and political movie "Fair Game", who was born in Britain and raised in Australia, said she was honored to be chosen. American newcomer Jessica Chastain ("The Help"), was previously attached to the project.

"It is such an honor to be able to play this iconic role. Princess Diana was loved across the world and I look forward to rising to the challenge of playing her on screen," Watts, 43, said in a statement.

Ecosse Films said the movie would chronicle the last two years of Diana's life and "how finding true personal happiness for the first time allowed her to achieve her defining successes evolving into a major international campaigner and humanitarian."

Media reports have said the movie will focus on Diana's secret two year affair with heart surgeon Hasnat Khan following her estrangement, and later divorce, from British heir to the throne, Prince Charles.

"Caught in Flight" will be directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel, who directed the 2004 movie "Downfall" about Hitler's last days. Production will start in Britain later this year.

At least one other feature movie about Diana is in the works. Preliminary titled "Diana", that film has been in development for some months and is based on accounts of Diana's life as a member of the royal family by her longtime bodyguard Ken Wharfe. No casting has been announced.

Diana, formally known as the Princess of Wales, was just 36 years-old when she died in August 1997, causing an outpouring of worldwide grief.

British singer Paul McCartney touches his star after it was unveiled on the Walk of Fame in Hollywood, California February 9, 2012.[Photo/Agencies]

Paul McCartney finally got his own star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame on Thursday, becoming the last of the four Beatles to get the honor.

"In Liverpool, when we were kids and listening to Buddy Holly and all the other rock and roll greats, I would have never thought the day would come when I'd be getting a star on the Walk of Fame. I thought it was an impossible thing to happen. But here we are today," McCartney, 69, said.

"I couldn't have done it without a certain three boys, so I want to say thanks to those guys, John, George and Ringo," he said.

McCartney's star was placed outside the Capitol Records building, alongside those of band members John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr.

The Beatles were given a star as a group in 1998, more than 25 years after they split up. Lennon and Harrison were given their individual stars several years after their deaths in 1980 and 2001 respectively, while Starr got his in 2010.

Hundreds of fans of the Fab Four gathered, clutching memorabilia, to see McCartney honored for his 50-year legacy in the music industry.

Starr was prevented from attending Thursday's ceremony because of illness, but rocker Neil Young was on hand to pay tribute to McCartney as a singer and songwriter "at the top of his game."

The Beatles, who hailed from Liverpool, England, became one of the best-selling bands in the world in the 1960s, triggering a wave of Beatlemania for hits like "Love Me Do", "Yellow Submarine" and "Let it Be".

"Thanks to all of you, to all the fans around the world, I'd like to send you hugs and kisses on the bottom," the singer said cheekily, referring to his latest album, "Kisses on the Bottom."

McCartney will receive the Recording Academy's MusiCares person of the year award on Friday, and perform at Sunday's Grammy Awards.

German designer Karl Lagerfeld prepares for a television interview during his day as a guest editor at the Paris headquarters of the global free newspaper network Metro, February 6, 2012.[Photo/Agencies]

Fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld has apologized for calling British singer Adele "a little too fat", saying he is a huge fan.

But the husky-voiced singer - due to make a much anticipated performance comeback at the Grammys on Sunday - says she has no problem with her weight.

"I've never wanted to look like models on the cover of magazines. I represent the majority of women and I'm very proud of that," she told People magazine in an interview.

"I'd lose weight if I was an actress and had to play a role where you're supposed to be 40 pounds lighter, but weight has nothing to do with my career.

"I haven't felt insecure about my figure. I wasn't brought up like that," she said in a People cover story on newsstands on Friday.

Adele, 23, whose album "21" was the world's biggest seller in 2011, is expected to dominate the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday where she has six nominations, including album and song of the year.

Lagerfeld, Chanel's star designer, caused an uproar earlier this week when he told the free daily Metro newspaper in Paris that the "Someone Like You" singer was "a little too fat, but she has a beautiful face and a divine voice."

Influential U.S. fashion publicist Kelly Cutrone called for a boycott. "If you love Adele then boycott Chanel -- Boo Karl," Cutrone tweeted.

Lagerfeld apologized in a statement to the Metro newspaper, where he was acting as global guest editor when he made the remarks.

"I'd like to say to Adele that I am your biggest admirer. Sometimes when you take a sentence out of the article it changes the meaning of the thought...She is my favorite singer and I am a great admirer of her," he said.

Lagerfeld said he had lost more than 30 kilos (66 lbs) 10 years ago. "I know how it feels when the press is mean to you in regards to your appearance. Adele is a beautiful girl. She is the best. And I can't wait for her next CD."

Lu Chuan

A new show by director Lu Chuan is coming home to roost at the Bird’s Nest. Chen Jie reports.

Zhang Yimou’s show focused world’s gaze on the Bird’s Nest stadium on the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games’ opening night.

Now, another leading Chinese director, Lu Chuan, is creating an “attraction” — tentatively entitled Attraction — at the venue.

Lu and his team are working on a large-scale, open-air show scheduled to open at the Bird’s Nest this fall. Jiang Haoyang, general manager of the production company Bird’s Nest Fengcai Culture, says the company plans to stage 200 shows over three years, starting this autumn.

The post-Olympics use of Beijing’s venues has been a point of hot debate over the past four years. The Bird’s Nest cost about 3.5 billion yuan ($555 million) to construct, and its annual operation and maintenance is estimated to cost more than 170 million yuan.

The stakeholders have lined up an array of events, including big pop concerts, Italian Super Cup soccer matches, car races and the Snow World, with fake snow for kids. Zhang Yimou even returned to direct an arena production of the opera Turandot in October 2009.

But no regular residence has come home to roost in the Bird’s Nest until Attraction. Beijing BeiAo Group and the venue have partnered to found the Bird’s Nest Fengcai Culture to produce and market the show.

Lu captivates most local media.

With just four movies under his belt, the 41-year-old has been acclaimed as one his generation’s best directors.

The son of an accomplished scriptwriter studied English literature before he turned to film and got his master’s degree from the Beijing Film Academy’s Directing Department in 1998.

He rose to fame with his debut production, The Missing Gun (2002), starring Jiang Wen, one of China’s best actors. It enjoyed both handsome box-office returns and raving critical acclaim.

His second flick, Hoh Xil (2004), which depicts the life-and-death struggles between poachers and the volunteer patrol teams who protect Tibetan antelopes, was another success that confirmed his lofty position in China’s film scene.

He spent five years shooting City of Life and Death (Nanking! Nanking), a black-and-white take on the Nanjing massacre of World War II.

His next movie, The Last Supper, will be released this year. Lu has teamed up with theater experts to prepare his first attempt at big open-air shows.

Lu was surprised when he was approached to do the show two years ago, because he “had no experience in this field”, he says.

“But I’d like to explore something new as a young director,” he tells China Daily.

“Different art genres have something in common, whether we’re talking about a movie or a stage show. They said they wanted something new, and that’s what I wanted to do, too. I hope to make a breakthrough, so the audiences can enjoy new experiences.”

But Lu wouldn’t reveal more about the show, except to say it’s a multimedia love story. “It’s a learning process for me,” Lu says.

“The Bird’s Nest has become Beijing’s new symbol and shows China’s power to the world. We’re trying to create a show to display today’s Chinese people’s love, dreams, glory and sense of responsibility. You and me, and him and her, are all in the show. Everybody will find themselves in it,” he continues.

“China has a profound cultural tradition. But we shouldn’t make it a burden to maintain or face value symbols. Cultural tradition is something in the blood.”

Kim Kardashian wants her divorce petition heard by a mediator.

The 31-year-old socialite is reportedly keen to have her marriage to Kris Humphries legally ended as soon as possible and plans to request that the proceedings are held in private.

A source said: "A public trial is the last thing that Kim wants, and she has instructed her lawyer to formally petition the court so that the divorce can be heard by a mediator, which is routinely done in California, since it's a no-fault state.

"Kim doesn't want a long drawn out trial. She wants the mediation to be private, confidential, and legally binding. She and Kris have no assets together and kept separate bank accounts, so this is a fairly routine divorce proceeding. Kim just wants this over and done with."

However, Kim's plans for a private divorce could run into trouble as lawyers acting for Kris - who she split from in October after just 72 days of marriage - want to investigate scenes filmed for her reality TV show.

It has been claimed that a heartfelt discussion between Kim and her mother Kris Jenner about her marriage woes that aired in an episode of 'Kourtney and Kim Take New York' was actually filmed on a soundstage in December, nearly two months after the discussion was presented as having taken place during a business trip to Dubai.

Kris cited fraud as his official response to Kim's divorce petition and wants his lawyer to question his estranged wife, her mother and staff from the show over the scenes, feeling they back his case.

A source told RadarOnline.com: "Kris feels that if this is true and the whole conversation was faked, this would help prove that he got married under fraudulent circumstances. Yes, this did occur after the marriage, but this is one clear example that could help sway the judge to grant the divorce on the grounds of fraud."

Simon Cowell didn't want to fire Paula Abdul from 'The X Factor'.

The music mogul insists it wasn't his choice to have his former 'American Idol' co-judge removed from the panel of the show ahead of its second season, but he is relieved she took it well

He said: "I would've liked to have kept Paula. She was very gracious and I said that to her. She understands it's business; it's never personal."

With Nicole Scherzinger and show host Steve Jones also fired from 'The X Factor', only record company boss L.A. Reid has kept his job as a judge alongside Simon, and the 52-year-old star says they kept him because there is no one who could do better.

Simon told 'Extra': "There's not a record executive out there who is as good as him for the job."

Following Paula and Nicole's departure, it had been claimed Beyonce Knowles had been offered $100 million to join the show, but Simon insists the speculation is untrue.

He said: "I have no idea where this came from. It's complete nonsense."

While Simon would like to see Mariah Carey on the panel, he doesn't think it would happen because of her career commitments and responsibility to her family, husband Nick Cannon and their nine-month-old twins Moroccan and Monroe.

He said: "I adore her, love her. But you can't expect someone who has just had two kids and has a record career to make the kind of commitment we would need on this show."

Instead, Simon thinks Madonna would be a "great" judge, though she would be "expensive", while he is also keen on Katy Perry, saying the 'Firework' hitmaker "would be fun - and she's feisty."

Singer Katy Perry arrives with her husband, actor Russell Brand, for the annual David Lynch Foundation benefit celebration in New York in this December 13, 2010.[Photo/Agencies]

A judge has granted Katy Perry and Russell Brand a divorce, although the pair won't be legally split up until July.

Superior Court Judge Marc Marmaro signed the judgment Wednesday, less than six weeks after Brand filed for divorce and one day after Perry filed paperwork stating that she and Brand have agreed on all financial issues.

The exact terms of the breakup are confidential.

Brand, Perry and Marmaro all signed the judgment Wednesday, court records show. The couple will become legally single again on July 14 because California law requires that couples wait at least six months after filing before their divorce can be finalized.

The judgment calls for Perry's maiden name, Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson, to be restored.

Neither Brand, a British actor and comedian, or Perry, a pop superstar, indicated in court filings when they separated.

They were married in October 2010 in a lavish wedding at a resort inside a tiger reserve in India.

Their wedding came at a high-point for both of their careers. Brand was introduced to U.S. audiences after hosting the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards and has since starred in films including "Arthur," ''Forgetting Sarah Marshall" and "Get Him to the Greek."

Perry has turned out a string of pop hits, including "I Kissed a Girl" and "California Gurls" and is scheduled to perform at Sunday night's Grammy Awards. She has also been nominated for two awards for her song "Firework."

British actor Hugh Laurie accepts the award for Favorite TV Drama Actor for his role on "House" and also the award for Favorite TV Drama, with members of the cast, at the 2010 People's Choice Awards in Los Angeles January 6, 2010.[Photo/Agencies]

Hospital drama "House" will end in April after eight seasons, producers said on Wednesday, bringing to a close one of the most popular shows on TV.

"House", starring British actor Hugh Laurie as the cantankerous but brilliant doctor Gregory House, started in 2004 and will have been on air on Fox in the United States for 175 episodes when it comes to an end in April.

"After much deliberation, the producers of 'House M.D.' have decided that this season of the show, the 8th, should be the last," executive producers David Shore, Katie Jacobs and Laurie said in a statement.

They said the decision to end the show was painful but added they "have always imagined House as an enigmatic creature; he should never be the last one to leave the party. How much better to disappear before the music stops, while there is still some promise and mystique in the air."

"House" was among the 10 top-rated TV shows in the United States from 2005-2008 and was seen in some 66 other countries. But U.S. ratings have slipped in the past two years to about half the 20 million viewers who once enjoyed the show.

The program was Emmy-nominated for best drama four times but never won, although Laurie won two Golden Globes and two Screen Actors Guild awards for his role.

Singer Adele poses on arrival at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles August 28, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

The Grammys in recent years have targeted young audiences even as older acts won key awards to the surprise of some music fans, but this Sunday's honors will shine its spotlight on Adele, whose popularity crosses all age boundaries.

The soulful British singer, whose album "21" has spawned massive hits like "Rolling in the Deep" and topped charts for 19 weeks, enters music industry's biggest awards with six nominations, second only to rapper Kanye West with seven.

But all ears will be tuned in to Adele, 23, who is scheduled to give a Grammy performance that is her first since undergoing throat surgery late last year. And everybody -- young and old -- wants to know if 2011's top-selling performer has recovered.

"My eight-year-old daughter sings Adele songs, and my friend's 75-year-old grandmother sings Adele songs," said Nic Harcourt, former radio host at KCRW, who is among those credited with helping put the British chanteuse on the U.S. music map.

Adele's voice was a breath of fresh air in 2011 for a struggling industry. "21" album sold more copies in one year than any other act since Usher's "Confessions" in 2004. Its current U.S. sales total is roughly 6.3 million copies.

In years past, the Grammys have often seen relative newcomers in top categories like album of the year face off against veteran acts, only to see the older performers win, shocking the youth-driven industry. Herbie Hancock's 2007 jazz album, "River: The Joni Letters," was among the recent surprises.

That won't happen at Sunday's ceremony in Los Angeles. Competing for album of the year are Adele with "21," Lady Gaga for "Born This Way," Rihanna with "Loud," Bruno Mars for "Doo-Wops & Hooligans" and Foo Fighters for "Wasting Light."

Indeed, many of the major categories are dominated by younger pop stars like Adele, Gaga, Katy Perry and Rihanna. Traditional rockers are largely missing, with the exception of legends Paul McCartney and Bruce Springsteen who are both set to perform at Sunday's show in Los Angeles.

ADELE, NO POP CONFECTION

But in an ironic twist, Adele gained stardom precisely because she has appealed to so many audience groups with her soulful ballads such as "Someone Like You" that sound like a throwback in an industry dominated by electronic dance music.

"She's got a little more substance and is not just a pop confection. With a classic sound, veteran Grammy voters will have no problem supporting her, while she also reaches the young," said Bob Merlis, president of MFH Publicity.

Adele's singles have been played on multiple radio formats, helping to sell albums to older consumers as well as younger fans who tend to buy music online.

David Bakula, senior vice president, analytics of entertainment for Nielsen said Adele has "gone beyond the bounds of a simple pop artist, which appeals to a younger, more singles-driven crowd. Katy Perry's a good example of a star who sells tons of singles, but not tons of albums."

Elsewhere, Kanye West's seven nods crown a critical and commercial comeback for the controversial 34-year-old rapper who took a self-imposed hiatus from performing in 2009.

West recorded his best rap album contender "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" in Hawaii after removing himself from the mainstream music scene following harsh criticism over his 2009 outburst involving country starlet Taylor Swift at the MTV Video Music Awards.

Already a 14-time Grammy winner, he is nominated for song of the year for "All of the Lights" and best rap performance with Jay-Z for "Otis".

The best new artist category reflects an eclectic mix of artists, from female rapper Nicki Minaj and hip-hop artist J. Cole, to country sensations The Band Perry, house and electropop performer Skrillex and American folk band Bon Iver.

"Rhinestone Cowboy" singer Glen Campbell, 75, currently on a

goodbye tour after announcing he has early stage Alzheimer's disease, will receive a lifetime achievement award and will perform with The Band Perry and Blake Shelton.

Other performers will include veteran crooner Tony Bennett -- who is nominated for his "Body and Soul" duo with the late Amy Winehouse -- Alicia Keys, Taylor Swift, Coldplay, Jason Aldean, Kelly Clarkson and Chris Brown.

Bonnie Raitt will perform in remembrance of "At Last" singer Etta James, who died in January at the age of 73, and rapper and "NCIS: Los Angeles" actor LL Cool J will be the first official host of the Grammy Awards in seven years.

Winners are determined by about 13,000 members of the Recording Academy, but only a handful of trophies in the 78 categories will be handed out on Sunday's live telecast.

Fan Bingbing appears in a red gown (left) and dragon robe at the Cannes International Film Festival, in 2011 and 2010.

Related reading: How to dress to dazzle

Designer Bu Kewen and actress Fan Bingbing have become an unstoppable fashion force. Mei Jia reports.

The US TV show Fashion Police once compared Chinese actress Fan Bingbing with Jennifer Lopez when both were clad in Elie Saab designs. The program's hosts concluded "the No 1 star in China" beat Lopez with her "that's-called-style" way of dressing. Fan was attending Paris Fashion Week in the spring of 2011 with the Lebanese designer's "bling-bling" camisole wrapped around her head. As her stylist, 32-year-old Bu Kewen (also known as Chris Bu Kewen), puts it: "Fan's appearance surprised many. Everyone said she must be some Arabian princess."

Bu's work with Fan continued to captivate the public's gaze through that year's Cannes Film Festival.

Fan took to the red carpet in a red crane gown Bu designed, clutching a pearl purse. Her hair was in a bouffant.

Her "Chinese-style" dress won the Red Carpet Fashion Award's best gown of the week.

"When she first showed up in Cannes in 2010, foreigners didn't know her well," Bu says.

"But after she appeared in the crane gown, all the top brands started inviting Fan to try on their creations."

Bu was also behind Fan's dragon robe at the 63rd Cannes. Working with Laurence Xu, he had turned the ancient emperors' official robe into an evening gown.

Bu is proud Fan conquered the red carpet with his design, while promoting Chinese sensibilities in global fashion circles.

Stylist的caption：Fan Bingbing's stylist and bromeo Chris Bu Kewen talks with China Daily at a cafe in Nanluogu lane in Beijing.[Photo/China Daily]

"It's not easy to dress correctly for occasions dominated by international heavyweights," he says.

"That's especially true for mainland actresses, who are relatively new to the challenges. You can't dress like the others, and you can't dress just to remind people you're Chinese."

The stylist's secret to "being Chinese and glamorous" is that he creates garments that feature designs that appeal to global trends, with Chinese elements, he says.

"For the crane gown, I used Chinese textures," he explains.

"I chose from 20 rolls of cloth of different red hues, and incorporated Chinese embroidery and symbols. But the ultimate standard is beauty."

Bu freelances in Beijing and works with other big-name clients, including actresses Zhao Wei and Sun Li.

He developed a habit of researching patterns and designs in the library of Beijing Film Academy, where he got his bachelor's degree.

Bu has continued his meticulous studies. He spent eight months innovating on embroidery and an additional five searching for textures and patterns for the crane gown.

Bu says he has few friends among his contemporaries but enjoys meeting many people in his line of work.

"Learning about their lives and stories helps me improve myself," he says.

"It helps me balance a meaningful life with the vulgar and vain circumstances I'm in."

Bu was born to a family of ordinary workers in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region.

His father died in 2005, when Bu was 25. It was after his father passed away that Bu discovered his dad's buried but deep love for him. Bu says his father was a railway worker, and was not often at home.

Bu's mother still soothes his emotional upsets.

"Love made me grow up overnight," Bu recalls."I decided to live like a real man."

Bu met Fan that year - a low point in the actress' career.

Bu knew straight away he had met the right person for him to work with.He was inspired by Fan's never-say-die spirit.

"We share our thoughts about almost everything, and especially fashion," Bu says.

"She soon became my muse. I don't think I'll ever meet another person like her. She's irreplaceable in her ability to properly wear my designs, including my stranger garments."

Red Carpet Fashion Awards critics agree and say they "can't wait to see what else she gives us".

The duo has become such close friends that when Fan's mother can't get her daughter to go to bed on time, she enlists Bu's help.

"Bu has been my Bromeo (close male friend) for years," Fan tells the Beijing News.

"We talk about almost everything. I wanted to support him by wearing his first design, the crane gown, which he tailored for me."

The gown is the first of his Christopher Bu series. The designer says he received an influx of orders after Cannes.

Bu plans to open boutiques to sell his brand, as there is a growing demand in China for formal gowns, he says.

Bu is blunt about his dream - to get rich.

"I hope to use wealth to carry on the legacy of traditional skills and to help young people who also dream of working freely, without the interference of concerns about money," he says.

"I discovered how hard it is to find skilled embroiderers when creating the crane gown. Another goal for designing that gown was to leave a legacy and to use Fan's influence to teach young people to respect old crafts."

A "misleadingly exaggerated" advert featuring Rachel Weisz has been banned in the UK.

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) ruled the 41-year-old actress' complexion had been digitally changed in the image used to promote L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Repair 10, making it appear smoother and more even, upholding a complaint made by MP Jo Swinson.

The ASA ruled the advert can not be used again its current form because it "misleadingly exaggerated" the performance of the product and warned L'Oreal against using post-production techniques to misrepresent the effects of their products.

It ruled the advert could not be used again in its current form and warned L'Oreal against using post-production techniques to misrepresent what their products can achieve.

The ASA ruling said: "Although we considered that the image in the ad did not misrepresent the luminosity or wrinkling of Rachel Weisz's face, we considered that the image had been altered in a way that substantially changed her complexion to make it appear smoother and more even.

"We therefore concluded that the image in the ad misleadingly exaggerated the performance of the product in relation to the claims (in the advert) 'skin looks smoother' and 'complexion looks more even'."

The ruling was welcomed by Ms. Swinson, the co-founder of the Campaign for Body Confidence.

She said: "The beauty and advertising industries need to stop ripping off consumers with dishonest images.

"The banning of this advert, along with the previous ASA rulings banning heavily retouched ads featuring Twiggy, Julia Roberts and Christy Turlington, should act as a wake-up call.

"Thankfully the advertising regulator has again acknowledged the fraudulent nature of excessive retouching.

"The Royal College of Psychiatrists has spoken out about the harmful influence of the media on body image and has highlighted the airbrushing and digital enhancement used to portray physical perfection as an area of concern.

"There needs to be much more diversity in advertising - different skin colours, body shapes, sizes and ages. Studies show that people want to see more authenticity from brands. Images can be aspirational without being faked."

In a statement, L'Oreal said it had "sought to represent Rachel Weisz as favourably as possible and therefore every effort had gone into ensuring the most flattering set-up" by using a lot of light, soft focusing and lower resolution.

They added: "The ASA had previously ruled that cosmetics ads could present their product in the best possible light".

Christina Aguilera thinks it is "time" to meet with her estranged father.

The 'Beautiful' hitmaker has been opened about her strained relationship with her parent Fausto - who she has previously said was physically and emotionally abusive - but thinks she is now ready to face the past.

Christina - who last saw her father in 1999 - said: "I've talked about how rough things were for me and I'm sure he's heard it. He can't be thrilled about it. So maybe one day we can do lunch ... I'm 31 years old now. Maybe it's time."

Christina married Jordan Bratman - with who she has four-year-old son Max - in November 2005 but they split just under five years later, though the singer insists she wasn't too young to settle down when she did.

She told the new issue of Latina magazine: "Was I too young? Not at all. I did the exact right thing at the time. .I definitely wasn't too young. I have always been older than my age."

The blonde star - who shot to fame as a member of the 'All New Mickey Mouse Club' aged just 13 - also admitted she was shocked when she realised she was no longer one of the younger people in the showbiz industry.

She said: "I was on the set of a film and the choreographer was 19 and I looked around at all the dancers and I was like, Whoa! I'm the oldest person in this room. When did that happen?"

Actor Mel Gibson attends the Cinema for Peace event benefiting the J/P Haitian Relief Organization, in Los Angeles January 14, 2012.[Photo/Agencies]

A civil jury will likely not hear directly from Mel Gibson about the night of his drunken driving arrest because his testimony doesn't appear relevant to a deputy's claim that he was discriminated against because of the traffic stop, a judge said Tuesday.

In a series of tentative rulings, Superior Court Judge Barbara Scheper said she will likely block attorneys for Deputy James Mee from showing the jury a video of Gibson being booked into jail and a 30-second TV ad he made supporting the Sheriff's Department three years before his arrest.

Mee, who is Jewish, claims he suffered religious discrimination by superiors after arresting Gibson in 2006, and that he was ordered to remove the actor-director's anti-Semitic rants from a report.

He claims he was passed over for promotions and suffered other reprisals because of the case and that he was personally offended by Gibson's remarks.

Gibson's work as a spokesman for the department helps explain "the circumstances that serve as a backdrop to the harassment and hostile work environment that Deputy Mee suffered," his attorneys wrote in a court filing.

Gibson "wasn't just another arrestee. He was the 'public face' of the department," the documents state.

Scheper also says she won't allow Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca to testify during the case unless there is some evidence he ordered actions against Mee.

Attorneys for Mee had listed Gibson and Baca as potential witnesses last week, but Scheper said neither man's testimony appeared to be relevant.

Scheper said she will make final rulings in the case on Feb. 14, with jury selection expected later next week. Unless she alters course, jurors will hear little about the events during and immediately after Gibson's arrest.

"In my view, it's what happened after this gentleman was arrested" that is crucial to the case, Scheper said.

The judge said prospective jurors will undoubtedly have heard of Gibson's arrest, but the way Mee has presented his case renders Gibson and Baca's testimony unnecessary.

Gibson's reputation was damaged for years after details of the arrest and his anti-Semitic and sexist rant was leaked to celebrity website TMZ.

The actor apologized for his conduct, and his conviction was expunged in 2009 after he completed all the terms of his sentence.

Scheper has said she expects Mee will have difficulty proving his case, but that jurors should ultimately decide whether he was passed over for promotions and targeted for reprisals because he is Jewish.

Mee remains a deputy, although he no longer patrols for drunken drivers in the coastal community of Malibu where Gibson was arrested.

Singer Chris Brown performs a medley of songs at the 2011 American Music Awards in Los Angeles November 20, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

Chris Brown will perform at this Sunday's Grammy Awards for the first time since beating his then girlfriend Rihanna in 2009 on the eve of the music industry's biggest night, which threatened to derail his music career.

Rihanna also is among the stars performing live at the event, and rumors have flown among fans and celebrity watchers in recent weeks that the pair may be secretly dating again -- speculation Brown's representatives have dismissed.

Grammy organizers said on Tuesday that Brown, who has three nominations including best R&B singer for his album "F.A.M.E.", had been added to the line-up for the February 12 awards show in Los Angeles.

They said Brown will join Foo Fighters, Lil Wayne, David Guetta and deadmau 5 for a performance highlighting dance and electronica music for the first time on the Grammy Awards show stage.

Organizers said last month that Rihanna, who has four nominations including album of the year for "Loud", will sing with Coldplay on the Grammy stage.

Brown, 22, has skipped the Grammys since launching a violent attack on Rihanna in 2009, leaving her battered and bruised and Brown in the custody of police.

Brown publicly apologized, admitted to criminal assault in court. A judge sentenced him to five years probation, six months community service and anger management counseling. But his clean-cut image took a major blow.

Rihanna's career on the other hand soared, and she scored hits with songs like "Man Down" and "Love the Way You Lie", which dealt with violence against women.

The pair appeared to have gone their separate ways but in recent months, speculation buzzed that they had reunited after they were spotted at the same Los Angeles nightclub and put out a series of cryptic messages on Twitter.

But Brown's spokesman said in January that Brown and Rihanna were "just friends".

New York Giants fans celebrate the Giants' victory over the New England Patriots in the NFL Super Bowl football game in Times Square in New York February 5, 2012.[Photo/Agencies]

For the third consecutive year, the Super Bowl set a record as the most-watched television show in U.S. history.

The Nielsen Co. said Monday that an estimated 111.3 million people watched the New York Giants beat the New England Patriots on Sunday night. That narrowly beat the 111 million who watched Green Bay's win over Pittsburgh last year.

NBC was blessed by a competitive game between two teams that played in one of the Super Bowl's most memorable contests four years ago, with one of them representing the largest media market in the country.

The game wasn't over until Tom Brady's last-second heave into the end zone dropped onto the turf. That play itself had the biggest audience of any play in the game, according to the digital video recorder maker Tivo. Nielsen said 117.7 million people were watching during the last half hour of the game.

The last two Super Bowls, along with the 2010 game between New Orleans and Indianapolis and the finale of "M-A-S-H" in 1983, are the only programs to exceed 100 million viewers in U.S. television history.

Madonna has some bragging rights, too. Her halftime show was seen by an estimated 114 million people — a higher average than the game itself — and was the most-watched Super Bowl halftime entertainment show on record, Nielsen said.

"I was rooting for Madonna as much as I was for the Giants," said Tara Maitra, senior vice president of Tivo, which also monitored viewership trends during the game.

The good news continued after the game for NBC, when the heavily-promoted season premiere of "The Voice" kept 37.6 million people in front of the television.

Its fans were disappointed, but Boston had its highest rating ever for an NFL game on Sunday. It was the second highest-rating ever in the New York market, behind only the Giants' first Super Bowl in 1986, Nielsen said.

Country singer Randy Travis is shown in this booking photo supplied by Denton County Sheriff's Department February 6, 2012.[Photo/Agencies]

Country singer Randy Travis has apologized after being arrested on a charge of public intoxication outside a North Texas church.

Denton County sheriff's spokesman Tom Reedy says police in the town of Sanger arrested Travis early Monday after spotting a vehicle parked in front of a church and finding an open bottle of wine and Travis smelling of alcohol.

Reedy says Travis, whose hits include "Forever and Ever, Amen," was brought to the Denton County jail about 1:30 a.m. and released six hours later.

The singer, who lives in the small town of Tioga near Sanger, apologized in a statement to The Associated Press "for what resulted following an evening of celebrating the Super Bowl."

Travis, who launches a concert tour Friday, says he's "committed to being responsible and accountable."

"Celebrate the movies in all of us," is the idea that Academy Award co-producers Brian Grazer and Don Mischer, as well as Tom Sherak, the president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, are asking film lovers to espouse this year.

"I hope this theme is something you guys can celebrate with us," Grazer told the audience of A-list Oscar nominees including Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Meryl Streep and Viola Davis.

Grazer, producer of past best movie winner "A Beautiful Mind," said that in these current days when more and more movies are delivered directly to homes via video-on-demand systems using the Internet, satellite and cable TV, it is time to remember the communal experience of shared laughter and emotion that people experience in a theater.

To reinforce the theme, the academy has put a range of movie stars and beloved film roles on its Oscar poster -- Tom Hanks in "Forrest Gump" and Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh in "Gone With the Wind," among them -- and Grazer said Oscar's home stage inside the Kodak Theater in Hollywood would be "re-imagined" to look and feel like a movie theater.

He said Oscar host Billy Crystal has a "fantastic film" to open the show, and Grazer and Mischer had only three goals for the ceremony that will take place on February 26: be funny, show some class, and be on time.

On that last note, Mischer admonished nominees to keep their speeches down to a brief 45 seconds, and he introduced a comical video in which Hanks tutored nominees on how to "make it short, make it simple (and) make it sincere" when it came to speeches.

The Oscar nominees lunch is a dressed-down affair compared to the tuxedos and gowns worn on Academy Award night, and it is a chance for lesser-known, but no less important, nominees such as David Vickery, who will vie for best visual effects with his work on "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2," to rub elbows with top nominees such as Glenn Close ("Albert Nobbs") or Michelle Williams ("My Week with Marilyn").

"It's fun to catch up, and it's fun to see people I like and haven't seen in a long time," Clooney, a best actor nominee for "The Descendants," told reporters in pre-luncheon interviews.

Jean Dujardin, star of silent movie-era romance "The Artist" and a rival of Clooney's in the top acting category," said that to him it was a "big deal" to be nominated but he was trying to avoid thinking too much about the possibility of winning.

"I want to leave the element of surprise. I want to feel the emotion of it, I don't want to anticipate it," he said.

Singer Beyonce poses for a photo during an event to debut her newest fragrance, Beyonce Pulse, in New York September 22, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

Simon Cowell has reportedly offered Beyonce Knowles $500 million to be a judge on US 'X Factor'.

The music mogul is thought to be keen on acquiring the 'Single Ladies' hitmaker's services for five series as he searches for a "big name" celebrity to replace axed former judges Nicole Scherzinger and Paula Abdul in order to improve the Fox show's ratings.

A source told MediaTakeout.com: "He wants a big name female star on the panel. Mariah [Carey] is good, but she's not that hot today.

"He wants Beyonce because that would immediately give him the bounce needed to beat 'American Idol'."

Meanwhile, Randy Jackson thinks Mariah would be an "amazing" US 'X Factor' judge and he hasn't ruled out the possibility of her joining the show.

The 'American Idol' panellist - who manages the 'Hero' singer - told reporters: "She'd be amazing. I mean, I manage her, so of course I'm going to say that. She'd be amazing.

"I don't know if that's ever going to happen. Look, Simon's one of the smartest people I know. I'm sure he he's got some very interesting ideas up his sleeve."

Despite Randy being a judge on rival show 'American Idol', he would have no problem with the brunette beauty joining US 'X Factor'.

He added: "She's her own person. She can of course do whatever she wants and she always will do that.

"Simon's one of my dearest friends in the world."

But Randy - who sits on the 'American Idol' panel alongside Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez - admitted he was "sad" to see Paula, Nicole and host Steve Jones axed from 'X Factor'.

He explained: "I have not spoken to Paula. We texted back and forth. I'm sad to hear about what's going on with that show. All of those people are dear friends of mine."

Brad Pitt once had a job driving strippers to their gigs.

The Hollywood actor had to pick up the girls and take them to a specific party, where he then had to watch proceedings and catch the strippers' clothes as they threw them off to make sure people didn't steal them.

Speaking on an episode of TV show 'Inside the Actors Studio' - which is set to be broadcast on February 10 - he said: "I drove strippers, which was interesting.

"It was an odd job. There's a place called the Job Factory where people listed odd jobs they needed for a little while and you'd go and sign up. It said, 'Drive strippers.' I said, 'I got a car.' My job was to go to the place and get the assignment, then go to the girl's apartment, pick her up, and drive her to the party.

"You'd then be responsible for playing the music, which was cassette then. Then you had to catch the clothes so the guys wouldn't steal them as they came off. And then you had to try to collect the money at the end and get out of there alive. It was not always easy."

When asked if he enjoyed the work, Brad - who raises six children, Maddox, 10, Pax, eight, Zahara, seven, Shiloh, five, and twins Knox and Vivienne, three, with his partner Angelina Jolie - replied: "Yes, I did."

The 48-year-old star even met his late acting coach Roy London through the job after being persuaded to work for one more night after he tendered his resignation.

He explained: "There was a new girl there that night and sometimes when you drive, you strike up a conversation.

"She said she was dating an actor, an actor I had actually heard of. I didn't know any actors - this was the closest I'd gotten to someone who actually worked. She told me about this class she started taking. I said, 'Give me the name.' It turned out to be Roy London, who was a beautiful human being."

Singer Demi Lovato poses with the Favorite Pop Artist award at the 2012 People's Choice Awards in Los Angeles January 11, 2012.[Photo/Agencies]

Demi Lovato's eating disorder made her "very manipulative".

The 19-year-old singer-and-actress - who entered rehab in late 2010 to seek help for her problems -spent two years prior to her hospitalisation doing whatever she could to avoid people finding out there was anything wrong.

She said: "I was a very manipulative person when it came to my eating disorder. You name it, I did it.

"I would lie about already eating. I would lie about having to go to the bathroom. I would go to any lengths to make sure I was sick."

The former 'Sonny with a Chance' star admits her problems with food go back to a very young age.

She explained: "I began compulsive eating at the age of eight. Then, when I started being bullied at 12, I stopped eating. I went from overeating to undereating to throwing up."

At the height of her success, the 'Camp Rock' star admits she could barely bring herself to look at pictures of herself in magazines because she was so uncomfortable with her appearance.

She told Britain's Glamour magazine: "It never really went away. I'd try, but the impulses would come back. You feel like you're on a downward spiral, but you have to fight through it.

"I had real difficulty with my body image. It was hard to look at myself in magazines. My friends would say, 'Wow you look so gorgeous.' Everyone else was looking at what they thought as a beautiful girl, but I just couldn't see that when I looked at myself."

"Chronicle" brought in an estimated $22.0 million from U.S. and Canadian theaters, studio estimates released on Sunday showed. The movie with largely unknown actors finished just ahead of Radcliffe's "Woman in Black," which took in an estimated $21.0 million.

Both performances surpassed projections from studio executives, who had expected weaker sales against competition from Sunday's Super Bowl football championship. The tallies include actual ticket receipts for Friday and Saturday plus estimates for Sunday at North American (U.S. and Canadian) theaters.

"Chronicle" added $13 million from 33 international markets, for a global weekend total of $35 million.

The appearance of young moviegoers, who had shunned some recent films targeted to them, boosted the top two films.

"The teen audience seems to be coming back to movies again. There was serious worry they were fading," said John Davis, who produced "Chronicle."

The movie tells the story of three teenage boys who develop superpowers and find they have a dark side. People under age 25 made up 61 percent of the movie's audience, distributor 20th Century Fox said. Fifty-five percent were males.

The studio produced "Chronicle" for about $12 million and had forecast debut weekend sales below $10 million.

Young moviegoers also propelled "Woman in Black" well past studio expectations of around $10 million. Fifty-seven percent of filmgoers were under age 25, and 59 percent were females.

The movie was Radcliffe's first since the blockbuster "Harry Potter" franchise ended last summer. The film attracted Radcliffe's young female fans plus "an audience that likes to be scared but not grossed out," said Steven Friedlander, executive vice president of theatrical distribution for CBS Films, the unit of CBS Corp that released the movie.

"Woman in Black" scored as the biggest debut weekend ever for CBS Films, which has struggled with its five earlier movies. The studio's biggest previous opening was a $12.2 million debut for "The Back-up Plan."

With "Woman in Black," the studio acquired domestic distribution rights for $3 million and spent about $15 million on marketing.

Elsewhere this weekend, Liam Neeson thriller "The Grey," dropped to third place with $9.5 million. The movie ranked No. 1 last weekend and has brought in $34.8 million domestically after two weekends in theaters.

SUPER BOWL ALTERNATIVES

Total ticket sales outpaced the same weekend last year by nearly 37 percent despite competition from the Super Bowl, according to the box office division of Hollywood.com. Sales for all films reached $119 million.

"Big Miracle," a drama based on the true story of a whale rescue, aimed to offer a non-football alternative to young women and girls. The movie finished the weekend in fourth place with $8.5 million domestically, in line with studio forecasts.

The movie starring Drew Barrymore and "The Office" actor John Krasinski cost less than $40 million to produce.

In fifth place, vampire and werewolf sequel "Underworld: Awakening" starring Kate Beckinsale took in $5.6 million at domestic theaters. To date, the movie's worldwide sales stand at $108.3 million.

News Corp unit 20th Century Fox distributed "Chronicle." "Big Miracle" was released by Universal Pictures, a division of Comcast Corp. Open Road Films, a joint venture between theater owners Regal Entertainment Group and AMC Entertainment Inc, distributed "The Grey." The film studio of Sony Corp released "Underworld: Awakening."

Madonna performs during the halftime show in the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game in Indianapolis, Indiana, February 5, 2012.[Photo/Agencies]

Pop superstar Madonna dazzled football fans and more than 100 million television viewers on Sunday when she performed during the Super Bowl halftime show.

Madonna, the first female Super Bowl halftime headliner since the notorious Janet Jackson "wardrobe malfunction" of 2004, was carried, Cleopatra-style, into Indianapolis' Lucas Oil Stadium by a cadre of muscled gladiators.

Wearing Egyptian regalia, complete with headdress, and spiked black boots, the pop superstar launched into her seminal hit "Vogue," with lighting and other visual effects contributed by the Canadian performing troupe Cirque du Soleil.

Next came "Music," which was followed by a cheerleader-themed "Give Me All Your Luvin'," from Madonna's latest CD.

In a nod to the sport whose fans she was entertaining, the Material Girl performed much of her act on, or in front of, bleachers, with high school marching bands and drumlines augmenting the show, which lasted about 10 minutes.

After a medley of her hits "Open Your Heart" and "Express Yourself," Madonna closed her act decked out in a Gospel-goth black gown, performing "Like a Prayer" with Cee Lo Green before dropping out of sight in a puff of smoke.

Madonna was not the only pop superstar to grace the high-profile Super Bowl on Sunday, one of U.S. television's most-watched programs: Kelly Clarkson performed the national anthem.

Last year's Super Bowl attracted 111 million U.S. viewers, the largest for a single TV broadcast in the United States.

The halftime show has increasingly featured high-profile pop acts, a far cry from the first Super Bowl in 1967 when college marching bands entertained the crowd.

Paul McCartney, the Rolling Stones, U2, Prince, Bruce Springsteen, The Black Eyed Peas and Janet Jackson have been among recent performers.

Jackson's 2004 appearance made headlines worldwide with her infamous "wardrobe malfunction," during which fellow performer Justin Timberlake tugged at her costume, exposing her nipple to millions of TV viewers.

Madonna had promised that all efforts were being made to ensure her show would not be marked by a similar episode.

"Great attention to detail has been paid to my wardrobe. There will be no wardrobe malfunction - I promise," she said.

Madonna, who was born in Bay City, Michigan, told reporters last week her appearance was "a Midwesterner girl's dream, to be performing at the Super Bowl halftime show."

"In over 25 years of performing that I've done, I have never worked so hard or been so scrupulous or detail-oriented or freaked out as much as I have."

Actor Zhang Mo is in hot water after he was detained for 13 days on Wednesday for allegedly taking drugs. And it's not the first time that he's been in trouble.

His father, actor Zhang Guoli, has shown his remorse and begged for the public to forgive his son, while his friend the director Feng Xiaogang has also made a mea culpa.

"I feel very sad," Feng said. "As Zhang Mo's uncle, I failed to discipline him strictly and I'm saying sorry to everyone, together with his father," the director posted on his micro blog. Zhang Mo was shooting Feng's film Looking Back to 1942, in Shanxi province, before the incident.

The second-generation actor has been in trouble before, for assaulting his girlfriend and various driving infractions.

Three of cross-talker Guo Degang's followers have been given administrative detentions and fines of 500 yuan ($80) for assaulting a photographer in January at Beijing Capital International Airport, according to China News.

The photographer and his driver were allegedly taking pictures of Guo when they were attacked by the comic-master's minions and had to be treated at hospital for their injuries.

Guo claimed he did not see the incident and added those involved were "part-time" props men, but in fact one of the miscreants was his agent Wang Hai and the other two were full-time employees, China News reported.

The trio have paid their fines but are appealing their administrative detentions.

It looks like Hong Kong singer Kelly Chen will be the first Asian celebrity to have a baby born in the Year of the Dragon. She is expected to give birth to a boy in late March or April.

At a recent personal appearance she admitted that she had gained 4.5 kg but had a cunning plan to ensure she didn't put on too much weight.

"I eat as much as my husband but because I'm worried that I might overeat, I stop eating when he does," she said.

Competing in the "dragon baby" stakes is former beauty queen Michelle Reis, who is pregnant with her second child after ovulation induction.

The 41-year-old is married to Hong Kong billionaire Julian Hui and gave birth to a boy, Jayden Max Hui, in February last year. She is said to be 11 weeks pregnant and media reports suggest she wants a girl this time around.

Someone keen not to put the cart before the horse, obviously, is "Heavenly King" Aaron Kwok, who has been dating model Lynn Xiong for five years. According to media reports, the singer is planning to wed in June before having children.

The 46-year-old Kwok has previously been quoted as saying that he intends to get married before 50 and have two kids.

Finally, even better news. Sister Phoenix - who is famous for being an ugly celebrity (perhaps unjustly) - is rumored to be giving up her day job as a manicurist in New York in order to become a porn star.

A Sina Weibo micro blog post suggested Phoenix will work for a Japanese video company and the erotic film will play in Japan and Hong Kong.

Television personality Kelly Osbourne poses on arrival at the 18th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles, California January 29, 2012.[Photo/Agencies]

Kelly Osbourne is dating Matthew Mosshart.

The 'Fashion Police' presenter - who was previously engaged to British model Luke Worrall - met up with the brother of Kills' frontwoman Allison Mosshart at Kate Moss' wedding to Jamie Hince in England last summer, and they have been together ever since.

A source told PerezHilton.com: "Kelly is dating Matthew Mosshart.

"They met at Kate Moss' wedding and are very much in love. Kelly has learned from her previous relationships and wanted to keep this one quiet for as long as possible. She's never been happier!"

Kelly has even introduced her new man to her parents Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne and her friends are said to be keen on him too.

The source added: "Matthew is the first guy Kelly has ever brought home that every single one of her friends and family like. And he's also the first boyfriend with whom she's had a close relationship with his family."

Kelly, 27, revealed last year she was left "humiliated" after her ex Luke cheated on her with a transsexual.

She said: "It was so humiliating. Everyone kept telling me that Luke was cheating on me but I never believed them.

"It's hard enough to get your head round someone cheating on you, but when that someone is a chick with a d**k ... up until then, I'd always thought the worst way to get cheated on would be with an ugly girl.

"Because at least if they cheat on you with a gorgeous girl, it makes some kind of sense. But men are different, I guess; they can have emotionless sex."

The March 2012 fold out cover of Vanity Fair magazine is shown in this publicity image January 31, 2012.[Photo/Agencies]

The March 2012 fold out cover of Vanity Fair magazine is shown in this publicity image January 31, 2012.[Photo/Agencies]

Vanity Fair unveiled the cover of its annual Hollywood issue on Tuesday, featuring "fresh stars of 2012" who were chosen for the impact they made through movies, including Oscar nominees Rooney Mara and Jessica Chastain.

"We're looking for actresses who are doing great work on the screen. And if they're young and beautiful, well that doesn't hurt either," wrote Vanity Fair features editor Jane Sarkin in an email to Reuters. Most are in their 20s. The eldest is Paula Patton at age 36.

The 11 stars picked alongside Mara ("The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo") and Chastain ("The Help") for the prestigious 3-page cover include last year's best actress Oscar nominee Jennifer Lawrence and "Albert Nobbs" actress Mia Wasikowska.

They are joined on the cover insert by "Martha Marcy May Marlene" actress Elizabeth Olsen, "The Descendants" breakout star Shailene Woodley, "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol" action lady Patton, "Abduction" star Lily Collins, "Pariah" actress Adepero Oduye, Chicago native writer-actor Brit Marling and "Like Crazy" actress Felicity Jones.

"This group has solid acting cred. Some have already taken on great roles, and I think that all of these girls are on the go-to list for every film currently being cast," explained Sarkin.

The art-deco style shoot, which sees the ladies wearing pastel colored dresses with feathers and furs inspired by the Jazz age of the 1920s and '30s, was conducted by famed photographer Mario Testino.

The annual cover of the March issue, which has featured stars such as Anne Hathaway, James Franco, Carey Mulligan and Amy Adams in recent years, was described by Sarkin as a "casting couch" that helped raise actor's profiles.

The issue has often been criticized in the past for its lack of racial diversity among the stars and despite featuring two African American women on this year's cover, the magazine drew critical fire again.

Dodai Stewart, editor of feminist website Jezebel, noted that the two black actresses, Patton and Oduye, in the 3-page cover were excluded from the left "power panel" and put on the insert, saying "it's pretty obvious that Hollywood has a serious problem with diversity."

Film website Cinemablend.com also lamented the exclusion of this year's Oscar nominees Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer, stars of "The Help," and questioned the inclusion of Collins.

"We're very pleased with our cover and the talented women who adorn all three panels," Sarkin said in response to the critics.

The March issue of Vanity Fair will be available on newsstands from February 2.

Heidi Klum and Seal have always had a "passionate relationship".

The supermodel and the 'Kiss From A Rose' singer announced their separation earlier this month after almost seven years of marriage and while sources close to the couple have claimed they had furious rows on a recent ski trip to Aspen, Heidi admitted they always had a fiery marriage.

In an interview with Britain's InStyle magazine conducted before the split, Heidi said: "To me, his beautiful face, great body, amazing heart, voice, his ability to be a loving, caring person and father, what can I say? He can be mad too and I have a lot of fun with him. He's off the cuff. He's not fixed in his ways. And he knows how to handle me. It's always been really passionate between us."

Heidi also revealed the attraction between the couple was instantaneous when they first met in The Mercer Hotel in New York City, when Heidi was pregnant with her daughter Leni, who Seal later adopted.

She said: "We locked eyes and, well, we were immediately attracted to each other. He'd come into the hotel from the gym and he was sweaty and wanted to take a shower. I said, 'No, stay with me. I don't mind.' And he said, 'No, but I'll be back.' And he did go to his room. And he did come back. And knowing him now, he was very fast and he's a man who usually really takes his time. So now, I know he really wanted to come back."

Director James Cameron arrives at the 63rd annual DGA Awards dinner in Los Angeles January 29, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

Avatar is moving in next door to the Hobbit.

Successful U.S. film director James Cameron has snapped up more farmland near the New Zealand capital, Wellington, not far from Oscar-winning colleague Peter Jackson.

Cameron, the director of "Titanic" and "Avatar," two of the highest-grossing films ever, has bought more than 1,000 hectares (2,470 acres) in the Wairarapa region, around 80 km (50 miles) northeast of Wellington, land information records show.

Cameron is the new owner of two separate properties in the area, which is renowned for its rolling coastal farmland used for beef, sheep and dairy farming, along with vineyards.

Media reports said he had paid around NZ$20 million ($16.7 million) for the land.

The records show that Cameron and his family, who currently live in Malibu, California, plan to "reside indefinitely" in New Zealand, and operate both properties as working farms.

Jackson, possibly New Zealand's most famous export after he directed the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, owns a large estate about 20 km (12 miles) away.

It boasts a 20-metre high castle built on an island in a lake, along with pieces of sets from his Oscar-winning films. Jackson's next film "The Hobbit," the prequel to the Lord of the Rings trilogy, is due out later this year.

Cameron's property move has hardened expectations that he will make large parts of two sequels to his 3-D science fiction epic Avatar in New Zealand. ($1 = 1.20 New Zealand dollars)

Katie Price is "saddened" by Peter Andre's claims that she begged him for a reconciliation.

The former couple divorced in 2009 and while Peter said in a recent interview with heat magazine they have a strained relationship because he refused to get back together with her, Katie claims they were simply having a light-hearted conversation about what life would have been like if they hadn't split.

Katie - who raises Harvey, nine, Junior, six, and Princess Tiaamii, four, with Peter - wrote on her blog:

"Peter's Heat interview was so full of spite that it is saddening. Was I devastated when Pete left me? Yes. Did I react badly to it. Yes. Am I over this - yes and I have been for some time. I don't want to be with him and I know he does not want to be with me.

"After we met to settle a legal dispute Pete and I talked and joked, in front of others, about getting together and going on holiday to Dubai at New Year. It is true that for a while after this we were getting on better and that (like many couples who have a history) there were discussions about what may have been and what might be if we got back together. These conversations were, I thought, just between us where we both knew that the comments were light hearted 'what ifs' and not serious. I had no idea that they would be used against me like this.

"Of course I sometimes think we should still be together for the sake of the Children, but I know that cannot and will not be the case. Nor is that what I want - I am not sure how many times I have to say it. (sic)"

While Katie, 33, says she will always be grateful for her marriage to Peter because it gave her their two children Junior and Princess Tiaamii, but she is adamant she has no desire to reconcile with him.

Katie - who has married and split from former cage fighter Alex Reid since her divorce from Peter - said: "I have an awful lot of respect for what my marriage was and it gave me two amazing Children. I don't want to be drawn into tit for tat comments as I have done previously to my regret. I wish Peter all the success in the world with his career and his personal life - I am sure he does not need to reference me in every interview he gives and I still hope that he joins me in trying to remove the children from the public domain. This hope and the hope that we can one day be friends for the sake of the children are however the only hopes I have with respect to a relationship with Pete. (sic)"

Jennifer Lawrence thought she had "burst" her spleen during filming for 'The Hunger Games'.

The 21-year-old beauty was running at a wall at maximum speed in order to gain momentum to propel herself up when her foot got stuck and she hit the surface with her stomach, leaving her trainer concerned she had done some serious damage.

She told The Hollywood Reporter: "I had to do 10 'wall runs,' where you run at the wall as hard as you can to get traction.

"I ran at it and my foot didn't go up, so I caught the wall with my stomach. My trainer thought I had burst my spleen. I had to get a CAT scan and go into a tube where they put this fiery liquid in your body."

Despite fears for Jennifer's health, she was able to continue filming on schedule and wasn't required to do much additional training afterwards as she was already "pretty bulked up" from starring as Mystique in 'X-Men: First Class'.

She added: "I was still pretty bulked up from 'X-Men: First Class'. So a lot of the training was getting muscle back, heightening the muscles without building them. I loved the archery - well, I have a love-hate relationship with it."

Gwyneth Paltrow once had a boyfriend who used to cheat on her "all the time".

The 39-year-old beauty - who has kids, Apple, seven, and five-year-old Moses with husband Chris Martin - was "not happy" when she was in her 20s, but she put up with her man's stories.

The singer-and-actress - who dated Brad Pitt and Ben Affleck in the 90s - told Harper's Bazaar: "I had a boyfriend who used to cheat on me all the time.

"I was quite naive. I knew on a cellular level, but I bought his story."

Gwyneth - who counts Beyonce Knowles, Madonna and Cameron Diaz among some of her A-list friends - pointed out her and Chris have been faithful to each other, but she made an unnamed reference about one of her most famous celebrity pals.

The blonde beauty said: "I have friends who I love and admire who have had an affair. When I was younger, I would have said he's a terrible person or she's a terrible person. But who made these laws?

"She is an actress and in a new relationship with someone else with a big career.

"And I said, 'This may not be feminist, but you have to compromise. It's been all about you and you're a big deal. And if you want what you're saying you want - a family - you have to be a wife, and that is part of the equation. Gloria Steinem may string me up by my toes, but all I can do is my best, and I can do only what works for me and my family.' "

Penelope Cruz has condemned the use of real fur by posing on a 70-foot billboard as part of an anti-fur campaign.

The Hollywood actress - who is married to actor Javier Bardem - turns her head to look over her bare back next to the words, 'Give Fur the Cold Shoulder', on the PETA US advertisement which is set to be displayed outside New York's Madison Square Garden.

The billboard will be up throughout New York Fashion Week from February 9-16 and similar campaigns will take place in London and Milan as the brunette beauty condemns the use of real fur for clothing.

PETA Senior Programme Manager Yvonne Taylor said: "Penélope Cruz has appeared on every 'best-dressed' list in the world, and the one thing you'll never see her wearing is fur.

"One couldn't ask for a more fitting emblem of the modern, glamourous woman who knows that there's nothing more beautiful than a woman who has a look that kills without anyone having to die for it."

But Penelope isn't the only famous name to have previously spoken out against the use of fur after Kelly Osbourne, Pink, Pamela Anderson and Eva Mendes have all starred in PETA campaigns, while other celebrities such as Kim Kardashain have previously been slammed by the group.

Last year, the PETA urged the 31-year-old reality TV star to re-think about wearing fur when they unveiled a billboard of the fur-clad beauty next to a skulk of foxes with the tag-line: "These Babies Miss Their Mother."

Demi Lovato is not confident enough to appear on TV again.

The former 'Sonny with a Chance' star is taking a break from acting after admitting her battles with self-harming and an eating disorder, and she doesn't feel ready to be on camera again yet.

She told Britain's Glamour magazine: "Right now I don't need to get in front of a TV camera which adds 10 pounds and makes you feel more self-conscious about your body image. Being on camera makes me nervous. It takes a level of confidence and security which I'm still working on.

"When I'm ready I'll find the right role and get back into it, but for now I'm being cautious.

"I'm walking with my head held high, but I never forget that I'm a work in progress."

Demi was admitted to rehab for her issues in 2010, and her time in therapy was intense, with her undergoing sessions lasting for over half a day at a time.

She explained: "I had 14 hours of therapy every day, so I definitely learned a lot about myself. For the first 48 hours I wasn't allowed any communication with my friends or family, a lot of people give up and check themselves out, but I made it and I'm proud of myself."

Since rehab, Demi has been concentrating on her pop career, releasing her third album 'Unbroken' last September.

Actress SofIa Vergara of the television show "Modern Family" poses on arrival at the 18th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles, California January 29, 2012.[Photo/Agencies]

Sofia Vergara has been voted the "Most Desirable Woman in the World".

The 'Modern Family' star - who will be 40 in July - is the oldest person to win the title in AskMen.com's Top 99 Most Desirable Women in the World list after beating off competition from the likes of Rihanna and Kim Kardashian.

The brunette beauty said in a statement: "I am so honored to be AskMen's most desired woman this year. A big thank you to all the men who desire me."

More than one million votes were cast for the survey, which featured 11 of the honourees aged at least 35 or older, with 49-year-old Demi Moore the eldest in the list.

James Bassil, editor-in-chief of the website, said: "I think it has a lot to do with the broadening profile of internet users, who are varying more and more in both age and background.

"I also think a lot of guys are surprised to hear Sofia's [almost] 40, because she doesn't look it."

American model-and-actress Kate Upton was voted runner-up, while 'Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' actress Rooney Mara was in third, followed by Miranda Kerr and Nicki Minaj respectively.

Other stars to make up the list included singers Selena Gomez, Jennifer Lopez and Beyonce, as well as actresses Zooey Deschanel and flame-haired beauty Emma Stone.

AskMen.com Top 99 Most Desirable Women in the World, top 10:

1 Sofia Vergara

2 Kate Upton

3 Rooney Mara

4 Miranda Kerr

5 Nicki Minaj

6 Emma Stone

7 Scarlett Johansson

8 Kim Kardashian

9 Rihanna

10 Candice Swanepoel

Peter Andre has claimed his ex-wife Katie Price begged him for a reconciliation last year.

The former couple - who raise Harvey, nine, Junior, six, and Princess Tiaamii, four, together - divorced in 2009 and although they recently decided to try to maintain an amicable relationship for the sake of their children, Peter says it was ruined when he refused to get back together with Katie.

He told heat magazine: "We decided to bury the hatchet and I was so happy we were talking about putting the kids first. But sadly it only lasted about a month. I don't think it can ever happen again. I can't be friends with her. It's sad that three years on, the bitterness is still there.

"She may want me back, she did 100 per cent ask me to get back together with her romantically. She wanted us to spend Christmas and New Year together but I won't ever go there. All the stories about us getting back together are not true. I won't ever go back."

Peter claims Katie is obsessed with him but says he just wants to move on with a new love and has his eye on Irish model Georgia Salpa - who appeared in the last series of 'Celebrity Big Brother'.

He said: "I think there is some sort of obsession with me or us and I just want to move on. For so long I wasn't ready to make a commitment but I am now. I have reached the point where I want to settle down.

"Georgia is hot. She has said some nice things about me so we will see. I met her last week when I was at a business lunch and she is a very sweet girl from first impressions."

Actress and singer Selena Gomez performs during her concert as part of her "We Own The Night" tour at the Palacio de Deportes (Sports Palace) in Mexico City January 26, 2012.[Photo/Agencies]

Selena Gomez "completely wasted" a year of her life on an ex-boyfriend.

The 19-year-old beauty - who has previously dated Taylor Lautner and Nick Jonas - didn't enjoy being in a former relationship which meant she had to "hide everything" and do the "craziest things" to avoid being seen with her then-boyfriend.

Selena - who is currently dating Justin Bieber - told Cosmopolitan magazine: "I was in a relationship previously where I had to hide everything and it wasn't my choice.

"I had to go through different exits and take separate cars and do the craziest things, and it just really wasn't worth it. It was like a year of my life completely wasted."

But the singer-and-actress now loves being able to go on dates with the 'Never Say Never' hitmaker and she enjoys spending time with the 17-year-old teen heartthrob being "as normal as possible".

She added: "I'm just like every 19-year-old girl. If you're in love, you're in love to the fullest, and you just want to go to the movies, hang out, and be as normal as possible. I'm fortunate that I've found someone who has that philosophy."

Actor Daniel Radcliffe arrives for the premiere of the film "The Woman In Black" in New York January 30, 2012.[Photo/Agencies]

Daniel Radcliffe wants to have children while he is young.

The 'Harry Potter' actor - who is dating 22-year-old movie production assistant Rosanne Coker - explained while it would be "ridiculous" to suggest the couple were going to become parents anytime soon, he considers kids to be the "most fulfilling" part of life.

He said: "We both want the same things. But we also know it would be ridiculous anytime soon. I always wanted to have kids young, but I also thought, 'That's going to be hard work.' I've seen a lot of friends become immeasurably happier, but very tired.

"Kids are the single greatest, most fulfilling thing I've seen happen to people. But we've got a lot of fun times ahead before that happens. I have had a lot of youthful enthusiasm left, I promise."

The 22-year-old star admitted although he doesn't believe in "fate", he doesn't think he will ever find another partner he is "more compatible" with than Rosanne.

Daniel added to Britain's Glamour magazine: "We went on two dates. Dinner, cinema. And I spent the next year discovering this amazing, kind, funny tolerant person.

"I'm not a believer that there's one person out there for everybody, I don't believe in fate but I do think that when you find somebody who you love, and who loves you, you've got to cling on to them and make it work.

"I really don't see myself looking around much more. I don't think I'll ever find someone more compatible than Rosie."

Actress Jessica Alba arrives at the 69th annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, California January 15, 2012.[Photo/Agencies]

Working mom Jessica Alba is adding entrepreneur to her many titles, shifting from movie star to businesswoman with a venture that provides parents easy access to eco-friendly natural products for babies and homes.

Alba, who wed husband Cash Warren in 2008, has taken motherhood to heart, and mind, focusing on being a hands-on parent to her two daughters, 4-year-old Honor and newborn Haven.

"Motherhood has affected me greatly and in so many ways," the "Fantastic Four" actress told Reuters.

"I didn't know that I would feel so comfortable and so at ease and so natural. When I became a mother, I felt the most comfortable in my own skin than I had ever felt in my life."

While preparing for motherhood four years ago, the 30-year-old actress found her biggest challenge, was trying to find eco-friendly natural products for her baby and her home.

"There are a lot of toxic chemicals in baby products, and these toxic chemicals are linked to not just allergies and asthma, but also autism and ADHD and lots of childhood cancers, and I was horrified that products that were made for babies and children would have these toxic chemicals," said the actress.

Alba founded The Honest Company along with Christopher Gavigan, former CEO of non-profit group Healthy Child Healthy World, after discovering that toxic chemicals were often disguised as "fragrances" on product labels and finding that not all eco-friendly and natural products worked efficiently.

Together, they came up with an online business model to launch an eco-friendly range of baby and household products, tried and tested by themselves and their own babies. They are toxin-free and aesthetically pleasing, and can be delivered straight to your door.

"I really wanted to make a company that was for parents, by parents," said Alba, adding that Honest Co. was "one company parents could go to that had household products and products to clean your kid with, and also fulfill diapering needs."

The actress took her fight against toxic products to Washington D.C. in May 2011 while pregnant with her second child to lobby on behalf of the Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families coalition that supported the Safe Chemicals Act.

"Even government officials aren't aware that chemical companies don't have to test their chemicals before they sell them to product companies. They can just put them in there, and we are the guinea pigs," said the actress.

While Alba's energies are focused on her children and new business, her fans will be glad to know she has no plans to retire from acting. She voices a role in animated film "Escape from Planet Earth" due out next year.

"I'm excited to get back into movies and I feel more adult and more grown up and ready to get back into it. And my mentality is different," she said.

British singer Adele performs "Someone Like You" at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles, August 28, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

British chart-topper Adele will make her live comeback at the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles in just under two weeks, after being on vocal rest since throat surgery sidelined the singer late last year.

The 23-year-old singer tweeted the news to her fans, saying "Ima be, Ima be singing at the Grammys. It's been so long I started to forget I was a singer! I can't wait, speak soon xx."

In a statement, Adele said she was "immensely proud to have been asked to perform" at music's biggest night on February 12 after a three-month hiatus on vocal rest.

It is "very exciting and of course nerve-racking, but what a way to get back into it all," she said.

The two-time Grammy winner, whose second album "21" smashed chart records around the world last year, was forced to cancel U.S. tour dates in November 2011 when she underwent microsurgery in Boston to treat a benign polyp on her vocal cords which was causing recurrent bleeding.

Appearing with her at the 54th Grammy Awards show will be top acts including Coldplay, Rihanna, Bruno Mars, Paul McCartney, Nicki Minaj and Taylor Swift.

Adele is also expected to perform at the BRIT Awards, Britain's top music accolades, in London on February 21.

The sultry singer has been nominated for six Grammys this year -- record of the year, song of the year and best short form music video for "Rolling In The Deep," album of the year and best pop vocal album for "21" and best pop solo performance for "Someone Like You."

"21" has made record history by becoming the first album since 1993 to surpass 17 weeks at the top spot of the Billboard 200 chart, and it joined a list of just nine albums to score two No. 1 singles on Billboard Hot 100 songs chart while sitting atop the album chart.

Paula Abdul kisses the cheek of Simon Cowell as Nicole Scherzinger reacts at the world premiere of the television series "The X Factor" at the Arclight Cinerama Dome in Hollywood, California September 14, 2011.

Simon Cowell gave his talent show "The X Factor" a major shake-up, showing the door to host Steve Jones, judge Nicole Scherzinger, and even his old friend Paula Abdul after a lackluster first season on U.S. television.

Cowell and broadcaster Fox confirmed on Tuesday that British host Jones, and former Pussycat Dolls singer Scherzinger would not be returning for the second season of the show in September.

Abdul -- Cowell's old "American Idol" sparring partner -- was also voted off in what some industry watchers called a bloodbath for the TV show that failed to measure up to its hype last year and struggled to achieve the top-level viewership promised by Cowell.

"Yes, it's true; I won't be returning to The X Factor next season," Abdul said in a statement on Tuesday. "I've learned through my longevity in this industry that business decisions often times override personal considerations. Simon (Cowell) and I, along with Fox and Fremantle, have been communicating about this for a while now, and I have absolute understanding of the situation."

Abdul said that Cowell "will remain a dear friend of mine."

Cowell gave "a massive thank you to Paula, Nicole and Steve for being part of 'The X Factor' last year."

"Now is the time to thank them all for everything they did last year," he added in a statement

Fox reality programming chief Mike Darnell called Abdul "a remarkable talent" and said the network appreciated her contributions.

ABDUL EXIT SHOCKS

The shake-up leaves only Cowell, the "X Factor" creator and acerbic judge, and record producer Antonio "L.A." Reid left on the panel of the singing contest.

The ouster of Jones, seen as wooden and flustered in the live shows, was expected. He broke the news on Twitter, saying on Monday, "I won't be hosting next seasons 'X Factor' which is a shame but I can't complain as I've had a great time."

Scherzinger had also drawn criticism from audiences and some of her critiques were openly ridiculed by Cowell. But the exit of Abdul -- whom Cowell had courted assiduously for the show -- took industry watchers by surprise.

"Shocked to see Simon has fired Paula Abdul, Nicole and Steve from the X-Factor," tweeted Nigel Lythgoe, executive producer of "American Idol".

"X Factor Shake-Up continues! Paul Abdul ALSO out!" wrote TVLine.com. Industry website TheWrap.com called the firings an "X-Factor implosion".

There was no word on Tuesday on who would replace the three but speculation swiftly fell on singer Mariah Carey. Cowell said last year that she had been his top choice but she was sidelined because she was pregnant. Carey gave birth to twins in April.

Cowell launched "The X Factor" in the United States boasting that it would beat "American Idol" as the nation's most-watched TV show. But it drew less than 13 million viewers -- about half those who tune into "Idol" -- and many TV critics found it over-produced and too similar to "Idol".

Cowell admitted in December that he had been "a little too cocky" when he told brought the show over to the United States after years of success in Britain.

But he also told reporters that it would improve in its second season and Fox executives said in January that Cowell was planning "tweaks" for the new episodes ahead.

Brad Pitt's injured knee has led to balance problems.

The 'Moneyball' actor was forced to walk with a cane for a few weeks after sustaining ligament damage when he slipped whilst carrying his daughter Vivienne and Brad admits it had made him "lopsided".

He told Access Hollywood: "I was getting all lopsided. So, I'm trying to balance out now."

Brad's also revealed his six children - Maddox, 10, Pax, eight, Zahara, seven, Shiloh, five, and Knox and Vivienne, three - with partner Angelina Jolie have been putting him under pressure to propose and he has now promised to buy her a ring.

He explained on CBS show 'Sunday Morning': "We're getting a lot of pressure from the kids. It means something to them. [They asked me to] 'get mommy a ring, so I said 'OK, I will! I will.'"

Although Brad and Angelina had previously vowed not to marry until gay couples are also allowed to, the 48-year-old has recently revealed a change of heart.

He said: "We'd actually like to and it seems to mean more and more to our kids.

"We made this declaration some time ago that we weren't going to do it till everyone can. But I don't think we'll be able to hold out. It means so much to my kids, and they ask a lot. And it means something to me, too, to make that kind of commitment."

Angelina and Brad stepped out together at the Screen Actors' Guild (SAG) Awards at the Shrine Exposition Center in Los Angeles last night (29.01.12).

The actor managed to walk down the red carpet without the need of his cane.

LA Galaxy midfielder David Beckham announces he is re-signing with the team for a two-year contract at a news conference in Los Angeles, California January 19, 2012.[Photo/Agencies]

David Beckham has been crowned "The Sexiest Man on the Planet 2012".

The soccer superstar has been awarded the title in heat magazine's inaugural 101 Hottest Hunks in the World list 2012.

David - who raises four children, Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz and Harper, with his wife Victoria Beckham - beat a host of famous hunks to the top spot, including Ryan Gosling,

Ryan Reynolds and Bradley Cooper, who came second, third and fourth respectively.

Speaking about David's victory, heat editor Lucie Cave said: "heat is known for showcasing the hottest celebrity men each week, but this is the first time we've compiled a definitive list of the sexiest men in the world. Our readers and panel of experts clearly have impeccable taste as there is genuinely no one more deserving of the title Sexiest Man on the Planet 2012 than David Beckham. He's got the lot - talent, style, sex appeal, charisma. Women adore him, men want to be him, and we're absolutely thrilled that he has topped our poll."

Other heartthrobs to make the top 10 include Robert Pattinson, Tom Hardy, Johnny Depp and Zac Efron.

The top 25 was compiled by counting the online votes of 1,000 heat readers and the choices of an expert panel comprised of Premier Models founder Carole White, celebrity photographer Nicky Johnston; and Heat Style Editor Jo Hoare.

Each guy was judged on talent, sex appeal, dress sense, and personality.

The results from 26-101 are based solely upon the votes cast on the survey on www.heatworld.com.

The full list will appear in this week's issue of heat on sale on Tuesday (31.01.12).

heat magazine's 101 Hottest Hunks 2012, top 25:

1 David Beckham

2 Ryan Gosling

3 Ryan Reynolds

4 Bradley Cooper

5 Jake Gyllenhaal

6 Robert Pattinson

7 Tom Hardy

8 Johnny Depp

9 Hugh Jackman

10 Zac Efron

11 George Clooney

12 Harry Judd

13 Gary Barlow

14 Adam Levine

15 Gerard Butler

16 James Franco

17 Taylor Lautner

18 Harry Styles

19 Brad Pitt

20 Orlando Bloom

21 Justin Timberlake

22 Olly Murs

23 Ian Somerhalder

24 Michael Fassbender

25 Tinie Tempah

Actress Angelina Jolie poses on arrival at the 18th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles, California January 29, 2012.[Photo/Agencies]

Angelina Jolie believes parenthood is the most important thing in her life.

The Oscar-winning actress thinks there are "too many" great aspects about being a mum to her six children - Maddox, 10, Pax, eight, Zahara, seven, Shiloh, five, and Knox and Vivienne, three - who she raises with Brad Pitt, her partner of six years.

When asked what she enjoys most about being a mother, the brunette beauty told Hollyscoop: "There are far too many things to count. But everything that matters in life has to do with being a parent."

Angelina revealed she would "be a mom and travel more" if she didn't act in or direct movies and the 36-year-old beauty advises women to be themselves during their lives and not worry about what others have to say.

She added: "Be yourselves. Don't listen to what people say."

Despite never tying the knot with Angelina, Brad has hinted he may be about to pop the question soon after being put under "pressure" to get married by their six kids which has led to him promising to buy her a ring.

He explained: "We're getting a lot of pressure from the kids. It means something to them. [They asked me to] 'get mommy a ring, so I said 'OK, I will! I will.'"

Halle Berry and ex-boyfriend Gabriel Aubry have reportedly been advised to take parenting classes together.

The pair - who have three-year-old daughter Nahla - were in court today (30.01.12) and they are said to have been advised to go on a course by the Los Angeles Department of Children and Family Services for the sake of their little one.

The organisation is currently investigating claims by the child's nanny Alliance Kamden that Gabriel pushed her while she was holding Nahla.

A source told RadarOnline: "The report recommends that Halle and Gabriel attend parenting classes together, so that they can co-parent Nahla together. The classes will give them the tools to work through their issues, and hopefully become better parents for it."

Gabriel - who is being investigated for child endangerment following the alleged incident - vehemently denies pushing or even touching the nanny.

Nahla is also thought to have been recommended to have counselling by the Family Services department - and TMZ.com is reporting investigators think the former couple's daughter could benefit from such sessions.

But she is not thought to have been hurt in the alleged incident.

Madonna poses for photographers as she arrives for the premiere of the film "W.E." which she directed, at the Ziegfeld Theater in New York City, January 23, 2012.[Photo/Agencies]

The first single from Madonna's upcoming album "MDNA" is called "Give Me All Your Luvin'" and is set for a February 3 release, two days before the singer performs at the Super Bowl on Sunday.

The track features Nicki Minaj and M.I.A. and was composed by Martin Solveig and Michael Tordjman, and marks Madonna's return to music after focusing on directing her new movie "W.E."

MDNA, to be released on Universal Music Group's Interscope Records on March 26, will be the singer's 12th studio album and the follow-up to 2008's "Hard Candy" which debuted at the top of the charts in 37 countries.

An excerpt from the video to Give Me All Your Luvin' will air on U.S. television show "American Idol" on February 2, and the full video appears on Madonna's YouTube channel the following day.

MDNA was recorded in New York and Los Angeles and reunited Madonna with William Orbit who co-wrote and co-produced several cuts on the new album.

The Grammy-winning 53-year-old will headline Sunday's halftime show at the 2012 Super Bowl in Indianapolis in a performance co-created by Cirque Du Soleil.

More than 160 million TV viewers watched last year's halftime performance, making it the most-watched musical event of the year.

The cast of "The Help" accept the award for outstanding performance by a cast in a motion picture at the 18th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles, California January 29, 2012.[Photo/Agencies]

"The Help" got a leg up in the Oscar race on Sunday when the movie won three awards from the Screen Actors Guild, including best cast in a surprise over silent movie romance "The Artist."

"The Help," which came into the show with four nominations, more than any other film, also earned its star Viola Davis the SAG award for best actress, while Octavia Spencer was named top supporting actress. They both played maids who face discrimination in the film set in Mississippi during the 1960s.

Davis thanked another African-American actress, Cicely Tyson, who inspired her as a child and was in the audience. Davis talked of dreaming big as a child when she wanted to become an actress. She encouraged others to do so, too.

"Dream big and dream fierce," she said.

Davis also took the opportunity to remind the celebrities in attendance, including A-listers George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and Meryl Streep, as well as TV audiences, that change is still necessary in current U.S. culture.

"The stain of racism and sexism is not just for people of color or women," she said. "It's all of our burden. All of us, and we can, absolutely all of us, we can inspire change."

Silent movie "The Artist" could only claim one trophy. Jean Dujardin was named best actor in a drama for his role as a fading screen star at the end of the talkies who is ultimately saved by love.

Dujardin, who beat out Clooney and Pitt in the category, seemed genuinely surprised as he held his statue and thanked SAG. Like Davis, he noted that as a kid he was always a dreamer and said his teachers called him "Jean of the moon."

"I was always dreaming," he said. "I realize now that I never stopped dreaming. Thank you very much."

Others winning SAG film honors included Christopher Plummer for supporting actor. Plummer, 82, who plays an elderly man who reveals his homosexuality, much to the chagrin of his family, thanked his fellow actors from the stage, calling them a wacky but wonderful bunch of artists.

SAG's film awards are closely watched for their impact on Oscars because actors make up the biggest voting group at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences which picks winners. The Academy Awards take place in Los Angeles on February 26.

Coming into the SAG Awards, "The Artist" had been favored by pundits because it has claimed a string of victories in recent weeks at the Golden Globe and Critics Choice honors, as well as among industry groups like the producers and directors guilds.

But pundits may now have to re-calculate their odds back toward "The Help" with its SAG wins. Another key Oscar contender, "The Descendants," was shut out by SAG voters.

TV WINNERS

Unlike academy voters focused on film, SAG members also pick winners in TV awards, and in that arena, "Boardwalk Empire" was named best drama series for the second straight year and "Modern Family was chosen top comedy, also for the second year running.

Jessica Lange took her first SAG trophy for best dramatic actress in new show, "American Horror Story," and Steve Buscemi was named best actor in a drama for critically acclaimed "Boardwalk Empire." Both thanked their cast and crew members.

Alec Baldwin, Betty White and the "Modern Family" were the three TV winners in comedy categories.

The offbeat "Modern Family" claimed its second straight win for best TV comedy, while Baldwin was named best actor in a TV comedy for the sixth year playing a TV executive on "30 Rock," and White, who turned 90 earlier this month, took the comedy actress trophy for a second time in "Hot in Cleveland."

An obviously surprised White acknowledged her co-stars Valerie Bertinelli, Jane Leeves and Wendie Malick.

The win "belongs with four of us," she said, then looked at her statuette with a gleam in her eye and a joke on her mind. "I'm dealing them right-in with this. I'm not going to let them keep this, but I will let them see it."

In other TV awards, Kate Winslet was named best actress in a small-screen movie or miniseries for "Mildred Pierce," and Paul Giamatti won the trophy for actor in a movie or mini-series with "Too Big to Fail."

Among the humorous moments, three women from raunchy film comedy "Bridesmaids" played a game in which everyone had to take a drink when director Martin Scorsese's name was mentioned. The game became a running joke throughout the show.

And of the more poignant points, Mary Tyler Moore - a star on comedy "The Dick Van Dyke" show in the 1960s, who cemented her fame in the '70s on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and starred in critically acclaimed 1980 movie "Ordinary People" - was given a lifetime achievement honor.

"It means so much, it really does," she told Reuters about her honor backstage.

Asked how she wanted to be remembered for all her accomplishments, she replied in modest fashion. "As a good chum. As somebody who was happy most of the time and took great pride in making people laugh when I was able to pull that off."

Hollywood's biggest film stars including Clooney, Pitt, Jolie and others turned out on the red carpet, as did TV's top talent such as Julianna Margulies, Lea Michelle and others.

As with previous Hollywood honors programs, many of the women showed off low-cut or strapless gowns. Some wore vintage or sequined dresses. Colors - violets, reds and teals - proved popular. The men wore tuxedos or stylish suits with bow ties.

Singer Jennifer Lopez performs at the 2011 American Music Awards in Los Angeles November 20, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

Three-times married Jennifer Lopez said on Monday she doesn't know if she'll wed again after splitting up with her Latin pop singer husband Marc Anthony last year.

"Let's see, I don't know. It's not time to think about that yet, do you know what I mean? Like, it's still fresh," the singer and "American Idol" judge told Matt Lauer on TV talk show "Today."

Lopez, 42, who split with Anthony in July after seven years marriage and two children, also fielded questions regarding comments she made about her divorce in an interview with Vanity Fair magazine last August, when she said "I love myself enough to walk away" from her marriage with Anthony.

"Everything I wanted to say about the divorce I said in that article, and Marc and I agreed that we weren't going to talk about it publicly again," said Lopez.

"We're human and it's not the easiest thing in the world but I think we handled it with a lot of grace and a lot of caring and a lot of love," she added

The "On The Floor" singer teamed up with her ex-husband on their "passion project," new talent show "Q'Viva! The Chosen," to find the best artists from Latin America for a stage show in Las Vegas. "Q'Viva" debuted on Saturday on Univision and on 20 other TV networks in Central and South America.

The Spice Girls look set to reunite for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

The 'Wannabe' group - who were formed in 1994 and went on a hiatus in 2000 before reforming again for a comeback tour in 2007 - look set to get back together to mark the British monarch's 60th year on the throne later this summer after band member Mel B let slip some "top secret" information.

When asked if the group - who are made of Victoria Beckham, Emma Bunton, Mel C, Geri Halliwell and Mel B - were going to reform for the 2012 London Olympics, she said in an interview on Australian TV: "I think the Queen's Jubilee concert is the event I'd be looking at more closely for that to happen."

However, she quickly changed the subject after realising she had made the omission and after the show she admitted it was all "top-secret" information still.

According to The Sun newspaper, Mel told TV crew off-air: "I am going to be in such strife for saying that.

"It's all so totally bloody top-secret still."

Mel recently admitted she would "love it" if the Spice Girls went on tour again and wouldn't rule out the possibility of the 'Spice Up Your Life' hitmakers performing at the 2012 Olympics.

When asked if the group would be keen to play at the sporting spectacle, she replied: "I would never say never. I think it's possible. I'd love it if we got back together and got to go on tour."

Katy Perry is being comforted by a hunky dancer following her split from Russell Brand.

The 'Firework' singer and the British actor announced the end of their 14 month marriage in December and friends say Malik Le Nost, a backing dancer on Katy's 'California Dreams' world tour, has been helping her cope although the relationship is strictly platonic.

A source told the Sunday Mirror newspaper: "During the tour last year, Katy became extremely close to her band and backing dancers. They all lived in each other's pockets and everyone knew how much Katy was suffering - not least of all Malik.

"Throughout her trip to India, Katy spent a lot of time with him the pair would often stay up late into the night chatting and drinking in the hotel bar. When they were dancing on stage together, it was clear she only had eyes for him.

"In sound check on the day of the last show, the pair started falling about in fits of giggles over a private joke. It was as if they were a couple. Malik shot her cheeky winks across the stage and showered her with hugs. Katy was clearly loving the attention."

Despite the chemistry between Katy and Malik, friends say the pair have not taken their relationship further yet.

The source added: "They insist they are just good friends but their closeness has set tongues wagging in the camp."

Demi Moore is "doing great".

The actress was rushed to Sherman Oaks Hospital on Monday evening (23.01.12), after suffering a seizure at a birthday party she was hosting at her home and although she was reportedly treated for anorexia and substance abuse, her director pal Patty Jenkins says she is recovering.

Patty told E! Online: "I just saw her and she's doing great. I think she's doing much better than it's made out to be.

"Demi is awesome and so strong. I also hate when people make it a bigger drama than what is going on. She's great."

Despite Patty's claims that reports of Demi's condition have been exaggerated, a frantic 911 call made by her panicked friends revealed the actress had "smoked something" and was suffering from "convulsions" on the night she was taken to hospital.

The star's friend can be heard on the tape of the call saying: "We need an ambulance here as soon as possible. Why is an ambulance not on its way right now? She smoked something. It's not marijuana, but it's similar to, it's similar to incense, and she seems to be having convulsions of some sort."

The dispatcher then asked the terrified pal if Demi, 49, was conscious and breathing.

The friend replied: "Yes, well semi-conscious, barely ... And she's convulsing. She smoked something, but the reaction was accidental. It's accidental."

Another friend, a woman, then takes the phone and reveals Demi had taken another substance before the smoking incident.

The operator asks: "Is she breathing normally?"

To which the second person responds: "No, um, not so normal, but more sort of shaking, convulsing. But burning up ... She's been having some issues lately with some other stuff, so I don't know what she's been taking."

The name of the first substance was wiped from the recording that was released on Friday (27.01.12) because of federal patient privacy regulations.

A general view of Main Street during the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah January 23, 2012.[Photo/Agencies]

"Beasts of the Southern Wild" and "The House I Live In" won the top awards at the Sundance Film Festival on Saturday, making them likely favorites for independent movie audiences in 2012.

Directed by Benh Zeitlin and set in impoverished Louisiana, "Beasts of the Southern Wild" picked up the jury prize for best drama as well as best cinematography with its poetic tale of the bond between a father and a daughter.

The documentary winner, "The House I Live In," was one of many documentaries at Sundance 2012 that looked at a struggling America at Sundance 2012. It is an examination of America's long war on drugs and critiques of U.S. drug policies, its court system, prisons and their impact on minorities.

"The war on drugs is a terrible scar on America," said director Eugene Jarecki.

Special juries of industry professionals vote on winners, and those are considered the top prizes but audiences also vote for their favorites.

"The Surrogate," which stars Helen Hunt and John Hawkes and is about a man's quest to lose his virginity while mostly confined to an iron lung, won the Audience Award for best drama.

The film, based on the life of poet and journalist Mark O'Brien, fetched one of the highest selling prices at the festival -- a reported $6 million -- and with its mix of comedy and drama could turn out to be one of the bigger U.S. indie hits in cinemas to come out of the festival.

"Love is a journey, that's it," said director Ben Lewin when accepting his trophy, quoting a line from the film.

"SEARCHING FOR SUGAR MAN"

The Audience Award for documentary was given to "The Invisible War," about an epidemic of sexual assault in the U.S. military and shining a light on a little known problem.

Other documentary special jury prizes went to "Love Free or Die," about the Episcopal Church's first openly gay bishop, Gene Robinson; and "Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry," about the Chinese artist and activist who was detained for 81 days last year.

"Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry" director Alison Klayman took a picture of the crowd upon accepting the award and promised to send it to the Chinese artist, who was spent 81 days in government detention last year and felt it was too risky to attend the festival from China.

Sundance, which is backed by Robert Redford's Sundance Institute for filmmaking, is the largest U.S. gathering for independent movies. Festival winners go on to become some of the most talked about films in art houses.

Many of the more hyped fictional films for Sundance 2012 did not live up to their buzz, with many including "Red Lights" starring Robert De Niro and Spike Lee's "Red Hook Summer" disappointing critics, although films have still sold.

In addition to prizes for U.S. films, Sundance also gives awards in world cinema.

"Searching for Sugar Man," about the search for an obscure 1970s Detroit folk singer known as Rodriguez, won the audience award for best world documentary as well as a special jury prize. It was one of the most popular films of the festival, which served as the debut for documentaries such as "An Inconvenient Truth."

Chile's "Violeta Went To Heaven," based on the life of Chilean folk singer Violeta Parra's journey from a poor upbringing to national hero, won the jury prize for best drama, and "The Law In These Parts" was the jury's pick for best documentary.

Actress Betty White accepts the award for outstanding performance by a female actor in a comedy series for "Hot in Cleveland", at the 18th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles, California January 29, 2012.[Photo/Agencies]

Hollywood's actors picked veteran performers, Alec Baldwin, Betty White and the comedy "Modern Family" as three of their top TV winners at the Screen Actors Guild Awards on Sunday.

The offbeat "Modern Family" claimed its second straight win for best TV comedy, while Baldwin was named best actor in a TV comedy for the sixth year for his role as a TV executive on "30 Rock," and White, who turned 90-year-old earlier this month, took the comedy actress trophy for a second time in "Hot in Cleveland."

An obviously surprised White acknowledged her co-stars Valerie Bertinelli, Jane Leeves and Wendie Malick.

The win "belongs with four of us," she said, then looked at her statuette with a gleam in her eye and a joke on her mind. "I'm dealing them right-in with this. I'm not going to let them keep this, but I will let them see it."

In other TV awards, Kate Winslet was named best actress in a small-screen movie or miniseries for "Mildred Pierce," and Paul Giamatti won the trophy for actor in a movie or mini-series with "Too Big to Fail."

While SAG honors TV performances, the group's film awards are more closely watched for their impact on Oscars because actors make up the biggest voting group at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which picks Oscar winners.

Film actors taking home early SAG honors included Christopher Plummer with the first film honor for supporting actor. Plummer, 82, who plays an elderly man who comes out of the closet as gay much to the chagrin of his family, thanked his fellow actors from the stage, calling them a wacky but wonderful bunch of artists.

"I just can't tell you what fun I've had being a member of the world's second oldest profession," Plummer joked on stage. "When they honor you, it's like being lit by the holy grail. Thank you, thank you, thank you."

The second film award went to Octavia Spencer for supporting actress in a movie, "The Help," that proved to be a surprise over Berenice Bejo of silent film romance, "The Artist."

RED CARPET FASHION

Many of Hollywood's biggest film stars including George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and Michelle Williams turned out on the red carpet, as did TV's Julianna Margulies, Lea Michelle and other TV actresses and actors.

As with previous Hollywood honors programs, many of the women showed off low-cut or strapless gowns. Some wore vintage or sequined dresses. Colors -- violets, reds and teals -- proved popular. The men wore tuxedos or stylish suits with bow ties.

Awards in top film categories will be given out later, and "The Artist," a romantic tale of a fading actor in the slumping silent movie era whose career is eclipsed by the woman he loves, aims to do well in two groups, ensemble cast and lead actor.

But it faces stiff competition from civil rights-era drama "The Help," which has four nominations, more than any movie, as well as from George Clooney-starring "The Descendants."

The actors in all three of those movies, along with the performers in Woody Allen's "Midnight in Paris" and the ladies of comedy "Bridesmaids," will compete for the night's top honor, best ensemble cast in a film.

In other SAG races, Clooney, playing a father struggling to keep his family together, squares off against Jean Dujardin of "Artist" fame and Brad Pitt for his role as a numbers-crunching baseball executive in "Moneyball." The other two nominees in that category are Demian Bichir in the little seen "A Better Life" and Leonardo DiCaprio for "J. Edgar."

The SAG race for best actress is seen as a tight one among Meryl Streep playing former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in "The Iron Lady," Viola Davis as a maid in "The Help" and Michelle Williams for her turn as Marilyn Monroe in "My Week with Marilyn."

Rounding out that category are Glenn Close in a gender-bending role as a butler in "Albert Nobbs" and Tilda Swinton as a troubled mother in dark drama, "We Need to Talk about Kevin."

The Oscars will be given out on February 26 in Hollywood.

Cast member Liam Neeson arrives for the premiere of the film "The Next Three Days" in New York November 9, 2010.[Photo/Agencies]

Survival story "The Grey" starring Liam Neeson in a battle against weather and wolves led the box office pack with a better-than-expected $20 million in ticket sales over the weekend.

"The Grey" knocked last weekend's winner, "Underworld: Awakening," to second place. The vampire and werewolf sequel starring Kate Beckinsale brought in $12.5 million from Friday through Sunday at domestic theaters, according to studio estimates compiled by Reuters on Sunday.

In "The Grey," Neeson returns to an action role as a man who leads a team of plane crash survivors who must fight harsh weather and a fierce pack of wolves in the Alaskan wilderness.

The movie played at 3,185 North American (U.S. and Canadian) theaters and earned a per-theater average of $6,279, according to the box office division of Hollywood.com.

Distributor Open Road Films acquired the film for about $5 million and had projected up to $12 million in debut weekend sales. The film beat that forecast because "it doesn't look like every other movie out there. In a crowded marketplace, I think it's important to be distinctive," said Open Road Films CEO Tom Ortenburg.

Katherine Heigl's new comedy, "One for the Money," finished in third place with $11.8 million, topping industry forecasts of less than $10 million for the film based on a best-selling book by Janet Evanovich. Distributor Lions Gate Entertainment said readers who loved the book helped the movie beat expectations.

"We think the audience that showed up are not frequent moviegoers. They're just huge fans of Janet Evanovich," said David Spitz, head of domestic distribution for Lions Gate.

In the film, Heigl plays a cash-strapped woman who joins a bail-bond business and must track down a wanted man who happens to be an ex-boyfriend. Audiences surveyed by exit polling firm CinemaScore game the movie a B-minus on average.

OSCAR BOOST

The weekend's other new movie, crime drama "Man on a Ledge," landed in fifth place. The film was distributed by Lions Gate's newly acquired Summit Entertainment unit as release dates and marketing plans were set well before the studios combined earlier this month.

"Man on a Ledge" took in $8.3 million, within studio forecasts. The movie features "Avatar" star Sam Worthington as a fugitive who threatens to jump from a hotel ledge.

"Red Tails," a drama about black fighter pilots in World War Two, brought in $10.4 million to land in fourth place in its second weekend in theaters.

Also this weekend, a crop of films capitalized off last week's Oscar nominations.

"The Descendants," starring George Clooney as a father dealing with a family crisis, expanded to 2,001 theaters from 560 and gained 176 percent from last weekend. The movie took in $6.6 million, lifting its domestic tally to $58.5 million since its release last November. The movie has added $27 million in international markets for a worldwide total of $85.5 million.

Black-and-white silent film "The Artist" increased its weekend sales by 40 percent from a week earlier, bringing in $3.3 million after adding 235 more screens. To date, the film has grossed $16.7 million domestically.

Family film "Hugo," which led the Oscar nominations with 11, also jumped 143 percent to $2.3 million. Its total sales to date stand at $58.7 million domestically.

Open Road Films, a joint venture between theater owners Regal Entertainment Group and AMC Entertainment Inc, released "The Grey." The film unit of Sony Corp distributed "Underworld: Awakening." "Red Tails" and "The Descendants" were released by divisions of News Corp's Fox Filmed Entertainment. Privately-held The Weinstein Co released "The Artist," and Viacom Inc unit Paramount Pictures distributed "Hugo."

George Clooney is desperate to attend this year's London Olympics.

The 'Descendants' actor is delighted the world's biggest sports event is coming to the British capital as he loves visiting, but has not yet been able to get hold of any tickets to watch any of the games.

He told The Sun newspaper: "I think it's fantastic that the Olympics are coming to London. I think you should always try to take politics out of sport and the London bid did that.

"Track and field is something that I really want to come back and see if I can get some tickets. I'm a big fan of London. There are only a handful of great cities in the world and it's one of them."

George isn't the only star keen to get his hands on some tickets for the Olympics.

Former Spice Girls singer Mel C admitted she wants to get the band back together to perform at the opening ceremony - because she thinks it would help her chances of being allowed to watch some of the sporting events.

She said: "We've never actually been approached about the Olympics and it's just rumours at the moment unfortunately but I'd jump at it if we were asked. I'm very excited about the Olympics being here in London. And it'd get me in wouldn't it because I've got no tickets."

Rapper Tinchy Stryder teamed up with Dionne Bromfield to record a track to be used as the official Olympic Torch Relay song and admitted he hoped the duet, 'Spinning' for 2012' would be, would be his entrance into the games.

He said: "I didn't get any tickets in the end, like loads of other people. I tried but had no luck. I'm hoping that this song will get us a few though."

Television personality Kim Kardashian arrives at the grand opening of the Kardashian Khaos store at the Mirage Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada December 15, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

Kim Kardashian has won a recurring role on a TV show.

The reality star will appear in the fourth season of drama-comedy 'Drop Dead Diva' - which stars Brooke D'Orsay as a lawyer whose body is inhabited by the soul of a dead supermodel - and will begin production next month.

She is in line play Nikki, who is a love interest for Ben Feldman's alter-ego Fred, and her character is set to go into business with Stacy, who is played by former 'Two and a Half Men' beauty April Bowlby.

Kim wrote on her blog: "I am so excited to announce that I'll be guest starring on 'Drop Dead Diva' this summer. I can't wait to get to work with everyone on set!"

Josh Berman, creator and executive producer of the programme, felt Kim's "humour and passion" made her the right person for the role.

He explained: "I'm ecstatic to welcome Kim to the Diva family.

"In discussing the role of Nikki with her, I'm blown away by her smarts, sense of humor, and passion. This series is all about reinvention and I'm so excited to see Kim 'reinvented' in the world of 'Drop Dead Diva'."

The 'Keeping Up With The Kardashians' beauty previously starred in 'Beyond the Break' and had a guest role in 'CSI: NY.'

Dr. Conrad Murray said in court papers filed in Los Angeles that he would agree to electronic monitoring or other conditions. But he asked to be set free while he appeals his conviction for involuntary manslaughter in the "Thriller" singer's 2009 death.

Murray, 58, was sentenced to four years in November after a six-week trial. Witnesses testified that he was guilty of gross negligence for giving Jackson regular doses of the powerful anesthetic propofol as a sleep aid, and failing to monitor him.

According to his defense attorney on Friday, Murray is being held in a solitary cell and has his hands chained to his waist, or to a table, when he is allowed out.

Attorney J. Michael Flanagan wrote in a declaration to Los Angeles Superior Court that Murray's sentence "is very severe" considering the circumstances of the case.

Flanagan wrote that Murray's conviction stemmed from "an unusual situation, a close friendship with Michael Jackson and a desire to assist him through a difficult situation. Dr. Murray may have made wrong choices and not have exercised good medical judgment at times, but he never intended to injure anyone."

Murray, who pleaded not guilty and did not testify at his trial, said in the court filing that he had been told his appeal "will take well over a year before an opinion is rendered."

He asked for his request for release be heard by the court on February 24.

Murray last month asked for a publicly funded lawyer because he could not fund his appeal himself. He said in Friday's papers that he would try and find work to support his children if he was allowed out.

Jackson, 50, died in Los Angeles on June 25, 2009 of an overdose of propofol and sedatives just weeks before a series of planned comeback concerts.

Only a handful of artists broke onto the list that sought to name the recording industry's most influential people and was dominated by businessmen and women. The selection was determined by a combination of money, market share, Billboard chart data and other information, and a team of 15 magazine editors analyzed the results to produce the list.

Both Jay-Z and Beyonce made it due to numerous ventures outside their singing careers including Jay-Z's Roc Nation music, management and entertainment company and Beyonce's sponsorship deals with brands such as L'Oreal. Collectively, they were placed at No. 13 on the Power 100 list.

Azoff has been at the helm of Live Nation Entertainment, a ticket sales and concert company, since 2008 and previously represented artists such as Christina Aguilera and Van Halen.

Just behind Azoff at No. 2 was Coran Capshaw, the founder and partner of Red Light Management, who helps run the careers of groups such as the Dave Matthews Band. Rounding out the top three was Universal Music Group's chairman and CEO Lucian Grainge.

Others on the list included Creative Artists Agency's managing partner and head of music Rob Light at No. 7 and Interscope Geffen A&M Records co-founder Jimmy Iovine at No. 10.

Rock band U2 came in at No. 27 along with their manager Paul McGuinness based on their ability to sell more than 7 million tickets to their last tour along with their prolific chart career. Fellow rocker Jon Bon Jovi clocked in at No. 50.

Country music star Taylor Swift, 22, made the list at No. 78 for being a "branding powerhouse" with her own management company and lucrative contracts with companies such as CoverGirl. Pop sensation Lady Gaga followed Swift at No. 84, picked for the sway she holds over millions of loyal followers on Facebook and Twitter.

The list held some surprises as "The X Factor" creator and television mogul Simon Cowell ranked last at No. 100, beaten by his former "American Idol" colleague, host Ryan Seacrest, who ranked No. 64.

Seacrest was placed higher due to his numerous ventures including his syndicated daily radio show, "American Idol" hosting gig, production company at NBC Universal and his newest venture to reshape HDNet as a pop culture TV network in collaboration with billionaire Mark Cuban, Creative Artists Agency and live entertainment company, AEG.

The full list can be viewed at Billboard.biz and in the upcoming issue of Billboard Magazine, on newsstands January 30.

Avril Lavigne has sold her Bel Air mansion for $8.5 million.

The 'Complicated' singer - who bought the palatial property in 2006 with her then husband Deryck Whibley - sold the 12,184 square-foot, eight bedroom, ten bathroom home to Los Angeles Clippers basketball star Chris Paul, according to gossip website TMZ.

The home features a two-storey foyer, dual offices, a ten-car garage, a wine cellar, large gym with bath and sauna, laundry and staff quarters and a private courtyard.

The master bedroom contains a kitchenette, fireplace, patio, custom walk-in closets and dual baths.

Avril, 27, and Sum 41 star Deryck, 31 split in 2010 after four years of marriage but despite their break-up, she insists the pair will always be very close.

The former couple worked with each other on Avril's most recent album 'Goodbye Lullaby' and as well as being good friends, she still has a lot of respect for his work.

She said: "I have a lot of respect for him as an artist. He's one of the most talented people I know. He did an awesome job on my album.

"We're very good friends. He's family to me. We both respect and care for each other very much. We're in a great place."

Avril is currently dating reality TV star Brody Jenner.

Leonardo DiCaprio says his ideal woman is like his mother.

The 'J. Edgar' actor is currently dating model Erin Heatherton but he admits any girlfriend has a lot to live up to because he compares them to his beloved mum, Irmelin.

He said: "My mother is the centre of my life. To have a woman like that in your life, who is strong, who'll be honest with you about who you are... that's something I treasure. And it's something I look for in a woman."

Leonardo - who has previously dated models Gisele Bundchen and Bar Refaeli - also revealed how his love life suffered when he starred in 1997 blockbuster 'Titanic', because it transformed him into a worldwide heartthrob.

Leonardo - who starred in the romantic blockbuster alongside Kate Winslet - is quoted by the Daily Express newspaper as saying: "I had better success meeting girls before I did the film. My interactions with them didn't have the stigma behind it."

Last year, the 37-year-old actor split from 'Gossip Girl' actress Blake Lively after five months of dating and has been linked to several models since.

Leonardo has previously admitted he is unsure if he will ever marry because seeing other people's failed unions has put him off tying the knot.

He explained: "I don't know whether I'll ever get married. I've seen too many supposedly happy marriages go down. I've been as shocked as anyone.

"No one can look at the marriages of other people and make a judgment. I don't know the private lives of the actors I work with. I just know if they are good actors or good directors."

Brad Pitt has confessed he became a "doughnut" due to heavy cannabis use.

The 'Moneyball' star has revealed his marijuana smoking got out of control in the late 90s because he was trying to escape the pressures of fame.

He told The Hollywood Reporter magazine: "I got really sick of myself at the end of the 1990s. I was hiding out from the celebrity thing, I was smoking way too much dope, I was sitting on the couch and just turning into a doughnut and I really got irritated with myself."

The publication's executive features editor Stephen Galloway revealed the actor credits his drug use to depression.

Galloway said: "He said it's like he had a semester of depression.

"He hasn't had that in this decade, but he definitely wrestled with it in the past."

Last year, the 48-year-old Hollywood star - who was nominated for the Best Actor Oscar this week - even quit smoking regularly cigarettes after being caught puffing by two of his children, daughters Zahara and Shiloh.

Brad and his long-term partner Angelina Jolie also raise four other kids together - Maddox, Pax, and twins Knox and Vivienne.

Lady Gaga's boyfriend has told her to drop her eccentric alter-ego when she's with him.

The pop superstar has been dating Taylor Kinney for six months and the hunky actor has reportedly told his world famous lover she doesn't need to dress up in wacky outfits or act bizarre when the pair are together.

A source told In Touch Weekly magazine: "Gaga started living and breathing her character 24/7 because she felt her fans wanted that."

Gaga - real name Stefani Germanotta - is seemingly willing to go along with 'The Vampire Diaries' star's request and has told him she is ready to be "more human" because he has assured her he loves her for who she is on the inside.

The source added: "Taylor has convinced her that he loves the real Stefani."

The couple met on the set of the video for Gaga's single 'You and I' last July and are allegedly planning to move in together.

British musician Seal kisses his wife, German model and television personality Heidi Klum, as they arrive at the 19th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Award Viewing Party in West Hollywood, California February 27, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

British singer Seal said in a television interview set to air this Friday that a reunion with his estranged wife, supermodel and "Project Runway" host Heidi Klum, could still be in the cards.

In an appearance on CNN program "Piers Morgan Tonight," Seal also said he still loves Klum. A video of a portion of the interview was posted online by CNN on Wednesday.

Earlier this week, the two stars announced that they were separating, but Seal has continued to be seen in public wearing his wedding ring. In response to questions from Morgan, he left open the possibility of a reconciliation with Klum.

"You can never say never, obviously I can't speak for my wife," Seal told Morgan.

Morgan later asked Seal, who has been married to the German-born Klum since 2005 and has four children with her, if he would like to salvage the relationship.

"I don't know, I don't know at this point to be honest, Piers," Seal said. "I think, again, if it were that easy, if there weren't problems, we would still be together, that is the reality."

In another TV appearance earlier this week on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," Seal explained the break-up by saying "you just grow apart after awhile." But he also called Klum "the most wonderful woman in the world."

Seal and Klum at one time renewed their marriage vows every year and he titled his sixth album "Commitment" which came out in 2010.

Demi Moore speaks during a news conference at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, November 4, 2010.[Photo/Agencies]

Actress Demi Moore is seeking professional help to treat "exhaustion" and "overall health" issues, her spokeswoman said on Tuesday, following her split late last year from husband of six years, Ashton Kutcher.

"Because of the stresses in her life right now, Demi has chosen to seek professional assistance to treat her exhaustion and improve her overall health. She looks forward to getting well and is grateful for the support of her family and friends," Moore's spokeswoman said in a statement to Reuters.

The statement follows media reports that Moore was rushed to hospital on Monday night after paramedics were called to her Los Angeles home. Celebrity news website TMZ.com cited substance abuse as the cause, but that could not be confirmed.

Moore's representatives declined any further comment beyond the written statement.

"Ghost" star Moore, 49, filed for divorce from 33-year-old "Two and A Half Men" actor Kutcher in November 2011, after a San Diego woman went public about a brief fling she had with Kutcher.

Katherine Heigl has annoyed her neighbours by keeping her Christmas lights up all year.

The 'Knocked Up' actress and husband Josh Kelley upset neighbours of their home in the mountains of Utah in 2010 by failing to take down their festive illuminations, which led to community leaders leaving the couple a "civilised note" asking for the lights to be put away.

Katherine said: "I put up lights for Christmas and I love them - they're jovial and they make me happy - and so I leave them up all year. It's the mountains. Who cares?"

The couple were asked to turn their Christmas lights off in January, but the blonde beauty was so annoyed at the request that she left them up until July.

She added: "They didn't like that so much. They asked me to turn them off in January... So I took 'em off in July."

Katherine is no stranger to outbursts after she slammed comedy movie 'Knocked Up' - which sees her play a woman who has a baby after getting pregnant from a one-night stand - as "sexist" in 2007.

But last year the 33-year-old star admitted she is sometimes too "sarcastic".

She explained: "I look at some of what I had to say, and I'm like, 'Oh my God, I would tell myself to shut up too.

"I've never really been America's sweetheart. I had 'em for a second thinking maybe I was. And then I opened my mouth, and it was very clear I wasn't. There's so much of my mother's caustic, sarcastic, irreverent take on things. But I also love and embrace it."

David Beckham still feels 20 years old.

The 36-year-old soccer star - who has sons Brooklyn, 12, Romeo, nine, and six-year-old Cruz, as well as six-month-old daughter Harper with wife Victoria Beckham - admits he occasionally feels his years are catching up with him, but often has a youthful attitude.

Asked if he is beginning to feel his age, he said: "I actually didn't know how to answer that question to be honest, but there are some mornings I feel twenty years old, and some mornings I feel my age."

David and his family are based in Los Angeles but the sportsman admits they all miss their home country.

Speaking on UK TV show 'Daybreak', he said: "We're English, so of course we miss London, we miss England. We're very patriotic about our country as everybody knows, and we love going back there. But right now, we're very happy living in LA."

David has recently signed a two-year contract extension to remain with Los Angeles Galaxy and he admits his decision not to accept an offer to move elsewhere was down to keeping a stable home life for his kids.

He said: "The whole family had a contribution in a way. We made a decision based on where our children are happy, where the place is that they're most stable. We were aware of all the other offers, and at my age, to be offered some of the contracts that I did get offered - you know, you have to take them seriously and you have to look at all options.

"But like I said, our family have been so happy in the last five years living in Los Angeles and we wanted that to continue."

Jessica Alba has advised Beyonce Knowles to sell the first pictures of newborn daughter Ivy Blue.

The stunning actress and her husband Cash Warren reportedly received $1.5 million from OK! magazine for the first images of their daughter, Honor, in 2008, and she thinks Beyonce and spouse Jay-Z should do the same with their new addition.

She told CNN's A.J. Hammer: "For our family, we just wanted to control the experience. We put the money that the picture made into a bank account for Honor to do whatever she wants to do with. It's her picture, it's her birth, and we didn't want it to be like a weird thing when we were walking out of the house for the first time."

"If there's a price tag on your child - which is so bizarre - people will go to crazy lengths. We wanted to avoid that hysteria."

Jessica - who welcomed second daughter, Haven, into the world last August - said she really enjoyed the photo shoot and would definitely recommend it.

She said: "We were friends with the photographer. It was just a nice day in the house. We'll have those beautiful pictures forever. You can give the money to charity and to your baby and that's it."

"But the biggest thing is having a healthy baby ... I'm sure Beyonce will make the best decision for her family."

Katherine Heigl has never been tempted to cheat on husband Josh Kelley.

The 'One for the Money' actress says she could never have sex with another man because she needs to have an "emotional" connection.

Writing on her iVillage blog, Katherine - who has a three-year-old daughter, Naleigh, with Josh - said: "I have no desire to physically hook up with any man other than my husband and have been a serial monogamist from the moment of my first serious relationship at 20. I have never been able to connect with a man sexually without it becoming emotional, without giving a piece of my heart and soul to that connection.

"I understand that every human being on earth wonders if the grass might be greener in other pastures, but I could never imagine myself really going there or really wanting to. I guess the relationship I'm in is so consuming that the idea of a dalliance with another man sounds exhausting. It's hard enough to make one connection work. I can't imagine, even for four days, splitting myself between two!"

However, Katherine, 33, admits things aren't always perfect between her and musician Josh.

She said: "We've had some pretty explosive fights over the years trying to make our marriage work, but it's been worth it. I do not want to live my life without Josh in it and will do everything I can to make sure I don't have to - except give him the freedom to don a costume and mask and bang some other chick."

Denise Richards and Richie Sambora have split - again.

The couple - who rekindled their romance last November following their break-up in 2007 - have decided once more to call time on their relationship as they think they're better off as friends.

A source told Us Weekly magazine: "They had a moment a few months back when they were going to give it a go, but have decided they're better as friends."

Denise - who has three daughters, Sam, seven, and six-year-old Lola, with ex-husband Charlie Sheen, and adopted six-month-old Eloise - has always had feelings for Richie and said he would always play a part in her life.

Writing in her memoir, 'The Real Girl Next Door', Denise, 40, said: "Richie and I shared an easiness I hadn't before had. We were able to be open, honest, and completely authentic with each other, with no judgment.

"I don't regret my relationship with him. I learned hard lessons from our journey together. My heart may have been bruised, but it was pure. Richie is a wonderful man. He came into my life when I needed him and he needed me. We'll always have that bond."

Beyonce Knowles feels "fortunate" to have met Etta James.

The singer-and-actress portrayed the legendary singer in 2008 movie 'Cadillac Records' and says she always remember Etta fondly following her death earlier today (20.01.12).

She said in a statement: "Etta James was one of the greatest vocalists of our time. I am so fortunate to have met such a queen. Her musical contributions will last a lifetime.

"Playing Etta James taught me so much about myself, and singing her music inspired me to be a stronger artist. When she effortlessly opened her mouth, you could hear her pain and triumph. Her deeply emotional way of delivering a song told her story with no filter. She was fearless, and had guts. She will be missed."

Earlier today, Beyonce's former Destiny's Child bandmate Kelly Rowland also paid tribute to Etta, after she died at the age of 73 following a battle with leukaemia.

She tweeted: "CLASSIC. ONE OF A KIND. PURE SOUL. ETTA JAMES! Thank You for gracing us with your incredible talent & presence! (sic)"

Etta had been diagnosed with leukaemia in 2010, according to her long time friend and manager, Lupe De Leon, and died in hospital in Riverside, California.

Britain's Prince William will join Duchess Catherine and her family on their Caribbean holiday.

While the Middleton family jetted off to the island of St. Lucia on Wednesday (18.01.12) without the 29-year-old royal, it is understood he will join the group - which also includes Catherine's sister Pippa and brother James - after he finishes his weekly shift as an RAF search and rescue pilot in Anglesey, North Wales.

The sun-soaked holiday could be the last chance the couple get to spend some quality time together before William is deployed to the Falkland Islands for a six-week period with the RAF next month, the Daily Mail reports.

It is believed that since flying to St. Lucia on a scheduled British Airways flight, the family transferred to the private island of Mustique, where they are regular visitors at a multi-million pound cliff-top villa - which comes complete with five bedrooms and its own infinity pool.

Catherine is incredibly close to her parents and has previously revealed her hopes that she and second-in-line to the throne William will be as close to their own children.

She said: "It's very important to me. And I hope we will be able to have a happy family ourselves. They've been great over the years - helping me with difficult times. They are very, very dear to me."

William has also spoken about how "lucky" he felt to have been welcomed by Catherine's parents during the course of their relationship.

He explained: "Catherine's got a very, very close family. I get on really well with them and I'm very lucky that they've been so supportive. Mike and Carole have been really loving and caring and really fun and have been really welcoming towards me, so I've felt really a part of the family."

Peter Jackson, a producer of the film ''West of Memphis'', poses for a portrait during the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah January 21, 2012.[Photo/Agencies]

The high-profile case of the West Memphis Three murderers might seem like an odd choice of films for director Peter Jackson, but the "Lord of the Rings" maker has come to Sundance with a documentary about the case and a new revelation of a possible suspect.

Jackson, who helped bankroll the defense of the three convicted killers who are now out of jail nearly 20 years after the crime, and the legal team claim they have testimony that the stepfather of one of the victims is the real murderer.

Whether that allegation eventually proves true will await prosecutors' action in West Memphis, Arkansas where the murders took place in 1993, and so far the prosecution has stuck by its belief they had the right culprits all along.

But where Jackson and one of the West Memphis Three, Damien Echols, are concerned, their documentary "West of Memphis" and this new testimony takes the fight further.

"It's got to be dealt with," Jackson told Reuters on Saturday at the Sundance Film Festival. "You can't just leave a murder case like that hanging in the air."

The high-profile case of the West Memphis Three who were tried and convicted as teens of murdering three boys prompted a call to action for Jackson when first told the disturbing tale of the young men linked to a grisly murder who were ultimately released from prison in August 2011.

"I was bullied and regarded as little bit of an oddball myself," Jackson told Reuters on Saturday. "And I see that happening to somebody else, so I just want to help them."

Jackson and director Amy Berg debuted "West of Memphis" at Sundance on Friday, and simultaneously defense lawyers issued a press release detailing their new revelations.

The documentary follows the case of what many believe was the wrongful conviction of Echols, Jason Baldwin and Jessie Misskelley, who were teenagers when they were accused of killing three 8-year-old boys in West Memphis, Arkansas in 1993.

The case already has been made famous by the HBO documentary series "Paradise Lost," but the story of the three jailed boys struck a chord in the Jackson and his wife and producing partner Fran Walsh as far back as 2005.

"It's an American story but it's a human story as well," Jackson said. "When you look at the original 'Paradise Lost' film, you see three kids who can't defend themselves, being persecuted in a medieval way -- witchcraft, satanic worship. It was kind of primitive. It makes you angry, so Fran and I contacted (Echols' wife) Lorri Davis and asked what we could do to help."

Jackson said he and Walsh funded the defense team's investigation anonymously, spending "more than thousands" of dollars paying bills for such things as DNA tests and sending investigators to interview additional witnesses.

"We're still doing that," Jackson said.

Only one week ago, he said, the filmmakers shot and edited the new revelation into the documentary, but they had no time to include the footage in early screenings.

NEW REVELATION

According to Jackson, Echols and the defense team, the nephew of Terry Hobbs -- Michael Hobbs, Jr. -- has told friends that his uncle committed the crime. Terry Hobbs' stepson, Stevie Branch, was among the murder victims.

Hobbs has long denied any wrongdoing and police have never considered him a suspect, according to media reports. Reuters was unable to reach Hobbs for comment.

For Jackson, the idea of actually making a documentary on the West Memphis Three didn't arise until 2008, after DNA and forensic findings paid for by Jackson and Walsh, were dismissed by the original judge presiding over the trial. He found the evidence as not being compelling enough to reopen the case.

"Whenever new evidence came and we tried to present it to the judge, he refused to hear it," said Echols, now 37. He and his wife are producers on the film alongside Jackson and Walsh.

"The only way to let the public know what was going on with this case was by doing a documentary. It was Peter's idea of 'well, why don't we get this evidence out to the public if the courts are going to refuse to hear it?'"

"West of Memphis" follows the three convicted killers until just after they were released last August in a legal maneuver known as an "Alford Plea," whereby the men plead guilty in their own best interest while asserting innocence.

But the trio, their families, their lawyers, Jackson, Walsh and director Berg haven't stopped fighting.

"You have to push this hard in order to get a reaction," said Berg. "I feel that we have gone further than anybody else has gone and we've put it out there for people to act."

The film received strong initial reviews from critics here at Sundance. The Hollywood Reporter labeled it a "gripping overall picture of the West Memphis 3 wrongful-conviction saga" and summed up, "Thorny, blood-boiling and finely made, it deserves a theatrical push."

Blige attended the Friday world premiere of "The Invisible War." Producer Amy Ziering says the multiple Grammy winner would write an original song for the film after the Sundance festival.

Blige's song, "Need Someone," plays over the closing credits of the film.

Written and directed by Kirby Dick, "The Invisible War" examines the trauma suffered by female and male victims of rape at the hands of their military colleagues and the difficulty they have in prosecuting their attackers.

Sen. Barbara Boxer of California, U.S. Rep. Jackie Speier, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom and U.S. Rep. Mike Turner of Ohio also attended the premiere.

The 62-year-old actor says "it sounds ridiculous," but he was moving cattle through Nevada with some friends and "we rode up to a ridgeline and they pointed up, 'That's Utah there.'"

Gere says it was a seven-day cattle-moving trip on horseback.

He was in Park City Saturday to promote "Arbitrage," a thriller about the lure of money and power and how it affects one's personal values.

Directed by Nicholas Jarecki, the film also stars Susan Sarandon, Nate Roth and Laetitia Casta.

The Sundance Film Festival continues through Jan. 29.

KNXV-TV (http://bit.ly/z2VYTG ) reports that the group had been on the road for nine hours when the bus caught on fire Saturday. The "Love Like Crazy" singer had a concert in Mesa.

Mesa firefighter Shaun Denman says crews worked quickly to keep the fire from spreading to a trailer behind the bus. He says the flames were "about as high as the roof of the building."

Brice says he and a few other people were asleep at the time. He says they left the bus "and within of minutes it was in flames."

He says he's thankful no one was hurt.

Actress and "Queen Bee of Tweeting" Yao Chen has been begging for a ticket home.

Her plea came as hundreds of millions of Chinese scrambled for a train or flight ticket home for their family reunions during Chinese New Year.

The thing is, she did have a ticket the whole time, and when netizens found out they were, predictably, upset at someone who appeared to be siding with the masses and their Chinese New Year traveling predicaments but was actually one of the lucky ones.

It was on Tuesday that Yao claimed she didn't have a flight ticket home and asked for assistance in a tweet: "Almighty micro blog, do me a favor! I can't book a ticket home. I'll beg you on my knees for a ticket from Beijing to (Fujian province's) Wuyishan on Jan 21," she wrote, adding a cartoon picture of a tearful girl.

In response, her fans gave her helpful advice and even invited her to their own New Year gatherings.

However, on Wednesday, an airline company official's micro blog account seemed to suggest that she already had a seat on a plane back home.

The furious actress reacted by firing off two tweets complaining that the airline official had caused a mountain of misunderstanding, explaining she had only booked a ticket for the second half of her journey.

So, it all turned out well for Yao in the end, as her fans then turned on the airline company for releasing the private details of their beloved celebrity.

The company released an apology, and Yao will celebrate the Year of the Dragon with her loved ones after all.

It's hard to tell what's real and what's not on occasion. Fans of Show Luo were duped when a picture of the Taiwan singer taking a picture of himself, from behind, literally, went viral.

Luo's back is exposed, while female hands appear to hold him in an embrace, and his trousers are unzipped at the back, providing a view of a shapely derriere.

Fans left comments like, "I'm going to have a nosebleed", and, "My goodness, this is so extreme", while others opined, "This is going to give me nightmares!"

Responding to the furor, Luo's manager confirmed the picture was Photoshopped but added: "Thank you for your love of Luo's figure. He'll work extra hard to ensure that his figure is up to everyone's expectations."

In reality, Luo looked a little worse for wear at a recent awards ceremony - a fact tacitly admitted by the singer when he said that he had been watching his weight and dieting.

Finally, on yet another festive happy note, pop blogger Han Han has cleared his name after being accused of having ghostwriters pen his works.

Tech blogger Mai Tian, who made the accusation, was forced to eat his words after the writer and racecar driver offered a cash reward of 20 million yuan ($3.2 million) to anyone who could find evidence of his malfeasance.

His good friend, actress Fan Bingbing, came out on Han's side and said she would also give away 20 million yuan if proof could be found.

No proof was forthcoming, and Mai did the decent thing, belatedly, by admitting he was wrong and apologizing.

Flowers placed by fans sit atop the the Hollywood Walk of Fame star of singer Etta James along Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, January 20, 2012.[Photo/Agencies]

Etta James, the influential 1950s rhythm-and-blues singer best known for her show-stopping hit "At Last," died on Friday from complications of leukemia in a California hospital surrounded by her family. She was 73.

Her death prompted tributes from numerous musicians and artists who were influenced by her singing, from pop star Mariah Carey to Aretha Franklin and legendary rock band The Doors.

James died in her home town of Riverside, California, east of Los Angeles, said her manager and friend of some 30 years, Lupe De Leon. She would have turned 74 on Wednesday.

"She passed away this morning. She was with her husband and her sons," said De Leon.

James was diagnosed with leukemia two years ago and had been in failing health for a number of years. Her live-in doctor said in December she was terminally ill with leukemia. James also suffered from diabetes, kidney problems and dementia and was hospitalized late in 2011 because she was struggling to breathe.

The three time Grammy-award winning R&B singer saw numerous ups-and-downs in her career and personal life. She struggled with obesity and heroin addiction, ran a hot-check scheme and had troubled relationships with men, including some gangsters. Her weight ballooned, and in 2003 she underwent gastric bypass surgery and lost more than 200 pounds.

Yet in the music industry, among fellow R&B artists and rock icons, James' career was legendary. With songs like "The Wallflower" and "Good Rockin' Daddy," the three-time Grammy winner was a key figure in the early days of rock 'n' roll, and her signature song, the 1961 ballad "At Last," proved her mastery of the blues.

Carey, one of dozens of musicians paying tribute on Twitter on Friday, said, "Rest in peace to one of the world's most influential singers Etta James, you will be missed."

Beyonce, who was slammed by James in 2009 for singing "At Last" at the inaugural ball for U.S. President Barack Obama, said on Friday she was fortunate to have met "such a queen."

"Singing her music inspired me to be a stronger artist. When she effortlessly opened her mouth, you could hear her pain and triumph," Beyonce said on her official website.

Aretha Franklin called James "an American original." "When Etta SUNG, you heard it!" Franklin said in a statement.

The Recording Academy, which gives out the Grammys, said James left behind a dynamic legacy. "She will forever be remembered for her timeless ballad 'At Last,' and a powerful voice that will echo around the world for generations to come," academy president Neil Portnow said in a statement.

Other tributes came from LeAnn Rimes, Pink, Kings of Leon drummer Nathan Followill, Chaka Khan, Simon LeBon of Duran Duran, hip-hop producer Russell Simmons and British blues-rock singer Steve Winwood. The Doors called James "one of the world's legendary R&B icons."

POWER AND PAIN

James sang with a mixture of power and pain that led veteran musical producer Jerry Wexler to call her "the greatest of all modern blues singers ... the undisputed Earth Mother."

But throughout her long career she diversified into mainstream blues, soul and R&B. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993.

"Etta James is simply one of the best singers I've ever heard," singer-guitarist Bonnie Raitt wrote in Rolling Stone magazine. "... Etta is earthy and gritty, ribald and out-there in a way that few performers have the guts to be."

James' last album, "The Dreamer," was released in 2011. She spent the latter part of her life at home in California.

She was born Jamesetta Hawkins in Los Angeles on January 25, 1938, to an unmarried teenager who told her that her father was legendary pool shark Rudolph Wanderone, better known as Minnesota Fats. James told CNN she introduced herself to Wanderone in 1987 but was unable to confirm he was her father.

James sang gospel in the church choir and stood out even as a 5-year-old. By 1954, she recorded "Roll With Me Henry" with two other girls in a trio called The Peaches.

The group was discovered by bandleader Johnny Otis, and their song, renamed "The Wallflower," topped R&B charts in 1955. The Peaches eventually split up, but James continued recording and later that year "Good Rockin' Daddy" hit the charts.

Otis died on Tuesday in the Los Angeles area, age 90.

In the 1960s, James signed with Chicago's legendary Chess Records label and sang songs like "At Last" and "Trust in Me" that were backed by orchestras. But she never strayed too far from her gospel roots, as evidenced by 1962's "Something's Got a Hold of Me."

Over the decades, James' hit the R&B charts with 30 singles, and placed nine of those songs in pop music's top 40. She has often been cited as influencing singers including Raitt, Janis Joplin and Tina Turner.

James won her first Grammy in 1995 for her album, "Mystery Lady: The Songs of Billie Holiday." She also won Grammys in 2003 and 2005, as well as a lifetime achievement award in 2003 from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, which gives out the Grammys.

She is survived by her husband, Artis Mills, two sons Donto and Sametto who played in James' backing band, and four grandchildren.

Adele's new relationship has the support of "everyone" in her life.

The 'Someone Like You' hitmaker - who has been getting close to Simon Konecki, the boss of water charity Drop4Drop in recent weeks - has hit out at speculation her new lover is still married, explaining he has been divorced from stylist Clary Fisher, the mother of his five-year-old daughter, "for four years".

Writing on her blog, she said: "This is the first and last time I will comment on the details of my relationship with Simon. Contrary to reports and headlines in the press today, Simon is divorced and has been for 4 years.

"Everyone in our lives separately and together wish us nothing but the best, and vice versa. These are the facts."

Meanwhile, the 23-year-old singer - who was forced to cancel a string of concerts in the US and England last year after undergoing surgery on her vocal cords for a benign polyp - has been banned from eating her beloved curry by doctors as she battles to get her voice back for a performance at February's BRIT Awards.

An insider told the Daily Star newspaper: "Adele loves curries. She keeps getting curry cravings, especially when she walks within sniffing distance of an Indian restaurant, but she's staying strong."

Madonna's underwear are her favourite possessions.

The 53-year-old singer likes to look sexy for her boyfriend 24-year-old Brahim Zabrat and wears racy lingerie from underwear chain Victoria's Secret with stockings.

She is quoted by the Daily Star newspaper as saying: "My favourite things in life are my fishnets and my Victoria's Secret underpants."

The 'Material Girl' star is currently preparing for the release of her 12th album 'M.D.N.A' and has dropped her exercise regime in favour of dance workouts to keep her in the best shape.

She said: "I'm not really doing Pilates any more. I'm just dancing. You know, dance aerobics. The best thing for your bum."

Madonna's racy past is no secret, with her releasing an explicit book, 'Sex' featuring nude photographs of her in 1992, and making a sexually-explicit video for her 1990 single 'Justify My Love', which was banned by MTV.

The singer has also recently credited "love" with helping her retain her youthful looks.

She said: "'What's my secret? Love. I don't know. I don't have a secret. The most important thing is being happy."

'M.D.N.A' is scheduled for release in March, while Madonna is set to play the Super Bowl XLVI Half Time Show in February.

 

Jennifer Lopez's boyfriend has defended their age gap on twitter.

Casper Smart, 24, has been dating the 'On the Floor' singer in the wake of her split from Marc Anthony but in a series of tweets appears to have hit back at criticism that the 42-year-old star is too old for him.

He wrote: "Age, status, n opinions of others are irrelevant. Our hearts are endless and our souls infinite........... To be continued

"Our ages are mere reminders of the hours logged on this earth and the precious time remaining......... To be continued

"We should all honor our time here by indulging our passion and dreams. So, close your ears and open your hearts; Love and be happy! (sic)."

Jennifer - who has three-year-old twins Max and Emme with former spouse Marc - then retweeted his comments.

This isn't the first time Casper has taken to twitter to defend his relationship with Jennifer, previously writing that he finds people's idle speculation about their love confusing.

He wrote on twitter: "I don't understand how people can speak on other people or things they know nothing of??!!! #CRAZY. Off to Morocco!!!! (sic)"

He has also been retweeting people who have defended the pair's romance, in particular comments from twitter user @Prettyboymiguel, who wrote: "I think @Caspersmart and @JLo make a really good couple but you know everyones gonna hate cuz when your happy or successful ppl have to hate.

"Why are ppl judging @Caspersmart no 1 knows how long @JLo was separated be4 she announced the divorce ppl need 2 stop being so quick 2 judge. (sic)"

David Beckham admits he's going to have to earn lots of money to keep daughter Harper dressed in designer outfits.

The soccer star has recently signed a new two-year contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy and the handsome athlete admits it's a relief because fashion designer wife Victoria likes to dress the six-month-old tot in expensive clothes.

Speaking in a chat for Google+, David - who also has three sons, Brooklyn, 12, Romeo, nine, and six-year-old Cruz, with Victoria - said: "I've obviously got three amazing boys and with boys you can throw them around and Harper is obviously my first girl and I'm more careful. Still now, I'm changing her diaper and I can't believe I've got a girl. Everything about her is feminine, the way she eats, the way she moves, the way she looks. I love having a girl, but I'm glad she's got three older brothers and a dad to look after her.

"Her wardrobe is incredible already. I'm glad I've got a two year contract."

Another reason David, 36, decided to re-sign with the LA Galaxy was because his family are happy in America and he says they will always come first.

He said of the decision: "I didn't take it lightly as I had offers from other clubs around the world and at 36 you don't expect it. But it was best for my family. We love living in LA at the moment, we love living in America and we have adapted to the culture and at the moment we didn't want to leave.

"When you're married and have children your priorities totally change. We've got three amazing boys and a little girl we have to look after and it's all about them. They come first."

Jennifer Aniston is adopting a new dog.

The 'Marley and Me' actress - who was left devastated by the death of her beloved pet pooch Norman last year - has decided to start 2012 off in style by getting a new canine friend.

A source told America's Star magazine: "Jennifer decided to give herself a New Year's present to start the year off right - a new dog.

"She has been in mourning since Norman died."

After visiting the Utah-based Best Friends Animal Society, Jennifer, 42, fell in love with a shepherd mix and wants to give the dog a loving family.

The source added: "Jen is ready to give another needy dog a home."

Last year, Jennifer - who is dating actor Justin Theroux - got a tattoo in homage to Norman, by having his name tattooed on the inside of her right foot.

Explaining the inking she said: "That's my dog. My baby who just passed away.

"I never thought that would ever happen. It's just my way to pay homage to him - forever."

Norman, a Welsh corgi-terrier mix, accompanied Jennifer - who also has a white German Shepherd named Dolly - everywhere, including on film location shoots, but he passed away last May due to complications from his old age.

Katherine Heigl is "ready for another baby".

The 'One for the Money' actress - who already has three-year-old adopted daughter Naleigh with husband Josh Kelley - says the couple are keen to add to their family and would like another child in the near future.

Katherine - who adopted Naleigh when she was nine months old - told 'Access Hollywood': "I would love to have another one. I'm ready for another baby! I mean, it's been two years."

Katherine loves being a mother to little Naleigh and admits she's been blessed with a very well behaved child.

She said: "She's a really good girl. All kids go through their little phases and she'll have her moments of stubbornness or, you know, snottiness, but generally speaking, she's a surprising, wonderful, good-natured, and charming kid.

"She doesn't have a lot of those moments, so I'm really proud of her. I just think she's really special."

However, the former 'Grey's Anatomy' star admits it can be hard being a working mother and spending time away from her daughter.

She said: "When I take a job I do have to look at my daughter and have to tell her, 'I'm going to work, you're not going to see me for a while.' I have to, in a way, disengage. Otherwise, my mind - I'm just split in so many directions.

"You feel like you're failing your child."

Jennifer Garner says husband Ben Affleck isn't "sure" if he wants a son.

The '13 Going On 30' actress is currently pregnant with the couple's third child and while the actor initially wanted their two daughters to have a baby brother, now he isn't convinced.

She told Jay Leno: "I would have thought [he wanted a boy]. At first I think I really thought so. And then he kind of said, 'Well, we have girls. We know how to do girls. My girls love me. I'm the big guy in the house.' So, now I'm not sure."

Jennifer - who knows the sex of the baby - says the couple's daughters, Violet, six, and three-year-old Seraphina, want to name the baby but she isn't sure about their choices.

She said: "Our girls are working on names. At first they were definitely Disney. It was like, Donald Duck, Minnie Mouse Affleck. And then they've moved on. Then it was Peter Pan, Captain Hook, Smee.

"They're coming up with lists and coming in and saying, 'Let's have a baby-naming contest! Let's have a baby-naming poll!' They ask everyone, because they just want to know. But we're not telling."

Halle Berry's stalker has been sentenced to 386 days in prison.

Richard Franco - who was arrested last July after the actress' private security caught him trespassing on her home in the Hollywood Hills - struck a deal with prosecutors by pleading no contest to felony stalking in exchange for dropping a felony burglary charge.

Franco has already served 193 days in jail, so will only have to stay behind bars for another 193 days.

According to gossip website TMZ.com, Franco was also sentenced to five years probation after he completes his sentence as well as one year of psychological therapy sessions.

The judge also extended Halle's three-year restraining order against Franco, which requires him to stay at least 200 yards away from her and her three-year-old daughter Nahla for the next 10 years.

Franco was caught on the property three times in three days, and on one occasion broke into her guest house.

He was also caught spying on Halle through a kitchen door, which caused her to call police.

Victoria Beckham had to sit next to the toilet during the royal wedding.

The fashion designer and her soccer star spouse David were invited to the nuptials of Britain's Prince William and Catherine Middleton last April but because Victoria was heavily pregnant with her daughter Harper, she wanted to make sure she had easy access to the restrooms at Westminster Abbey.

During a live chat for Google+, David revealed: "My wife was eight months pregnant and she was worried where we were going to be sitting.

"She needed to be as close to the restroom as possible in case she needed to go. But when we got there, we had perfect seats, she was able to see William and Kate while being five paces away from the restroom."

David - who also has three sons, Brooklyn, 12, Romeo, nine, and six-year-old Cruz, with Victoria - says they were thrilled to be invited to the wedding as it was such a huge day for Britain.

He said: "We had to pinch ourselves when we got the invite. I've become friends with Prince William and his brother Harry as well.

The royal wedding was a huge thing for our country and gave our country a huge lift. Being there was incredible."

Former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney (R) greets fans as he leaves a hotel before driving to Olympiysky complex to perform in a concert, in Moscow December 14, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

Paul McCartney's new album "Kisses on the Bottom" will see the legendary Beatles' singer harking back to the golden era of Hollywood, bringing both old favorites and new compositions to his latest musical offering.

"Kisses on the Bottom," named after the lyrics on the album's first track "I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter," will showcase the former Beatle on a "deeply personal journey" singing classic American songs that inspired McCartney and bandmate John Lennon when they wrote songs for the Beatles.

"When we grew up, we had my dad's or in John's case, his mother's era that we were listening to, and then when we came to write rock and roll songs, this informed the rock and roll," McCartney told reporters in London on Thursday.

He added the Beatles' "Honey Pie" was one such track "harking back to Hollywood."

The ex-Beatle said he was inspired by some of Hollywood's best known actors and singers, including Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and especially Fred Astaire, whose style and voice were a reference for McCartney throughout his career.

"Fred Astaire was just this fantastic character from that era, he's so elegant. Musically, his vocal style is very interesting...he had this little voice that I kind of wanted to get near, so I tried that and that became a little bit of a signature with this album," said McCartney.

"It's this era that I love, it's a rich era for style, music and intelligent art."

Despite wanting to do this album "for a long time" through both his Beatles and solo careers, McCartney was forced to delay the record after British singers Robbie Williams and Rod Stewart released their own albums of big band classics. McCartney did not want to appear as if he was jumping on their "bandwagon."

"The album wasn't going to be the direction that everyone else was taking, so the songs are not quite as well known as some of the songs that Rod's been doing," said the singer.

McCartney teamed up with producer Tommy LiPuma and Grammy-winning jazz musician Diana Krall to record "Kisses on the Bottom" in London, New York and the famed Capitol Records studios in Los Angeles. He picked old favorites such as "More I Cannot Wish You" from the musical "Guys and Dolls" and a slow version of classic song "Bye Bye Blackbird."

McCartney also collaborated with legendary musician Stevie Wonder on "Only Our Hearts," a tribute to the music of the '30s and '40s, and Eric Clapton on "My Valentine," one of the singer's favorite tracks on the album and a love letter to his new wife, Nancy Shevell.

"The fact that I was working with great jazz musicians altered something. I don't know what's been altered, but it's really cool," the "Yesterday" singer said.

McCartney dropped hints that songs from the new album may be part of his upcoming performance at the London Olympics later this year, and also said that if asked, he would perform for Britain's Queen Elizabeth at her upcoming Diamond Jubilee festivities.

"Kisses on the Bottom" will be released on February 7.

The honors added to growing momentum for the sentimental throwback to the "pre-talkie" Hollywood era after it won three Golden Globes and was the most-nominated movie for Britain's BAFTA awards.

It is widely expected to be among the frontrunners for major honors at the Oscars when nominations are announced on Tuesday.

Lead actor Jean Dujardin and director Michel Hazanavicius were both in London to receive their awards.

Also taking home three prizes was Iranian drama "A Separation", winning best foreign language film, best screenwriter for Asghar Farhadi and best supporting actress for Sareh Bayat.

The examination of the class divide in contemporary Iran was an instant hit with critics and audiences when it was first launched at the Berlin film festival a year ago.

It went on to win the top prize there, the Golden Bear.

Meryl Streep continued her march towards Oscars glory with another award for her portrayal of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in "The Iron Lady".

The only surprise was that she shared the best actress honor with Anna Paquin for her performance in "Margaret".

Olivia Colman was named British actress of the year for her performances in "The Iron Lady" and "Tyrannosaur", while Kenneth Branagh won best supporting actor for his turn as Laurence Olivier in "My Week With Marilyn".

Michael Fassbender collected the British actor of the year award for his performances in "A Dangerous Method" and "Shame".

Director Lynne Ramsay was at the ceremony to receive The Attenboro ugh Award: British Film of the Year for "We Need to Talk About Kevin". Asif Kapadia won best documentary for "Senna".

A man accused of stalking Madonna has turned down a plea deal with a year-long sentence.

Robert Linhart's lawyer Kevin Kitson claims his client should not have been arrested after two incidents near to the singer's New York home in September 2010, despite being found with a knife in a bag and an ice-pick in his truck.

He was also found with signs professing his love for the 'Like a Virgin' hitmaker.

Kitson said: "The New York City Police Department in this case was a servant of the private security of Madonna doing a celebrity's bidding. If you have enough money and power, the rules are different."

Linhard - a 61-year-old retired New York fire fighter - will now attend a hearing on February 21 which may lead to a trial.

He is currently out of prison on $20,000 bail but has been ordered to stay away from the 53-year-old pop star-turned-director.

According to court documents written at the time, Robert believed he had a right to be outside her home, where he had written notes on the pavement including "meet me please" and "tell me yes or no".

He said: "I can be here. This is police brutality. I have a right to do this. I am not doing anything wrong."

Nicole Richie's daughter has celebrated her fourth birthday with a 'Toy Story'-themed party.

The fashion designer - whose House of Harlow 1960 clothes collection is named after her little one - and husband Joel Madden celebrated Harlow's latest milestone at Studio City, California with a number of celebrity guests.

Nicole and Joel - who are also parents to two-year-old Sparrow - were joined by Bush rocker Gavin Rossdale, who brought along his and Gwen Stefani's children Kingston, five, and three-year-old Zuma.

Tobey Maguire's wife Jen Meyer, Sara Gilbert and Rachel Zoe and their kids also attended the event, which took place at the same venue where Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz threw Bronx Mowgli's third birthday.

An onlooker told Us Weekly magazine: "Harlow started crying when everyone sang happy birthday and Joel said she was crying tears of joy."

Harlow's party was attended by 35 kids, who were treated to a visit from the Pixar animation movie's star characters Woody, Buzz Lightyear and Jessie.

An insider added: "Everyone had a blast and Joel and Nicole said it was their best kids party yet."

Harlow and her fellow partygoers indulged on a feast of pizza, juice and sugar-free cake at the bash.

It is not first time Nicole, 30, has been associated with 'Toy Story'.

She dressed up as cowgirl Jessie to celebrate Halloween in 2010.

Jessica Alba says she's happier than she's ever been.

The stunning actress gave birth to her second daughter, Haven, in August and she says the reason she looks so good is because she's very content with her life.

Jessica - who also has a three-year-old daughter, Honor, with husband Cash Warren - said: "I'm happier than I've ever been in my entire life and I think that definitely comes through."

The 30-year-old beauty has already regained her figure and credits that to not going crazy with food while she was expecting Haven.

She told 'Access Hollywood Live': "With my second pregnancy, I didn't gain as much weight, so I made healthier choices. So, it was a little bit easier to get back."

While she loves being a mother, Jessica says she has no desire to have a third child at the moment as she's too busy with her new website, Honest.com, which offers non-toxic, eco-friendly, affordable products for babies.

She added: "Well, Honest.com is actually my third baby. I wanted to make beautiful eco products that are delivered right to your door."

Britney Spears' sons will be the ringbearers when she marries third husband Jason Trawick this summer.

The 'Toxic' singer will tie the knot with her former agent later this year and she wants Sean Preston, six, and five-year-old Jayden James - her boys from her marriage to second husband Kevin Federline - to play a big role.

A source told RadarOnline.com: "It's going to be a very intimate wedding with only immediate family and very, very close friends. It will probably be a destination wedding in a very warm, tropical location. There is absolutely no drama with the planning of the wedding and Britney will probably wear an off-white dress that will show off her killer bod. Britney's sons are absolutely going to be a part of the ceremony as ringbearers, and Jason has something very special planned for the boys that will take place during the wedding."

However, Britney, 30, won't be marrying Jason until she has settled several lawsuits against her as she wants to start married life with a clean slate.

The source added: "Britney doesn't want to get married until all legal matters have been dealt with. She wants to begin her life with Jason on a fresh clean slate."

As well as being married to Kevin, Britney also had her first marriage to childhood friend Jason Alexander annulled after just 55 hours in January 2004.

Lupe Fiasco (L), LL Cool J (C) and Common perform "The Message" at the Grammy Nominations Concert Live - Countdown to the Music's Biggest Night event at Nokia theatre in Los Angeles November 30, 2011. The 54th annual Grammy Awards will be presented February 12, 2012 in Los Angeles.[Photo/Agencies]

Rapper and "NCIS: Los Angeles" actor LL Cool J will be the first official host of the Grammy Awards in seven years, the Recording Academy said on Wednesday.

"I'm thrilled to be a part of music's biggest night," said the two-time Grammy award winning host.

"I will always have fond memories of my first Grammy Awards and to now be hosting the Grammy show, in the company of so many other incredible artists, is a dream come true."

LL Cool J, who has been the host of the Grammy nominations concert since its first live broadcast in 2008, is the first emcee of the awards program since 2005 when Queen Latifah headlined. Since then, music's biggest night has foregone a host.

The "Mama Said Knock You Out" rapper will lead a star-studded line-up of performances, including country singers Jason Aldean and Taylor Swift, pop singer Kelly Clarkson, rockers The Foo Fighters, R&B singer Bruno Mars and first-time performer, rapper Nicki Minaj.

Kanye West is currently leading the nominations with seven nods, followed by the Foo Fighters, Mars and British singer Adele, who all have six nominations.

The 54th annual Grammy Awards will be held on February 12 in Los Angeles, and broadcast live on CBS.

Johnny Depp arrives with his girlfriend Vanessa Paradis at the 80th annual Academy Awards in Hollywood in this February 24, 2008 file photo. The couple have split up, according to People magazine January 18, 2012.[Photo/Agencies]

Johnny Depp's 14-year romance with French actress and singer Vanessa Paradis has hit the rocks, People magazine claimed on Wednesday, and the couple are living largely separate lives.

In a cover story for this week's issue of People called "Love Gone Wrong", the celebrity magazine quoted several unnamed sources as saying the pair's relationship is nearing an end.

The "Pirates of the Caribbean" star, 48, and Paradis, 39, never married but have been together since 1998 and have two children. They divide their time between France and the United States.

People magazine noted that the pair have not appeared on the red carpet together for more than a year, missing both the Cannes film festival in May 2011 and the Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills on Sunday, where Depp was a presenter.

"According to multiple sources....(they) are all but officially finished," People said.

Depp's representatives did not return calls for comment on the People story, which hits newsstands on Friday.

Actor Mark Wahlberg attends the nominees luncheon for the 83rd annual Academy Awards in Beverly Hills, California February 7, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

Actor Mark Wahlberg apologized on Wednesday for saying events may have turned out differently had he been on one of the planes that crashed on 9/11, after incurring the wrath of critics and one victim's widow.

"If I was on that plane with my kids, it wouldn't have went down like it did. There would have been a lot of blood in that first-class cabin and then me saying, 'OK, we're going to land somewhere safely, don't worry,'" the actor said in an interview with Men's Journal magazine that was released one day earlier.

"The Fighter" star, 44, was scheduled to be on one of the planes that crashed into the World Trade Center on September 11, 2011 and made the comments in that context, but after media outlets reported that a widow of one 9/11 victim called his comments "disrespectful," the actor issued a formal apology.

"To speculate about such a situation is ridiculous to begin with, and to suggest I would have done anything differently than the passengers on that plane was irresponsible. I deeply apologize to the families of the victims that my answer came off as insensitive, it was certainly not my intention," Wahlberg said in a statement.

The Oscar-nominated actor, who started his career in music as rapper Marky Mark, transitioned into film and is currently promoting "Contraband," a high-octane action movie in which he plays a former smuggler forced to protect his brother-in-law.

Madonna uses her fame for "the greater good".

The 53-year-old star knows she is a role model for many women and so tries to set a positive example.

She said: "I am aware that everything I say and do is judged. I use that to the greater good, I know I can influence people."

However, the 'W.E.' director admits she thinks people are sometimes "intimidated" by her power and success.

She told the new issue of Britain's Grazia magazine: "I think people often misunderstand my power and get intimidated by that rather than trying to understand me."

Madonna became a household name in 1984 and though she admits she is "kind of weary" of being in the public eye, she is still fascinated by fame and understands both its good and bad points.

She said: "I'm interested in fame as I am kind of weary of it. I think it has its pluses and minuses.

"I think everyone is intrigued and wants to have a part of that kind of world but if you are smart you realise the trap that it is as well."

Katy Perry has been turned into a computer game character.

The 'One That Got Away' singer - who recently split from husband Russell Brand - will appear in new PC game, 'The Sims 3 Showtime', which will be released in March.

Fans will be able to play as Katy in their games and obtain Katy Perry-themed goodies in the latest offering from the strategic life-simulation video game.

Katy - who will also front the global advertising campaign - said: "I love how you're able to play out different stories through your Sims characters - giving them different careers and watching them succeed. It's cool to see the Sims' stage performances in 'The Sims 3 Showtime' decked out just like my 'California Dreams Tour' - even my cotton candy video screens are in there! I always like to think of myself as a cartoon, and now I'm a Sim!"

Katy will work closely with The Sims Studio to create accessories, clothing, hairstyles, furniture and props so players can get to be the real Katy.

Megan Fox is in negotiations to play the late Dame Elizabeth Taylor in a new movie.

The 'Jonah Hex' star is in competition with Lindsay Lohan for the part in made-for-TV production 'Liz and Dick' for the Lifetime channel, the film's executive producer Larry Thompson has confirmed.

He told E! News: "I've been talking to Lindsay Lohan directly, and with her reps, and have been in conversation with other actresses, including Megan Fox.

"It's a very serious selection. It's like casting for Hollywood royalty."

According to TMZ.com, Lindsay is said to be particularly keen to win the role following a troublesome year, and wants to complete her community service order - placed on her as a result of a 2007 DUI (driving under the influence) case - in quick time.

The contract for the part could be signed as early as next week, and should the 'Mean Girls' actress keep up her speedy work she is expected to be finished with her probation by the end of March, meaning she would be free when the film begins shooting in Canada in spring.

Rihanna is holidaying in Hawaii to reportedly escape her frustrations over Chris Brown.

The 'We Found Love' hitmaker has fled the US for a vacation after learning her ex-boyfriend - who was convicted of assaulting her in 2009 - has got a tattoo of his new partner Karrueche Tran's face.

Chris is said to be so besotted with the Vietnamese model that he opted for an inking of her on his left arm, The Sun newspaper reports.

However, Rihanna seemed to be less than thrilled at the new body art, as she let rip on twitter.

She said: "Cuz of u I'm on some real f**k a n***a s**t!

"U wanna be my main squeeze n***a, don't ya?

"So what n***a, I'm not tryna hear that s**t! (sic)"

The 23-year-old singer later admitted she had rolled a "kush" - a strain of cannabis - cigarette and was pouring herself a drink.

Rihanna tweeted: "Kush rolled, glass full...I prefer the better things! (sic)"

Despite her latest rant, the Bajan beauty recently claimed she would "never wish anything horrible" on Chris - who is serving five years of probation after pleading guilty to attacking her - as her previous resentment for the rapper was "taking up too much" of her time.

She said: "I would never wish anything horrible for him. Never. I never have. It was too much anger. I'm really excited to see the breakthrough he's had in his career.

"It's incredible to see how he pulled out the way he did. Even when the world seemed like it was against him, you know? I really like the music he's putting out. I'm a fan of his stuff. I've always been a fan."

(L - R) Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez, Randy Jackson, Ryan Seacrest, Ken Warwick, Cecile Frot-Coutaz and Mike Darnell of "American Idol" take part in a panel session at the FOX Winter TCA Press Tour in Pasadena, California January 8, 2012.[Photo/Agencies]

"American Idol" returns on Wednesday for an 11th season, facing a new wolf at the door as it tries to retain its place as the No. 1 U.S. TV program -- not so much age, but competition.

Rejuvenated by a judging panel makeover and the discovery of its biggest star in years in country singer Scotty McCreery, the Fox talent show last season saw a four percent increase in audience, reversing a trend that had seen viewership slip.

But that was before NBC launched its surprise 2011 summer hit "The Voice" and Simon Cowell brought his "The X Factor" to Fox in September with outsize hype but underwhelming critical reviews. Each show attracted about half the average 25.2 million viewers who watched "American Idol" in 2011.

Brian Mansfield, who covers "American Idol" for USA Today, said the contest faces more competition this year than ever.

"You are a month away from the end of 'X Factor' and a month away from the beginning of 'The Voice'. And so you do wonder if, even though 'X Factor' was not as big a success as Simon Cowell had anticipated, if it managed to cannibalize viewers from 'Idol.' And I think that is the big question going in," Mansfield said.

"Idol's twice-a-week, five month search for a new singing star won't be going to head to head with "The Voice," which makes its second season premiere after the 2012 Superbowl on February 5 before settling in to a regular Monday night slot. This year, "Idol" will air on Wednesday and Thursday.

Yet, that means reality singing contest fans will face three nights a week of auditions, performances and exits if they want to keep up with both shows.

Fox says it is not overly concerned about the competition, calling "American Idol" the "gold standard" of TV singing contests which has produced bona-fide stars like Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Jennifer Hudson.

"We've had several waves of competitors over the last 10 years, and this show ('Idol') has stood up extraordinarily tall," Fox reality programming chief Mike Darnell told TV reporters last week.

"ROARING BACK"

Darnell recalled that a year ago, TV critics were predicting the demise of "Idol" following the exit of acerbic judge Cowell. But, thanks partly to the addition of Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler and pop star Jennifer Lopez as judges, "it came roaring back."

"This is the show the audience loves, and this is the show the audience wants to come back to," Darnell said.

Fox executives note that even if "American Idol" were to lose 10 percent of its audience from now on, it would still be a Top 3 show until 2015, if all the other shows on TV continued their current performance.

Yet this year, more than ever, questions are being raised about viewer fatigue, given the new, rival shows.

"That is the thing I am really curious about. Is there going to be singing competition burn out?" said Mansfield.

Mansfield wasn't talking so much about "The Voice", which put a twist on the format with blind auditions and live performances by its superstar judges Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton.

"X Factor," however, was so similar to "Idol" that viewers might have little appetite for another singing binge so soon, Mansfield said.

"I would be less concerned about direct competition from 'The Voice' than having viewers siphoned by 'X Factor' who now go, enough of the singing competitions," he said.

The verdict is unlikely to come during the first few weeks of the program, as audiences often don't connect until late in a season when they get a say in which contestants stay or go.

"Idol" caught fire in 2011 as teen country stars Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina emerged as likely finalists. McCreery, 17, the eventual winner, went straight to the top of the Billboard album charts in October in the best debut by an Idol champion since 2008. Last week, McCreery's "Clear As Day" album went platinum after selling more than one million copies.

"Last year, we had nearly twice the numbers to our Idol Chatter website around the final than we have ever had. For us, it was a jaw-dropping number," said Mansfield.

Singer Taylor Swift arrives at the 2011 Billboard Music Awards show in Las Vegas, May 22, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

Taylor Swift says her new album will be about an "absolute crash-and-burn heartbreak," prompting speculation in the media that the latest subject of her songwriting skills may be her short-lived 2010 crush on Jake Gyllenhaal.

Swift, 22, whose "Dear John" song was seen as a bitter ode to ex-boyfriend John Mayer, told Vogue magazine that she was working on her fourth album, and is currently single.

The country-pop crossover artist, who famously wears her heart on her songwriter's sleeve, said that writing about past loves is a way to ease the pain.

"There's just been this earth-shattering, not recent, but absolute crash-and-burn heartbreak and that will turn out to be what the next album is about," she told Vogue in a cover story for its February edition.

"The only way that I can feel better about myself -- pull myself out of that awful pain of losing someone -- is writing songs about it to get some sort of clarity," she said.

Swift dated "Brokeback Mountain" star Gyllenhaal for about three months in late 2010 before their much-photographed relationship ended suddenly around the Christmas holidays that year. U.S. celebrity magazines claimed that Gyllenhaal had ended the relationship because he was unhappy at the attention the couple was generating.

Swift told Vogue she did not feel like dating at the moment. "I really have this great life right now, and I'm not sad and I'm not crying this Christmas, so I am really stoked about that."

Asked whether she was crying last Christmas, Swift replied, "I am not gonna go into it! It's a sad story!"

Swift gave no details, but media speculation over whom she was talking about quickly fell on Gyllenhaal, her last known relationship.

The Grammy-winning young singer's previous romances with "Twilight" actor Taylor Lautner and singer Joe Jonas are widely thought to have inspired her songs "Back to December" and "Forever and Always".

"I think I am smart unless I am really, really in love, and then I am ridiculously stupid," she told Vogue. But she said she had learned some of the romantic pitfalls to avoid, including obsessive privacy.

"I can't deal with someone who's obsessed with privacy. People kind of care if there are two famous people dating. But no one cares that much. If you care about privacy to the point where we need to dig a tunnel under this restaurant so that we can leave? I can't do that," she said.

Actress Lindsay Lohan leaves the court after a progress report hearing in Los Angeles, California January 17, 2012.[Photo/Agencies]

Actress Lindsay Lohan, who is on probation after being convicted for drunk driving and theft, has made good on completing her court-ordered community service and therapy on time, pleasing a judge at a progress hearing on Tuesday.

"Just keep doing what you're doing, and you appear to be doing it well," Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Stephanie Sautner told Lohan at the hearing.

The "Mean Girls" actress, 25, was dressed conservatively in a pale blue cardigan and dark trousers during her the progress report of her second month of a five-month community service sentence at the Los Angeles County morgue, along with taking therapy sessions.

Lohan's next hearing is scheduled for February 22, before which she is required to complete 15 days of community service and five therapy sessions.

If she stays on track, the actress is likely to complete her DUI-related probation by March, and her theft violation will be downgraded to summary, non-supervised probation.

Lohan rose to fame as a likable child star of Disney movies such as "The Parent Trap," but since 2007, she has spent time in rehab and jail after being convicted on drunk driving and drug possession charges.

The actress pleaded no contest, which is the equivalent of guilty, to stealing a gold necklace from a jewelry story in 2011, and was sentenced to 480 hours community service at a L.A. women's detention center and the county morgue.

Lohan's failure to adequately perform that sentence led Sautner to angrily revoke her probation in October and send her to jail. The actress served just over four hours behind bars in November due to overcrowding and was assigned to community service at the county morgue and psychological counseling for the rest of her sentence.

Actor George Clooney appears on stage during the 69th Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, California January 15, 2012.[Photo/Agencies]

Silent-era film "The Artist" and family drama "The Descendants" were the top film picks at the Golden Globe Awards on Sunday in a loose-lipped awards show that even had host Ricky Gervais walking onto the stage with a drink in his hand.

"The Descendants," starring George Clooney as a man steering his family through a tragic time when his wife is in a coma, won two Golden Globe trophies, including the top honor of best dramatic movie and another for Clooney as best dramatic actor.

Onstage he thanked writer/director Alexander Payne and backstage told reporters, "he knows how to tell stories. He knows how to make something funny and how to turn it around."

Clooney called the movie "a coming-of-age film for a 50-year-old and a lot of us have dealt with people like that."

"The Artist," a romantic tale about a failing actor who finds love at a time when movies were changing from silents to talkies, picked up three awards including best musical or comedy and best actor in a musical or comedy for its star, French actor Jean Dujardin.

Onstage, Dujardin did the most appropriate thing -- gave his speech, thanked his colleagues, then signed off by not saying a word. And true to stealing almost every scene of his in the movie, little dog Uggie detracted from an emotional speech by the film's director, Michel Hazanavicius, when the dog begged for a treat.

Other key winners included Meryl Streep for best actress in a film drama with her portrayal of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in "The Iron Lady." Streep, who is typically reliable with a funny acceptance speech had a difficult time reading hers this year when she forgot her glasses.

Michelle Williams took the trophy for best actress in a comedy or musical with her role as Marilyn Monroe in "My Week with Marilyn.

"I consider myself a mother first and an actress second. The person I most want to thank (is) my daughter, my little girl," Williams said referring to her child with the late actor Heath Ledger. "I want to say thank you for sending me off to this job everyday with a hug and a kiss."

Veteran Christopher Plummer, 82, won supporting actor with his portrayal of an elderly man who comes out as gay to his family in "Beginners," bringing both poignancy and a touch of humor to their lives. Octavia Spencer, playing a beleaguered housemaid in the U.S. South during the civil rights era in "The Help" was best supporting actress.

Woody Allen was given a Golden Globe for his screenplay for "Midnight in Paris" and Steven Spielberg won best animated film with his rollicking "The Adventures of Tintin."

Iranian film "A Separation" was named best foreign language film, and its director, Ashgar Farhadi, used the opportunity to tell world audiences that "my people. I think they are a truly peace-loving people."

OSCAR RACE LOOMS

The Golden Globe Awards are given out by the roughly 90 members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association at what annually is among the key events during Hollywood's awards season because of the media exposure it brings.

Many of the movies and stars that win here also go on to compete for Oscars later this year, and "The Artist," which was the most-nominated film coming into the Golden Globes with six nods overall, will certainly become a frontrunner for the world's top film honors, as will "Descendants" and "The Help."

Oscar nominations from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will given out on January 24.

Unlike the Oscar voters, HFPA members also vote on their favorite TV shows and performances and in that arena "Homeland," about a modern-day CIA agent tracking returning war soldiers who may be terrorists, took home two Golden Globes for best drama series and best actress in a drama for Claire Danes.

Best actor in a drama TV series went to Kelsey Grammer for his role as a stern corporate manager in "Boss."

"Modern Family," a take on extended families in current-day America, took the prize for best comedy and its stars enjoyed one of the more memorable moments of the night when star Sofia Vergara gave their acceptance speech in Spanish, with English translation from creator Steve Levitan.

Best actress in a TV comedy went to Laura Dern for "Enlightened" and the comedic actor trophy was won by Matt LeBlanc for "Episodes."

Coming into the show, all eyes were on host Gervais, who ruffled the feathers of many a Hollywood celebrities last year at the Golden Globes. While he didn't tone down his jokes for the 2012 audience -- making fun of Johnny Depp, Jodie Foster, Kim Kardashian and the HFPA itself -- it seemed the stars were in the mood for his biting wit this time around.

"I thought he did a great job," Clooney told reporters backstage. "I think he handled tonight like a proper good host again ... people were expecting a lot of trash talk, and he did a little bit of that, and he made me laugh, he was very funny."

In fact, it seemed Gervais' humor was rather tame at some points compared to others who made penis jokes onstage and used foul language. At one point, Gervais came onstage drinking a beer, but somehow that seemed fitting for an awards show that bills itself as one big Hollywood party.

Feng Xiaogang realizes his dream of being a conductor, after Yu Long (right) hands the baton over to him. Photos by Zou Hong / China Daily

Sun Nan (left) and Na Ying perform a song from Feng Xiaogang's film Sorry Baby.

Composers who contribute to movie soundtracks are gaining prominence in the domestic film industry. Chen Nan reports.

Feng Xiaogang's Film Music Concert, staged on Jan 3 at Beijing's Worker's Stadium, was the first time a Chinese film director has hosted a concert of music from his movies. The show presented 11 songs from flicks Feng has directed over the past 15 years. The China Philharmonic Orchestra provided instrumentation under Yu Long's baton. And singing came from an all-star lineup of vocalists, including Na Ying, Sun Nan, Yu Quan, Han Lei, Yang Kun and Zhang Liangying.

Also present were many of the actors who've starred in Feng's films, including Ge You, Zhang Hanyu, Liu Pei and Zhang Jingchu.

Feng is acclaimed for his work in the genre called hesuipian, or New Year's celebration films, that were popular in the late 1990s. He is celebrated as one of the most successful Chinese filmmakers, whose films consistently do well at the box office.

"I'm very touched," Feng said onstage at the performance.

"I have made 12 movies over the past 15 years. I was 38 when I made the first, and now I'm 54. The songs remind me of every movie I made, the shooting process and the people I worked with."

Scriptwriter Liu Zhenyun, who wrote the screenplay for Feng's Cell Phone in 2003, says: "It's unconventional for a Chinese film director to review his career through the music of his movies. It also shows Feng has positioned his career at the tricky intersection of film and music."

Performances included the namesake song for the film A World Without Thieves, sung by Yang Kun; Sorry Baby, performed by Na Ying and Sun Nan; and the French song Quand je me Regarde from the movie If You Are The One, sung by Shang Wenjie.

Taiwan composer Guo Zi, who directed the concert, says the goal was to invoke nostalgia.

"We wanted to get the music to conjure memories," Guo says.

"Audiences usually pay attention to films' plots and ignore the existence - let alone the power - of the film's music. We hope audiences will have a different understanding of these movies by presenting them through their music."

The concert concluded with the theme song of Feng's first hesuipian, 1997's Dreamy Factory.

Feng's concert could jumpstart Chinese film music's revival, mainland composer Luan Shu believes.

Luan wrote the song Best Not to Meet for Feng's flick If You Are The One 2. Feng used Tsangyang Gyatso's poem Shi Jie Shi, or Ten Prohibitions Poem, for the lyrics and invited Luan to write the music.

The lyrics read: "Best not to meet you. Then I won't fall in love. Best not to know you. Then I won't miss you. Best not to love you. Then I won't leave you."

They moved Luan.

"It's a beautiful poem that ponders the meaning of love, which echoes the film's theme," Luan says.

Luan invited rock singer Li Mo to perform the vocals.

"I wrote it in a slow and soothing, yet emotional way," Luan says.

"Li's gravelly voice went well with the song. Feng knew exactly what he wanted and trusted me, even though the song is simple and the singer wasn't famous."

While Feng is the first to host such a concert in the country, he is one of many filmmakers who work directly with musicians or seek out unknown musicians, rather than paying music companies for rights to their songs.

"These directors know their tastes and what music can do for their movies," Luan says.

"The musician's fame doesn't matter. What's important is the harmony between the music and film."

Original film music by Chinese musicians has been a staple of the country's film industry since its heyday in the 1980s, when Chinese directors like Chen Kaige and Zhang Yimou were snapping up international awards.

A case in point is Zhao Jiping, who wrote the music for Zhang's early movies To Live and Ju Dou, and Chen's Farewell My Concubine.

Beijing rocker Dou Wei won the Best Original Score at 2009's Taiwan Golden Horse Awards for the film The Equation of Love and Death. Chinese composer Tan Dun's music won the Best Original Score at the 73rd Academy Awards for director Ang Lee's Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. He also composed for Zhang's Hero and Feng's The Banquet.

Musician San Bao composed the soundtracks for Zhang's The Road Home and Feng's Be There or Be Square and Big Shot's Funeral.

He also took up the baton for the China Film Symphony Orchestra at the concert Direct Influence - San Bao's Symphony Concert, in 2009. The performance presented about 20 original scores that he wrote for classical movies and TV series.

"I believe movies can be told through music," San Bao says.

"The characters' emotions and story's development can be interpreted through music, which influences audiences. But, basically, music serves movies."

Most of San Bao's works have a strong classical influence because he started classical training at age 13.

His first composition for film was for the movie After Divorce, which was directed by Wang Rui in 1995.

"Wang has his distinctive style," San Bao says.

"He told me about the movie and what kind of music he wanted. I'm a pessimist, and the movie is very sad. Soon, I found the connection and finished the music.

"I am not a talkative person, but my music is very expressive. Maybe that's why those directors came to me."

San Bao says few people knew about film music in 1995.

"I approached the music with an experimental attitude," he says.

"Actually, there is a lot of great film music, which is an indispensable part of the films. You just need to listen to it with your heart."

San Bao says he's happy to see more Chinese filmmakers and audiences recognize music's importance to films rather than myopically focusing on actors.

But film music's value is still largely overlooked in China, says composer Wang Liguang, who wrote music for Feng's The Assembly and A World Without Thieves.

"The industry is a huge part of Hollywood and movie soundtracks sell millions of copies. But when a movie ends, audiences don't listen to the closing music. They just get up and leave, without knowing what they've missed."

He says this is a challenge for composers and filmmakers.

"I believe audiences will want to know the music if it's really good," he says.

"After all, what's left in your mind after the film is over isn't just the plot and dialogue but also the music. These are all movies' souls."

Zhang Hanyu, who starred in Feng's The Assembly, arrives at the concert.

Britain's Prince William bought Duchess Catherine a puppy for her birthday.

The couple - who married last April - have been pictured with the baby black Labrador as they strolled near their home in Anglesey, Wales, and it is believed the dog was a gift from the prince to his wife, who turned 30 last Monday (09.01.12).

A source said: "The dog is ever so cute. The duke and duchess have been seen with it several times and he runs along at their heels.

"They are constantly in fits of laughter as it tries to catch them up."

The couple are known to be dog lovers and both kept the animals as pets when they were growing up with William owning a black Labrador named Wigeon.

Catherine celebrated her birthday with a quiet meal with family and friends - including her siblings Pippa and James Middleton and William's friend Guy Pelly - at a private dining room in London. A source said: "Yes, it's a milestone birthday, but it's been a year of milestones for Kate and she's happy to keep things low key.

"She will be celebrating it but it will just be with a few people and it won't be anything fancy.

"Of course she wants to raise a glass to an incredible year and to this new decade of her life but she doesn't feel the need to go wild."

Kristen Stewart is to become the face of Balenciaga fragrances.

The 'Twilight Saga' actress - who has previously confessed to not knowing much about the fashion world - is excited to be involved with the "cool" brand, as she has always been a big fan of the Spanish design house.

She said: "Balenciaga has always stood out to me. Even when I first began to consider fashion and admittedly rarely knew the brand I was wearing, I always knew and loved Balenciaga. It feels full circle to be involved with something that spoke to me then and of course continues to excite me now. The brand is just cool. That's the way it is."

Creative director of the brand Nicolas Ghesquiere admitted Kristen - who is currently dating her 'Twilight Saga' co-star Robert Pattinson - was great for Balenciaga because of her "progressive character".

He told WWD: "Kristen embodies the modernity of the new Balenciaga fragrance with her unique sensibility and intelligence.

"From her early appearance in 'Panic Room' to her independent choice of 'Welcome to the Rileys', I've always sensed her progressive character. In 2006, I invited her to appear in a project shot by Bruce Weber. Since then, I've always wished to collaborate with her further, knowing that she shares the radical spirit of Balenciaga."

Charlotte Gainsbourg will continue to be the face of Balenciaga Paris.

Katy Perry and Russell Brand are meeting for crisis talks in Los Angeles.

The actor-and-comedian - who filed for divorce from the singer on December 30 - has flown to the US from his native Britain to discuss the details of the couple's separation ahead of attending the Golden Globe awards this evening (15.01.12).

However, while Russell is said to be "determined to move on" from the 14-month marriage, Katy is hopeful the pair may reignite their relationship.

A friend of the couple said: "He has agreed to meet her one last time. He wants to sort things out and finalise the divorce. Removal trucks have been moving his things out of the house they lived in and into a new place that Russell is renting.

"He needed to be in Los Angeles for the Golden Globes too, so it was an ideal opportunity to meet. He is determined to move on. But Katy says she is still in love with him and she still has hopes they might get back together."

Meanwhile, a distraught Katy is being comforted by her Christian pastor parents, Keith and Mary Hudson, who have also been "reaching out to Russell" in the hope of encouraging the couple to get back together.

The insider added to the Sunday Mirror newspaper: "Keith and Mary flew from Georgia to Los Angeles earlier this week to be with their daughter. She is doing OK under the ¬circumstances, but this has been a very tough road for her.

"Keith and Mary have also been reaching out to Russell and sent him a text telling him he is in their thoughts and that they love him."

The Universal action drama film starring Mark Wahlbergas a reformed smuggler debuted above expectations at No. 1 with $24 million, while Disney's 3-D rerelease of "Beauty and the Beast" waltzed into the No. 2 position with $18.5 million, according to studio estimates Sunday. Both films helped boost Hollywood's business after a sluggish holiday season.

"It's great to have an uptick in the total box office, and Universal is thrilled that 'Contraband' was the driving force behind that," said Nikki Rocco, head of distribution for the studio. "I think it's combination of a great marketing campaign, audiences love Mark Wahlberg and (producer) Working Title made a terrific movie, particularly for the cost."

"Joyful Noise," the Warner Bros.' musical comedy starring Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton, opened below expectations with $11.3 million in the No. 4 spot behind Paramount's "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol," which earned $11.5 million in its fifth week, bringing the total haul of the fourth installment of the Tom Cruise action franchise to $186.7 million.

"The Devil Inside," Paramount's horror film that scared up a massive $33.7 million debut last weekend, experienced a steep 77 percent drop in its second weekend, coming in at No. 6 with $7.9 million. Hollywood.com analyst Paul Dergarabedian said the film's terrifying plunge didn't matter because the independently produced movie has already made a huge profit.

"Horror movies typically drop big, but that is a huge drop," said Dergarabedian. "It doesn't matter because 'Devil Inside' is a profit-making machine. If your budget is low enough, who cares if it drops big and you're making money? It's already one of the most profitable films of the past year, so there's nothing really to complain about there."

"The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo," "War Horse" and "The Iron Lady" were the only Golden Globes contenders that managed to crack the top ten ahead of Sunday's ceremony. "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" fell to the No. 7 spot in its fourth week of release, while "War Horse" galloped into the No. 9 position. "Iron Lady" rounded out the list at No. 10.

"The Artist," which leads this year's Globes race with six nominations, earned $1.1 million at No. 14, and the George Clooney family drama "The Descendants," which is tied for second place with "The Help" with five nominations, surfed away with $2 million at No. 13. Other contenders, such as "The Help" and "Midnight in Paris," left theaters last year.

Overall domestic revenues totaled $130 million, on par with the same weekend last year, when "The Green Hornet" led with $33.5 million and the box office totaled $130.1 million, according to box-office tracker Hollywood.com.

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Hollywood.com. Where available, latest international numbers are also included. Final domestic figures will be released Monday.

1. "Contraband," $24 million ($1.5 million international).

2. "Beauty and the Beast," $18.5 million.

3. "Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol," $11.5 million ($16.8 million international).

4. "Joyful Noise," $11.3 million.

5. "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows," $8.4 million ($27.4 million international).

6. "The Devil Inside," $7.9 million.

7. "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo," $6.8 million ($16.5 million international).

8. "Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked," $5.8 million ($14.4 million international).

9. "War Horse," $5.6 million ($8.5 million international).

10. "The Iron Lady," $5.3 million ($3.4 million international).

Actors Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt pose for photographers as they arrive at the 69th annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, California January 15, 2012.[Photo/Agencies]

Hollywood A-listers including George Clooney paraded up the Golden Globe Awards' red carpet on Sunday ahead of the ceremony honoring the year's best films and TV shows hosted by acerbic comedian Ricky Gervais.

The British funnyman returns to the Golden Globe stage for the third straight year to host the champagne-soaked bash where prizes are given to actors, actresses, directors and producers in precursor of the more staid Oscars later this year.

Along with Clooney, Angelina Jolie, Meryl Streep, Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio and numerous others were expected to walk the fashion-filled red carpet ahead of dinner and the program.

Gervais arrived early in a crimson and black tuxedo, Clooney looked dapper in gray. "Modern Family" TV star Sofia Vergara showed off a form-fitting, teal-colored Vera Wang gown and Harry Winston jewels.

Many actresses wore strapless dresses or had plunging necklines and hand-tied bowties were a must among men. Even Uggie the dog from most-nominated film "The Artist" put his four paws on the carpet -- black tie around his neck, of course.

While movies, TV shows and celebrities capture the limelight at the Golden Globe Awards, all eyes will be on Gervais this year after his caustic sense of humor and teasing of stars last year tweaked the sensibilities of some celebrities. He hadn't been expected to return, but here he is.

"I did it because the media said I wouldn't come back. I'm here to annoy them," Gervais said on the red carpet before the big show. When asked about his opening routine, he repeated statements he's made in recent weeks.

"I don't think I'm going to push the boundaries, more of the same, I think. I didn't think I said anything outrageous last year," he said.

The Golden Globe Awards are given out by the roughly 90 members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association at what annually is among the key events during Hollywood's awards season because of the media exposure it brings.

OSCAR INFLUENCE?

Honors bestowed on TV shows often lure audiences that can turn a little-seen program into a hit, and films and stars that are declared Golden Globe winners often go on to compete for Oscars, the world's top movie prizes given out later this year.

But veteran Hollywood awards watcher Tom O'Neil of website Goldderby.com notes that in recent years, as more awards shows have aired on TV and Oscar organizers have made changes to their nomination process, the HFPA's influence has waned.

"Six of the last seven years they haven't picked the same best movie. 'Slumdog Millionaire' is the only one," said O'Neil.

Silent-era film "The Artist," a romantic tale shot in the style of old Hollywood, heads into Sunday night's ceremony with six nominations, including best comedy or musical. Late last week, it was named 2011's best movie at the Critics' Choice Awards and appears a good bet to take the Golden Globe for best musical or comedy.

HFPA voters also pick a winner of best film drama, and "The Descendants," starring Clooney as a father trying to keep his family together during a crisis, has the strongest shot at walking off a victor, O'Neil said. Although civil rights drama "The Help" also has been well-received in Hollywood this year.

Among actors and actresses, Meryl Streep looks to be a good pick to claim the trophy for best actress in a drama playing former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in "The Iron Lady." She faces a challenge from Viola Davis in "The Help," after Davis also picked up the Critics' Choice trophy.

Michelle Williams competes for best actress in a movie musical or comedy in "My Week with Marilyn" against the likes of "Saturday Night Live" comedian Kristen Wiig for "Bridesmaids."

Clooney with "Descendants" takes on Leonardo DiCaprio for "J. Edgar" and Brad Pitt in "Moneyball" in the best drama actor category, and "Artist" star, Frenchman Jean Dujardin, is the odds-on bet for best actor in a film musical or comedy.

Among TV shows, thriller "Homeland" is one of the new shows competing for best drama, taking on others such as "American Horror Story" and "Game of Thrones." Best comedy nominees feature past favorites such as "Glee" and "Modern Family."

The three-hour Golden Globe Awards show airs live on NBC on Sunday night, starting at 8 p.m. EST (0100 GMT on Monday).

Jennifer Hudson wants a daughter "so bad".

The singer-and-actress - who has two-year-old son, David Jr, with fiance David Otunga - explained while she is desperate for a little girl, she is planning to wait before trying for another child.

She said: "I want a little girl so bad. And my son walks around saying, 'I want a sister.'

"I want a little girl so bad! But not right now. Give it about three more years."

Despite her desire for a daughter, Jennifer admits David is the "sweetest thing" and has picked up both of his parents' trades, but prefers to switch them around.

She added in an interview with 'Access Hollywood': "He's always been such a good baby and he's just the sweetest thing. He's such a blessing. He's very advanced for his age, so he likes to talk a lot. He's a chatterbox.

"He loves to sing, he loves to wrestle. But he likes to wrestle mommy and sing to daddy!"

The Oscar-winning actress recently advised her 'Dreamgirls' co-star Beyonce Knowles to get as much sleep as she can while she gets used to being a new mother to week-old baby daughter Blue Ivy.

Jennifer said: "Girl, get your sleep! We talked about this when I had my munchkin. It goes so fast. She's going to look up and Blue is going to be six months. Next thing you know, she's going to be walking."

Madonna is a "details freak".

The 52-year-old singer always likes to be in control and thinks it is important to consider every aspect of a project, no matter how small.

Speaking about her new movie 'W.E.', which she directed, produced and wrote, she said: "I wouldn't go so far as to say I'm a control freak, but I am a detail freak. I chose the costumes, the locations, the lamps, the tables, the carpets, the drapes - everything.

"I also liked to put the finishing touches on the actors before they did their scenes- you know, with their hair or clothes.

"Putting on a bracelet or something on to Andrea [Riseborough]'s wrist gave me an emotional connection before directing her. Some of the jewellery we used was actually Wallis Simpson's."

Madonna - who has been married twice before and is currently dating dancer Brahim Zaibat - believes she is in control of her own "destiny", a message she reflects in the movie.

She explained: "It's about what Wallis says in the movie - 'Get a life'. Happiness lies in our own hands and we are in charge of our own destiny."

Beyonce Knowles and Jay-Z have made a $100,000 donation to the New York hospital where they welcomed daughter Blue Ivy into the world.

The couple - who became parents for the first time last Saturday (07.01.12) - are said to have given a "very large" financial offering to Lenox Hill Hospital before the singer checked in to the facility's brand new "executive suite".

An insider told RadarOnline.com: "Jay Z and Beyonce made a very large donation to Lenox Hill Hospital several months ago - the donation was at least $100,000."

The superstar pair have already splashed out more than $1.5 million on lavish gifts for their newborn daughter, including a $600,000 rocking horse, a $15,000 high chair and a $30,000 playhouse.

A source recently explained: "They're really pulling out all the stops - the two of them have been spending like there's no tomorrow! Together they've bought a Swarovski-studded high chair by Carla Monchen for $15,000, and a Fantasy 'posh tots' coach carriage crib for $22,000.

"Jay-Z bought Beyonce a solid gold handmade Ginza Tanaka rocking horse for $600,000. They've even splashed out on a $30,000 magical windmill playhouse for the garden and a mini Bugatti car, too."

Charlize Theron is a fan of "chicken fillets".

While the Oscar-winning actress admits bust-boosting gel cups are the "most bizarre, un-sexy thing there is", she often opts for them when attending high-profile events.

She said: "I wear those! If you don't have boobs, you wear those cutlets. I heard a story of a girl who was on a date, started making out, and thought, 'Oh, he's going to touch the cutlets!'

"It's just the most bizarre, unsexy thing there is."

However, the 36-year-old beauty - who grew up in South Africa - could have had more than just bust size problems to contend with, as she explained she didn't have any front teeth until the age of eight due to antibiotics rotting her gnashers.

Charlize added in an interview with W magazine: "For the first eight years of my life, I didn't have front teeth.

"I was pretty sick as an infant, and antibiotics rotted them. But then I started to take dance class, and I eventually got some teeth."

Director Madonna arrives for the premiere of her film W.E. in London January 11, 2012.[Photo/Agencies]

Lady Gaga has been up front about her admiration for Madonna. But does Madonna share the love?

The "Material Girl" sounded lukewarm in U.S. interviews released on Friday, calling her influence on Gaga's music "interesting" and "amusing." Sometimes.

"I certainly think she references me a lot in her work. And sometimes I think it's amusing and flattering and well done," Madonna, 53, told ABC News in a television interview.

"There's a lot of ways to look at it. I can't really be annoyed by it...because obviously, I've influenced her," the pop star told ABC.

The comparisons between the two divas, both known for combining provocative stunts with catchy dance-pop hits, came to a head when Gaga released her "Born This Way" single last February.

The song was instantly likened to Madonna's 1989 hit "Express Yourself".

"When I heard it on the radio .I said that sounds very familiar," Madonna said. Asked if that felt annoying, Madonna responded, "It felt reductive."

Pressed by ABC interviewer Cynthia McFadden whether that was a good or bad thing, Madonna replied "look it up".

In a separate interview in the upcoming issue of Newsweek, Madonna described "Born This Way" as "a wonderful way to redo my song."

"I mean, I recognized the chord changes. I thought it was... interesting," she added.

"Born This Way" became an instant hit for Lady Gaga, 25, topping the charts in 19 countries and becoming the fastest selling song in iTunes history.

The Grammy-winning singer told U.S. talk show host Jay Leno in February that she was Madonna's "hugest fan personally and professionally."

As for "Born This Way", Gaga told Leno; "The good news is that I got an e-mail from her (Madonna's) people, and her sending me their love and complete support on behalf of the single."

Cast members Ed Harris (L), Julianne Moore and Woody Harrelson attend the panel for the HBO television film ''Game Change'' at the Television Critics Association winter press tour in Pasadena, California January 13, 2012.[Photo/Agencies]

Americans may be gearing up for the 2012 presidential elections, but HBO is revisiting the drama of the 2008 race to the White House in a TV film about Sarah Palin and John McCain.

"Game Change," starring Julianne Moore as Palin and Ed Harris as McCain, is based on the 2010 book by John Heilemann and Mark Halperin that documented the behind-the-scenes action of the presidential campaign four years ago.

But the new film, which will premier on March 10, focuses on the rise of Palin as McCain's 2008 Republican Party running mate.

"We felt that story of Sarah Palin is truly one of the great American political stories of our time," writer Danny Strong told television reporters on Friday.

Moore said that she spent hours working with a vocal coach to master Palin's "idiosyncratic way of speaking" as well as reading Palin's book and watching her TV reality show, "Sarah Palin's Alaska."

"It's a daunting task to play somebody who's not only a living figure but also hugely well known. So for me, the most important thing was accuracy. We're all very familiar with her and those iconic moments four years ago," said Moore, who starred in movie drama "The Hours" and "The Kids Are Alright".

Strong said he was given interviews with everyone he wrote into the film. Except for Palin. Instead, he used the former Alaska governor's own book "Going Rogue" as one of his main sources.

"Her (Palin's) situation was an extraordinary one. She was someone who was involved in state politics and suddenly thrust into international politics, and clearly wasn't prepared," said Moore.

"She was so incredibly charismatic and so unbelievably able to communicate, a true populist," she said.

"Saturday Night Live" actress Tina Fey, whose Palin impersonations became one of the highlights of the 2008 presidential campaign, will also appear in "Game Change", which incorporates news footage into the film .

"I really looked forward to the moment where Julianne Moore as Sarah Palin, would be watching Tina Fey as Sarah Palin. I thought that would be interesting to the story," said director Jay Roach.

Harris, who researched McCain in-depth before portraying him, said his respect for the Arizona Senator deepened.

"He's a man of commended sense of honor and duty, and when he decided to go into politics, by his own admission, his ambition and his ego were constantly in conflict with his sense of honor and duty and patriotism," the "Beautiful Mind" actor said.

Palin, 47, a favorite of the Tea Party movement, ended months of speculation last October by announcing she would not seek a presidential run in 2012.

The sequel to the 2009 film Sherlock Holmes, based on the character created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, will reveal the detective's latest battle of wits with the criminal mastermind James Moriarty over a series of unrelated murders and terrorist attacks.

Interview

Pop queen Avril Lavigne shows how she's been transforming from girlish to womanly as she tours the Middle Kingdom. Chen Nan reports.

Chinese fans went crazy when they heard Canadian singer-songwriter Avril Lavigne would attend the New Year's Eve gala in Hubei's provincial capital Wuhan.

They joined the paparazzi to pack the lobby of the Shangri-La Hotel, where Lavigne and her 15-member crew were staying.

They knew Lavigne had flown in on a private jet from Shanghai the day before and wouldn't leave the hotel until showtime.

The audience became frantic when the camera followed Lavigne as she walked through the dimly lit backstage hallway and dashed onstage, brandishing a red microphone.

More than 1,000 fans, mostly young, crammed into the ground floor to catch a fleeting glimpse of the star. They kept security busy, as some hopped over the metal fence and others stood on chairs.

Lavigne is among the most beloved Western stars in China. She headlined the China Music Valley International Festival, performing for a crowd of 40,000, on Beijing's outskirts in March 2011.

She began her Black Star Tour at the end of April 2011 and will finish in February.

She will perform in Guangdong's provincial capital Guangzhou on Feb 11 and in Beijing on Feb 14.

Although Lavigne usually shuns media, she gave a handful of interviews in Wuhan' Shangri-La Hotel before the show.

Clad in a sable blazer and boots, and a black T-shirt emblazoned with a skull, Lavigne appeared more catlike than her triumphant stage persona.

It seemed perhaps representative of her transformation from an unrepentant teen tomboy into a sophisticated woman, since her career began.

While she's sassy onstage, she appeared nervous in the interview seat.

Lavigne paused thoughtfully before answering every question, often twisting her blond hair, narrowing her eyes and pursing her lips.

She laughed loudly at her own accent when answering requests to say "Happy New Year" in Chinese for the cameras. She seemed more girlish than womanly at that moment.

"Speaking Chinese is really hard for me, you know. I've practised for months to sing the lyrics of Girlfriend in Chinese," she says, smiling and muttering, "nupengyou (girlfriend)".

"I spent last year's New Year Eve in Hawaii. And this year, I am here in China with my band, on the other side of the globe. China has been good to me, and I spent lots of time in Asia last year. It's always exciting to see the crowds. The Chinese food is good. I can always find delicious noodles in China."

Lavigne was 16 when she released her debut album, Let Go, which was 2002's best-selling debut.

She has gone on to win fans of many ages with chart-toppers like pop rock hits Skater Boy and Complicated.

She is quick to name her brother as her idol.

"He is always supportive and inspiring," Lavigne says. "I feel safe and comfortable when he is around."

She realizes she has grown up over the past decade.

"Everything is unpredictable, and I just follow my instincts, which made me who I am today," she says.

Her fourth album, Goodbye Lullaby, which was released in March 2011, showcases her songwriting abilities.

"It's a slower-paced album than my previous stuff," she says. "It's very personal and sums up what I've been through in the past few years."

Her drummer explained her transition like this: "She's like your little sister. She is growing up, but she is still the little sister."

Lavigne says she wanted to show a different side of herself.

"Rocking out onstage, running around fist-pumping, jumping - I love to do that. But I also have to be solo at a piano and sing or an acoustic guitar," she explains.

"I don't want to make the same record over and over. For the new album, which I am still working on, I will have energetic songs and slow songs. They are all from my real life."

Lavigne has also morphed into a businesswoman in her late 20s, with her own perfume and fashion line.

An hour before the show, Lavigne was told it was inappropriate to wear a shirt printed with a skull for the New Year's Eve gala, because Chinese audiences might consider the image to be bad luck.

Her team became anxious, as everything had long been planned out and set up.

"It's okay," Lavigne says, giggling.

"I am the stylist. I love black T-shirts, and I've got many. I have one with me without a skull."

The discussion ends with a question about her favorite part of pop stardom.

Without hesitation, she replies: "Playing live. Being on the stage is awesome!"

Calvin Klein and his boyfriend are "on a break".

The 67-year-old fashion designer made an appearance at the Dream Downtown hotel's Ph-D nightclub in New York on Sunday (08.01.12) without 21-year-old Nick Gruber and now insiders claim the couple - who began dating almost two years ago - are no longer together.

A source told the New York Daily News newspaper: "They're on a break. They could get back together, but who knows?"

Friends of the pair describe their relationship as "on-and-off" but nightclub promoter Daniel Nardicio insists Nick wants to spend the "rest of his life" with Calvin.

Daniel - who says he is currently working with Nick - told the Village Voice newspaper: "He's been very open with me about how he and Calvin met and how he really loves Calvin and wants to spend the rest of his life with him.

"He was pretty open about his sexual past, and is thinking of becoming a trainer/ nutritionist."

Last year, Calvin threw a huge party to celebrate Nick turning 21.

A leaked copy of the invitation revealed it read: "In the spirit of the New Year and in celebration of Nick Gruber's birthday, please join Calvin Klein for dinner and drinks at Indochine Jan. 21 at 9 p.m. It will be the hottest ticket for New York's gay and fashion elite."

Katy Perry announces the nominees for Album of the Year at The Grammy Nominations Concert Live - Countdown to the Music's Biggest Night event at Nokia theatre in Los Angeles November 30, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

Katy Perry is in the popular clique now.

The singer-actress won the most People's Choice Awards at Wednesday's 38th annual fan-favorite extravaganza, but viewers wouldn't have known it from watching the ceremony. An absentee Perry was honored in five categories, including favorite female artist, tour headliner, song of the year for "E.T." with Kanye West, music video for "Last Friday Night" and TV guest star for "How I Met Your Mother."

Despite originally being touted by the show's organizers as among the nominees expected to attend, Perry told fans on Twitter earlier this week that she wouldn't make it to the show but that "I want to thank u all for voting for me, fingers crossed!" It would have marked Perry's first public appearance since British actor-comedian Russell Brand filed for divorce from Perry last month after 14 months of marriage.

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2," the final installment of the magical film series starring Daniel Radcliffe, followed behind Perry with four wins for favorite movie, action movie, book adaptation and ensemble movie cast, but the film's stars also weren't present at the ceremony, leaving more screen time on the CBS broadcast for other winners in the show's 43 categories honoring TV, film and music.

Ellen DeGeneres, Nina Dobrev, Chloe Grace Moretz, Adam Levine, Lea Michele and Demi Lovato, who performed "Give Your Heart a Break," were among the winners on hand to accept their awards selected by Internet votes.

"For all the Rachel Berrys out there, this one's for you guys," said Michele, who won as favorite comedy TV actress for her "Glee" role.

Emma Stone and Johnny Depp — another no-show — won two trophies at the ceremony, which was hosted by "The Big Bang Theory" star Kaley Cuoco. Depp and Stone, respectively, won the favorite movie actor and actress awards, while Depp was also honored as favorite animated movie voice for "Rango," and Stone was selected as favorite comedic movie actress.

"I moved to L.A. eight years ago this week with my mom, who's right there," Stone said while accepting her pair of crystal trophies. "It is so insane to be standing up here right now. It is hard to describe to you."

Among the TV winners were "How I Met Your Mother" for TV comedy, "Two Broke Girls" for new TV comedy, "Hot in Cleveland" for cable TV comedy, Neil Patrick Harris for TV comedy actor, "Supernatural" for TV drama and sci-fi/fantasy show, "Person of Interest" for new TV drama, "Pretty Little Liars" for cable TV drama and Nathan Fillion for TV drama actor.

Winners in the movie categories included Hugh Jackman for action star, "Bridesmaids" for comedy movie, "Water for Elephants" for drama movie, Adam Sandler for comedic movie actor and Ryan Reynolds as Green Lantern for favorite superhero. Morgan Freeman was bestowed with the first-ever favorite movie icon award.

"When I found out that I'd been nominated for the first-ever People's Choice movie icon award, I decided to look up 'icon,'" Freeman said. "Here's what I found: The first definition said an icon is a tiny picture on a computer screen that represents a file."

Actress Jessica Alba arrives to attend the 21st annual Glamour Magazine Women of the Year award ceremony in New York November 7, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

Jessica Alba's husband bought her a necklace to celebrate the arrival of their second child.

The 'Little Fockers' star gave birth to daughter Haven last August and not only did she get a new baby but she also got an expensive piece of jewellery from spouse Cash Warren.

Speaking at the Forevermark and InStyle Promise of Beauty and Brilliance Golden Globe Awards cocktail party at the Beverly Hills Hotel last night (11.01.12), she said: "For my push gift, Cash gave me a really beautiful Hilary Tisch necklace. It's edgy and really cool."

The 30-year-old actress sent pulses racing at the glitzy event by donning a kinky PVC dress paired with black heels.

Jessica - who also has a three-year-old daughter Honor Marie with Cash - has been praised for her post-pregnancy figure, with pregnant blonde Jessica Simpson recently admitting the actress is an inspiration to her.

Perhaps one thing that helped the 'Machete' star spring back into shape was her reluctance to go "crazy" with food while she was carrying Haven.

Jessica said: "I didn't gain as much weight with my second pregnancy, so I think that really made a big difference. I did pre-natal yoga up until the very end. I just made healthier choices. I started working out and not going too crazy, but I did what was safe and what the doctor approved."

Director Madonna arrives for the premiere of her film W.E. in London January 11, 2012.[Photo/Agencies]

Madonna "needs" to have a partner in her life.

The 53-year-old singer - who is currently dating 24-year-old dancer Brahim Zaibat - explained while her children Lourdes, 15, Rocco, 11, David Banda and Mercy James, both 5, fulfill her in many ways, she constantly feels the need to have a boyfriend as she doesn't want to live alone.

She said: "I don't want to live my life on my own. I love being a mother. My children fill me up in many ways, and inspire me in many ways, but I need a partner in my life and I think most people feel that way.

"I've never really lived a conventional life, so I think it's quite foolish for me or anyone else to start thinking that I am going to start making conventional choices."

Despite having also dated 24-year-old Brazilian model Jesus Luz following her divorce from director Guy Ritchie three years ago, Madonna maintains she didn't intend to have relationships with younger men and blames the "romantic" in her for her choice in boyfriends.

She added in an interview on 'Nightline': "I didn't choose to, you know, I didn't, like, write down on a piece of paper I'm now going to have a relationship with a younger man.

"That's just what happened. You see, that's the romantic in me. I just met someone that I cared for, and this happened to be his age."

Katy Perry and Russell Brand hadn't spoken about divorce prior to their split.

Although the pair were said to be having "normal couple problems" before the actor-and-comedian filed for divorce on December 30 - just over a year after they first tied the knot - Katy reportedly had no idea Russell was considering ending their marriage for good.

A source told HollywoodLife.com: "Katy and Russell were having normal couple problems. There was no talk of divorce around Thanksgiving. It all happened right before Christmas but no one, not even Katy saw the divorce coming."

While the singer is said to be "devastated" at the marital split, the insider added that there is "zero chance" of the couple rekindling their romance.

Russell recently admitted he found it hard not to "cherish and crave" his wilder days before he met Katy.

In an interview recorded shortly before the couple's split, he said: "I'd do a gig and four or five women would come back.

"There were times when it wasn't all desperate and ugly. There were times when I was this representation of pure libertarianism and sexuality. It's so hard not to cherish them and crave them.

"I know where they ended up. I know where they went, but I became this thing. Women meeting across me. One would leave, another would come. There'd be crossovers. And they had no problem with each other. And it was blissful."

Simon Cowell is enjoying a luxury break with diamond divorcée Zeta Graff.

The 'X Factor' boss is holidaying on a £30 million yacht off the coast of St Barts with a group of people including former love Sinitta, his close friend, gaming mogul Andrew Silverman and his wife Lauren and Zeta, who has been referred to as his "date".

A source told the Daily Mirror: "Simon has known Zeta for a few years and the pair have always remained in touch.

"She is with him for the New Year break and has been keeping him company. Zeta fits in really well with his gang and she makes him laugh. They have a real giggle together."

Zeta, 43 - who starred in 'The Fifth Element' - has a 19-year-old son Laurence with former husband Francois, a diamond heir.

Simon's fiancee Mezghan Hussainy - who hasn't been seen with the 52-year-old mogul for over two months - is not on the trip.

Last year, Simon claimed he was "not sure" whether he is still engaged to the 38-year-old beauty, and his 86-year-old mum Julie also revealed she has not seen Mezghan "for months".

When asked about the couple's relationship, she said: "I honestly don't know, I've hardly seen him. I saw him three days last week and he was working constantly, of course, every day in the studio while he was here. I met him briefly for dinner and he didn't discuss anything with me. He's very private, Simon, about his personal life. He won't talk about it, so I'm as much in the dark as everyone else.

"I haven't seen Mezhgan for months - she's been in America all this time and I don't know if she's working or what, because she has her make-up company and is very busy."

Actress Lindsay Lohan arrives for a hearing at Los Angeles Superior Court in Los Angeles on December 14, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

Lindsay Lohan has slammed the paparazzi photographer who is suing her as an "opportunist".

The troubled actress - who is being targeted by Grigor Baylan after she allegedly ran him over in her car as she attempted to make a swift departure from a Hollywood nightclub - thinks he is "on another planet" because she wasn't even behind the wheel of the vehicle at the time of the incident.

A friend of the star told RadarOnline.com: "Lindsay wasn't even driving the car. She sees this paparazzo as an opportunist that is trying to make quick money and using her to do so. Lindsay is going to vigorously defend herself, and is hopeful that the lawsuit will be dismissed.

"Lindsay is considering taking legal action against him for naming her in the lawsuit. If this person thinks he is going to be cut a check and paid to go away, he is living on another planet."

While the photographer's lawyer Neil Steiner has admitted Lindsay was not driving the car at the time of the alleged incident, he told gossip website TMZ that she was being named in the case because her assistant was at the wheel and operating under her instruction.

Mr. Steiner said he had contacted the 'Mean Girl' actress' insurance company to settle the claim but they only made an "insignificant offer".

The lawyer insisted he is only seeking "reasonable compensation" for his client, who was medically treated for orthopaedic and neurologic injuries following the incident, which took place on January 10, 2010.

Dr. Conrad Murray has returned to court to try and prove Michael Jackson caused his own death.

The medic is currently serving four years for the involuntary manslaughter of the 'Thriller' singer - who died while in his care in June 2009 of acute Propofol intoxication - but has asked for evidence excluded from his trial to be seen by court, in an attempt to reduce the amount of cash he has been ordered to pay Michael's family.

Dr. Murray cannot, due to his conviction, claim he had no responsibilty for Michael's death, but still wants to argue Michael self-administered a fatal dose of Propofol. His lawyers think if they can prove this, the amount of restitution money Dr. Murray should pay would also be reduced.

Prosecutors claim the disgraced doctor should pay $100 million to Michael's children - Prince Michael, 14, Paris, 13, and nine-year-old Prince Michael II, nicknamed 'Blanket' - equivalent to what he was expected to earn from his 'This is It' shows, scheduled to start at London's The 02 days after he was found dead aged 50 and to cover funeral and memorial service expenses.

Deputy District Attorney David Waigren told the Los Angeles court that Jackson's children are "entitled to wages or profits lost due to injury incurred by the victim".

Dr. Murray's lawyer, J. Michael Flanagan, is hoping to halve this amount.

A judge will decide how much restitution is required. The appeal continues.

Jessica Simpson is craving food from her "childhood" as she prepares to welcome her first baby into the world.

The 31-year-old star - who is expecting a child with fiance Eric Johnson - admitted she is experiencing an increased desire for calorie-laden snacks as her due date approaches, but she plans to worry about her pregnancy weight gain once she has settled into being a mother.

She said: "I had a buttered Pop Tart this morning. I'm eating a lot of stuff that I ate in my childhood. Kraft Mac n' Cheese, Pop Tarts, Cap'n Crunch. Everything's filled with sugar.

"I give in to my cravings. "I'm like, 'Yeah, I can do it. We'll worry about the rest afterwards."

However, the singer-and-actress has been lucky in that she's avoided the perils of morning sickness.

She added in an interview with 'Extra': "Everybody comes up to me and asks me, 'How's the nausea?' and I'm like, 'I don't have any!'"

Meanwhile, the blonde beauty still hasn't found out the gender of her child, and so she expects it to be a "shock when her bundle of joy is eventually born.

Jessica explained: "I feel like it's already going to be a shock. Like, 'Whoa! I just pushed that out!' You know?"

Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart are being turned into dolls.

The two stars - who are a real life couple - are to be the feature of a new set of 'Twilight' toys released by Barbie manufacturer Mattel.

The pair will be miniaturised wearing the same outfits they don at their wedding as Edward Cullen and Bella Swan in 'The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1'.

The dolls will be released in February and will be unveiled alongside a shirtless Taylor Lautner - who plays werewolf Jacob Black - and each doll will be priced at $29.95.

The couple are not the first celebrities to be turned into a special wedding doll - Pippa Middleton, the sister of Britain's Duchess Catherine, was turned into a tiny model donning the Alexander McQueen dress she wore to her sibling's nuptials to Prince William last year.

Manufacturers Herobuilders.com also offer a model of Kate Middleton in her own McQueen gown.

Lindsay Lohan is being sued by a paparazzi photographer.

Grigor Baylan is taking legal action against the actress after he was run over when she was trying to make a fast departure from a Hollywood nightclub - despite the fact she wasn't driving the car.

The photographer's lawyer, Neil Steiner, told gossip website TMZ that the actress is being targeted in the case because her assistant was at the wheel and operating under her instruction.

Mr. Steiner said he had contacted Lindsay's insurance company to settle the claim but they only made an "insignificant offer".

The lawyer insisted he is only seeking "reasonable compensation" for his client, who was medically treated for orthopaedic and neurologic injuries following the incident, which took place on January 10, 2010.

Lindsay has had a string of legal difficulties in recent years and is currently carrying out community service as part of her sentence for breaking her probation in relation to a 2007 DUI (driving under the influence) case.

However, she was praised at a recent hearing for the way she has behaved and got on with her court-ordered work after previously being reprimanded for not fully carrying out her punishments.

The 'Mean Girls' star is next scheduled to appear in court on January 17 for a status hearing over her probation.

Singer Beyonce poses at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles August 28, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

She's not even a week old, but the baby daughter of Beyonce and Jay-Z has become the youngest person ever to be credited on the U.S. Billboard chart.

The cries and coos of Blue Ivy Carter, who entered the world in New York on January 7, are featured on the new single "Glory" released by proud dad Jay-Z on Monday.

The track made its debut on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop songs chart this week at No. 74 -- the chart's highest new entry -- with the newborn credited as "featuring B.I.C.", Billboard said on Wednesday.

For fans old enough to remember Stevie Wonder's 1977 ode to his new daughter Aisha "Isn't She Lovely", which also featured the baby's gurgles, Billboard had a simple explanation.

"Isn't She Lovely" was released almost two years after Aisha was born and she wasn't officially credited on the song, Billboard said.

Jay-Z, 42, released "Glory" just 48 hours after the birth of the music industry power couple's first baby. He also revealed in the lyrics that Beyonce, 30, suffered at least one miscarriage in the past.

Actor Ashton Kutcher watches the NBA game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets in Los Angeles, California January 3, 2012.[Photo/Agencies]

A clean-cut Ashton Kutcher said Wednesday that he's interested in continuing with "Two and a Half Men" beyond this season — and CBS wants him, too.

Kutcher's addition to television's most popular comedy following star Charlie Sheen's implosion was a grand experiment that has worked out better than CBS or the producers could have dreamed.

The show is up 20 percent in viewers over Sheen's final season, the Nielsen ratings company said, and Kutcher has also brought in a younger crowd.

"I've had a blast," said Kutcher, who plays the heartbroken Walden Schmidt. "Since I stopped doing 'That '70s Show' I've always wanted to go back and do television."

Kutcher appeared at a news conference without the long hair and beard he has worn this season. It was cut as part of the plot in an episode of "Two and a Half Men" that airs Monday, he said.

Kutcher will be working on movies after filming for this season of "Two and a Half Men" concludes, but "right now I'm looking at it as a hiatus," he said.

CBS would have to strike a new deal with actors and producers to continue the show beyond this season. All parties seem interested in working it out, CBS Entertainment President Nina Tassler said.

"In spirit and intent, everybody is very motivated," she said.

Series creator Chuck Lorre said he gave thought to ending the series after Sheen left last season and couldn't imagine it continuing. But CBS and his co-creator, Lee Aronsohn, nudged him to continue.

"Lee said, 'Why not try? If we fail, no one would be physically harmed,'" Lorre said. "It seemed like such a heartbreaking way to end, and we didn't want it to, so we said let's keep the light on."

Writers were able to change the tone by making Kutcher's character a heartbroken Internet billionaire who has everything he wants except the woman he loves. Jon Cryer, who played Sheen's annoying little brother, is now Schmidt's older friend. It was all a welcome tone change, Aronsohn said.

"It's been a lot of fun and a challenge to create a different show with a lot of the same elements," he said.

Lorre, who was the target of sharp barbs from Sheen last spring after he was fired, said he wished his former star well.

"I really do," he said. "I'm glad he's sober and I think it's terrific."

Actress Lindsay Lohan appears in Los Angeles Superior Court for a hearing in Los Angeles on December 14, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

LOS ANGELES — Lindsay Lohan is facing a lien for nearly $94,000 that the federal government says she owes in unpaid taxes.

Records in Los Angeles County show the lien was filed Thursday seeking payment for the 2009 tax year.

Celebrity website TMZ first reported the lien Tuesday, the same day a paparazzo sued the model-actress for being in a car that allegedly struck him in Hollywood in January 2010.

Lohan's publicist Steve Honig said the starlet's finances are nobody's business but her own. As for photographer Grigor Balyan's lawsuit seeking unspecified damages against Lohan, Honig says he hasn't seen the case but accused the paparazzi of invading her privacy daily.

The actress is continuing to serve morgue duty to comply with her probation in a pair of misdemeanor cases.

Robert Pattinson thinks boring people should be sent to "prison".

The 'Twilight' actor - who is dating his co-star Kristen Stewart - would "prohibit" those with a lack of personality in his ideal world and force them to spend time behind bars to learn how to be "creative".

Asked how he would run the world if he was king, he said: "I'd prohibit boring people. In my opinion there is nothing worse.

"The people who were boring should be in prison and be forced to learn to be creative with the other prisoners."

Meanwhile, the 25-year-old star also claimed he would love to discover a beautiful area that wasn't overpopulated and name it "S**t City" in the hope of putting other people off the idea of visiting so he could enjoy it all to himself.

Robert added in an interview with German magazine Bravo: "I would find my own city called 'S**t City'. With a name so daunting that no one would want to live there for anything.

"But it would be as pretty as the Fiji Islands - a haven just for me!"

Madonna realises she has "a lot to learn" about filmmaking.

The singer-turned-director has faced criticism about her new movie 'W.E.' - a two-tiered tale about the love life of late British monarch King Edward VIII and American divorcee Wallis Simpson, and a modern day New Yorker named Wally - and she hopes people will go to see it because she has put so much effort into it.

She said: "I come to the art of filmmaking with great humility; I respect it immensely as an art form and I know I have a lot to learn.

"It would be great if people liked my movie and it's a success because that means I will be able to influence people. Let's be honest, one doesn't put all this hard work and effort into something, then say, 'I don't care if people see it or not, I don't care if people like it or not.' I hope it finds an audience."

The 53-year-old star - who is currently dating 24-year-old dancer Brahim Zaibat - understands she is a source of controversy but hopes she can use it for good.

In an interview with Radio Times magazine, she said: "I'm well aware that everything I say and do is judged with a different measuring stick to most people. I'm under the magnifying glass in a way that other people aren't. But I can also use that. I can influence people."

Brad Pitt considers himself to be an "old man".

The `Moneyball' actor recently injured his knee after falling down a hill while carrying his three-year-old daughter Vivienne, and although he now has to use a cane to walk, he insists the incident wasn't a "life or death" matter.

Speaking about the fall, he told People.com: "It wasn't life or death. It was just an old man tripping. It's not too bad."

The 48-year-old star - who also raises Maddox, 10, Pax, eight, Zahara, six, Shiloh, five, and Vivienne's twin brother Knox, with partner Angelina Jolie - previously admitted he put his own body on the line in order to protect his daughter during the tumble.

Brad said: "I was carrying my daughter Vivienne down the hill and I slipped. It was either her or me."

However, Angelina admitted the couple are constantly suffering injuries while caring for their offspring.

She explained: "I think all parents get injured in the line of fire. When Maddox was young, I fell and hurt my elbow. It's a pretty common occurrence."

Angelina Jolie splashed out on a new wardrobe for her daughter Zahara's seventh birthday.

The 'Land of Blood and Honey' director - who raises Zahara and five other children, Maddox, 10, Pax, eight, Shiloh, five, and three-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne with partner Brad Pitt - paid a visit to a mall in Sherman Oaks, California, on Sunday (08.01.12), where she picked up "several bags" of clothes from the store Justice.

A source told UsMagazine.com: "(Angelina) bought really cute girly stuff in bright colours including little peasant tops, sweaters and tights.

"She picked out a bunch of stuff and left very quickly. Once people noticed her, everyone was staring and running to see her, so she left with a bodyguard. She had several bags of birthday gifts for her daughter."

Angelina adopted Zahara from Ethiopia in 2005 and the actress promised the youngster's party yesterday (09.01.12) would celebrate "her culture and heritage".

She said: "She's an African/American girl, so we make sure that's a part of anything she does. So that will be a part of her day."

Angelina and Brad attended the Palm Springs Film Festival on Sunday but the couple were not planning on attending any after-parties at the festival because of their family commitments.

Angelina explained: "We are rushing back to the kids tonight. We have a birthday party in the morning with our daughter."

Christina Aguilera says the last few years have been "rough".

The 'Voice' judge was arrested for public intoxication following a drunken night out with her boyfriend Matthew Rutler in March 2011, one month after she flubbed the lyrics to the US National Anthem at the Superbowl but Christina admitted it was her 2010 divorce which seemed to kickstart her troubles.

Speaking about the split from Jordan Bratman - which whom she has a four-year old son Max - she said: "That was a rough year. Between my divorce and the other things I went through, a lot happened. It's hard for anyone to go through that in public. But when you're a celebrity and under a microscope, it's 58 million times harder. I grew an even thicker skin after that hard year.

"I've been through my highs, I've been through my lows; I've been through the gamut of all things in this business."

Despite criticism over her weight, Christina, 31, she doesn't listen to detractors as long as her son is healthy and happy and her romantic relationship is secure.

She told America's Marie Claire: "I've been through my highs, I've been through my lows; I've been through the gamut of all things in this business. Being too thin. Being bigger. I've been criticised for being on both sides of the scale. It's noise I block out automatically. I love my body. My boyfriend loooves my body. My son is healthy and happy, so that's all that matters to me."

Mariah Carey has revealed her husband Nick Cannon is "getting better".

The singer says "Daddy Nick" is finally on the mend after he was hospitalised for mild kidney failure while the couple were on vacation with their eight-month-old twins Moroccan and Monroe in Aspen, Colorado, last week and is glad to be back home after being discharged from a Los Angeles hospital yesterday (09.01.12).

She wrote on her twitter page: "Daddy Nick is getting beter, we're all home together taking care of each other, excited about the new year!! (sic)"

Mariah took a break from nursing her sick husband yesterday to take the kids swimming and according to the proud mother her son Moroccan is a natural in the water.

She tweeted: "Took dembabies swimming yesterday. classic! Roc thinks he's Jacques Cousteau ... I'm gonna call him Roc Cousteau. (sic)"

'America's Got Talent' host Nick will spend the next couple of weeks recuperating at home with his family, but will return to work later this month.

His representative said in a statement: "Nick Cannon was released over the weekend to be with his family. He is resting and recovering at home and would like to thank everyone who has expressed concern, well wishes and prayers.

"He plans to return to his live morning radio show broadcast 'Rollin' with Nick Cannon' on 92.3 NOW FM on January 17."

Lady Gaga had to serve up her beef bourguignon early because her stoned friends were so hungry.

The 'Marry the Night' singer decided to try out the traditional French recipe - a stew prepared with beef braised in red wine - after watching old episodes of Julia Child's cooking show 'The French Chef' but was forced to take her "masterpiece" out early when her pals, who had been smoking cannabis, started complaining of hunger.

Gaga wrote on twitter: "Watching vintage Julia Child, THE FRENCH CHEF. Shall I have a go at a bouillabaisse? Bit like trying on Chanel for the first time, Precision!

"Tonight I'm tackling my first boeuf bourguignon. Apron, heels, a wooden spoon, & heaps of determination. Will report my monster efforts! Xox

"My friends are stoned and making me take my french masterpiece out early. #BouefBourguignwrong? Well see. Some just can't wait 3 hrs! (sic)"

A common effect of marijuana intoxication is that it increases the user's appetite, a side-effect which is known as "the munchies".

Although she had to serve up the dish earlier than she had hoped, Gaga tweeted a picture of her culinary efforts and wrote: "And there you have it! Fell asleep in coma after eating so here's the morning report. Avec les pommes de terres! (sic)"

图片说明

Pop singer Katy Perry on Monday pulled out of this week's People's Choice Awards show and what would have been her first major public appearance since her split with husband Russell Brand.

Perry, 27, one of the leading nominees in the first big Hollywood awards show of the year, said in a Twitter message; "Unfortunately I will not be able to attend the People's Choice Awards. I want to thank u all for voting for me, fingers crossed!".

Perry, who has enjoyed a string of hits with songs like "Teenage Dream" and "Firework", is up for favorite pop artist and favorite female pop artist and had been listed as attending the ceremony, which takes place on Wednesday in Los Angeles.

But the awards show, to be shown live on U.S. television, comes 10 days after Brand filed divorce papers to end their 14 month-old marriage.

Bubbly singer Perry and British comedian Brand wed in 2010 and became a power couple in show business. But they spent Christmas thousands of miles apart, confirming weeks of media speculation that their marriage was on the rocks.

Perry has since kept a low profile and has said little about the split apart from a Twitter message on Saturday in which she urged fans not to trust gossip.

"Concerning the gossip, I want to be clear that NO ONE speaks for me. Not a blog, magazine, "close sources" or my family," she said in a tweet.

Singer Justin Bieber performs on NBC's "Today" show in New York November 23, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

Teen idol Justin Bieber turns 18 in March with a long and ambitious to-do list -- to still be around at 30, to be as famous as Michael Jackson, and to avoid singing about sex and drugs.

"Hopefully by the time I'm 30 people will remember me," the Canadian singer told V Magazine in an lengthy interview. "I don't want people to just think of me as a teen sensation."

But the "Baby" singer said he was determined to maintain the squeaky clean persona that has brought him millions of mostly young female fans, and their mothers.

"I'm never going to make myself so the kids and the parents don't respect me," he said. "I want to be able to do what Michael (Jackson) did -- he always sang clean lyrics...I don't want to start singing about things like sex, drugs, and swearing."

Bieber, who has been dating Disney Channel star Selena Gomez for several months, added that he still had some growing up to do.

"I'm into love, and maybe I'll get more into making love when I'm older. But I want to be someone who is respected by everybody," he told the U.S. fashion magazine.

Bieber released his first album at the age of 15, launching an international career and becoming the most searched person of 2011 on Internet search engine Bing.

But Bieber said he planned on staying around in the music industry for many more years to come.

"It's not a fluke that I am here. I am here for a reason, and I am here for a lifetime," he said. "I also want people to know that I write my stuff. No one writes my stuff for me."

Actress-turned-director Xu Jinglei's fifth directorial work Dear Enemy has grossed more than 100 million yuan ($15 million) since its Dec 23 premiere.

The film is competing with a number of holiday season blockbusters, such as Zhang Yimou's The Flowers of War and Tsui Hark's Flying Swords in Dragon Gate, featuring Jet Li.

The film revolves around a couple's battles in family life and in the banking business.

Xu directed her first film, My Father and I, in 2003. She has since become one of China's most successful women directors.

Her last film, Go Lala Go, also performed well at the domestic office, raking in 120 million yuan.

Actress Yang Mi recently released her debut album, Close to Me, in Beijing. Yang became one of the most popular actresses with a rise to instant fame in 2011. The 25-year-old signed a record deal with singer Jane Zhang's record company last September in Hong Kong.

Yang finished the album in four months with the help of musicians from Hong Kong, Taiwan and the mainland. It has topped four charts across China. The Beijing native began acting at 4 years old and rose to fame for her roles in TV series, including Palace in 2011.

The small budget horror film Mysterious Island, in which Yang plays a leading role, won an unexpected 90 million yuan ($14 million) at the box office. Her debut album continues her girl-next-door screen image.

Yang says it's her childhood dream to become a singer. She plans to do dancing and songwriting for her next album.

Justin Bieber talks directly to God.

The 17-year-old pop superstar is a Christian and believes there is a higher power guiding everyone's lives, but he doesn't go to church to affirm his faith and instead focuses on praying to God in private.

He told V magazine: "A lot of people who are religious, I think they get lost. They go to church just to go to church. I'm not trying to disrespect them ... but for me, I focus more on praying and talking to Him. I don't have to go to church."

Although he doesn't go to a place of worship, the 'Baby' singer recently got a tattoo of Jesus Christ's face on his left calf and showed it off during a trip to a Los Angeles beach.

In the interview, Justin - who is dating 19-year-old star Selena Gomez - also complained that as he has got more successful and famous he has become a target for people.

He added: "Now that I'm on top, everyone wants to bring me down ... Everyone's trying to tug at me and take my spot. Like Floyd Mayweather, he's the best boxer in the world. Now he is a champion. Every time he goes to a fight now, people are like, 'He's going to lose this time.' "

Justin was stunned last year when a 20-year-old fan, Mariah Yeater, accused him of being the father of her baby Tristyn, a claim which he vehemently denied and is yet unproven.

Angelina Jolie doesn't like to "lecture" her children.

The 'Salt' actress - who raises six kids, Maddox, 10, Pax, eight, Zahara, six, Shiloh, five, and three-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne, with partner Brad Pitt - explained while she likes to educate her brood about her work with refugees around the world, she doesn't tell them to think in a set way.

She said: "I'm not one of those moms who kind of lectures my kids. But I do tell them, whenever I go on a trip, where I'm going and why.

"And on some occasions, they've come with me to different refugee camps. And they also go to their home countries a lot."

With Maddox, Pax and Zahara being adopted from Cambodia, Vietnam and Ethiopia respectively, Angelina admitted she is keen for her offspring to see the world outside the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.

She told People magazine: "Hopefully they live in the world, and they see the world really as it is, outside of Hollywood.

"If they really live in the world and spend time with friends around the world from all different types of backgrounds, they will just see things as they are."

Lindsay Lohan has a new tattoo to mark a "great point in her life".

The troubled actress - who has endured several stints in rehab and various legal woes in recent years - visited a Los Angeles tattoo parlour on Friday (06.01.12) to get 'Live Without Regrets' etched on her left wrist, and friends told website TMZ she wanted the inking to remind her of how good she is feeling at the moment.

The insider claimed Lindsay is particularly excited about March 29, the date she will finally finish her stint of court ordered community service which she was made to undertake after breaching the terms of probation which were set following a 2007 driving under the influence conviction.

The 'Mean Girls' star has several other quotation tattoos already, recently getting the Billy Joel lyric "clear as a crystal, sharp as a knife, I feel like I'm in the prime of my life", from the song 'I Go to Extremes', inked onto her rib cage.

On her inner right wrist, Lindsay has the word 'Breathe', close to where she had the Marilyn Monroe quote 'I restore myself when I'm alone' inked after splitting from Samantha Ronson in 2009.

She also has 'La Bella Vita' etched on her back.

Kim Kardashian admits she got married "too fast".

The 31-year-old socialite - who filed for divorce from husband Kris Humphries in October, just 72 days after they tied the knot - admitted she felt a "weight lifted" off her shoulders when she first spent time apart from the basketball hunk during a trip to Dubai with mom, Kris Jenner.

Speaking in an episode of 'Kourtney and Kim Take New York', she said: "My heart is telling me I did this too fast,

"I feel like this huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders since I've been here in Dubai. Being away from my husband . I'm back to myself. I'm enjoying this feeling.

"There's something in my relationship that I just feel like isn't right. I'm just learning a lot of things about him that I never knew before. Married life just isn't what I thought it would be like with him."

Meanwhile, the brunette beauty is now said to be seeking solace in ex-boyfriend Reggie Bush and while the pair have "no plans" to reignite their former romance, they have reportedly been speaking for "long periods" over the phone.

A source told RadarOnline.com: "The two have been talking for long periods of time on their cell phones and exchanging text messages. Reggie feels bad for Kim and everything she is going through right now.

"Reggie has absolutely no plans on getting back together with Kim. He just doesn't think they are meant to be together."

Lea Michele thinks the next season of 'Glee' will be 'revolutionary" television.

The 25-year-old actress has confirmed she will reprise her role as Rachel Berry in the fourth series of the musical drama, and though she refused to say what is in store for her character, she promised creator Ryan Murphy has some "groundbreaking" ideas.

She said: "I'm so excited. I spoke with Ryan today. We had a great conversation. He told me his plan and I will tell you it's incredibly groundbreaking and it's revolutionary for television, the way he's figured out how to use these graduated high school characters on this TV show."

Lea also admitted she almost cried when Ryan confirmed her return to the show, even though she never doubted her future with the programme.

She told E! Online: "I was like, 'Ryan, I feel like I could cry!' I always knew in the back of my mind, like, listen, I'm coming back whether they want it or no. I'm going to be a janitor in the background. I'm thankful every single day. This is the best job in the whole world. Ryan is the greatest creator and I adore him. My cast is my family. I'm so happy."

It had been speculated that a number of cast members, including Lea, would no longer appear in the programme because their characters had reached graduation age by the end of season three.

Rapper Jay-Z and his wife, singer Beyonce, attend the match between Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Rafael Nadal of Spain in the men's final of the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York, September 12, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

Rapper Jay-Z released a new song Monday celebrating the birth of his baby daughter with Beyonce and revealing that the couple had struggled for years to have a child.

Called "Glory," the song released on Jay-Z's social website, LifeandTimes.com, followed the birth in New York on Saturday of daughter Blue Ivy Carter -- the first child of the music power couple.

"Last time the miscarriage was so tragic, we was afraid you disappeared," Jay-Z, 42, rapped midway through the song. He also spoke of "false alarms and false starts ... all the pain of the last time, prayed so hard it was the last time."

"The most amazing feeling I feel, Words can't describe what a feeling, for real, Baby I'll paint the sky blue, My greatest creation was you," the "Watch The Throne" singer rapped.

The baby's name, Blue Ivy Carter, was confirmed by fellow friend and actress Gwyneth Paltrow on Twitter and swiftly became a trending topic on the social media site.

Beyonce, now 30, and Jay-Z married in 2008, and the "Single Ladies" singer was reported multiple times in the past two years to have been pregnant.

But Jay-Z's lyrics in the new song Monday were thought to be the first time the couple had publicly spoken of previous pregnancies and a miscarriage.

In an official announcement Monday the couple said that Blue Ivy Carter was born Saturday.

"Her birth was emotional and extremely peaceful, we are in heaven. She was delivered naturally at a healthy 7 lbs and it was the best experience of both of our lives.

"We are thankful to everyone for all your prayers, well wishes, love and support. Beyonce & JAY Z," the statement said.

Beyonce revealed her baby bump at the MTV Video Music Awards in August, saying little but embracing her growing belly during an onstage performance.

The former Destiny's Child singer has forged a Grammy-winning solo career with hits such as "Halo." Brooklyn native Jay-Z has built a successful brand from his music career, Roc Nation music management company, Rocawear clothing line and investments.

His most recent collaboration, with Kanye West on the album "Watch The Throne," earned him four Grammy nominations this year.

The dessert which will be served to guests attending the Hollywood Foreign Press Association's Golden Globe Awards on January 15, 2012, is pictured in this undated handout photograph.[Photo/Agencies]

When Hollywood's top stars, including George Clooney, Angelina Jolie and Steven Spielberg, attend the Golden Globe Awards next week they will sip vintage champagne and nibble edible gold.

Golden flakes will top their dessert following a meal that chef Suki Sugiura will prepare using foods flown in from around the world for the event, which is one of Hollywood's most-watched film and television awards shows.

But unlike the film world's Oscars or TV's Emmys, where stars sit side-by-side in a theater, guests at the Golden Globes are treated to a gourmet meal by the event's organizers, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.

Moet & Chandon, which has been the official champagne for the Golden Globes for 21 years, will serve its traditional Imperial mini bottles on the red carpet to arriving guests.

Inside the venue guests will sip its Grand Vintage 2002 for the first time.

Five hundred magnums of the 2002, which was bottled and has been sitting for seven years -- the longest resting period of any of the Moet Grand Vintages -- will be served at the Golden Globes on January 15.

Sugiura, the executive chef at the Beverly Hilton Hotel where the event takes place, has created a three course meal with a "global food harmony" theme that includes a combination entree of braised prime short rib of beef and sea bass marinated in miso from Sendai, Japan.

"They produce some of the best miso in Japan," said Sugiura. "We bring it here to share with each other, to appreciate each other and to enjoy it together. It's East meets West -- one world -- at the Golden Globes."

For dessert, executive pastry chef Thomas Henzi will serve a chocolate almond crunch terrine with acacia honey, caramel and fresh berries. The chocolate will be flown in from Switzerland, while the acacia honey caramel will arrive from France, the Tarragon hazelnuts from Italy and the Valencia almond paste from Spain.

"It's a rich desert," said Henzi, not only figuratively but literally.

Each desert plate will be sprinkled with 23-carat edible gold flakes along with a white chocolate ball sprayed with gold dust.

"In today's market, Gold costs $1600, $1700 for an ounce, sometimes up to $2000, so it's expensive," said Henzi. "We're looking at $1.20 per plate just for the gold flakes. And we're preparing 1500 plates!"

Flower arrangements by celebrity florist Mark Held, of Mark's Garden, who has been creating the floral centerpieces for the Golden Globes for about a decade, will complement the meal.

Held said he is working on an eight color combinations of flowers, all in deep winter tones of burgundy, gold, green and maybe even a deep pink.

"This year, we'll see a lot more color across the room. It'll be fun and lively because this is a lively event," he said.

Kristen Stewart was "very moved" by her 'Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1' wedding dress.

The actress was just like a "happy bride" when she had her fittings for the gown her character Bella Swan wore to marry vampire Edward Cullen, who is played by her real-life boyfriend Robert Pattinson, designer Carolina Herrera has revealed.

Carolina - who spent six months designing the gown - said: "We did three fittings. When she initially put on the dress and looked over her shoulder into the mirror, she was very moved. In that moment she was not an actress or a character in a film but instead a bride, and a happy one at that."

The designer says the dress - which retails at $35,000 - is a product of her own vision and the description in Stephenie Mayer's original book and believes the gown to be "very romantic".

She added to People magazine: "It is a union between Stephenie description in the book and the Herrera bridal aesthetic.

"I took into consideration the character of Bella and Kristen's portrayal of her, and what this fantasy character would choose to wear for the most important day of her life.

"It's made of a crepe satin with two inserts on the front and beautiful silk thread topstitching. The neckline is a slight V, just enough to see the collarbones. The back is oval-shaped, with a Chantilly lace border veiled in tulle. It's very romantic, and when all the details come together, it creates a vision specific to Bella's style and personality."

Actor Brad Pitt holds his Desert Palm Achievement Award at the 23rd Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival Gala in Palm Springs, California January 7, 2012.[Photo/Agencies]

George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and other red-carpet veterans joined some Hollywood newcomers in the Southern California desert this weekend to kick off the two-month-long movie award season at the Palm Springs International Film Festival.

"When you're of age: drink," Clooney noted to the newbies at Saturday night's gala awards ceremony. "That's good advice to pretty much anybody."

Among those relative newcomers were Clooney's co-stars from the drama "The Descendants." ''It is the first time we have dressed up all season," said actor Matthew Lillard. "We have a couple months to put on nice dresses and suits."

"Don't forget the shoes," injected actress Judy Greer. "Oh man, am I going to need a massage when the next two months are over."

Clooney, star of both "Descendants" and the drama "The Ides of March," was given the festival's "Chairman's Award" for acting, directing, producing and writing. "They gave me a gavel on the way in," he joked. "And I'm feeling like I might actually get protested now."

Among other honorees: actresses Michelle Williams ("My Week with Marilyn), Jessica Chastain and Octavia Spencer ("The Help") and Glenn Close ("Albert Nobbs").

Pitt was handed the Desert Palm Achievement Award for his performances in "Moneyball" and "The Tree of Life." Gary Oldman ("Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy") was dubbed International Star of the Year - the significance of which seemed to baffle its recipient.

"I am on an international stage, rather than a local one," Oldman noted. "I guess that is what that means?

Or perhaps he simply no longer needs a passport.

"Who designed the award?" Oldman asked. "Maybe I have just that and it gets me through customs."

As excited as Jolie was to support partner Pitt — the latter walking with a cane, following a skiing injury — home in LA was where their hearts were. "We are rushing back to the kids tonight," Jolie explained. "We have a birthday party in the morning with our daughter."

Next stops on the entertainment honors gauntlet include Wednesday's People's Choice, Thursday's Critic's Choice, Friday's Los Angeles Film Critics and Sunday's Golden Globes awards.

"I found that the last time I was (at the Golden Globes), it was a very fun day," said actor and director Kenneth Branagh, a Globe nominee for his performance in "My Week With Marilyn."

"The fact that it is a smallish room by comparison with some of the bigger awards rooms means that it has an intimacy and a kind of slightly raucous quality that is very, very carefully adhered to," Branagh explained. "I was very intoxicated."

Christina Aguilera is "happy" in her own skin.

The singer and mentor on US TV show 'The Voice' has come under fire for her fuller figure, but doesn't care what people say because both she and her boyfriend, Matt Rutler, are happy with her look.

Speaking at a press conference promoting 'The Voice' in California yesterday (07.01.12) she said: "I have a boyfriend that loves my body. I love my body, my son is healthy and happy and that is all that matters.

"Women, we are definitely under a microscope and under massive scrutiny. As long as I am happy in my own skin, that is all that is all the confirmation I need."

Christina – who has son Max Liron, three next week, with ex-husband Jordan Bratman – added being confident in herself has been key to her success, and she hopes to be a strong figure for the girls she mentors on the talent show, where judges have to pick contestants without seeing them.

She added: "You have got to be a strong, powerful, very confident woman. Being in a position to coach these young women, I am happy to be able to share that with them and share my highs and lows. Being on the show, it's a very good outlet."

Christina has faced criticism from reality TV star Kelly Osbourne in the past who called her "fat" after she first started to put on weight.

Kelly - who herself has herself struggled with yo-yoing weight in the past – said last August: "Maybe she's just becoming the fat bitch she was always born to be. I don't know."

Jay Chou is cornering the karaoke market, according to the latest reports that say he is about to invest some of his millions in running a chain of KTVs, starting with a first outlet in Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi province.

A Southern Metropolis Daily report says the KTV is currently being renovated and will open within weeks. It will be called True Love Fantasy. It's a smart move by Chou, obviously, as he will be able to ensure people will be singing his name for the foreseeable future.

Occasionally, we are wrong and, as such, we have to admit it. Step up Andy Lau, who recently promoted his upcoming A Simple Life at Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, along with fellow player Deanie Ip.

Uncharacteristically, the notoriously private actor was happy to talk about his baby news and admitted for the first time that wife Carol Chu is pregnant - after years of trying. However, Lau said that rumors Chu was three months pregnant were wrong: "She's actually four months pregnant."

So, we were a month out.

Lau added that he did not care if the babe was a boy or girl, and that he would finish off two films in the coming months and then spend time with his family in Hong Kong.

Another celebrity couple planning on a dragon baby (2012 is the Year of the Dragon) is actor Daniel Wu and model Lisa S.

After filming The Last Supper in November, Wu immediately retuned to Hong Kong to take care of his wife and said he plans to take off six months to supervise the pregnancy and delivery.

Still in Hong Kong, Aaron Kwok tumbled from a riser at his Hong Kong concert on Tuesday night as wires for the device snapped while he was on it.

He fell awkwardly on his back but sprang up and put on a great show - even turning somersaults on a spring bed.

At the after-party, he told reporters he was shocked but fine. His model-actress girlfriend Lynn Xiong attended the performance with her parents and brother but would no doubt have been disappointed to overhear Kwok tell reporters that there were no marriage plans in the making.

Beijing's Faye Wong will tell you parenting is not an easy task - although it does have its upside. Her daughter with ex-husband Dou Wei, Dou Jingtong, turned 15 on Tuesday. Wong celebrated by uploading a photo of her at the beach, accompanied by the caption: "Every willful and naive mother will have a gentle and understanding daughter."

Wong complemented her daughter on her long legs, and netizens queued up to add that she had a similar look to her mother. Apparently, she can sing, too. Like mother like daughter.

Finally, on a related note, Wong and Jolin Tsai reportedly clashed at Hunan Satellite TV's New Year's concert. A video clip has gone viral that shows Wong taking over a dressing room and an assistant closing the door on Tsai, who had just finished performing.

Tsai was forced to return to her car in a big coat. Fans of the two singers got into a bit of a bitter online battle about the whole situation, even though Hunan Satellite TV tried to pour oil on troubled waters by saying it was their fault, as an assistant had mistakenly led Tsai to the dressing room arranged for Wong.

The better-than-expected performance for "Devil," coming despite terrible reviews and poor reactions from some filmgoers, knocked Tom Cruise's two-time champion "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol" to second place. Both movies were distributed by Paramount Pictures, a unit of Viacom Inc.

Critics blasted "Devil," with just 7 percent of reviews coming in positive on aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes. Filmgoers were sharply divided. Polling from audience survey firm CinemaScore showed 16 percent gave the movie an "A," while 19 percent awarded it an "F." Two-thirds rated the film a C or below.

Still, the movie blew past Paramount's projections for modest weekend sales of around $8 million and other industry forecasts of $20 million-plus. The studio acquired the film for just $1 million and described the movie as "polarizing" audiences.

"As many people loved it as were disturbed by it," said Don Harris, president of domestic distribution for Paramount. He credited the huge opening-weekend take to a marketing strategy similar to the studio's push for its blockbuster, low-budget "Paranormal Activity" franchise.

"The marketing campaign was very much like 'Paranormal.' It was online, trying to find the younger moviegoer, the fans for this genre," he said.

"Devil" tells the story of a woman who investigates her mother's exorcisms. Indeed, the movie appealed to a younger crowd, with 59 percent of filmgoers under age 25, Paramount said. Fifty-four percent of the audience were males.

With "Paranormal Activity," the third movie in the series hit theaters last fall and has pulled in a whopping $203 million globally on a $5 million production budget. The studio just announced a fourth "Paranormal" film for this fall.

Meanwhile, Paramount is basking in the success of Cruise's fourth "Mission: Impossible" movie, which led domestic box-office charts the past two weekends. This weekend, "MI4" took in $20.5 million at domestic theaters. It has racked up $458.1 million around the globe since debuting last month.

"Devil" was the only new movie released nationwide over the weekend as January is typically a slow period for movie-going. The horror flick's appeal helped boost the weekend 29 percent over the same period last year, according to the box office division of Hollywood.com. Sales for all movies in North America (United States and Canada) totaled $144 million.

In third place for the weekend, detective sequel "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows" collected $14.1 million at domestics theaters.

Rounding out the top five domestically were adult thriller "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" and family film sequel "Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked." "Dragon Tattoo" ended the weekend with $11.3 million while "Chipwrecked" pulled in $9.5 million.

Time Warner Inc unit Warner Bros. released "Sherlock Holmes." Sony Corp's movie studio distributed "Dragon Tattoo." News Corp unit 20th Century Fox released "Chipwrecked."

Ryan Murphy (front row 4th L), creator of the TV series 'Glee', and cast members pose with the award for best television comedy series at the 68th annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, California, January 16, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

Fox television network said on Sunday there were no plans for a spin-off of its television musical comedy "Glee" and there will be changes to Simon Cowell's "The X Factor" after the show's first season on US television.

But "Glee" fans will likely be pleased that Lea Michele, one of the show's leads, will still be part of the show's upcoming season in which the characters graduate, said Kevin Reilly, president of entertainment at Fox at the Television Critics Association panels held in Los Angeles.

"There will not be a 'Glee' spinoff, but those characters will graduate and it's led to a really interesting idea that I think is going to give us something really cool to dig into next season," he said, referring to the fates of the lead characters after they graduate high school.

While the popularity of shows including "Glee" and "New Girl," helped the network tie with CBS in the top spot for the 18-49 demographic, Glee's ratings have dropped compared to last season. Reilly said they were yet to make key decisions on the long-running "House," as well as "Terra Nova" and "Fringe."

Fox said it reached the top spot for the No. 1 reality series overall with "The X Factor," despite the new singing competition's rocky start not quite living up to creator Simon Cowell's predictions with a show that underwhelmed critics.

Reilly said he was "thrilled" with the show's standing in the crowded singing competition market alongside such shows as "American Idol" with popular host Ryan Seacrest and "The Voice," but did reveal that there were going to be some changes from the "relentless" Cowell.

"Hosting, as we know, it is a much harder job than meets the eye. I think everybody now has come to realize the value of Ryan Seacrest," he said, adding of "X-Factor" host Steve Jones -- "whether Steve's the guy or not, it comes under the heading of growth in general so there will be some tweaks to the show."

While Jones may not be winning as many votes, Reilly said he was eager to retain Seacrest, whose $45 million contract with "Idol" is up for renewal. NBC is also determined to keep Seacrest and expand his role within their network.

"It's very hard to imagine the show without Ryan, we certainly want to keep him, there's no creative discussion there, it is a deal issue, it's a tough negotiation and one that will come to conclusion pretty quickly," said Reilly.

MORE ANIMATION

The future of hospital drama "House" starring Hugh Laurie, sci-fi drama "Terra Nova" and FBI thriller "Fringe" was currently undecided, he said.

"It's hard to imagine the network without 'House'," said Reilly, who said that the show would not suffer from an "unceremonious finish" and did not rule out that the show could move to another network.

"Terra Nova," which has been an expensive investment for Fox, was also not confirmed for a returning season.

"It was an exciting bet to take, and I think it's proven that it was worthwhile," said Reilly. "The show looked fantastic, it's clearly a conceit that people wanted to watch, they had ample opportunity to reject it and they didn't."

Fox is expanding its comedy with a new division to create alternative animated content in a late night programming block on Saturday nights, with plans to distribute it across television and multi-platform digital networks."

The move towards producing more animated content comes after the cancellation of Jonah Hill's short-lived comedy "Allen Gregory," which Reilly said was not returning although there were plans to work with Hill on other show ideas, including a live-action comedy already in the works.

Quirky animated comedy "Napoleon Dynamite" will be joining new seasons of "Bob's Burgers" along with Fox's Sunday night animation domination shows "The Simpsons," "Family Guy," "American Dad" and "The Cleveland Show."

Singer Beyonce poses at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles August 28, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

Singer Beyonce has given birth to a baby girl in New York, local media reported on Sunday.

The widely anticipated first child of the international star and R&B singer, 30, and rap mogul Jay-Z, 42, whose real name is Shawn Carter, was delivered late on Saturday in a private wing of Lenox Hill Hospital, according to the Daily News.

Spokespersons for the singer did not immediately return comment.

The singer, whose hits include "Beautiful Liar" and "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on it)," showed off her pregnancy on stage earlier in the year at the MTV video awards, performing her song "Love On Top" and telling the audience to stand up. "I want you to feel the love that's growing inside of me," she said then.

Song Zuying's New Year Charms of China concerts rounded off a multi-city tour of the country. Provided to China Daily

Song Zuying's artistry is undisputed. As the country's most famous folk soprano, she has become an ambassador of folk heritage in China and abroad. Pauline D. Loh attended her latest concert in Beijing.

Her voice soars, and its pureness and clarity is enough to bring tears to the eyes, especially when she sings regional folk songs that tug at the heartstrings of the homesick.

Song Zuying is also totally professional, and you can tell she gives her all to each and every song.

Her dedication is infectious, and the audience cannot help but reward her with its undivided attention.

Yes, that's true even in China, where concertgoers tend to treat the venue as a party place rather than as an altar to the arts.

On New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, Song rounded up a multi-city tour around China with two concerts in Beijing at the MasterCard Center.

It was also a reunion of sorts, and her guests onstage and in the VIP seats were there to celebrate with her.

Among them were her mentors at the Central Institute of Nationalities in Beijing, where she had majored in vocal arts and dance.

Her opening act was the Star Way talent quest winner, September Miracle - a duet who had charmed their way to the finals with an innovative style that mixes traditional folk and modern beats.

September Miracle keyboardist Wang Xiaowei had confessed to being a fan of Song's since she was barely out of primary school, and when Song found out, she invited the duet to join her at the Beijing concerts.

As September Miracle warmed up the audience with the up-tempo Love Song from Kangding and then morphed into Song's signature Spice Girls, the audience sat up, certain that was the cue for Song to appear.

She did, and immediately launched into a lively duet with Wang Xiaowei, who was endearingly tongue-tied when it came time to chat with her idol.

Song regained solo command of the stage and gave the audience what they wanted - familiar folk songs from a repertoire that had also captivated audiences in Washington's Kennedy Arts Center, the hallowed Golden Hall of Vienna and the Sydney Opera House.

In Flying Song from the Miao Mountain, she did a duet with the wind instruments in the orchestra and proved once again that her voice was God-gifted.

And again, in Dragon Boat Song, she interacted with her audience, inviting them to respond when she asked: "Who would ferry me across the river?"

The concert was a journey back to the successes of Song's last year.

In May 2011, she had sung to an appreciative audience in Taipei, and among her guests was a group of children from the hill tribes. She invited them to Beijing and this time, they appeared on stage with her again.

Both songs she sang with the children were tributes to motherhood - My Noble Mother and Little Back Basket.

The latter, especially, was memorable in that it was with this song that Song entrenched herself in the national consciousness during an early Spring Festival concert.

Although the concert was long, with no intermission, there was no time to be bored.

After the children went offstage, it was time for Song's next guest - a celebrity in his own right, Liu Huan.

Liu had sung with Sarah Brightman at the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, just as Song had performed a duet with Placido Domingo at the closing ceremony.

Liu was familiar enough with the chanteuse to call her "little Song" and it was obvious they were both kindred spirits and good friends.

Their styles are vastly different, and Liu's nasal tenor and easy, unaffected style was a pleasant foil to Song's elaborate costumes, down to the fluttering blue butterfly on her shoulder.

It was amusing to note that Liu had refused to don a suit for the Beijing Olympics, insisting on wearing his signature black turtleneck jumper. But for Song's concert, he did her the honor of wearing a shimmering jacket, over that black jumper.

After Liu left the stage, we knew the concert was drawing to an end - but not before Song reminded us of her naval background. She was an artiste with China's Army Naval Song and Dance Troupe in her early days. Although she no longer participates in the activities full time, Song still retains the reservist post of Rear Admiral.

It is in her white uniform that she appears onstage to sing Soldiers from the East, West, North and South, a tribute to the troops posted along the country's frontiers.

And finally, she whips up the patriotic spirit with a rousing rendition of Love My China, the song with which she also ended performances in Washington and Vienna.

Song does not leave her audience shortchanged, and we leave satisfied that the artiste had given her best. Yes, her weariness had appeared briefly when she skipped a phrase, but she had quickly recovered and plunged into a spirited ending.

The concerts were both an end and a beginning. But we know Song and her songs - they will be evergreen.

Daniel Radcliffe is terrible at dating.

The 22-year-old actor - who has been in a relationship with Rosie Coker, a production assistant he met on the set of the 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows' for two years - admitted he had no idea what to do on their first few dates.

He told Parade magazine: "I hated dating, because I'm crap at it! With Rosie, I didn't know what was appropriate, like on which date you're supposed to try and kiss her. I went to kiss Rosie and at the last minute lost my nerve and ended up kissing her neck, which is a very intimate place to kiss somebody on the second date. Fortunately, she just found it really funny."

Although Daniel claims he is "not an easy person to love", he says he has never been happier than he is now with Rosie.

He said: "There are lots of times when I'm a very good boyfriend, but there are times when I'm useless.

"I mean, I'm a mess around the house. I talk nonstop. I become obsessed with things (fantasy football, most recently). And she listens to it, and she loves me for my oddness, my awkwardness - all of those things that I hate about myself.

"When Rosie's here, every day seems better. Ultimately, I think, it comes down to that - having somebody in your life who makes you happier than you thought you could be."

Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge arrives for a Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church on the Royal estate at Sandringham, Norfolk in east England, December 25, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

Britain's Duchess Catherine's fashion sense has been hailed "amazing" by a top Hollywood stylist.

The young royal's dedication to high street brands over high society fashion have won her a number of fans including Nikki Pennie, who has styled stars including Kendra Wilkinson, Shenae Grimes, Cat Deeley and Madonna.

Writing on fashionista.com, Nikki said: "She's amazing; she's wonderful."

She also praised Catherine's sister, Pippa, adding: "Both the Middletons – they're in the same age group as me and it was very much our culture growing up that we shop at the high street stores.

"You can see a dress that Kate Middleton or Pippa wears and you can go the next day to Warehouse or to Topshop and buy that dress and it's probably under $200."

Nikki – who comes from London - also credits the Duchess of Cambridge and Pippa with helping to change the attitude of many stars in Hollywood.

She added: "It used to not be cool for a celebrity to wear Topshop on the red carpet and now it's the thing to do.'

'It's all about accessible clothing and things that people can actually go and buy and it doesn't matter how much a dress costs as long as you look good and you feel great."

U.S. socialite Paris Hilton (L) is photographed with Dutch stylist Rob Peetoom at the launch of Peetoom's "Hairspa" in Seminyak, on the Indonesia's island of Bali November 10, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

Paris Hilton has been given a baby pony as a present.

The 30-year-old socialite is known for her love of animals and is particularly taken by her new miniature hordes.

She said: "I have a little baby pony, really tiny - it has blonde hair and blue eyes. It was a gift."

As well as the pony, Paris owns seven other species of animals because she loves having "crazy" pets.

She explained: "I bought this exotic pet, a kinkajou. I've also bought some jungle cats, and a monkey. I've bought a lot of crazy animals because I love pets.

"My dog had babies so there were 17 but I gave them all away so now I only have six. A couple of Chihuahuas, a pug and a Pomeranian.

"I also have a parrot, three black squirrels and three cats."

Paris' business empire spans 17 product lines and 35 stores but she insists she is not a ruthless businesswoman.

She told FHM magazine: "No, I'm not ruthless, I'm a great boss. I don't yell at anybody ever."

'Harry Potter' stars Emma Watson and Rupert Grint have been named Hollywood's Top Earning On-screen Couple.

The pair - who played Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley in the wizard franchise - topped the list compiled by Forbes after banking $4.2 billion between them at the global box office in four movies in the series in the last five years.

'Twilight' actors Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart - who are dating each other in real life - came second after they picked up $2.5 billion from their portrayals of vampire Edward Cullen and human Bella Swan respectively in the saga.

Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox earned $1.5 billion after they starred as onscreen lovers Sam Witwicky and Mikaela Banes in 'Transformers' and 'Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen', which narrowly beat the actor's onscreen romance with Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in 'Transformers: Dark of the Moon', which pulled in $1.1 billion.

Robert Downey Jr. and Gwyneth Paltrow's portrayals of Tony Stark and Pepper Potts in the 'Iron Man' films saw them claim fourth with $1.2 billion.

Among the other stars who made up the list were Johnny Depp and Penelope Cruz, who earned $1 billion for 'Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides', ahead of Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley's $963 million for their romance in the first three movies of the series.

Forbes list of Hollywood's Top Earning On-Screen Couples:

1. Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, $4.2 billion, 'Harry Potter'

2. Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart, $ 2.5 billion, 'Twilight'

3. Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox, $1.5 billion, 'Transformers'

4. Robert Downey Jr. and Gwyneth Paltrow, $1.2 billion, 'Iron Man'

5. Shia LaBeouf and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, 'Transformers: Dark of the Moon'

6. Johnny Depp and Penelope Cruz $1 billion, 'Pirates of the Caribbean'

7. Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley $963 million, 'Pirates of the Caribbean'

8. Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst, $890 million, 'Spider-Man'

9. Leonardo DiCaprio and Marion Cotillard, $825 million, 'Inception'

10. Sarah Jessica Parker and Chris Noth, $703 million, 'Sex in the City'

Singer Selena Gomez poses on arrival at the 2011 American Music Awards in Los Angeles November 20, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

BURBANK, Calif. — A civil judge on Friday granted Selena Gomez a three-year restraining order against a man accused of threatening to kill the singer-actress and of traveling from Illinois to try to meet her.

Superior Court Judge William D. Stewart granted the order, which requires Thomas Brodnicki to stay away from the "Wizards of Waverly Place" star and not attempt to contact her.

Another judge dropped a felony stalking charge against the Brodnicki, 46, last year after determining prosecutors hadn't proven he had caused fear in the star. Stewart twice delayed issuing a civil order until Brodnicki had an opportunity to respond.

Gomez, 19, did not appear at Wednesday's hearing. She wrote in a declaration filed in October that she was in extreme fear after learning that Brodnicki had threatened to kill her while he was on a psychiatric hold.

Prosecutors later alleged he stalked the actress between July and October.

Stewart noted that Brodnicki filed a declaration in December essentially consenting to the protective order and that the man with a history of mental illness had received "due process." He said Gomez had reasonable cause to afraid of Brodnicki, who did not attend Friday's hearing.

The order also covers Gomez's family.

Cast member Kirsten Dunst poses for photographers as she arrives at a screening of the film "Melancholia" during AFI Fest 2011 in Hollywood November 6, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

The apocalyptic psychological drama "Melancholia" was named the year's best film on Saturday by the National Society of Film Critics, which chose its star Kirsten Dunst as best actress and Brad Pitt as best actor for the baseball drama "Moneyball" as well as "The Tree of Life."

Lars von Trier lost out on the best director award for his work on "Melancholia" to Terrence Malick for "The Tree of Life," a mystical period piece which also won the best cinematography prize.

But the big win by "Melancholia" bolstered the offbeat film's chances for the upcoming Academy Awards, which will announce nominees later this month.

Set against the backdrop of a country wedding, the dark film explores the strained relationship of two sisters, one a bride played by Dunst, while a strange planet threatens to collide with Earth, wiping out all traces of human existence.

Pitt, already a strong contender for the Oscars, was honored for his roles as Oakland A's manager Billy Beane in "Moneyball" as well as a strict father in "The Tree of Life."

Critics' awards are important in helping build momentum heading toward the Academy Awards, or Oscars, which are the world's top film awards given out on the final Sunday in February by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

The NSFC includes 58 members from major newspapers in Los Angeles, Boston, New York, Chicago and other cities as well as from Time, Newsweek and The New Yorker and newspapers The Village Voice and the Boston Phoenix.

The group's awards for best supporting performances went to Albert Brooks, who played a small-time hood in the drama "Drive," and Jessica Chastain, who was honored for performances in "The Tree of Life," "Take Shelter" and "The Help."

Both Brooks and Chastain have been honored by other critics groups in early awards this season.

Several highly touted films, most notably "The Artist," considered a front-runner for the Oscars, "The Descendants" and Martin Scorsese's "Hugo" were shut out, although Scorsese was a close second in voting for best director.

The award for best foreign language film was won by the Iranian film "A Separation," about a couple struggling with the decision about whether or not to leave their home country. The film also won the prize for best screenplay.

The film critics named Werner Herzog's documentary "The Cave of Forgotten Dreams," a 3D movie about a cave in southern France, as the year's best nonfiction film.

Ken Jacobs won the experimental film award for "Seeking the Monkey King."

The critics also announced "film heritage" awards to the Brooklyn Academy of Music for its recent Vincente Minnelli retrospective; to Lobster Films, Groupama Gan Foundation for Cinema and the Technicolor Foundation for Cinema for the restoration of the color version of George Melies' "A Trip to the Moon"; to the Museum of Modern Art for its Weimar Cinema retrospective; to Flicker Alley for the box set "Landmarks of Early Soviet Film; and to Criterion Collection for its two-disc DVD package "The Complete Jean Vigo."

So here's a look at some of the worst January releases of the past decade. We had to narrow it down somehow, and even then it was difficult to choose just five. Hold your nose and let's go:

— "Paul Blart: Mall Cop" (2009): It made over $183 million worldwide, but that doesn't make it good. And what's so frustrating is that this dopey comedy is a dismal waste of the innate regular-guy likability of its star, Kevin James, who created the character. James plays a portly, Segway-riding shopping center security guard who pines for the hottie at the hair extension kiosk. Having repeatedly failed the New Jersey state trooper exam, he longs for action, and finds it when he gets caught up in a holiday bank heist that's a cheap knock-off of "Die Hard." This being a Happy Madison Production — Adam Sandler is James' friend and domestic partner from "I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry" — there are, of course, plenty of obligatory adolescent sight gags to go along with the man-child hero fantasies.

— "Bride Wars" (2009): Clearly, 2009 was off to an inauspicious start. "Bride Wars" represents everything that's wrong with a) wedding movies and b) modern romantic comedies in general. Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway co-star as lifelong best friends who've obsessively fantasized about the ideal wedding since they were children in small-town New Jersey. Because that's what all girls do, right? Lavish nuptials represent the zenith to which we all aspire. Then both get engaged within days of each other and accidentally book their weddings at New York's Plaza Hotel on the same date. An elaborate game of sabotage ensues, climaxing with a catfight in which they rip each other apart in a screechy frenzy of hair and veils and silk. "Bride Wars" offers cliched stereotypes of female, catty materialism. Shockingly, two of the film's three writers are women.

— "Kangaroo Jack" (2003): Jerry O'Connell and Anthony Anderson play a couple of racially mismatched buddies who go Down Under — to the accompaniment of Men at Work's "Down Under," in case we couldn't figure out where they were — and hit a kangaroo with their Jeep. Said marsupial (who isn't dead, but isn't exactly alive either, no thanks to some shoddy CGI work) gets up and hops away with the $50,000 they're supposed to deliver in Australia as an assignment from O'Connell's mob-boss stepfather, played by Christopher Walken. That's right, Christopher Walken. Even he can't make this movie funny. This sets up a series of allegedly wacky adventures in which the two friends try to find the kangaroo. Oh, and O'Connell plays a hairdresser, so we have to suffer through lame gay jokes. And it's a Jerry Bruckheimer production. The end.

— "When in Rome" (2010): I saw this when I was on maternity leave because it was playing that week at the Mommy and Me movie. My bleary-eyed nights of sleep deprivation were more fun. Like "Bride Wars," ''When in Rome" perpetuates yet another rom-com cliche I can't stand: the high-powered woman who's married to her job and too busy to look for love. Why movies like this, which ostensibly are for women, continue to peddle the insulting notion that a woman can't be fulfilled personally and professionally at the same time is beyond me. Anyway, Kristen Bell functions in this role as an art curator who travels to Rome for her sister's wedding. There, she suffers a curse while splashing in a fountain which makes her irresistible to a cadre of creeps. Even the hunky Josh Duhamel, as the best man, couldn't make this tolerable.

— "Mad Money" (2008): Diane Keaton, Queen Latifah and Katie Holmes have no business being in the same room with each other, much less co-starring in a heist comedy. And yet, here they are. It's essentially a chemistry-free rip-off of 1980's "How to Beat the High Cost of Living," which starred Susan Saint James, Jane Curtin and Jessica Lange as friends who scheme to steal cash from a giant money ball at the mall. Here, the target is the Federal Reserve Bank where the three women work. Except for Latifah's character, who's barely scraping by and eagerly seeks a better life for her sons, it's tough to muster much sympathy for any of these people. Worst of all is Holmes, whose defining trait is bopping around at work with her headphones on, dancing as she listens to music. "Ocean's Three," it ain't.

Actress Mila Kunis is shown in this publicity photo for fashion house Dior, released to Reuters January 5, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

"Friends with Benefits" actress Mila Kunis is the latest celebrity to become the face of Dior, the French fashion label said on Thursday.

"I am absolutely thrilled to be working with Dior. The brand is iconic in so many ways. It defines fashion, elegance and sophistication," Kunis said in a statement.

Kunis, 28, will be the model for the Miss Dior handbag collection in the brand's Spring/Summer 2012 advertising campaign, appearing worldwide this month.

The "Black Swan" actress is joining her Oscar-winning co-star Natalie Portman, who is the face of the Miss Dior Cherie perfume, along with Charlize Theron, who is the face of the J'Adore Dior fragrance and French actress Marion Cotillard, who models the Lady Dior handbags. Theron and Cotillard are also recent Oscar winners.

French fashion house Christian Dior, part of LVMH luxury goods group, is a staple in the high-end clothing and beauty industry.

Jonah Hill is dating Dustin Hoffman's daughter.

The comic actor has reportedly embarked on a relationship with Ali Hoffman and has been pals with her since they were young when they were growing up in Los Angeles.

A source told the New York Post newspaper: "They were friends when they were growing up. Jonah is good friends with Ali's brother Jake. Dustin discovered Jonah when they were in high school."

Things are going so well, Jonah - whose first big screen role was in 'I Heart Huckabees' which also starred Dustin - spent part of the festive season in Hawaii with Ali and her family.

The source added: "Jonah was in Hawaii over the holidays with the Hoffman clan."

Before Christmas, the 28-year-old actor revealed he is looking for a property in New York.

Jonah - who stars in new movie 'The Sitter, in which he plays an irresponsible babysitter - said: "I live in LA. I was born in LA. My folks are originally from New York, and I'm a first-generation Angeleno. I have friends there. A life there. But that town's too mellow. You can get wasted.

"So I'm looking for an apartment in New York. I feel happy there. There's constant excitement. So I'm hunting a place to live."

Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel have reportedly got engaged.

The singer-and-actor is said to have proposed to the actress last month during a pre-Christmas break in Jackson, Wyoming, after they recently reunited following a three-month split.

A source told UsMagazine.com: "Justin knows how much she loves snowboarding and the mountains, so it was the perfect place.

"This was the basis for getting back together. When they reunited they had a conversation about taking the next step."

The couple - who have dated on-and-off for the past four years - are believed to have then celebrated their engagement with their family and friends at Justin's home in Big Sky, Montana.

Although she has accepted his proposal, 'New Year's Eve' star Jessica recently admitted she is in no hurry to walk down the aisle.

She said: "I was never one of those girls who dreamt of my wedding and my Prince Charming. To p**s off my mom, I used to say, 'I'm never having kids, and I'm going to be a fabulously rich old maid living in a house with cute butlers and dogs.' "

Cast members James Franco and Freida Pinto pose at the premiere of "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" at the Grauman's Chinese theatre in Hollywood, California July 28, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

LOS ANGELES — The Academy Award for visual effects is shaping up into a showdown among such heroes as Harry Potter, the X-Men, the Transformers and Captain America.

Oscar organizers Wednesday announced 10 finalists for the visual-effects prize. Among the contenders are "Captain America: The First Avenger"; "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2"; "Transformers: Dark of the Moon"; and "X-Men: First Class."

Also in the running: "Hugo"; "Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol"; "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides"; "Real Steel"; "Rise of the Planet of the Apes"; and "The Tree of Life."

The academy's visual-effects branch will watch excerpts from each film and select five nominees, which will be announced along with other Oscar nominations Jan. 24. The Oscar ceremony is set for Feb 26.

Actor Hugh Jackman acknowledges applause during a curtain call for his Broadway play "Hugh Jackman, Back on Broadway," in New York November 10, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

Hugh Jackman, who has recently been smashing records on Broadway with his one-man show, will return as escape artist Harry Houdini in the musical "Houdini," producers said on Wednesday.

The 43-year-old actor, who began his career on stage before landing Hollywood roles in movies such as the "X-Men" series, will star in the musical expected to debut in the 2013-14 season that will be written by Oscar-winning writer Aaron Sorkin.

Jackman said in a statement: "I have been deeply fascinated by the life of Harry Houdini since I was young, and in many ways I've been preparing for this role my whole life. I am thrilled to be collaborating with this collection of artists who are all at the top of their game."

The musical, which producers said is a contemporary look at the life and death of the Hungarian-born American musician and stunt performer, will be composed by "Wicked" musician Stephen Schwartz and directed by Jack O'Brien.

Sorkin, who will make his Broadway writing debut, said the musical "tells the story of an epic battle that took place between the world's greatest illusionist and a trio of women, known as 'Spiritualists'."

Jackman's latest Broadway show, "Hugh Jackman, Back on Broadway," grossed more than $14.6 million for its ten-week run that ended earlier this week. He has long been dubbed one of the most bankable Broadway stars.

The Australian-born actor began his career on stage in Melbourne, Australia, before earning international acclaim in the lead role of "Oklahoma!" in London and later as singer Peter Allen in the hit musical, "The Boy from Oz" and hosting multiple Tony Awards.

Television personalities (L-R) Kim Kardashian, Kourtney Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian and Kris Jenner arrive at the grand opening of the Kardashian Khaos store at the Mirage Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada December 15, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

Is Barbie cosying up with the Kardashians?

Celebrity magazine Us Weekly reported on Wednesday that the world's most famous doll was getting three high-profile new friends -- reality TV stars Kim, Kourtney and Khloe Kardashian.

Us Weekly quoted an unnamed source as saying that the Kardashian sisters -- who found fame in the U.S. show "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" -- will be immortalized as Barbie's pals in an upcoming limited-edition doll line.

"The dolls will reflect the girls' measurements and may even come in Kardashian-designed outfits," the source said.

Barbie doll makers Mattel declined to comment, saying they never comment on "product rumors."

But the iconic Barbie herself, whose "careers" over the past 50 years have ranged from U.S. President to computer engineer, said in a cryptic Twitter message on January 1 that she had a new job to look forward to.

"I'm so excited to share my New Year's resolution with you dolls! I'm going to pursue a dream I've always had... to be a Fashion Designer!" Barbie tweeted.

Kim Kardashian, who made headlines last year by marrying basketball player Kris Humphries in a lavish TV wedding and filing for divorce 72 days later, has also been dropping hints.

"Merry Christmas Barbs @BarbieStyle! Long time no see! What did Ken get you for Christmas? Miss you doll!," Kardashian tweeted on Christmas Day.

"I'm sure we will be seeing lots of each other!Shopping soon!Xo RT @BarbieStyle: Happy Doll-idays to you too @KimKardashian! See you in 2012?"

Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore at the premiere of "No Strings Attached" in Los Angeles, January 11, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

Actress Demi Moore, who recently ended her six-year marriage to Ashton Kutcher, says her worst fear is finding she is "not worthy of being loved".

In an interview conducted just one week after Moore filed for divorce in November, the "Ghost" star opened up to her friend, British photographer Amanda De Cadenet, for the February edition of Harper's Bazaar magazine.

Moore, 49, did not directly address her split with Kutcher, the 33-year-old star of television comedy "Two and A Half Men." The marriage foundered after a San Diego woman went public about a brief fling she had with Kutcher.

But in a wide-ranging conversation with De Cadenet about insecurities, Moore said; "What scares me is that I'm going to ultimately find out at the end of my life that I'm really not lovable, that I'm not worthy of being loved. That there's something fundamentally wrong with me...and that I wasn't wanted here in the first place."

The marriage was Moore's third, and the 16-year age difference between her and Kutcher made them the subject of constant media attention.

Moore added that freedom for her meant, "Letting go of the outcome. Truly being in the moment. Not reflecting on the past. Not projecting into the future. That's freedom. Not caring more about what other people think than what you think. That's freedom.

"To not be defined by your wounds. Somebody wrote something to me that said, 'Don't let your wounds make you become someone you're not.' That's really powerful. And not taking life too seriously," she told De Cadenet.

The actress, who has recently lost weight and alarmed media by her thin appearance, also said she has had a "love-hate" relationship with her body but that now she accepted it.

"When I'm at the greatest odds with my body, it's usually because I feel my body's betraying me, whether that's been in the past, struggling with my weight and feeling that I couldn't eat what I wanted to eat, or that I couldn't get my body to do what I wanted it to do.

"I think I sit today in a place of greater acceptance of my body, and that includes not just my weight but all of the things that come with your changing body as you age to now experiencing my body as extremely thin -- thin in a way that I never imagined somebody would be saying to me, "You're too thin, and you don't look good."

Moore and De Cadenet are executive producers of a new TV interview series called "The Conversation" that is due to premiere on cable channel Lifetime later in 2012.

The Chengdu concert, which starts at 8 pm on Jan 5 at Jiaozi Music Center, will feature the music of Beethoven and Haydn, the Chengdu Municipal Foreign Office says.

The Beethoven Orchestra Bonn, with 106 members, ranks among Germany's best.

Peng, who was buried in a mine 30 meters beneath the earth, survived by drinking urine and rainwater and eating toilet paper. He was rescued 172 hours later, thanks to the unremitting efforts of his wife, relatives and soldiers.

Shooting may start next February, and the film may premiere on July 1, producer Sun Yunfeng says.

The main venue will be the National Stadium, which hosted the 2008 Olympics' opening ceremony.

There will be no competition section. The festival will select a number of nominated or award-winning flicks from 2011's international film festivals.

Highlights include a film market for producers and buyers, a film carnival that brings filmgoers and filmmakers together, and a seminar of major global studios' executives.

The first Beijing Film Festival was staged last April. The film market sealed deals worth a total of 2.7 billion yuan ($415 million), organizers say.

The three-episode, high-definition documentary will present the African country from a Chinese perspective. It's the first time that CCTV's production team has filmed a nonfiction show entirely overseas.

Director Xiao Wai says the show is different from other documentaries about Kenya in that it not only portrays the African country's natural beauty but also reveals its living conditions and modern cultures.

Artwork by Wang Yunfei (shown above in the screen snap) is used by Hunan Satellite TV during its New Year Concert without the artist's permission.

BEIJING - A TV station in Hunan province has rung in the new year to the sound of controversy.

Hunan Satellite TV, which displayed artwork behind a singer during the New Year's Eve program, did so without the artist's knowledge or permission.

"I was shocked and thought it weird after my friend told me at midnight. When I confirmed those pictures were mine, I was angry," Wang Yunfei told China Daily on Tuesday.

Wang said he cannot accept that his copyright was used without a prior call for permission.

He posted the infringement case on his micro blog on Sunday, which was forwarded more than 84,000 times and received nearly 20,000 comments as of 5 pm on Tuesday.

"I hope the concert producer and Hunan Satellite TV can give me a written apology and compensate me," Wang, who is in his 20s, said firmly, refusing to disclose how much money he intends to ask for.

He said he received a call about negotiations on Monday from Peng Youlun, the producer responsible for the visual effects of the concert, but they did not reach an agreement during that talk.

"I hope the producer can solve the dispute with me as soon as possible," he said.

So far, however, Wang has not heard any replies from Peng and has found his artwork was still illegally used by the TV station when it replayed the concert.

"I'm consulting a lawyer now. I won't rule out a suit if the producer and Hunan Satellite TV still ignore me," he said.

In her defense, Peng wrote on her micro blog that Wang should "feel honored that his pictures were used" and should not narrow his outlook like "many other conservative and nearsighted paint designers".

Her words immediately invited a backlash.

Peng later deleted the statement and apologized to Wang on the micro blog.

She said on Sunday evening the infringement was caused by insufficient communication in the production group for the concert and was not Hunan Satellite TV's responsibility, adding her team will compensate Wang.

An insider with Hunan Satellite TV, who did not want to be identified, said the backdrop design for the New Year's concert was based on a contract between the TV station and Peng's group.

"The infringement is just between Peng and Wang, not Hunan Satellite TV, because we only provide a stage to show Peng's design," the insider said.

"Our workers in charge of the concert's coordination might not supervise the group's work carefully. So if the case involves our station, we'll definitely shoulder the responsibility."

Liu Yinliang, a legal expert specializing in intellectual property rights at Peking University, said such infringement cases are prevalent in China because most people have no awareness of protecting intellectual property rights.

"The producer must pay for the painter's work and receive a permit from him before they use his pictures," Liu said, suggesting the two parties deal with the dispute through negotiation.

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie helped Jonah Hill celebrate his 28th birthday.

Angelina and Brad - who stars in 'Moneyball' with Jonah - attended the belated bash at La Descarga in Hollywood, thrown by the actor after he turned 28 on December 20 where they were spotted dancing.

A source told USmagazine.com: "They danced a little bit. Angelina had a glass of wine in her hand," and added the pair stayed for two hours.

Jonah has previously spoken of his admiration for Brad, revealing the star let him stay at his New Orleans home while he filmed '21 Jump Street' although it did upset some of Brad's fans.

He said: "Brad is the coolest guy. It sucks because he's so handsome. You don't wanna like him so much!

"I was shooting '21 Jump Street' in New Orleans, and he let me live in his house. He said, 'Go live there!' I said, 'I'm there for three-and-a-half, four months' and he said, 'That's cool. Live at my house.' Like, he's the nicest guy.

"Every day I'd get picked up in a black SUV and dropped off. But people in New Orleans know it's Brad Pitt's house. It's literally on the tour. So, I would go home every day from work and there'd be a tour outside and they'd be freaking out, and then I'd get out of the car, and you could hear a collective audible sigh of annoyance when it wasn't Brad Pitt!"

Angelina Jolie bought Brad Pitt a waterfall for his birthday.

The Oscar-winning actress purchased the land above and around a waterfall in rural California for the actor's 48th birthday last month.

Budding architect Brad - who raises six children with Angelina - now plans recreate his hero Frank Lloyd Wright's famous Pennsylvanian Fallingwater estate.

A source told the New York Post newspaper: "Brad has always loved Fallingwater and his first trip there was unforgettable. Angelina wanted to get him something incredibly special and, because she knows how much he loves architecture, she thought this would be perfect.

"She hopes this will be a hideaway for the family. Brad has dreamed of a home with the sound of a waterfall cascading under the house.

"Brad has always wanted to design his own house. He wants to pull all aspects of nature, light, glass and varying levels into the concept. This is the present to top all presents."

And it seems Brad may have to make extra room in the house as Angelina recently revealed she could have another child.

When asked whether she wants to expand her brood, she said: "Nothing is planned at the moment, but we just don't know. I could end up pregnant."

Eva Longoria was the "most unhealthy" she had ever been following her split from Tony Parker.

The 'Desperate Housewives' actress - who called time on her three-year marriage to the basketball star in November 2010 after he was accused of cheating on her - received compliments on her slender frame in the aftermath of the separation but she thinks she was too thin and has now learned to look after herself better.

She said: "I remember after my divorce, I was so thin and everyone kept saying how great I looked. It was probably the most unhealthy place I've ever been. So it was funny what people would see as 'healthy'.

"In my worst time, people were saying I've never looked better. But now I have a great diet and exercise routine. I like weight training and abs. I hate the elliptical. I despise cardio. I just can't do it. So I try to do my cardio within the workout."

Eva - who is now dating Eduardo Cruz, the younger brother of Spanish actress Penelope Cruz - explained she didn't get depressed at the breakdown of her marriage as she knew "something great" was around the corner.

She added in an interview with Health magazine: "It's so funny, because I don't get depressed. Even after my divorce, everybody was like, 'Wow, you bounced back so quick.'

"I was like, 'I am not letting this take over. Something great is around the corner - I can't wait to see what's going to happen'."

Leandro Penna reportedly proposed to Katie Price on Christmas Day (25.12.11).

The 25-year-old Argentinean model - who dated the 33-year-old reality TV star for several months in 2011 after meeting her at an Oscars party in February - is thought to have popped the question to the mother-of-three at her home, but she is yet to have given him an answer.

According to The Sun newspaper, Katie told a friend: "Leandro came to mine on Christmas Day and asked me to marry him. It was a massive shock and completely out of the blue. I don't know what to do."

The friend added: "For once Katie actually sounded a little guilty. Leo is desperate to get back together with her and doesn't care she has been pictured out with other men since they broke up.

"He holds a flame for her and obviously believes asking for her hand in marriage will sweep her off her feet. Unfortunately he does not feature in Katie's plans."

Leandro was seen carrying Katie into a taxi on Sunday night (01.01.12) after a "raunchy" night out at London's Kassaba Lounge.

A source told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "It was quite raunchy. They kissed on the dancefloor during the night. They were very smoochy with each other.

"Things have been hotting up between them for a few weeks. The party on Sunday had a bikini theme so there were lots of girls in skimpy swimwear but Leo only had eyes for Katie.

"They stayed until about 3am, when Leandro ended up carrying her out to the car."

Katie was recently romantically linked to rugby star Danny Cipriani and last month she was said to be spending more time with ex-husband Peter Andre - who have two kids, Junior, six, and four-year-old Princess Tiaamii, together - for the sake of their children.

Last night (02.01.12), a spokesman for Katie - who also has a nine-year-old son, Harvey, from a previous relationship with retired soccer player Dwight Yorke - said: "She remains single."

Emma Watson's latest Lancome advert is aimed at getting young women to start using lipsticks again.

The 'Harry Potter' actress appears in a new campaign for the brand's new Rouge in Love lipstick and Vernis in Love nail polish and bosses are keen for the ads to make lipstick more popular.

Youcef Nabi, president of Lancôme International, told WWD: "The idea is to make this young generation - that has been a gloss fan - come back to using lipsticks. We worked with Emma on the shade range."

The lipsticks, available in 24 shades, come in a metallic case that can double as a mirror.

Youcef added: "This new generation spends their time looking at themselves in the mirror."

Lancome will also launch a new app, Virtual Mirror, with the lipsticks, which will allow customers to experiment with various colours online before buying.

She said: "You will be able to try all the shades by downloading your picture. It's really you transformed before your eyes."

The nail polish complements the lip colours, with Youcef saying: "Lipstick doesn't come without a nail enamel. It's the ultimate fashion accessory."

Victoria Beckham says the quality of her designs can never be criticised.

When the former Spice Girls star launched her first collection for her Victoria Beckham line in 2008, she was met with a lot of opposition because people just assumed she was another celebrity putting her name to a clothing range.

However, she has won over her critics and believes it's because she refused to comprise with her creations.

Victoria - who is now on her eighth season - said: "I'm very aware of people's preconceptions. But the product spoke for itself.

"When I was starting out I remember Marc Jacobs saying, 'As long as the quality is great, then people can say it's not their personal taste, but they can't say that it's rubbish.' And that's very true."

The mother-of-four is very proud of her fashion label but is stunned at how well it has done over the past three years.

She said: "In the first collection we produced 400 dresses and we had nine retail partners internationally, and now we're producing about 500 pieces with all categories in just over 300 stores worldwide. Though I'm trying to take baby steps, the business is growing very quickly. Our turnover year-over-year has increased over 120 percent. I think to anyone's standards that's very impressive."

Kate Winslet loves red polish on her toenails.

The 'Titanic' actress says she doesn't really get time to pamper her feet but thinks putting on a bright red shade can help them look in better condition than they are.

She said: "There's nothing like red polish on toes. I don't have much time for pedicures, but if I haven't done anything to my feet for months and I look like a Neanderthal woman, a coat of red means you can somehow get away with anything."

As well as brightening up her toes, Kate also has tips for making eyes look better.

She advised: "A great trick I've learnt with mascara is to put it on the back of your hand and York it into the tips of a flat stipple brush. Lift up your eyelid ever so slightly and paint a line on the underside of the roots, extremely close to the lashes and then go over the lashes with mascara. It doesn't show as much as a liner, but can really define the eye. It also makes the whites of your eyes look whiter."

Tom Ford says "powerful" fragrances work better in the winter.

The designer says it's important to match your perfume to the weather and when it's cold outside he thinks a string scent works much better.

He said: "I always prefer rich and heady scents for winter, as they don't get lost among the Christmas smells of pine and log fires. Powerful scents like my latest scent Violet Blonde - with orris, cedarwood and violet leaf - will help you stand out.

"Violet Blonde expresses a kind of femininity that is formal, luxurious and polished - a classic, Hollywood glamour. I wanted the word 'violet' in the name, because it has a fascinating pull. It's shade associated with royalty - you almost cannot look away from a true violet shade."

The former Gucci creative director also says it doesn't matter if you wear different perfumes throughout the day and night.

He said: "Layer one or two perfumes to create a sense of depth and richness - it's perfect for the party season. I usually end up wearing four or five different scents by the end of the day, as I don't change my fragrance for the evening - I simply add to my existing one."

Duchess Catherine has helped to double the profits of Reiss in the past year alone.

The 29-year-old royal - who has worn dresses by the British high street store to a number of high-profile events - has been credited with giving the brand a "cooler and sexier" image.

According to accounts filed at Companies House, profits surged to £8.5million from £4.3million in the year to January 31 2011, whilst sales rose to £87.6million from £77.7million.

In addition to Catherine's endorsement of the chain, the family-owned store has also credited the increase in profits to the launch of the Reiss 1971 sub-brand.

The company said in a statement: "The launch of a new sub-brand, Reiss 1971, was the starting point to make the brand much cooler and sexier, to broaden its appeal.

"Every aspect of the brand was appraised, in order to highlight this and to make a more dynamic and sexier statement."

The Duchess of Cambridge first gave the high street store her stamp of approval when she wore a Reiss dress in her official engagement photograph - shot by Mario Testino - with Prince William in January 2011, causing the company's website to crash and it seeing a huge boost in sales from royal fans in the US.

She then went on to wear a cream Reiss dress when she met US president Barack Obama and his wife Michelle, which sold out within hours of the first pictures emerging.

The Broadway League reported Tuesday that "Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark" took in a whopping $2,941,790 over nine performances last week, which is the highest single-week gross of any show in Broadway history.

The musical shattered the old record held by "Wicked," which last January recorded the then-highest one-week take on Broadway with a $2,228,235 haul, though over an eight-show week.

"We knew the possibility," said Michael Cohl, one of the lead producers of "Spider-Man" along with Jeremiah "Jere" Harris. "I don't think that Jere or I really thought we'd ever get there but we're ecstatic that we did."

While the eight-versus-nine show disparity gives "Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark" something of an asterisk, the Spider-Man producers pointed out that head-to-head last week with "Wicked" over nine shows each, their musical handily won. "Wicked" took in $2,712,535 last week.

Both shows' haul reflect the use of premium seating, in which producers charge higher prices for certain days and certain seats. Also, "Wicked," which is performed at the Gershwin Theatre, has about 100 seats less than the 1,930-seat Foxwoods Theatre, home of the superhero musical.

The stunt-heavy Spider-Man show, which at $75 million makes it the costliest ever on Broadway, muscled to the top despite a turbulent history, including injuries to actors, delays in opening night, poor reviews and a record-breaking preview period. Many professional critics predicted its quick death.

While pleased by the success, the producers on Tuesday weren't doing a victory dance just yet. "The time to crow is when we have sustained longevity and we've returned the money to our investors," Harris said.

Many shows this holiday season added a ninth show to their regular eight-show week, and most had a happy holiday as a result, including "The Book of Mormon" with $1,752,601 over nine shows and "The Lion King" at $2,444,132 over nine performances. About a dozen shows were at or near full capacity.

"How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" with Daniel Radcliffe ending his Broadway run broke the box office record at the Hirschfield Theatre the week ending Sunday, grossing $1,910,224 over nine performances.

Hugh Jackman also ended his 10-week concert show run at the Broadhurst Theatre on Sunday after having earned $2,057,354 in its final nine performances, the highest weekly gross recorded by the Shubert Organization, which owns the Broadhurst and 16 other Broadway theaters.

And Broadway's "Mary Poppins" grossed $2,444,032 at the Minskoff Theatre during its nine-performance week, which is a house record and the highest weekly gross in the show's 14-year run.

The news wasn't all good for everyone. Producers of the musical "Lysistrata Jones" said Tuesday that they're pulling the plug on the Douglas Carter Beane-written comedy, and its last performance will be Sunday. It is the first Broadway casualty of the year,

The enduring financial success of the "Spider-Man" musical came despite a spring shake-up that led to the firing of Julie Taymor — the original co-book writer and director — and an overhaul of the plot and songs by U2's Bono and the Edge. Harris and Cohl jumped aboard the show relatively late on and had to make hard choices.

"We came into a very difficult situation. We've changed the team. We added players when we needed to. We've moved some players around to different positions. And the success we've had here is the culmination of all those people working hard to get done what we've gotten done," Harris said.

Cohl and Harris have said that their data on the audiences for "Spider-Man" indicate that half of all attendees had never been to a Broadway show before and more than half were from outside New York. They say it has been seen by more than 600,000 people during the past year.

The show has consistently grossed more than the $1.2 million each week the producers have indicated they need to stay viable and that has helped persuade Harris and Cohl to keep the show in New York, forgoing for now schemes to tour or franchise it.

The new record hasn't changed those plans and their work hasn't ended.

"Cohl and I both got up this morning — we were emailing and texting each other first thing — about next week," Harris said.

Singer Lady Gaga and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg kiss each other during celebrations at the New Year Eve ball in Times Square in New York, January 1, 2012.[Photo/Agencies]

NEW YORK — New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg wants the world to know that while he might have shared a New Year's kiss with Lady Gaga it was nothing compared with the one he got later from his longtime girlfriend.

The 69-year-old politician and the youthful pop star locked lips shortly after leading a Times Square crowd in a final-minute countdown to midnight. They made quite a pair: He was in an old-fashioned American-flag sweater; she had her eyes hidden behind a sparkly mask.

When asked about the kiss Tuesday, Bloomberg said he'd "be remiss" if he didn't say "the best kiss of the night came after that," from girlfriend Diana Taylor.

Bloomberg also called Gaga "a young lady," noting she's about the same age as his daughter Georgina, who's in her late 20s.

Actress Meryl Streep laughs as she listens to interpretation during a seminar of "Film and Director: Actor's Perspective" at US-China Forum on the Arts and Culture in Beijing, November 18, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

Meryl Streep will get a lifetime achievement award from the Berlin Film Festival in February, along with a retrospective of some of her most famous movies of the past 30 years.

Festival organizers said Streep, 62, who is currently starring as former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in "The Iron Lady," would be presented with an honorary Golden Bear on February 14.

"We are delighted to be able to award the Honorary Golden Bear to such a terrific artist and world star. Meryl Streep is a brilliant, versatile performer who moves with ease between dramatic and comedic roles," Berlin Film Festival director Dieter Kosslick said in a statement Monday.

Organizers plan to screen six of Streep's movies, including her Oscar winning roles in "Kramer vs. Kramer" and "Sophie's Choice" during the film festival next month.

The New Jersey-born Streep, considered the greatest living screen actress, has a record 16 Oscar nominations and is considered a front-runner for a 17th nod for her portrayal of Thatcher when Academy Award nominations are announced on January 26 in Beverly Hills.

Cast members George Clooney (R) and Shailene Woodley (C) pose with director of the movie Alexander Payne at the premiere of "The Descendants" at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills, California November 15, 2011.

"The Descendants," starring George Clooney as a family man, and the silent black and white movie "The Artist," were among 10 movies earning Producers Guild Award nominations on Tuesday.

"Midnight in Paris," Woody Allen's cinematic bow to the French capital, and the surprise summer box office hit "The Help," which tells of black maids in Mississippi dealing with racism, also built upon their nods from other major film awards as the Hollywood awards season gathers momentum.

High-profile names including Martin Scorsese for 3D-adventure movie "Hugo," Brad Pitt for the baseball film "Moneyball," George Clooney for political drama "The Ides of March" and Steven Spielberg for the family film "War Horse" were also nominated for those films, along with their fellow producers.

Completing the list in the main fiction film category were producers for "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo," adapted from Stieg Larsson's trilogy of hit novels, and the raunchy summer female comedy "Bridesmaids."

The Producers Guild Awards, a key indication of Hollywood sentiment ahead of the Oscars in February, will be handed out at a ceremony in Los Angeles on Jan 21.

In other categories, Spielberg as well as Peter Jackson were nominated for donning their producer hats in the animation category "The Adventures of Tintin."

In a year of numerous Hollywood sequels, "Cars 2," and "Kung Fu Panda 2" also received nods in the animation category along with "Puss In Boots" and western comedy "Rango" in which Johnny Depp lends his voice as a pet chameleon.

The PGA also announced its television movie and mini-series nominees, including HBO's "Too Big To Fail," "Mildred Pierce," and "Cinema Verite," as well as "Downton Abbey" (PBS) and "The Kennedys" (ReelzChannel.)

And theatrical documentaries "Senna," which thrilled audiences with its portrait of the late Brazilian Formula One champion Ayrton Senna, and "Bill Cunningham New York" about the aging, modest New York Times fashion photographer will compete against "Project Nim" and Cameron Crowe's "The Union" about Elton John's collaboration with Leon Russell.

"Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest," about the influential American hip hop group rounded out the theatrical documentary list.

The Producers Guild producer awards, will be handed out two days after the Writers Guild honors. Hollywood's guilds represent professionals in their respective industries.

Caleb Followill, lead singer for ''Kings of Leon,'' performs on NBC's 'Today' show in New York, July 31, 2009.[Photo/Agencies]

Kings of Leon frontman Caleb Followill and his wife, Victoria's Secret model Lily Aldridge, said on Thursday they are expecting their first child, ending a rollercoaster year for the rock band.

"We are thrilled to announce that we are expecting our first child together. We can't wait to meet the new addition to our family," Followill and Aldridge said in a statement.

Followill, 29, and Aldridge, 26, married in May in California after dating for two years. This will be the first child for both.

Grammy-winning Kings of Leon, formed by Followill brothers Caleb, Jared and Nathan and their cousin Matthew in Nashville, Tennessee, broke through with their 2008 album "Only By the Night," featuring hit singles such as "Sex On Fire."

The band was forced to cancel the remainder of the U.S. leg of their "Come Around Sundown" tour in August. Bass player Jared Followill tweeted at the time, "there are internal sicknesses & problems that have needed to be addressed". The band announced a hiatus shortly afterward.

A documentary, "Talihina Sky: The Story of Kings of Leon," on their rise to fame, premiered at Tribeca Film Festival earlier this year.

Singer Wynonna Judd arrives for the 39th Annual Country Music Awards, in New York, November 15, 2005.[Photo/Agencies]

Country music star Wynonna Judd received an early Christmas gift when her boyfriend, Cactus Moser, proposed on Christmas Eve, the singer's spokesman said on Thursday.

Grammy-winning Judd is currently touring with Moser, the drummer of country music band Highway 101, as Wynonna and The Big Noise.

This will be the third trip down the aisle for the singer, who married first husband Arch Kelley III in 1996 and with whom she has two children. The couple divorced in 1998, and the singer married her former bodyguard D.R. Roach in 2003, and split in 2007 after Roach was arrested for sexual assault of a minor.

No wedding date has been set yet, but the singer said on Thursday she will be tweeting on New Year's Eve with more details on her engagement.

Judd, 47, rose to fame in the 1980s performing with her mother Naomi in the duo band The Judds, with hit songs such as "Love Can Build a Bridge" and "Why Not Me" winning Grammy awards.

After the duo parted ways in 1991, Judd went on to pursue a successful solo career under the moniker Wynonna, garnering hits such as "She is His Only Need" and "No One Else On Earth."

Judd's personal life has been in the spotlight recently after she and her mother revealed they had both been sexually abused as children, and Judd's younger sister, actress Ashley Judd, published a memoir detailing her own painful childhood.

Judd and her mother took part in a six-part documentary series on Oprah Winfrey's OWN network earlier this year, allowing cameras to film their tempestuous relationship.

NBA basketball great Michael Jordan pauses during a ceremony where he was inducted into the North Carolina Sport Hall of Fame, during halftime of the NBA basketball game between the Toronto Raptors and Charlotte Bobcats, in Charlotte, North Carolina December 14, 2010.[Photo/Agencies]

Basketball legend Michael Jordan is engaged to his long-time girlfriend Yvette Prieto, his spokeswoman said on Thursday.

Jordan, 48, considered the greatest U.S. basketball player of all time, proposed to Cuban-American model Prieto, 32, over the Christmas holidays, the spokeswoman told TV station WCNC in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The couple have been dating for about three years. It will be the second marriage for Jordan, who divorced his wife Juanita in 2006 after 17 years.

Jordan spent almost 19 years with the National Basketball Association (NBA), retiring twice from the Chicago Bulls before finally quitting the game and the Washington Wizards in 2003.

He endorsed the successful line of Nike Air Jordan athletic shoes and appeared as himself in the 1996 movie "Space Jam."

Jordan is currently the majority owner of the NBA's Charlotte Bobcats.

Cast member Meryl Streep arrives for the New York premiere of the film ''The Iron Lady'' in New York December 13, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

Meryl Streep looks set for an unprecedented 17th Oscar nomination after earning glowing reviews for her performance as Britain's Margaret Thatcher in the movie "The Iron Lady".

"Virtuoso", "translucent", and "compelling" were among the words used by U.S. movie critics this week to describe Streep's turn as Britain's polarizing, and only female, prime minister.

"Is there anything that Meryl Streep can't do as an actress? One can only marvel at her virtuoso performance as Britain's Margaret Thatcher," said Rolling Stone reviewer Peter Travers.

"The Iron Lady", in which Streep plays Thatcher both as a rising politician and as a confused, elderly woman looking back on her 1979-90 period in office, opens in New York and Los Angeles on Friday, and reaches British movie theaters on January 6.

Streep, 62, already has a record 16 Academy Award acting nominations. But she has won the Oscar only twice, for "Kramer vs Kramer" in 1979 and "Sophie's Choice" in 1982.

Her turn as Thatcher has put her on the short-list for Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild awards in January, ahead of the Oscar nominations announcement on January 26.

Time magazine's Richard Corliss called Streep's performance as Thatcher, who is now 86, "a triumph"; Leah Rozen, writing for TheWrap.com, said Streep was "astonishingly accurate in mimicking the look, voice, gait and mannerisms of her real life character."

However "The Iron Lady" itself won fewer fans, scoring a 63 percent positive rating on movie aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes.

New York Magazine's David Edelstein described the film as "shallow but satisfying, largely because of Meryl Streep and her big fake English teeth and gift for using mimicry as a means of achieving empathy."

Writing in the New York Times, A.O. Scott praised the brilliance of Streep's performance and said the movie was "likely to be the definitive screen treatment of Mrs. Thatcher, at least for a while."

But Scott added; "You are left with the impression of an old woman who can't quite remember who she used to be and of a movie that is not so sure either."

Kasey Kahne rests on the the roof of his car during the race introductions NASCAR Sprint Cup Sharpie 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol Tennessee, August 23, 2008. [Photo/Agencies]

Celebrities may resist the urge to send a stream of consciousness on Twitter in the new year, after famous people tweeted their way into trouble on everything from boxer briefs to breast-feeding in 2011.

NASCAR driver Kasey Kahne became the latest celebrity to blunder on Twitter, when he recently had to apologize for a tweet critical of public breast-feeding.

But Kahne has been far from alone in discovering Twitter's pitfalls. The year 2011 saw Congressman Anthony Weiner resign in a scandal that began with an errant tweet, and the musings of Hollywood stars such as the tech savvy Ashton Kutcher and comic Gilbert Gottfried generated public controversy.

As a result of those and other scandals, 2011 may be seen as a turning point when more celebrities and politicians saw the dangers of Twitter and quit sending unfiltered messages, pop culture experts said.

The public already knows speeches and even snappy quips from public figures are often scripted, so fans are likely to understand if the handlers of celebrities play a larger role in managing their Twitter accounts.

"There was a time from 2008 to 2011 where Twitter was like, whatever was on your mind you tweeted about it -- literally mindlessly," said radio host Cooper Lawrence, author of "The Cult of Celebrity."

"Now you're going to see the other side of the bell curve, where people are more cautious. Politicians are already more cautious," she said.

In Washington, D.C., no better example of a Twitter train wreck can be found than the career of former Rep. Anthony Weiner, a once influential Democrat from New York.

The spark that led to revelations about Weiner and his resignation in June was a tweet he sent to a female college student, with a lewd photo of his bulging boxer underwear.

"That guy has become now the patron saint of warning people that communicating from the id, which is exactly what Twitter is designed to do, can end up being a really, really bad idea," said Bob Thompson, professor of television and pop culture at Syracuse University.

DUCKING OUT

Comedian Gilbert Gottfried did not have his career ruined by Twitter, but it cost him a lucrative gig.

Gottfried fired off several joke tweets in March about the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan. In one message, he said: "Japan is really advanced. They don't go to the beach. The beach comes to them."

Gottfried was roundly criticized in the media, and insurance company Aflac Inc fired him as the voice of its iconic duck in television commercials.

"Being the Aflac voice was a large portion of his income, and not being able to do that for years and years to come is going to cost him millions of dollars," said Jo Piazza, author of the book "Celebrity, Inc.: How Famous People Make Money."

More than other celebrities, actor Ashton Kutcher has been a master of Twitter. Kutcher became the first to have a million followers on the site. He also created the online production company Katalyst and embarked on lucrative promotion campaigns for such products as Popchips.

All of that made it believable when Kutcher in September was given a starring role as a billionaire technology guru on hit television comedy "Two and a Half Men."

Kutcher took over from actor Charlie Sheen, who clashed with the show's co-creator and raised eyebrows on Twitter with descriptions of himself as "winning."

In November, Kutcher created a public uproar when he tweeted a defense of Penn State football coach Joe Paterno, who was fired in the fallout from a sexual abuse scandal that centered on assistant coach Jerry Sandusky.

Kutcher apologized in a blog post, and said he did not know about the abuse scandal when he sent the off-the-cuff tweet that read, "How do you fire Jo Pa?" He also pledged to have his staff at Katalyst manage his Twitter account, as opposed to posting on his own as he had done before.

The 33-year-old actor wrote that Twitter has turned into a "mass publishing platform" in which tweets can quickly "become news that is broadcast around the world and misinformation becomes volatile fodder for critics."

Experts say Kutcher's Twitter mistake and his decision to alter the way he uses the site could serve as a lesson to others. "Because after all, he is a master of the form," Thompson said.

The recent controversy surrounding Kasey Kahne shows that not only a celebrity's tweet, but also the response to other online commentators can generate trouble.

He originally posted a comment about encountering a mother breast-feeding at a supermarket. "Took second look because I was obviously seeing things. I wasn't!" he wrote.

But Kahne faced just as much heat for a crude comment directed at a woman online who criticized his view on public breast-feeding. The racer later apologized for both messages.

Other notable Twitter controversies of 2011 include film critic Roger Ebert's tweet, "Friends don't let jackasses drink and drive," which was sent in response to the impaired driving death of "Jackass" star Ryan Dunn.

In a less inflammatory Twitter misfire, Charlie Sheen in December revealed his phone number, in an apparent attempt to send it privately to teen singer Justin Bieber.

Jessica Simpson is craving salty foods as she prepares to welcome her first child into the world.

The 31-year-old star - who is expecting a baby with fiance Eric Johnson - admitted she has been opting for calorific, salt-laden breakfast as her pregnancy moves forward.

Writing on her twitter page, she said: "Kraft mac and cheese with Lawry's seasoning salt is the breakfast for pregnant champions!!! (sic)"

Jessica has previously claimed toasted "peanut butter and jelly sandwiches" have been tickling her tastebuds.

She explained: "This week it's peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, toasted. And then, I'll put some salt on my hand like I'm taking a tequila shot and then take a bite of the sandwich."

However, the singer-and-actress recently admitted one of the down sides of pregnancy is that she has been crying "at the drop of a hat".

Jessica said: "That's the one thing about pregnancy - I'll cry at the drop of a hat. Even a great souffle would make me cry.

"I felt the baby move the other day for the first time and I had big crocodile tears. It was the coolest thing ever. It did a flip or something. I was like, 'There it went. It's there. It's really there'."

Britney Spears is planning a "traditional Southern-style" wedding.

The 'Criminal' hitmaker - who announced her engagement to her former manager Jason Trawick earlier this month - is said to be keen to shun a lavish Hollywood wedding and opt for a close, country gathering with her friends and family.

An insider told In Touch Weekly magazine: "She wants a traditional Southern-style wedding with comfort food, surrounded by her family, her two sons and all of her childhood friends, as opposed to a Hollywood wedding."

Jason surprised Britney - who has sons Sean Preston, six, and Jayden James, five, with ex-husband Kevin Federline - by throwing her a huge engagement party at the Chocolate Lounge and Sugar Factory in the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas the day after he asked her to marry him.

She tweeted: "OMG. Last night Jason surprised me with the one gift I've been waiting for. Can't wait to show you! SO SO SO excited!!!! Xxo(sic)"

Jason - who has been dating Britney for two years - asked permission from her father Jamie before getting down and one knee.

In addition to her union with Kevin Federline, Britney was also married to childhood friend Jason Alexander for just 55 hours in 2004.

David Beckham enjoyed his favourite pie and mash dish over Christmas.

The soccer player took his sons Brooklyn, 12, and nine-year-old Romeo back to his regular haunt of Tony's Pie and Mash shop in East London to enjoy the traditional East End food during a homecoming break over the festive period.

Shop owner Tony Lane told The Sun newspaper: "David has been coming to us for years.

"He's always very polite and ensures he shakes hands with everybody who works here. He didn't make a fuss, just ordered his food and sat down with his lads."

Despite amassing a million-pound fortune throughout his soccer career, the 36-year-old star - who is also on vacation with wife Victoria and their son Cruz, six, and five-month-old daughter Harper - placed his usual order of double pie, double mash, parsley liquor, a cup of tea and a portion of jellied eels and he posted a picture on Facebook of himself indulging in his favourite food.

During his family's stay in England, David helped throw a surprise 30th birthday for his younger sister Joanne on Wednesday night (28.12.11) at the exclusive Roka restaurant in London, where they enjoyed a private dinner with her family and close friends.

Joanne later took to her twitter account to express her delight at the surprise party.

She tweeted: "Aww turned up at my fav restaurant and can't believe my close friends and family was here !!!! Amazin !!! So happy." (sic)"

Kristen Stewart has shelled out $12,000 on two vintage guitars for boyfriend Robert Pattinson.

The 21-year-old actress - who stars alongside the hunk in the 'Twilight' saga - snapped up the instruments from Norman's Rare Guitars in Los Angeles on December 23, just in time to make the perfect Christmas gift.

Shop owner Norman Harris explained as well as picking up a 1959 Fender Jazzmaster and a 1947 K&F Lap Steel, Kristen had a strum on the instruments herself while she was in the shop.

He told Us Weekly magazine: "She said, 'He's gonna s**t when he sees them!'"

The gifts could come in handy for Robert, as it was recently revealed the 25-year-old actor plans to make the most of the current break in his schedule by heading in to the studio to record an album, as music has always been his "first love".

A source previously explained: "Music is his first love! He's tortured because he avoids it. When he's sitting around jamming in the studio, it's his most cherished moment of life.

"Rob has been kicking a few original songs around for a long time, but his schedule didn't allow it."

Kristen could also think about purchasing a piano for the star in the future, as he has admitted he eyed a career as a professional musician before turning to acting.

Robert recently said: "I love the piano. I never really had any aspirations to be an actor when I was young. I wanted to play the piano in a bar, to be the old dude with a whiskey glass."

Russell Brand (L) and Katy Perry arrive for the European premiere of the film "Arthur" in London April 19, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

British comedian and actor Russell Brand called it quits on his 14-month marriage to "Teenage Dream" singer Katy Perry on Friday, filing for divorce on the grounds of irreconcilable differences.

Brand, 36, star of the movie "Get Him to the Greek", and U.S. pop star Perry, 27, met in 2008 and married on October, 2010 in a lavish wedding in India.

The irreverent, former drug addict and the perky Christian-raised singer of international hits like "California Gurls" and "Firework" seemed an unlikely match, but they quickly became one of the most high-profile couples in the entertainment industry.

In recent weeks however, celebrity media reported that their marriage was in trouble.

They spent the Christmas holidays apart, with Brand being photographed in England, and Perry spotted in Hawaii -- both without their wedding rings.

"Sadly, Katy and I are ending our marriage. I'll always adore her and I know we'll remain friends," Brand said in a statement on Friday, after filing divorce papers in Los Angeles Superior Court. No separation date was given.

Perry's representatives did not return calls for comment on Friday.

Brand, who starred in the 2011 box-office flop "Arthur", dismissed rumors earlier this month that the couple were planning to split.

"I am married to Katy perpetually. Until death do us part was the pledge. I am still alive," the comedian told U.S. talk show host Ellen DeGeneres in a December 2 interview.

Perry, who first tried a career as a gospel music singer, transformed herself from what music critics thought might be a one hit wonder with the single "I Kissed a Girl" in 2008 to become one of the world's biggest pop stars.

Her "California Dreams Tour 2011," played up her carefully cultivated bubblegum pop image with sex appeal. But she told Reuters in an interview earlier this year she was able to stay away from the wild, party life with the help of honest people around her, including Brand, himself a recovering drug addict who is now clean and sober.

Brand rose quickly through the ranks of Hollywood.

His antics include being forced to resign as a BBC radio host in 2008 after making lewd, prank phone calls before appearing in break-out role as a music pop star in the film "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" and repeating the character for "Get Him to the Greek."

David Beckham helped throw a surprise 30th birthday for his younger sister last night (28.12.11).

The soccer star and his wife Victoria - who are currently in the UK with their four children for the festive period - went to the exclusive Roka restaurant in London yesterday where they stunned Joanne with a private dinner for her close friends and family.

Joanne tweeted: "Aww turned up at my fav restaurant and can't believe my close friends and family was here !!!! Amazin !!! So happy." (sic)"

She later wrote: 'My bday is feb 19th and I will b 30 but we celerbrated early jus in case my big bro wasn't here !! Had a amazin nite. (sic)"

David - who normally resides in Los Angeles - then took to his Facebook page to post a picture of the group.

He wrote: "Merry Xmas everyone....just at my little sister Jo's birthday party tonight."

David's older sister, Lynne, 38, was also there as were a few of Joanne's friends.

David, 36, and 37-year-old Victoria and their four children - Brooklyn, 12, Romeo, nine, Cruz, six and five-month-old Harper - arrived in the UK just before Christmas and they have been using their time catching up with friends and family.

Beyonce Knowles' birthing suite is being prepared in New York.

The 'Best Thing I Never Had' singer - who is expecting her first baby with husband Jay-Z - is thought to be at the nine month mark of her pregnancy and staff at St Luke's Roosevelt Hospital in the city, the same where Alicia Keys had her baby, are being prepared for her to give birth.

The hospital is said to be "buzzing" about the preparation and half of one floor has been set aside for her, according to MediaTakeOut.com.

In September the 30-year-old beauty admitted she was six months pregnant while she shot the video for her song 'Countdown'.

Beyonce recently confessed she was hoping to have plenty more children to add to her family before she turns 40.

She said: "I have always said that I want to have all my children by the time I am 40, so there's still a lot of time left. There is an attraction for sure about having a large family, but we will just have to see what we are blessed with."

Both her mother Tina and sister Solange were recently spotted shopping for baby clothes in Dallas, Texas.

Cheryl Cole is planning to spend New Year's Eve (31.12.11) with Taio Cruz.

The 'Fight For This Love' hitmaker - who this year had a failed reconciliation attempt with former husband Ashley Cole - has reportedly got close to Taio since he split with his girlfriend Roxy Horner earlier this year and the pair are planning to ring in 2012 together in Los Angeles.

A source said: "Taio is starting to sort out his New Year's Eve and if he's performing, like he did last year, he wants to party with Cheryl. In the run up to Christmas, he's got two shows in California, which I hear he's invited Cheryl to attend.

"Taio is hoping to lay on a night to remember, as he and Cheryl have both had a tough 2011. He'll want to have the best party night - they'll both be keen for 2012 to start."

Cheryl recently confided in friends about her feelings for Taio saying "Taio is beautiful, caring and so amazing.

"He gives me the confidence I thought I'd lost. I'm completely clumsy and dippy around him."

NBA basketball great Michael Jordan pauses during a ceremony where he was inducted into the North Carolina Sport Hall of Fame, during halftime of the NBA basketball game between the Toronto Raptors and Charlotte Bobcats, in Charlotte, North Carolina December 14, 2010.[Photo/Agencies]

Basketball legend Michael Jordan is engaged to his long-time girlfriend Yvette Prieto, his spokeswoman said on Thursday.

Jordan, 48, considered the greatest U.S. basketball player of all time, proposed to Cuban-American model Prieto, 32, over the Christmas holidays, the spokeswoman told TV station WCNC in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The couple have been dating for about three years. It will be the second marriage for Jordan, who divorced his wife Juanita in 2006 after 17 years.

Jordan spent almost 19 years with the National Basketball Association (NBA), retiring twice from the Chicago Bulls before finally quitting the game and the Washington Wizards in 2003.

He endorsed the successful line of Nike Air Jordan athletic shoes and appeared as himself in the 1996 movie "Space Jam."

Jordan is currently the majority owner of the NBA's Charlotte Bobcats.

Cast member Meryl Streep arrives for the New York premiere of the film "The Iron Lady" in New York December 13, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

Meryl Streep looks set for an unprecedented 17th Oscar nomination after earning glowing reviews for her performance as Britain's Margaret Thatcher in the movie "The Iron Lady".

"Virtuoso", "translucent", and "compelling" were among the words used by U.S. movie critics this week to describe Streep's turn as Britain's polarizing, and only female, prime minister.

"Is there anything that Meryl Streep can't do as an actress? One can only marvel at her virtuoso performance as Britain's Margaret Thatcher," said Rolling Stone reviewer Peter Travers.

"The Iron Lady", in which Streep plays Thatcher both as a rising politician and as a confused, elderly woman looking back on her 1979-90 period in office, opens in New York and Los Angeles on Friday, and reaches British movie theaters on January 6.

Streep, 62, already has a record 16 Academy Award acting nominations. But she has won the Oscar only twice, for "Kramer vs Kramer" in 1979 and "Sophie's Choice" in 1982.

Her turn as Thatcher has put her on the short-list for Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild awards in January, ahead of the Oscar nominations announcement on January 26.

Time magazine's Richard Corliss called Streep's performance as Thatcher, who is now 86, "a triumph"; Leah Rozen, writing for TheWrap.com, said Streep was "astonishingly accurate in mimicking the look, voice, gait and mannerisms of her real life character."

However "The Iron Lady" itself won fewer fans, scoring a 63 percent positive rating on movie aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes.

New York Magazine's David Edelstein described the film as "shallow but satisfying, largely because of Meryl Streep and her big fake English teeth and gift for using mimicry as a means of achieving empathy."

Writing in the New York Times, A.O. Scott praised the brilliance of Streep's performance and said the movie was "likely to be the definitive screen treatment of Mrs. Thatcher, at least for a while."

But Scott added; "You are left with the impression of an old woman who can't quite remember who she used to be and of a movie that is not so sure either."

Katy Perry and Russell Brand spent Christmas 7,000 miles apart.

The 'Last Friday Night' singer went to Hawaii for a vacation in a private villa with friends, while the comic actor spent December 25 in Cornwall, South West England.

Russell, 36, had lunch in a pub in Coverack village and then attended his comedian friend David Baddiel's charity swim where he was mobbed by fans and happily posed for pictures.

The 27-year-old pop star was spotted surfing and frolicking in the sea and on the beach with friends.

The couple's decision to spend the festive season apart has ignited rumours their 14 month marriage is in trouble.

However, Russell has previously insisted he and Katy are very happily married and intend to stay together "until death do us apart".

Earlier this month, the 'Arthur' star - who tied the knot with Katy in India in October 2010 - said: "There are always rumours, aren't there? In the end you have to just not engage with internet technology. I've treated the whole internet now like it's a wicked little liar. I am really happily married.

"Being famous is like a little bit of you is taken away and goes off and lives on its own and does what it wants. I wish it would do more interesting things. I don't know what he's doing, the other me, but I'm married to Katy. Perpetually, until death do us part was the pledge - and I'm still alive."

Cast member Ashton Kutcher poses at the premiere of "New Year's Eve" at the Grauman's Chinese theatre in Hollywood, California, December 5, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

Ashton Kutcher has been spotted with a new woman.

The 33-year-old actor - who split from wife Demi Moore earlier this year - has spent Christmas in Italy with screenwriter Lorene Scafaria and the pair have reportedly been seen visiting numerous sights over the festive period, including the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Witness Alex Thorpe told Us Weekly the pair "held hands" and during a romantic lunch at Pizzeria Trattoria Toscana in Pisa on Christmas Eve (24.12.11) they are said to have "shared spaghetti, and he paid".

Ashton and Lorene have been travelling around the country in a Porsche Carrera Sports 2011 and stayed in a private pad.

The 'Two and a Half Men' star took to twitter to post a picture of the pair along with his business partner Matt Mazzant, and he wrote: "Roman holiday with homies...have an amazing new year! (sic)"

Ashton recently announced plans to spend next New Year's Eve in Australia because he wants to have New Year's Day first due to the time difference.

He explained: "The best place to go is New York. This city is always electric and they do things bigger and better than everywhere else. But next year I want to go to Sydney because they get New Year's Day first."

Lady Gaga has been chosen to lead the New Year's Eve countdown in New York's Times Square this year.

The pop superstar - who is a proud New Yorker - has been personally chosen by Major Michael Bloomberg to push a Waterford Crystal button and drop the ball into the crowd at 11:59 pm on Saturday night (31.12.11).

Every year the major picks a special guest to lead the countdown and previous choices have included former US President Bill Clinton and his wife Hilary Clinton, boxing legend Muhammad Ali and Rudy Giuliani.

Over one million people are expected to join the celebrations in the 'Big Apple'.

Gaga will also be performing on the annual ABC TV show 'Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2012' to see in the New Year.

The 'Marry the Night' singer will also appear on Japanese broadcaster Nhk's New Year's Eve TV spectacular 'Kohaku Uta Gassen' as part of a live satellite link-up from New York.

Because of the time difference Gaga will 'celebrate' New Year's twice as she will appear on the Japanese TV show before the big countdown happens in the US.

Katy Perry and Russell Brand reportedly spent Christmas apart because they had a "massive fight".

The couple - who tied the knot in India in October 2010 - spent Christmas 7,000 miles apart, and the 'Last Friday Night' hitmaker is said to have changed her mind about flying her family to the actor's hometown of London for the holidays and instead opted to fly to Hawaii with friends.

An insider told Us Weekly: "They had a massive fight. She was like, 'F**k you. I'm going to do my own thing.' Russell replied, 'Fine, f**k you too.' "

Katy spent Christmas Day (25.12.11) in a private villa on vacation with her friends, while Russell was in Cornwall, South West England.

The 27-year-old beauty was spotted frolicking in the sea with her mates, while Russell posed with fans for pictures at his comedian friend David Baddiel's charity swim.

But the couple's time apart has added to speculation their 14-month marriage could be set to end.

A source added: "They haven't split up just yet, but things are not good. The fighting is getting worse.

"The split may come soon, but they are both so dramatic and volatile, the relationship could become great again."

The Wanted are keen to get Rihanna drunk and sing karaoke with her on New Year's Eve (31.12.11).

The British boy band and the Bajan beauty are set to play at an intimate gig for a host of VIPs in Barbados on the big night, and group member Nathan Sykes thinks Siva Kaneswaran - who gave Rihanna his phone number the last time they met - would be most likely to get a kiss from the brunette stunner.

Nathan said: "We might get her drunk and get her on karaoke if we're lucky. Siva is definitely the most likely to get a kiss with her."

As well as being very keen to party with Rihanna after the concert, The Wanted - who are also made up of who Max George, Jay McGuiness and Tom Parker - also would like to make music with her.

Siva exclusively told BANG Showbiz: "It would be nice if we could to hook up with her but she'll probably have about 20 bodyguards around her - we've only got two! But who knows, we'll work first, play later. It would be great to collaborate with her though."

The boy band will have no trouble being recognised by Rihanna on New Year's Eve as Siva revealed the last time they met she recalled seeing their names "everywhere" during a stint in the UK.

He added: "Rihanna will definitely remember us, the last time we met her she said, 'I see you guys everywhere in the UK, you're everywhere.' So that was great. And Enrique Iglesias said that too which was nice."

The Wanted's new single 'Warzone' is out now on Island Records.

Justin Bieber's grandparents have been involved in a serious car accident.

The 17-year-old singer's granddad Bruce Dale was left with broken ribs after the vehicle he was in with his wife Diane Dale flipped over and went into a ditch, according to the 'Never Say Never' hitmaker's mother Pattie Mallette via her twitter account.

She wrote on the social networking site: "My parents got into a car accident today. They flipped into a ditch & totaled the car but thank God they are alive! My dad has broken ribs. Plz pray 4 him 4 quick healing! Count your blessings & forgive ur parents always. U never know what tomorrow holds!!! (sic)"

Justin is thought to be very close to his grandparents after they helped raise him when Pattie fell pregnant when she was just a teenager.

The pop star - who is in a relationship with Selena Gomez - recently revealed he had planned to spend Christmas with his family because they are the "most important" part of the festive period.

He said: "I love Christmas. It's my favorite holiday for sure.

"It has always been a time for family and friends. To enjoy each other's company and to be able to be back with my family is the most important part to me."

Sir Anthony Hopkins lets out a long, long sigh. "So ...," he said. "Are we done?" Hopkins, the Oscar-winning actor who dismisses his work as "just a job," was doing yet another round of interviews, this time to promote two special edition DVDs of his most infamous screen creation - the spine-chilling, flesh-eating gourmet Hannibal Lecter.[Photo/Agencies]

The U.S. National Film Registry on Wednesday named 25 films to be preserved as cultural treasures ranging from the 1942 Walt Disney classic, "Bambi," to the 1991 psychological thriller "The Silence of the Lambs."

The film list also includes the Academy Award-winning "Forrest Gump" starring Tom Hanks and the post-war noir film "The Big Heat," set in a fictional US town that examined domestic life in the 1950s. It includes Hollywood features, documentaries and animation, spanning the period 1912 to 1994.

The latest films were selected from 2,228 films nominated by the public, bringing the total number of films in the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress to 575.

"These films are selected because of their enduring significance to American culture," said Librarian of Congress James Billington in a statement.

Independent filmmaking pioneer director and writer John Cassavetes' "Faces," (1968) that criticized middle class America was selected along with "I, an Actress" (1977) by low-budget filmmaker George Kuchar whose outlandish sensibilities inspired other directors such as John Waters.

Early films included "The Cry of the Children," and "A Cure for Pokeritis," -- both from 1912 -- as well as Charlie Chaplin's first feature, the silent classic, "The Kid" (1921).

"Stand and Deliver" (1988), directed by Cuban-born Ramon Menendez, highlighted the 1980s wave of films by Latino filmmakers, and "Hester Street" (1975), shot in black and white and partly in Yiddish, showed Eastern European Jewish life in the United States that was initially shunned by Hollywood.

Other films included Billy Wilder's drama about alcoholism, "The Lost Weekend" (1945), John Ford's 1924 western "The Iron Horse," and "Norma Rae" (1979) which starred Sally Field as an unlikely single mother activist trying to improve work conditions.

Composer George Gershwin "Porgy and Bess" (1959) marked the rise of the civil rights movement as some black actors turned down roles and "The Negro Soldier" (1944) showcased the heroism of black soldiers and became mandatory viewing for all soldiers.

Animations included a one-minute film by Pixar Animation Studios' co-founder Ed Catmull, "A Computer Animated Hand" (1972) that is one of the earliest examples of 3D computer animation. Documentaries included "Growing up Female" that gave a portrait of the US women's liberation movement in the early 1970s.

Actors Robert Pattinson (L) and Kristen Stewart arrive for the British premiere of 'The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn' at Westfield Stratford City cinemas in east London November 16, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

Is "The Twilight Saga" beginning to lose its grip on movie fans?

The latest installment of the vampire romance finished second to "Harry Potter" in a best of the year poll for MTV's Nextmovie.com, and trailed "The Hunger Games" as the most anticipated movie of 2012.

What's more, "Twilight" stars Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson -- whose characters Bella and Edward finally wed in "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn-Part 1" -- lost out as best on-screen couple to Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, who played Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows-Part 2."

According to the poll released on Wednesday, 51 percent of the votes cast for the movie fans are most looking forward to in 2012 went to upcoming "The Hunger Games" -- based on the futuristic young adult thriller novels of the same name.

"The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2" -- the forthcoming final film based on the best-selling novels by Stephenie Meyer -- won 45 percent of votes.

"Deathly Hallows - Part 2" which concluded the Harry Potter movie franchise this summer, won the title for best 2011 movie with 52 percent of votes ahead of "Breaking Dawn- Part 1" with 48 percent.

The "Twilight" and "Harry Potter" films have been two of Hollywood's most lucrative franchises of the past few years.

But "The Hunger Games", starring Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson as teens fighting to the death in a bleak vision of North America, is creating strong buzz ahead of its release on March 23, 2012.

Singer Selena Gomez poses on arrival at the 2011 American Music Awards in Los Angeles November 20, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

Selena Gomez has thanked fans for their support following her mother's miscarriage.

The 19-year-old singer-and-actress pulled out of two concert appearances earlier this month when her mother Mandy Teefey lost the baby she was expecting and has now spoken publicly about the tragedy in a Christmas message to her followers.

She wrote on her Facebook page: "Belated Merry Christmas everybody... I can't thank you enough for all of your thoughts and prayers. We appreciate every one of you... I love you all so much and we hope you and your family had a beautiful Christmas!"

In her posting, Selena - who is dating Justin Bieber - revealed the baby was a girl who her mother and stepfather Brian had named Scarlett.

Signing off the message, she wrote: "Me, Momma, Brian and our guardian angel Scarlett."

Last month, the 'Wizards of Waverley Place' actress had spoken of her excitement at becoming a "big sister".

She tweeted: "Momma and Brian are finally letting me share the news... My mommys carrying my baby brother or sister :) I'm the happiest girl in the world! (sic)"

Mandy, a former actress, was married to Selena's father Ricardo Joel Gomez until the Disney star was five years old. She went on to tie the knot with Brian in 2006.

Lady Gaga's former assistant is suing for unpaid earnings.

Jennifer O'Neill, 41, has filed a lawsuit seeking over $380,000 in back pay and undisclosed damages after alleging she worked over 7,168 hours overtime without pay during the 13-month stint she had in the singer's employment.

In the suit, which was filed in Manhattan federal court, Jennifer - who worked for Gaga during her 'Monster's Ball' tour in 2010 - alleges she had to make herself available to the pop superstar at her "earliest waking hour or for spontaneous, random matters in the middle of the night" and in "stadiums, private jets, fine hotel suites, yachts, ferries, trains and tour buses".

Jennifer - who earned $75,000-a-year working for Gaga - also claimed some of her duties included "ensuring the promptness of a towel following a shower, ensuring the availability of chosen outfits and serving as a personal alarm clock to keep Gaga on schedule."

The case has been filed against the 'Marry the Night' hitmaker's touring company, Mermaid Touring.

A spokesperson for Gaga told the New York Post newspaper that the lawsuit is "without merit".

Matthew McConaughey got engaged to Camila Alves over Christmas.

'The Lincoln Lawyer' actor proposed to the Brazilian model and TV star on Christmas day (25.12.11) and celebrated her accepting by posting a picture of them kissing together on his twitter account.

He wrote: "Just asked camila to marry me, #MerryChristmas (sic)."

Matthew, 42, and Camila, 29, have been together for five years, and have two children together, son Levi, three and daughter, Vida, 23 months.

The actor has previously explained how he wanted Camila to feel secure in their relationship as soon as it became serious by buying new home for them, which she could add her personal touches to.

He said: "Before this, I had a super home in the Hollywood Hills that I did by myself - landscaping, detailing pretty much everything. But that house was mine. And yeah, we coulda gone in there right away. Camila would have said, 'Fine, don't change a thing.' But I thought, I found the woman I wanna do it with, the woman I wanna make a family with, hopefully live our life out together.

"She needs to have 50 per cent of that. I mean, it's a lot easier for me to be at 100 percent. I'd always been 100 per cent. It's braver for me at 50 per cent."

Arnold Schwarzenegger reunited with Maria Shriver for Christmas.

The 'Terminator' star and Maria separated after 25 years together in May but put on a united front over the festive period for their four children, Katherine, 22, Christina, 20, Patrick, 18 and Christopher, 14.

A source told People.com: "They had a really nice time over the holiday."

Arnold - who Maria filed for divorce from after it emerged he had fathered a child with a housekeeper - visited their former marital home in Brentwood, California, and they also attended basketball team Los Angeles Lakers' opening game of the season at the city's Staples Center.

Arnold and Maria have spent a number of occasions together since separating, including his 64th birthday just two months after they parted in May.

However, the situation has not been easy for Maria and she has previously admitted she was left "down and confused" about the breakdown of her marriage.

Speaking about a recent experience with a friend who has intellectual disabilities, she said: "When I was going through my own challenges this year; feeling down and confused, I got an email from him. He wrote me a note saying, 'You're my best friend Maria and you will never be left out.'

"When the world is so complicated, the simple gift of friendship is within all of our hands. Thank you to everyone who came up to me this weekend and wished me well."

British model Kate Moss arrives at a party to promote a make-up brand at Battersea Power Station in London September 15, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

Kate Moss is teaming up with her nine-year-old daughter to create a girls' clothing range.

The supermodel and little Lila Grace are working with British high street store Debenhams on a range of "funky tweenage" designs, due for release in summer 2012.

A source told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "Lila has always loved trying on Kate's clothes and make-up, and is already really into fashion.

"It was mainly all her idea and Kate obviously agreed to help out as much as possible, using her contacts to land the duo a deal.

"Lila is adamant the range will be very traditional and English rose-esque in feel. Lila doesn't want to produce chavvy clothes.

"The collaboration was actually inspired by Kate's mates, Jemima French and Sadie Frost's new FrostFrench 'Iris and Edie' capsule range of sleepwear after their daughters got involved.

"Kate and Lila Grace will get cracking on designs over the festive period, mulling over ideas at Kate's Cotswolds' pad."

Kate - who wed husband Jamie Hince in July - recently revealed Lila is quite "prudish" and will often tell her mother off when she doesn't take off her make-up.

She said: "I always take my make-up off, because otherwise my daughter will come in and say, 'Mummy, tut-tut'. She doesn't like it. She likes the fresh-faced, natural mummy, when I've got my hair in a bun and no make-up on.

"Lila is quite prudish - she'll only wear a little bit of lip gloss or something. But she is into nail art. I think Lila is beautiful - she's so innocent and has that fresh face. She's gorgeous, but obviously she is my daughter."

British singer Adele performs "Someone Like You" at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles, August 28, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

That Adele's "21" will rank as the year's top-selling album is no surprise - the English singer-songwriter's hits "Rolling in the Deep" and "Someone Like You" dominated playlists in 2011. What is surprising is that "21," released by independent British label XL Recordings, sold more than 5 million copies.

The last time an album topped the year-end chart with more than 5 million copies sold was in 2004, when Usher's "Confessions" moved 7.9 million, according to Nielsen Soundscan, which supplied all sales data for this story.

Indeed, music sales overall are expected to end 2011 up more than 3 percent from last year. Not coincidentally, the last time overall music sales rose by so much was in 2004 as well.

The resurgence in sales is welcome news for the music industry. A meager 1 percent increase in digital sales last year created widespread panic that the format had already plateaued.

Nielsen analyst David Bakula attributed the rebound to a strong release slate, plus retailers getting more aggressive with pricing and promotions.

For instance, Lady Gaga's album "Born This Way" was priced at 99 cents - less than one-tenth the price of most albums - in a special deal, helping drive sales beyond her core fans, he said. The promotion on Amazon.com angered other retailers who were selling the album at full price, however.

"In 2004, you had one massive album driving sales," said Bakula, senior vice president of entertainment analytics for Nielsen. "This year is similar in that you have one really great story that everyone is talking about."

Digital sales are expected to end 2011 close to 10 percent higher, prompting Bakula to proclaim the sales performance "a great resurgence."

Physical albums still outsell digital albums by a 2:1 margin. But total music sales, which would include digital singles, are now split 50-50 between physical and digital.

TOPPING 5 MILLION

To put Adele's sales figures in context, the more than 3.5 million physical albums she sold this year would have been good enough to take the top spot in each of the last three years without even adding in digital sales. Album sales include LPs, compact discs and digital albums.

Figures for the year's best-selling album declined every year from 2004 to 2008. They hit an all-time low in 2008 when Lil Wayne's "Tha Carter III" took the top spot with sales of just 2.9 million, the first time an album claimed the best-seller title with sales of less than 3 million.

Since 2008, however, sales of the top-selling album of the year have increased, though not by much. Taylor Swift took the top spot in 2009, selling 3.2 million copies of "Fearless." Eminem's "Recovery" finished 2010 as the year's best-seller with 3.4 million copies.

"Adele's performance this year shows the demand for great original music," Bakula said. "Here's an artist that had moderate success before, but nothing of this magnitude, and she's doing it all on two singles."

Amy Winehouse's death from alcohol poisoning in July also factored into Adele's sales performance. Bakula said the attention Winehouse's death received stoked interest among fans to sample other soulful, jazz-infused female British singer-songwriters, like Adele and Duffy. As a result, in addition to buying "21," consumers dipped into Adele's back catalog, making her prior release, "19," one of the year's top 25 best-sellers.

Still, Adele's sales total is less than half of the more than 11 million copies that "No Strings Attached" from N'Sync sold in 2000. That year marked the last time the top spot featured an album that sold in excess of 10 million, underscoring the dramatic impact that legitimate digital distribution channels like Apple's iTunes and illegal file-sharing sites such as Limewire have had on the music industry.

Cast member Taylor Lautner poses before the German premiere of the movie "Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn" in Berlin November 18, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

People magazine said on Tuesday that a cover apparently featuring "Twilight" actor Taylor Lautner coming out as a gay man was "100 percent fake."

"The cover in question is 100 percent fake. This began as a ridiculous Twitter joke that went viral," said People Magazine spokeswoman Julie Farin.

The fake People cover, dated Jan 7 2012, was circulated on the Internet over the holidays. It featured a picture of Lautner, 19, with text saying "Tired of rumors, the Twilight star opens up about his decision to finally come out."

Social media sites circulated the fake cover, with celebrities like Def Jam's co-founder Russell Simmons tweeting their congratulations to the "Twilight" actor before realizing the hoax.

"Disappointed that people would joke about someone coming out about their sexuality. Let Taylor Lautner be whoever he wants to be," Simmons said in a later tweet Monday.

A representative for Lautner, who previously dated country singer Taylor Swift, did not respond to requests for comment.

The authors of the hoax were not immediately known.

Cast member Meryl Streep arrives for the New York premiere of the film "The Iron Lady" in New York December 13, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

The same problems that plagued "La Vie en Rose," starring Marion Cotillard as Edith Piaf, exist in "The Iron Lady," a biopic about Margaret Thatcher starring Meryl Streep as the former British prime minister. While both films feature strong performances from strong actresses playing strong, real-life women, the scripts are weakened by going strictly by the numbers.

Sure, Streep reliably nails her impression of Thatcher — that swoop of big '80s hair, the measured voice, the steely demeanor. Her impeccable ear for accents and detailed mimicry of mannerisms is well-documented at this point — who better to play this role? And there's fire beneath the reserved exterior: The way she dresses down her deputy during a crowded cabinet meeting, for example, is just withering.

But the film from Phyllida Lloyd (who previously directed Streep in the giddy ABBA musical "Mamma Mia!"), based on a script by Abi Morgan ("Shame"), reduces this high-profile life to a greatest-hits collection of historic moments. It's a trap into which so many biopics tend to fall in trying to encompass everything. Here's Thatcher's first election to public office; there's her ascension to the prime minister's post, the first (and, so far, only) time a woman achieved that rank. Here's the Falkland Islands conflict, there's the Berlin Wall coming down.

Through it all, her beloved husband, Denis (Jim Broadbent), stood by her side, until — and after — his death. One of the more facile and repetitive narrative devices in "The Iron Lady" features the aged, fragile Thatcher seemingly talking to herself when in reality she's speaking to her deceased husband, a symptom of the dementia that's gnawing at her once-formidable brain. (Thatcher herself is now 86 years old.) This inevitably sets up a flashback to one of the aforementioned historical events. You just know that if Thatcher is by herself in her lonely, empty home, Denis will pop up to amuse and cajole her, if only in her imagination. It happens so often you can predict it, which erodes its emotional impact and the deep sense of loss it's meant to convey.

"The Iron Lady" focuses more on Maggie the woman and only superficially explores her global political influence; the inclusion of archival footage makes the film feel especially cursory. As it traces her rise from grocer's daughter and young wife (when she's played by Alexandra Roach) to titanic, divisive figure, it pays a great deal of lip service to the importance of public service but leaves you feeling dissatisfied. You never truly get a chance to learn what motivated and drove her, especially given the gender gap she had to cross. And the idea that her family relationships suffered as a result of her political aspirations is something that's hinted at in passing and glossed over, rather than explored.

And yet, there is Streep, in an array of prim blue suits and those ever-present pearls. But even the greatest actress of our time can only do so much when the figure she's playing just isn't on the page.

"The Iron Lady," a Weinstein Co. release, is rated PG-13 for some violent images and brief nudity. Running time: 105 minutes. Two stars out of four.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip walk at Broadlands in Romsey, southern England, in this undated photograph taken in 2007.[Photo/Agencies]

LONDON — Britain's Prince Philip will spend a fourth night in hospital Monday, as he recovers from treatment for a blocked coronary artery.

Queen Elizabeth II's 90-year-old husband is making "good progress," but will remain under observation at Papworth, a specialist heart hospital in Cambridge, a Buckingham Palace spokesman said Monday.

The spokesman, who spoke on condition of anonymity in line with policy, said there are no details on when Philip may be released.

Philip underwent a successful coronary stent procedure at the specialist hospital, where he was taken Friday after complaining of chest pains.

"The Duke of Edinburgh continues to make good progress from the procedure. He remains in hospital under observation and in good spirits," the spokesman said.

It was the most serious health scare suffered by Philip, who is known to be active and robust. He has continued to appear at many engagements, most recently taking a 10-day tour of Australia with the queen.

He missed the Royal Family's traditional Boxing Day shooting party on Monday at the queen's private Sandringham estate in Norfolk, an event he usually leads.

Six of Philip's grandchildren, including Princes William and Harry, visited him Sunday in the hospital.

Tom Cruise has splashed out $5,000 to rent an ice skating rink for his daughter.

The Hollywood actor and wife Katie Holmes reportedly hired out the VIP-style Igloo warm-up area at New York's Rockefeller Center for the whole winter season in order for five-year-old Suri to hone her skating skills.

A source told the New York Daily News: "Tom rented it for an entire session so no one else could use it."

The 49-year-old star - who has been promoting his latest movie 'Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol' in New York - snubbed the venue's refreshments and catered themselves with calorific treats for his daughter.

Instead of the standard food and drink offerings from the ice skating rink - which charges $75 for an hour-and-a-half session - Tom had hot chocolate from New York restaurant Serendipity 3 and sweets from confectionery store Jacques Torres ordered in "especially for Suri".

But Tom - who also has two adopted children, Isabella, 19, and 15-year-old Connor from his marriage to Nicole Kidman - needs no assistance when it comes to purchasing presents for his family because he likes all of his gifts to be personal.

He recently explained: "We go out and get them. We go to the shops."

Sarah Jessica Parker enjoys a low-key Christmas Day (25.12.11).

The 'New Year's Eve' actress marks the occasion at home with husband Matthew Broderick and their three kids, nine-year-old son James Wilkie and two-year-old twin daughters Marion and Tabitha, but has a bigger celebration with her extended family on Boxing Day (26.12.11).

She said: "It's usually just us on Christmas Day, then we go to my mother's the day after Christmas with all my brothers and sisters.

"She always makes eggnog from scratch, with raw eggs and all. We go to my sister's house for Hanukkah, so we get to do the best of both."

While the family have a small gathering on Christmas Day, they will see many of their other loved ones tomorrow night (24.12.11)

She explained: "On Christmas Eve, family or friends will drop by for cocktails and we try to get to bed at a decent hour so when the kids wake at dawn we're prepared."

Mel Gibson's ex-wife has been awarded half his $850 million fortune in their divorce settlement.

The 'Braveheart' actor is now officially a single man after his almost 30-year marriage to Robyn Moore - mother of seven of his children - was officially ended at a Los Angeles court yesterday (23.12.11).

The huge payout is thought to be one of the biggest divorce settlements in Hollywood history.

Because the couple didn't have a prenuptial agreement, Robyn, 55, was legally entitled to half of everything he earned during their marriage and she is also entitled to 50 per cent of Mel's future film earnings.

Robyn - who has two Malibu homes worth an estimated $22.5 million - filed for a legal separation in April 2009 citing "irreconcilable differences" as a reason for ending their marriage.

Earlier this month, Mel won praise from Judge Stephanie Sautner, who is overseeing his battery case against former girlfriend Oksana Grigoreiva after he completed double the amount of anger management and domestic violence counselling he was required to undertake.

The 55-year-old star has pleaded no contest to misdemeanour battery against his ex-girlfriend - who he has two-year-old daughter Lucia with - and is currently on informal probation.

In March, Mel was sentenced to a year-long domestic violence counselling programme over the incident, which occurred in January 2010, and he was also served with a protective order not to "threaten or harass anyone involved in the case".

Katie Price is "over the moon" after being asked to be godmother to her friend's baby.

The glamour model - who has children Harvey, nine, with ex-boyfriend Dwight Yorke, and six-year-old Junior and four-year-old Princess Tiaamii with former husband Peter Andre - is thrilled that former Liberty X singer Michelle Heaton and her husband Hugh Hanley want her to look after the spiritual guidance of their unborn daughter.

Katie tweeted: "I'm sooooo happy and over the moon that @wonderwomanshel and@hughhanley have asked me to be a god mother to there baby woo forever friends(sic)"

Katie's excitement came after she joined a host of Michelle's friends for a baby shower yesterday (22.12.11) and the former pop star was delighted with her gifts.

She tweeted Katie to say: "love u and thank u for the littles ones presents. Spoilt already. Luv ya x (sic)"

Hugh added: "A massive thanks to all my wife's friends that threw her an amazing baby shower she had the time of her life.. @wonderwomanshel loves you all."

Katie and Michelle have been particularly close in recent months as the pregnant star has been staying with her while awaiting renovations on her new home.

When recently asked if she was scared of being single, Katie replied: "I'm not frightened, because I've got so many friends around me and family and I'm so busy. But you know at night time, when you watch TV and stuff, you want that bit of companionship, so at the moment I've got Michelle Heaton, my best friend who is pregnant, and her husband Hugh at mine because they're waiting to move into their new house so it's great. They're always cooking for me. So I'm just talking about baby stuff with her at the moment."

Simon Cowell's protege Melanie Amaro was crowned the first winner of the US 'X Factor' last night (22.12.11).

The 19-year-old Sunrise, Florida native beat runner-up Josh Krajcik, 30 to take home the $5 million contract with Simon's record label SyCo and a role in a Pepsi Superbowl TV commercial and the media mogul revealed he was happy he changed his mind about sending her home at the Judges' Houses stage.

He said: "She's a little star. I remember when I walked into her house, she's literally watching herself on YouTube. I knock on her door. She did a double take when she saw me. I explained why I was there. And then it was like a marriage proposal. I said to her, 'I've made a mistake. I admit it. I'm going to give you a second chance.' And I stood there like a lemon for 30 seconds while she stared at me, and then quietly said, 'Yes, I'll do it.' Now I'm seeing her behind me, she's got the confidence. And I'm proud of the fact the show found her.

"I was probably looking for a bit of balance. To be honest with you, I can't answer this question properly. All I can say is, 'I royally screwed up.' But this time at least I have a chance to rectify it."

Upon hearing she had been crowned the winner, Melanie - who had been tipped to win by the four judges after her rendition of Beyonce's 'Listen' on 'The X Factor' on Wednesday (21.12.11) - said: "I want to say America, thank you for giving this girl an opportunity."

Although Simon believes Melanie will be a huge star, he admitted she was "not the easiest person to work with".

He said: "She's willing to work hard. I think she's someone who can sell records all over the world, which is important, and I think she's got longevity. [The prize] goes against earnings, but she's guaranteed the $5 million. She's now a rich girl.

"She's got that star ability, and she's tough. She was not the easiest person to work with. If she didn't like something, she'd tell you. But I like that. I like that from an artist. You know, she's got guts. She's got steel. And right up until the last second, she was always concerned about her performance, and then the light switch went on every time."

Simon Cowell "doesn't believe" in cosmetic surgery.

The 52-year-old music mogul insists working out and watching his diet are key to his youthful looks, with drinking ginger tea "all day long" a particularly important part of his health regime.

Asked if he had ever undergone procedures such as Botox injections, he said: " Not at all, none. I don't believe in all that.

Eating is the most important thing. I feel OK at the moment, I work out two or three times a week, doing my push-ups. And I drink ginger tea all day long, which is amazing."

Simon's friend and 'X Factor' co-judge Paula Abdul claims Simon's secret to youth is a series of beauty products.

She told 'Access Hollywood': "He has more products than I do. But I take his advice because he looks good."

Simon recently revealed he does 500 push-ups as part of his daily routine.

He said: "I'll do 500 push-ups in a day religiously, and if I can I like to have a workout. Then I have a steam and a bath but I always have breakfast in bed.

"A workday starts around 1 or 2 in the afternoon. I have a weird routine. I'll have a massage and then I'll have four or five beers ice cold. Then I'll carry on until 4 or 5 in the morning and that kind of keeps me awake."

U.S. actor Tom Cruise waves during a photocall to promote his latest film "Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol" in central Madrid December 12, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

"Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol" cruised to No. 1 at box offices on Sunday, even as major new movies opened on Christmas Day which may change top 10 results when final numbers are tallied.

The new Tom Cruise movie rang up an estimated $26.5 million in U.S. and Canadian ticket sales over the three-day weekend, according to studio estimates, after expanding from a limited release in Imax and other large-screen theaters last week.

Paramount Pictures, which released the movie, said it expects a four-day tally of slightly more than $40 million by Monday, when final estimates are reported. The film's cumulative ticket sales are expected to reach just over $72 after Monday.

Indeed, the weekend box office race truly will finish on Monday because Christmas day annually is among the most crowded days in theaters and on Sunday, director Steven Spielberg's widely-anticipated "War Horse" makes its debut along with another newcomer, thriller "The Darkest Hour."

Hollywood's major studios loaded the release schedule last week heading into the holiday, expecting the films to play well between now and New Year's Eve while parents and kids are away from work and school. As a result, a clear picture of how the movie studios fared this Christmas season awaits the full week of box office reports.

Meanwhile, over the weekend Warner Bros' "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows" took the No. 2 spot on U.S. and Canadian (domestic) box office charts with $17.8 million, according to Sunday's estimates. Cumulative ticket sales for "Sherlock" after two weeks now stand at roughly $76.5 million.

Another holdover from last week, family comedy "Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked" squeaked into No. 3 with $13.3 million, pushing its total domestic ticket sales to $50.3 million after two weeks in theaters.

Following it were a trio of last week's newcomers, widely-anticipated "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo," family film "The Adventures of Tintin" and comedy "We Bought A Zoo."

"Dragon Tattoo" landed at No. 4 on Sunday with $13 million, a hair behind the chipmunks, and a Sony spokesman cautioned the studio's figure could change when Sunday's figures are final.

"Today and tomorrow should be our strongest days of the holiday frame," the spokesman said, noting that the studio did not have a Monday estimate.

"Dragon Tattoo" now has estimated total domestic ticket sales of $21.4 million since its debut.

"Tintin," another Spielberg film released by Paramount, landed at No. 5 over the weekend with $9.1 million. The studio sees it rising to $14.3 million after Monday. Total ticket sales by Monday are seen at $22.3 million since its debut.

Finally, another new entry this weekend, the comedy "We Bought a Zoo," landed at No. 6 with $7.8 million.

Paramount Pictures is a unit of Viacom Inc. Warner Bros. is part of Time Warner Inc.. "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" was released by the movie studio division of Sony Pictures Entertainment, a unit of Sony Corp. "Chipwrecked" and "Zoo" were both released by film divisions of 20th Century Fox, a unit of News Corp.

Final contestant Melanie Amaro poses for photographs before a news conference for the television show ''The X Factor'' held in Los Angeles December 19, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

"The X Factor" winner Melanie Amaro said on Friday she was shocked at her victory but believed that singing from her heart had given her the edge over her rivals in the TV contest.

Amaro's triumph also gave broadcaster Fox a ratings win, with Thursday's two-hour finale bringing in 12.4 million viewers, making "X Factor" the most-watched show of the night on U.S. television.

The 19 year-old from Florida won a $5 million recording contract, but said on Friday she was going to keep details of her first album a secret.

"I am going to keep everyone guessing as to what is going to come out, so people will go get it and they will be amazed," she told reporters on a conference call.

But she said she planned to spend some of her winnings on a foot massager and a new house for her mother.

"I feel as though I am in a dream. I feel as though this is not real...I was so thrilled to have won and so shocked," said Amaro.

Amaro's powerhouse vocals had made her a front-runner since her first audition for the show.

But she was cut from competition's early rounds, only to be later reinstated by "X Factor" creator Simon Cowell, in what TV watchers widely considered a manufactured drama to hype interest in the show's first season on U.S. TV.

Amaro on Friday said she did not know whether her initial elimination and call-back had been deliberately staged, but said she genuinely thought she was out of the contest.

"I had no clue Simon was coming to my house. I thought I was out of it ... I kept thinking I wasn't good enough," she said. "All I know is that he (Cowell) apologized about it. Whatever happened in the past, is the past."

Asked why she thought she had won, the modest teen said; "I think doing what I do, with all of my heart, put me apart from some of the other contestants ... I sing to the very, very pit of my soul because singing is something I truly enjoy."

Amaro's win closed a mixed first season for "X Factor", which Cowell brought to the United States from Britain with huge fanfare and predictions it would topple long-running "American Idol", also on Fox, as the nation's most-watched show.

But "X Factor" audiences have been about half those of "Idol" and producers on Friday declined to disclose the number of votes cast by the public in the finale.

Fox executives, however, say the show has been a success and has helped the network win Thursday nights in the fall with the key 18-49 age group for the first time in its history.

Fox also noted that the audience for Thursday's finale was 1.4 million more than that for the summer climax of NBC's rival TV singing contest, "The Voice".

Fox has already renewed "X Factor" for a second season but media speculation is rife over whether heavily-criticized judge Nicole Scherzinger, and British host Steve Jones will be returning in 2012.

Jury president of the 64th Cannes Film Festival Robert de Niro arrives on the red carpet for the screening of he film ''Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides'' at the 64th Cannes Film Festival, May 14, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

Actor Robert De Niro and his wife Grace Hightower have become the proud parents of a baby girl born via a surrogate, the actor's spokesman confirmed on Friday.

The child is the second for De Niro, 68, and Hightower, 56. She is named Helen Grace Hightower De Niro, and weighed a healthy 7 lbs 2 oz at birth.

The "Meet the Parents" star married actress Hightower in 1997, and the couple have a son, Elliot, born in 1998.

De Niro also has a son and adopted daughter with ex-wife Diahnne Abbott and two twin sons with former girlfriend Toukie Smith.

The actor can currently be seen in the star-studded, feel-good film "New Year's Eve."

Singer Taylor Swift accepts the award for Favorite Female Country Artist at the 2011 American Music Awards in Los Angeles November 20, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

Country singer Taylor Swift will lead a host of musicians collaborating with Oscar-winning artist T. Bone Burnett for a companion album to the upcoming film, "The Hunger Games."

Movie studio Lionsgate said on Friday that Burnett has joined forces with Swift, The Decemberists, Arcade Fire and The Civil Wars to create original songs for the film, set for release in March 2012.

"We are thrilled to have such a hauntingly beautiful companion album taking shape," said Joe Drake, co-COO of Lionsgate.

Swift and The Civil Wars' collaborated together on the single "Safe and Sound," which was released on iTunes on Friday and topped the iTunes songs chart.

"The Hunger Games," starring Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Woody Harrelson, is based on the young adult series of novels, and tells the story of teenage boys and girls fighting to the death on a nationally televised event in a country called Panem, built on the remains of North America.

The film is set for release in U.S. theaters on March 23, 2012.

Actor Mel Gibson attends a hearing in Los Angeles Superior Court to finalize financial issues in a custody battle with former girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva In Los Angeles on August 31, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

A judge on Friday approved a divorce settlement between actor Mel Gibson and his estranged wife Robyn, ending their 31 years of marriage.

Robyn Gibson will return to using her maiden name, Robyn Denise Moore, but other details of the divorce were kept confidential. The settlement becomes effective on January 9.

Gibson, 55, and his wife married in Australia in 1980 and have seven children together.

The couple separated in 2006 after Gibson was arrested for drunk driving in Malibu, California, and made anti-Semitic remarks that generated headlines around the world.

The actor's wife sued for divorce in April 2009, citing irreconcilable differences following Gibson's relationship with Oksana Grigorieva, with whom he has a 2-year-old daughter.

The "Lethal Weapon" star pleaded no contest to misdemeanor battery following an altercation with Grigorieva in 2010, and was sentenced to three years' probation.

He recently settled a custody battle with his former girlfriend, agreeing to pay Grigorieva $750,000 and share custody of their daughter.

The Oscar winner's turbulent five years since his arrest and the anti-Semitic rant have tarnished his reputation and set back a remarkable career that had made him one of Hollywood's highest paid actors, directors and producers.

While no details of the divorce settlement were released, the actor was previously estimated to be worth $900 million, and he owns several properties in the wealthy, seaside enclave of Malibu, outside Los Angeles.

Jazz singer and songwriter Etta James arrives as a guest at the premiere of the film ''Cadillac Records'' in Hollywood, California, in this November 24, 2008 file photograph. [Photo/Agencies]

Grammy-winning singer Etta James, who has been deemed terminally ill with leukemia, has been hospitalized in California and placed on a breathing machine, her long-time manager and friend said on Friday.

James, 73, best known for the blues ballad "At Last," was taken to the hospital near her home in Riverside, east of Los Angeles, earlier this week because she was struggling to breathe.

"They took her to the hospital. She was having trouble breathing, so they intubated her. She is on a breathing machine and is resting," Lupe De-Leon, the singer's manager for 30 years, told Reuters.

The singer has been in failing health for a number of years and suffers from leukemia, kidney disease and dementia but had previously been cared for at her Southern California home.

Her live-in doctor said last week that James was considered terminally ill, and that she communicates mostly with nods and simple words.

The three-time Grammy Award singer earlier battled obesity and was addicted to heroin for many years.

"It is really sad. She is like my sister," De-Leon said on Friday.

James was a key figure in the early days of R&B music with hit songs like "The Wallflower" and "Good Rockin' Daddy". But it was her 1961 recording of "At Last" that put her on the map.

Singer Rihanna performs during a concert as part of her tour for her latest album ''Loud'' in Nilson Nelson gymnasium in Brasilia September 21, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

Rihanna's single "We Found Love" on Thursday held the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for the eighth straight week, making it the singer's longest-running No. 1 single of her career.

The Barbadian chanteuse's single overtook Adele's "Rolling in the Deep," which stayed at No. 1 for seven weeks earlier this year, and beat her previous top-selling singles, 2007's "Umbrella" and 2010's "Love The Way You Lie" featuring Eminem.

"We Found Love" is the lead single from Rihanna's sixth studio album "Talk That Talk," and the singer will wrap her last concert on her "Loud" tour in London on Thursday.

LMFAO's "Sexy and I Know It," notched a seventh week at No. 2 on the singles chart, while Bruno Mars' "It Will Rain" held steady at No. 3, Flo Rida's "Good Feeling" climbed to No. 4 and Katy Perry's "One That Got Away" rounded out the top five.

George Michael has been released from hospital and is flying back to England today.

The 48-year-old pop star has been receiving treatment for pneumonia at the AKH clinic in Vienna, Austria, for weeks but after making a recovery from the illness he was discharged from the medical centre at 08.00am and was taken straight to the airport so he can be at home for Christmas.

A hospital staff member told Austrian newspaper Osterreich: "He’s feeling a lot better. He’s doing so well, he’s able to fly again.”

Yesterday (21.12.11), the 'Faith' singer's doctors revealed he was feeling much better and had responded well to treatment.

Christoph Zielinski - one of his doctors - said: "We know he's doing fine and we are generally optimistic."

Last week, the singer's boyfriend Fadi Fawaz claimed the pop superstar would be flying back to England for Christmas.

He said: "Christmas at home. I cannot stop smiling today, the best day ever. He is getting better and better. Nothing to worry about, happy days."

George had to cancel all the remaining shows on his 'Symphonica Tour' when he fell ill in November.

Jet Li has many identities - wushu champion, kungfu superstar and film producer - and continues to reinvent himself.

Li was born in Beijing in 1963. He went to a summer school to learn wushu at the age of 7, and it was then that his talent was noticed.

Later, he was chosen as a Beijing Wushu Team member. He won many awards in national wushu competitions, including five gold medals in the 4th National Games in 1979.

In an interview with Dragon TV, Li recalls, former US president Richard Nixon invited Li to be his personal bodyguard when he performed with the Chinese National Wushu Team in the United States.

But Li responded by saying, "I am not protecting any individual. I will protect my countrymen when I grow up."

His film career began in 1982 with Shaolin Temple, directed by Chang Hsin Yen. In the early 1990s, he went to Hong Kong to pursue his dreams of stardom. He has played many roles as kungfu masters, including Zhang Sanfeng, Huang Feihong and Fang Shiyu. This year, Li released two films: It's Love and Flying Swords of Dragon Gate.

He was invited to Hollywood in 1997. The following year, he made his US film debut in Lethal Weapon 4, playing opposite Mel Gibson. His international film credits include Romeo Must Die, The One, Kiss of the Dragon and The Mummy 3: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor.

In 2007, Li founded One Foundation. It quickly captivated the attention of international companies, celebrities and media. Li says he will focus on charity work and promoting the culture of tai chi.

"Tai chi will become a symbol of Chinese culture, and I have the mission of spreading it to the rest of the world," he says.

"It is also part of my charity work in China."

The 1982 film Shaolin Temple featuring Jet Li (right). Twenty-nine years later, Li uses every opportunity to promote tai chi and his charity. Provided to China Daily

Jet Li says he'll focus more on combating injustice through charity and promoting tai chi, and less on kungfu flicks. Gan Tian reports.

Kungfu superstar Jet Li says acting is just a hobby now. He has seldom appeared in public to promote his films in the past three years. But he has seized every chance to discuss tai chi and his charity. And he espouses a new philosophy about martial arts - that traditional culture should be commercialized to survive.

In his recent partnership with Swiss watchmaker Hublot, the 48-year-old designed a luxury watch under its Big Bang series. It features a Shaolin Temple window on the front and the yin-and-yang pattern with Li's signature on the back. Only 200 were made.

"It is all about yin and yang in tai chi, as it is a combination of the advanced Western watch-making technology and traditional Chinese culture," he says.

Li believes few young Chinese people pay attention to their own culture and heritage - not because they are not fascinating but because they need to be more merchandized, he says.

"We can't wait for the world to come to see our culture," Li says.

"We have to promote it to the world. To merchandize tai chi is a new way to promote it."

He says he has been pondering this for nearly 30 years. When he was in the United States in the early 1980s, he met a Chinese kungfu master and a South Korean taekwondo master.

The Chinese opened three martial art clubs. He taught several hundreds of apprentices himself. But the South Korean master hired his students to start a business, and has more than 10,000 clubs all over the US.

"It suddenly occurred to me, at that moment, it (commercialization) would not work in this way," Li says.

"Our culture could not be duplicated and turned into business. We have to find solutions."

It was at that time Li founded his first company promoting kungfu and tai chi, but it wasn't profitable.

"At the beginning of the 1980s, people were not familiar with the market-oriented economy, and they thought I was 'promoting capitalism'. That's why I failed," Li says.

But he is starting again 30 years later. To explain his approach to promoting tai chi, Li used the traditional Chinese adage "tianshi, dili, renhe", which literally translates as "good timing, geographical convenience and good support from the people".

The domestic and foreign markets for tai chi exist, and public understanding is forming. But most importantly, China needs a cultural signature, Li says, and he believes that should be tai chi.

He partnered with sportswear giant adidas in 2009 to launch the tai chi-inspired Wu Ji collection.

This April, Li founded the company Taichi Zen with Alibaba Group's chairman Jack Ma. The martial artist tries to promote tai chi as a fashionable sport for young people like India's yoga, Japan's judo and South Korea's taekwondo.

At the same time, Li believes tai chi is not only a sport but also a complicated philosophy about the balance that exists in everything, including the military, politics, culture and economics.

Li adopts some principles from tai chi's philosophy in running his charity One Foundation, whose central concept is "One Person + One Dollar + One Month = One Family".

He's currently in discussions with China Mobile about launching a special One Foundation program through which users can donate 1 yuan (16 US cents) a month. China Mobile has 500 million to 700 million users, so the foundation could generate that many yuan a month, he says.

Li believes One Foundation will change people's stereotypes about charity.

"My goal is to prepare for the future," he says.

"No matter what natural disasters happen, we have enough money to help people. It's the same with the traditional Chinese philosophy of, moving keeps people alive and always be prepared."

When asked whether he still practices kungfu daily, Li laughs, and says: "You mean physically or mentally? Physically, I do not. But mentally, I never cease."

Brad Pitt is sad he has lost his enthusiasm as he has gotten older.

The 47-year-old actor - who raises six children with partner Angelina Jolie - feels he used to be more "optimistic" when he was younger and has grown more jaded with the world with age.

He said: "I was more optimistic and naive when I was younger and I arrived in Los Angeles with a few hundred dollars in my pocket and took any odd job I could find, then worked as an extra before I started to get acting jobs.

"I gradually grew more cynical and realistic about the world and in some ways I'm sorry I lost some of that openness and enthusiasm."

However, Brad admits being a father to kids Maddox, 10, Pax, eight, Zahara, six, Shiloh, five and three-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne has helped him regain some of his youthful zest for life.

He added: "Being a father and being part of my own family has rekindled a lot of that lost spirit, although I still have a naggingly realistic outlook on things."

Jennifer Lopez has introduced her new boyfriend to her 'American Idol' co-stars.

The singer - who split from husband Marc Anthony in July after seven years of marriage - showed she is getting serious about her latest love, dancer Casper Smart, by inviting fellow judges Randy Jackson and Steven Tyler and the show's host Ryan Seacrest for dinner with them in Las Vegas after taping an episode.

A source told People: "[They were] dining on Kobe steak and yellowtail jalapeno, along with a bottle of Caymus Cabernet. Jennifer and Casper cuddled up next to one another, exchanging a few small kisses during the dinner. They were all very sweet."

Marc is sure to be unhappy with the development as it was recently revealed he is set to challenge Jennifer for custody of their twins, three-year-old Max and Emme after he "hit the roof" when he saw pictures of Casper bonding with the youngsters.

An insider said: "It caused a huge blow-up. [Now he is] going back on his word and saying his wants joint custody."

Those close to the situation insist Marc's motivation to take action is to make the 'On the Floor' hitmaker "suffer" because he is angry she has found love again.

The source said: "He wants to make Jennifer suffer because she's having fun with someone new, and he knows this will hurt her on the deepest level."

However, the singer-and-actress is not prepared to give in to her estranged spouse and is ready to fight him to keep the custody arrangements as they are.

Nicolas Cage's son told Spider-Man he wanted to "fly" with him.

The actor took his six-year-old boy Kal-El to watch the Broadway show 'Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark' and afterwards he got to meet lead actor Reeve Carney, who plays the web-slinging superhero in the New York production.

During the behind the scenes tour, Kal-El told Reeve has was named by his dad Nicolas after fellow comic book hero Superman and insisted he would have joined him for some superpower fun if he'd brought his cape.

Speaking to the New York Post newspaper, a source revealed the schoolboy told the actor, "I'm Kal-El. This is my dad. I was named after Superman. I'd fly with you, but I don't have my cape."

Nicolas is a huge Superman fan and recently sold a rare comic book for over $2.1 million.

The 'Trespass' actor put 'Action Comics No. 1' up for sale in an online auction and it eventually was bought for $2,161,000.

The comic - which Nicolas purchased in 1997 for around $150,000 -features the debut of Superman in popular culture and is believed to be one of only 100 left in existence.

It was graded at 9.0, making it the best condition of an 'Action No. 1' that has ever been graded by the leading comic book grading company, Certified Guaranty Company.

Christina Aguilera celebrated her 31st birthday with a star studded bash on Saturday (17.12.11).

The 'Moves Like Jagger' singer - who turned 31 on Sunday (18.12.11) - invited 50 of her closest friends and family, including fellow 'The Voice' mentors Adam Levine and Blake Shelton and her boyfriend Matthew Rutler to the party at the Spare Room in Los Angeles where guests dined on mini-sliders and quesadillas and played party games.

A source told USmagazine.com: ""Adam, Blake and Blake's wife Miranda all bowled. Other guests played board games like Connect Four, checkers and backgammon. Christina's really competitive and wanted games to be part of the party."

Christina's boyfriend Matthew - who she has been dating since shortly after splitting from husband Jordan Bratman in 2010 - surprised her with a special Marie Antoinette cake.

The source added: "Christina loves costumes and period pieces so it was perfect. Everyone had a great time."

The 'Burlesque' star - who has a three-year-old son Max with Jordan - has previously praised Matthew as "lovely", saying she is delighted to have found love again after the breakdown of her marriage.

Christina said: "There is someone very lovely in my life. Yes."

"The Hobbit" is the fourth film in director Peter Jackson's box-office hit "Lord of the Rings" film franchise. It explores the journey of hobbit Bilbo Baggins and how he came to possess the ring that he later passed onto his kinsman, Frodo Baggins.

The two and a half-minute trailer shows an elderly Bilbo writing a letter that tells Frodo - the key character in the "Rings" movies - about his own adventures. It then flashes back to a younger Bilbo being pushed out of the comfort of the Shire and into a journey across foreign lands guided by the wizard, Gandalf.

The films are based on novelist J. R. R. Tolkien's epic fantasy series "Lord of the Rings," which followed his novel "The Hobbit." To date, the trilogy of "Rings" books has sold more than 150 million copies around the world.

"The Hobbit" will be split into two parts with the first installment due in December 2012 and the second in December 2013. The movies feature "Love Actually" actor Martin Freeman as Bilbo, and see the return of Ian McKellen's Gandalf, Cate Blanchett's elf queen Galadriel and Andy Serkis' Gollum.

The trailer's release roughly coincided with the 10-year anniversary of the first "Rings" movie landing in theaters.

The trailer had critics buzzing on Wednesday, with Time Magazine's Gilbert Cruz saying "Is it possible to feel nostalgia for something that is only a decade old? Of course it is. And that's exactly the feeling one gets from watching this trailer, which throws us right back into Middle-earth."

Fans took to social media sites to express their excitement with most complaining about the long wait until the film's release in December 2012.

Michal Nycz posted on the film's Facebook page: "I am just hypnotized by the music. The song is addictive. The rest is gorgeous. I love it," while Rachel Stark on Twitter wrote "So, so, SO excited about The Hobbit trailer! Thorin singing gives me chills...this seems so much darker than expected."

Judge Simon Cowell (L) and contestant Melanie Amaro pose for photographers following a news conference for the television show "The X Factor" held in Los Angeles December 19, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

LOS ANGELES — "The X Factor" judges didn't want to stop listening to Melanie Amaro.

The powerful 19-year-old vocalist from Sunrise, Fla., wowed the Fox talent competition's panel with her soaring rendition of Beyonce's "Listen" during Wednesday's final performance round, prompting head judge Simon Cowell to declare that Amaro should win the show's grand prize: a $5 million recording contract and a starring role in a Pepsi commercial.

"That wasn't a $5 million performance," declared judge L.A. Reid. "That was a $50 million performance."

The panel also poured praise on the other two finalists: soulful 30-year-old single father Josh Krajcik of Wooster, Ohio, and 28-year-old singer-rapper Chris Rene of Santa Cruz, Calif. Krajcik accompanied himself on guitar for his final performance of "At Last," while Rene delivered his original tune "Young Homie" with a group of dancers and singers.

"You make everyone fall in love with you," judge Paula Abdul told Rene.

Before the final showdown, each singer awkwardly dueted with established artists. Krajcik was joined by Alanis Morissette on "Uninvited," Rene teamed up with Avril Lavigne for "Complicated," and Amaro partnered with R. Kelly on "I Believe I Can Fly," which marked the first time that the R&B star performed his motivational anthem with another singer.

The winner, which will be decided by viewer votes, will be announced on Thursday's show.

The contest thus far hasn't achieved the same success as "American Idol," which Cowell left last year to import "X Factor" from the U.K. to the U.S. Last Wednesday's performance episode drew 10.79 million viewers, less than half of the average "Idol" audience.

Unlike "Idol," the competition is open to solo singers and groups and has a lower minimum age of 12 and no upper age limit. The judges also serve as mentors: Cowell represented female vocalists, including Amaro; Reid headed male singers, including Rene; Nicole Scherzinger was in charge of over-30 singers, including Krajcik; and Abdul helmed the groups.

Sandra Bullock says her baby son is a "flirt".

The Oscar-winning actress - who adopted little Louis in January 2012 when he was a newborn - admits the tot has already developed an eye for the ladies, which can sometimes cause her embarrassment.

She said: "He's a little flirt! He definitely appreciates the fairer sex.

"He doesn't flirt with me like that, and someone told me that's probably a good thing. He's got a look where he just cuts the eyes at the ladies, and I'm like, 'I'm so sorry! I don't know what's happening.'"

Sandra also admits she's very biased when it comes to Louis - who she started to adopt with ex-husband Jesse James and carried on the process after discovering he had cheated on her - and can't wait to spend the festive season with him.

During an appearance on 'The Late Show with Jay Leno', the 'Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close' star said: "He is probably the best baby in the world, but I think every parent says that."

"I don't think he understands the concept of Christmas yet, but he does understand that everything at his height level is really bright with lots of lights. He doesn't get it yet but I think next year he'll get it and demand things."

Director of the movie Angelina Jolie poses at the premiere of "In the Land of Blood and Honey" at the Arclight theatre in Los Angeles, California, December 8, 2011. The movie opens limitedly in the U.S. on December 23.[Photo/Agencies]

Angelina Jolie is learning French.

The Oscar-winning actress' six children - Maddox, 10, Pax, eight, Zahara, six, Shiloh, five, and three-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne - can all speak the language fluently and she wants to be able to keep up with them so is having lessons.

She said: "I've been writing and staying with the kids. I think I should learn French and be a better cook - basic really good life stuff. I'm always doing something. I never shut my brain off. I always have something going on.

"I've been studying French on and off my whole life, and I figured, my kids can speak it, and it's embarrassing that I can't as well as they can, so now..."

Angelina - whose late mother Marcheline Bertrand had French-Canadian ancestry - is more determined than ever to learn the language and says it has become a priority in her life.

Although it is difficult, Angelina - who is in a long-term relationship with Brad Pitt - is confident she will be able to master it.

Being quizzed by Clint Eastwood for Interview magazine, she said: "Now, I have to. I've kind of half tried everything. It's like deciding to write something or deciding to direct or make a score of a film. It has to become a priority."

Tom Cruise believes his five-year-old daughter Suri was "born" stylish.

The youngster is renowned for her love of heels and designer clothes and Tom and her mother Katie Holmes are happy to allow her to work on her own look.

He said: "She was just born that way. I don't know what to say. She really creates her own outfits.

"Katie is always doing creative things with her. They draw, create things and sew. It's kind of amazing. It's beautiful. It's really beautiful."

The 49-year-old star admits his five year marriage to the former 'Dawson's Creek' star gets better every day and finds her to be an "incredible woman".

Speaking at the New York premiere of his new movie 'Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol' on Monday night (19.12.11), he said: "Every day, I fall more in love with her. It's been quite an amazing five years because of her. She's an incredible woman. She's everything to me."

Katie has previously revealed she loves sewing with her daughter after Tom purchased her a sewing machine for her birthday last year.

She said: "My mom grew up making curtains and pillows and everything, and it made our home very warm, so I like to do things like that with my daughter. My husband got me a sewing machine for my birthday."

Hugh Hefner is relieved Crystal Harris called off their wedding.

The 85-year-old Playboy founder was shocked when his former girlfriend called off their wedding just days before they were due to tie the knot in June, but the media mogul is grateful she took action when she did as he thinks he "misjudged" their romance.

Hugh - who is now dating Crystal's best friend Anna Sophia Berglund and Shera Bechard - said: "I certainly cared for her, but it could not have played out any better because I obviously misjudged the relationship.

"I'm a romantic and romantics tend to do that. Thanks to Anna, I fell into a very nice back-up relationship and then with Shera."

Despite dating multiple women, Hugh - who has been married twice, to Mildred Williams and Kimberley Conrad - insists he has wanted to settle down for a number of years but the timing was never right and he thinks that is one of the reasons why he got engaged to Crystal.

He explained in an interview with Britain's OK! Magazine: "The simple truth is, for a guy who is known for being America's number one playboy, I've been trying to settle down for a few years but picking the wrong ladies.

"When I was with Holly Madison, I was still married to my ex-wife and not looking to getting married again. Then the relationship with Holly fell through and I think the fact that didn't work out clouded by decision-making in my relationship with Crystal."

Charlie Sheen is enjoying a "modern family vacation" with his ex-wife Denise Richards.

The former 'Two and a Half Men' actor is enjoying a break at an undisclosed destination with his former spouse, their daughters Sam, seven, and Lola, six, and the actress' adopted six-month-old baby Eloise.

Alongside a picture of the quintet, Charlie tweeted: "what's better than a modern family vacation!?! love spending winter break w/ @denise_richards & my kids! (sic)"

While Charlie and Denise haven't always got along in the past, they have managed to forge a good relationship for the sake of their kids and decided to go away together for their daughters.

Denise tweeted: "it's good for our children thats all I care about. (sic)"

The family have been making the most of the sun during their vacation, with Denise revealing yesterday (19.12.11) they had enjoyed a "great day" at the beach, with the girls getting their hair braided.

She tweeted: "Girls are getting braids in their hair. I'm enjoying the hot weather ... great day at the beach ... gonna hit the lazy river before the sun goes down. (sic)"

She later added: "Having a fabulous dinner with the girls ... @charliesheen ordered the Hot Rock. (sic)"

The family are likely to be very comfortable wherever they are as Denise tweeted a picture where 17 suitcases were visible.

She captioned the image: "We don't travel light!"

Daniel Radcliffe often thinks of himself as a "fraud".

The 22-year-old actor is starring in his first movie, horror flick 'The Woman in Black', since the 'Harry Potter' franchise ended, and although he has been learning a lot on set he admits he still panics about his own ability from time to time.

Daniel - who started playing the schoolboy wizard when he was just 11 -said: "Sometimes I really feel like I'm getting the hang of it, because I never really had a process. My process was mainly that I hit my marks and I said my lines. So I'm kind of trying to find a process that allows me to find a sure fire way into a character, if it doesn't come easily.

"I'm working on that. And there are some days when I feel like, 'Yeah, God, I'm actually learning something, this is great!' And there are some days when I go, 'Oh God, I'm never going to feel good at this. I'm never going to feel like I'm not a fraud.' "

However, the British star admits he gets "fired" up by those who think he will not be able to be a success following on from playing Harry.

In an interview with the new issue of Empire magazine, the 22-year-old actor said: "I'm very motivated by the doubts of others. Whenever I hear people talk about the Potter kids as if we are not going to be able to make it out of the series, that really lights a fire under me."

Lady Gaga has treated her chauffeur to a year's supply of nappies.

The 'Marry the Night' hitmaker was so delighted to hear her UK driver was about to become a dad for the first time that she splashed out on the practical gift for him.

A source told The Sun newspaper: "Gaga is very generous with her presents and makes a huge effort for those who look after her. As soon as she found out her UK driver was going to be a dad, she was on the phone, trying to sort out a gift. It had to be something quirky, too - it's part of her nature.

"Gaga has used the same driver for years since she first started performing in the UK. The poor guy has to drive her through hordes of screaming fans after gigs. Considering how often she stands up through the sunroof to salute her Little Monsters, he must know every inch of her midriff."

Gaga will be swapping Christmas presents with her 'Vampire Diaries' boyfriend Taylor Kinney, when he flies from Pennsylvania to New York on Boxing Day (26.12.11) to spend time with the singer and her parents.

The couple have been dating since meeting on the set of her 'You and I' video earlier this year.

Director of the movie Angelina Jolie and her partner actor Brad Pitt pose at the premiere of "In the Land of Blood and Honey" at the Arclight theatre in Los Angeles, California, December 8, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

The heavy-handed touch of Angelina Jolie's directorial debut "In the Land of Blood and Honey" is evident right from the start, when a bomb explodes in a nightclub before our main characters, out on a date, have even shared a word.

Throughout the film, Jolie puts politics ahead of story and character, blatantly imposing a message — an altruist message, but a message nonetheless — on the film. And the result is a movie whose narrative feels like a fictionalized United Nations presentation.

Certainly, Jolie's bluntness is justifiable. The film, in Bosnian with subtitles, is about the Bosnian War of the early 1990s and the atrocities of genocide that came with it, conducted by the Bosnian Serb Army in an ethnic cleansing of Bosnian Muslims.

"In the Land of Blood and Honey" exists as a caution to international inaction, to highlight the horror that transpired in the years before NATO airstrikes and international pressure brought an end to the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Much of it is horrifying to watch. What Jolie depicts on camera (random murder, abysmal rape) is scarcely any less ugly than what transpires just off-screen (mass murder, a slaughtered baby).

In the midst of this is the story of a hesitant, uncertain love between a Bosnian Muslim artist, Ajla (Zana Marjanovic), and a Serbian police officer turned military captain, Danijel (Goran Kostic). They are on opposite sides of the conflict, but the coincidences of Ajla's imprisonment keep her in Danijel's orbit.

Danijel objects to the war, and his protection of Ajla compromises his stature among his men. But the ravages of war also push him toward less nuanced sympathies.

Jolie, who also wrote the screenplay, doesn't really expand the movie beyond the lovers and it suffers as a result. There is Ajla's sister (Vanesa Glodjo), who lives underground, and Danijel's cruel father, Gen. Nebojsa Vukojevich (Rade Serbedzija, in the film's best performance), who expresses the historical prejudices underlying the war.

It's easy to criticize Jolie for her showy humanitarianism or to be skeptical of such a glamorous actress trying to direct. Already, she has been something of a lightning rod, accused of plagiarizing the film's story, exploiting the rape victims of the war, vilifying the Serbs and taking advantage of her position as a goodwill ambassador for the UN refugee agency.

But Jolie deserves plenty of credit here. There are far worse things than using one's celebrity to bring attention to the dangers of pacifism in the face of war crimes and ethnic cleansing.

With the exception of a handful of visual missteps (a shot of shadows dancing on the wall, long fades to black), the film is nicely shot (Dean Semler is director of photography) and atmospheric. It particularly benefits from its largely Budapest locales. (Only second unit material was shot in Sarajevo after protests erupted over the movie's portrayal of Serbs.) The cast, mostly Bosnian actors, is largely solid, even when the film's direction is lacking.

But the storytelling is more problematic. There isn't enough context given to the overall conflict, and the love story feels increasingly myopic as the war drags on and the film's ambitions broaden.

Instead of finding a way to dramatize international inaction or pursing answers that might help explain genocide, "In the Land of Blood and Honey" makes its case only in the illustration of extreme, intolerable violence. Yes, there is power in simply showing these acts, but they eventually have a ring of calculation.

They pass without contemplation, with merely a deadening point-making that cuts off dialogue, rather than facilitates it.

"In the Land of Blood and Honey," a FilmDistrict release, is rated R for war violence and atrocities including rape, sexuality nudity and language. In Bosnian with subtitles. Running time: 127 minutes. Two stars out of four.

Former editor of the Daily Mirror and News Of The World Piers Morgan speaks at the Leveson Inquiry at the High Court in central London December 20, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

Talk show host Piers Morgan told a British judicial inquiry on Tuesday he had never sanctioned phone hacking during his time as a tabloid editor, as he faced tough questions over his involvement in the "dark arts" of journalism.

Morgan, now a high-profile CNN talk-show host in the United States, edited the Rupert Murdoch tabloid at the heart of the hacking scandal, the News of the World, from 1994 to 1995 before going on to edit the Daily Mirror newspaper from 1995 to 2004.

Morgan has consistently denied any involvement in the practice which resulted in the closure of Murdoch's Sunday tabloid but politicians had called for him to appear before the high-profile inquiry after his name became associated with the scandal.

Asked why he had previously given interviews in which he said that everyone knew about phone hacking, Morgan said he was merely repeating rumors at the time and that no one at the Mirror had been found guilty.

"Not a single person has made any formal or legal complaint against the Daily Mirror for phone hacking, not one," he said, in often testy exchanges with the lead prosecutor in the inquiry and the judge, Brian Leveson.

Referring to Clive Goodman, the one journalist who went to jail for hacking, Morgan had said he had been made a scapegoat. But he said that still did not mean that he had had any prior knowledge of the issue.

"The Fleet Street rumor mill, which is always extremely noisy and often not entirely always accurate, was buzzing since this blew up with just endless rumors that it spread a lot further than Clive Goodman," he said. "I felt sorry for him."

Much of the questioning centered on an article Morgan wrote for another newspaper, the Daily Mail, in 2006 in which he made reference to how he had listened to a phone message left for the ex-wife of former Beatle Paul McCartney.

The article was written in 2006 and before any allegations of phone hacking had surfaced and caused such trouble.

As the scale of the phone hacking problem emerged this summer, McCartney's ex-wife Heather Mills gave an interview about the incident and said that a senior journalist at the Trinity Mirror Group had admitted hacking her phone.

Mills said the journalist had confronted her with details of a message left by McCartney in early 2001 following a row between the couple. She said the journalist was not Morgan, but that he was editor of the paper at the time.

Asked about the incident, Morgan refused to say who had played him the recorded message and said he did not think it was entirely unethical to listen to someone's voice message.

The phone hacking scandal, which severely damaged the reputation and value of Murdoch's News Corp at the height of the scandal this year, has largely focused on the malpractice at the News of the World.

But the allegation by Mills briefly turned the spotlight on the behavior of other tabloids, which have for years competed ferociously to secure front-page stories.

It also turned the spotlight onto Morgan who took over from Larry King as he developed a high successful television career in the U.S. with the "Piers Morgan Tonight" show.

News Corp has accepted that people working for the News of the World hacked into the phones of celebrities, politicians and the victims of crime to generate stories. It said earlier on Tuesday that it had settled legal claims with a further seven people as it works through the separate allegations.

The scandal, which dominated news headlines in July, has also damaged the reputations of British politicians and police, who were all shown to be too close to Murdoch's media group.

At the height of the scandal, News Corp closed the 168-year-old News of the World and pulled its most important planned acquisition in Britain in decades, the $12 billion purchase of the rest of BSkyB it did not already own.

Beyonce Knowles' parents Tina and Mathew have finalised their divorce.

The couple - who were married for 31 years - were issued with a final decree of divorce last month in Texas two years after she filed legal papers to separate from him.

However, the matter was dropped in 2010 after neither party turned up for court.

Tina - who also has daughter Solange with Mathew - re-filed the papers on August 30, and stated the marriage was "insupportable because of discord or conflict of personalities" which "prevents any reasonable expectation of reconciliation".

Tina first filed papers a month after Mathew was hit with a paternity suit by actress Alexsandra White, who gave birth to a son, Nixon, in February in February 2010.

Although he initially denied he was the father, a DNA test later proved Mathew was the child's dad.

Earlier this year, Beyonce - who is currently pregnant with her first child with husband Jay-Z - dropped Mathew as her manager, but admitted she was very thankful for everything he had done for her as both a parent and a mentor.

She said: "I am grateful for everything he has taught me. I grew up watching both he and my mother manage me and own their own businesses. They are hard working entrepreneurs and I will continue to follow in their footsteps.

"He is my father for life and I love my dad dearly. I am grateful for everything he has taught me."

Kelly Osbourne has broken her hand.

The reality TV star has been left with a permanent "thumbs up" after falling out of her bed in a hotel and fracturing her left hand.

In a series of tweets, she wrote: "I must be the most accident prone/stupid person it the world i fell out my bed while sleeping last night & fractured my hand in 3 places!

"I'm staying in a hotel and the bed is so tall i must have dropped about 4 1/2 feet!

"its my left hand & im left handed so my mum has to brush my hair & cut my food 4 me i feel like a baby again. of course my mum is loving it!

"the worst part is i permanently look like I'm giving everyone the thumbs up because of the way its casted! i look like such a t**t (sic)!"

One of Kelly's fans, @Mbalz3, was confused as to how she could still be tweeting her fans, asking Kelly: "if your left handed and your left iz the one thatz hurt ... How are you tweeting (sic)?"

The 'Fashion Police' star replied by saying: "I do have 2 hands you know!"

Cheryl Cole is hosting an alcohol free pre-Christmas lunch for her Girls Aloud bandmates this week.

The 'Fight for This Love' singer has invited Nicola Roberts, Kimberley Walsh and Sarah Harding over to her north London home for a festive get together where she will take charge of cooking but has taken booze off the menu because of Sarah's recent stint in rehab, where she received treatment for alcoholism and depression.

A source told The Sun newspaper: "Cheryl is going all out. She has already ordered all the food and is determined to cook everything herself.

"She's doing the full works, turkey with all the trimmings, and the lunch table will be laid with crackers and other traditional Christmas decorations.

"But with Sarah having just left rehab, Cheryl doesn't want to make it into a drunken dinner so isn't planning on having any wine involved.

"It's just a chance for the girls to catch up with each other before Christmas."

It is unclear if fifth member Nadine Coyle will be back in London from Los Angeles - where she is now based - in time for Cheryl's festive fun.

The singer-and-designer has been getting into the festive spirit thanks to her nephews, writing on twitter yesterday (18.12.11): "Only 7 days til Christmas!! Or as the kids keep reminding me its '7 sleeps til Santa' #cute

"I was tidying my clothes out upstairs and here comes the 3 year old with one of his Christmas toys, tearing open the box and telling me "Santas been" ... I don't know whether to laugh or cry ... I think I'll do both haha (sic)"

Selena Gomez pulled out of two concerts after her mother reportedly suffered a miscarriage.

The 19-year-old singer had been scheduled to appear at the B96 Jingle Bash 2011 at the Allstate Arena in Chicago on Saturday (17.12.11) and the 106.1 KISS FM's Jingle Bell Bash at the WaMu Theater in Seattle yesterday (18.12.11) but cancelled both commitments, with her spokesperson citing a "family emergency" for the cancellation.

According to E! Online, Selena pulled out of the shows after learning her mother Mandy Teefey had lost her unborn baby.

The entire Seattle concert was postponed because fellow performers OneRepublic also had to pull out because frontman Ryan Tedder was ordered to go on vocal rest by medics.

Selena learned of the family emergency on Friday (16.12.11) while in the audience at Power 106's Cali Christmas 2011 concert in Los Angeles and immediately left to return home to her mother and stepfather Brian Teefey.

Last month, the 'Wizards of Waverley Place' actress had spoken of her excitement at becoming a "big sister".

She tweeted: "Momma and Brian are finally letting me share the news... My mommys carrying my baby brother or sister :) I'm the happiest girl in the world! (sic)"

Mandy, a former actress, was married to Selena's father Ricardo Joel Gomez until the Disney star was five years old. She went on to tie the knot with Brian in 2006.

Jennifer Lopez has revealed she feared there was something wrong with her daughter Emme when she discovered a lump on her head when she was a baby.

The 'On The Floor' hitmaker has recalled her panic at finding the bump on the head of her daughter, who is now three, shortly after she and her twin brother Max were born and she was so worried she and her then-husband Marc Anthony rushed her straight to hospital.

Jennifer told CNN: "I just remember that feeling of something is wrong with that baby and I'm gonna die.

"I remember looking at Marc and going, 'We should call the doctor.' I started panicking a little bit and he was panicking too because we were thinking, 'Did somebody drop her when we weren't looking?'

"I just remember looking at him and saying, 'If this baby ... if Emme's not going to be OK, I'm not going to be OK. He's like, 'I'm not going to be OK - none of us are going to be OK.' "

"Luckily" everything was fine with Emme after she underwent some routine tests, but it made Jennifer think about the stresses that less fortunate mothers experience because of their lack of money

She said: "I was thinking, 'What if I didn't have that? What if I didn't have access to great health care?' What if I was a mom just sitting there and there was something wrong with my baby and there was nothing I could do about it?"

In response to the scare, Jennifer and Marc started the Maribel Foundation, named after Marc's sister Maribel who died of brain cancer at eight, which is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving the health and well-being of women and children.

Lindsay Lohan's Playboy issue is set to sell out.

The 'Mean Girls' actress posed in a raunchy shoot for the men's magazine and despite critics claiming the pictures were "boring" and unimaginative", it has proved popular with readers.

The issue has been selling out across many parts of the US with cities like New York and Los Angeles ordering additional copies due to the increased demand.

Playboy founder Hugh Hefner wrote on twitter: "The Lindsay Lohan January-February Double Issue is breaking sales records.

"The Lindsay Lohan Double Issue also includes 2 Centerfolds, the Year In Sex & the Playmate Review. Over 200 pages of entertainment. (sic)"

In the Marilyn Monroe-inspired shoot, Lindsay poses completely naked and was paid a reported $1 million.

Although the issue is proving very popular, Hugh previously admitted he had "mixed emotions" about featuring Lindsay in the pages of his legendary magazine.

Hugh said: "It really came as a surprise to me. I kind of had mixed emotions about it initially, and then it turned into something bigger than life.

"I wasn't quite sure where she was at in her life, obviously. It depends on whether it's Tuesday or Thursday."

Hugh also revealed how Lindsay, 25, and her family were initially reluctant for her to appear in the spread totally nude and he had to assure them the pictures would be shot in a tasteful way.

The 85-year-old said: "I think it was essentially mama and the folks around her that kept pushing for less nudity. And I said, 'We're doing a nude pictorial here. We're going to do it in a very classy way and we're going to do it in a way in which it will not be forgotten.'

"I think it was accomplished beyond anything I could have possibly imagined. People will not forget this pictorial."

Maybe that's one lesson to be drawn from TV in the year past. At least, nostalgia didn't exactly pay off for the networks. ABC's Kennedy-era drama "Pan Am" hasn't soared in the ratings, and even with all the bunnies, NBC's short-lived "The Playboy Club" was clearly missing a lucky rabbit's foot, Meanwhile, ABC's update of the 1970s hit "Charlie's Angels" was instantly bedeviled by low ratings before its merciful demise.

This year, Charlie Sheen made a lot of noise, both on and off his (former) CBS hit sitcom, "Two and a Half Men," while "60 Minutes" resident essayist Andy Rooney fell silent after 33 years on the CBS newsmagazine, delivering his 1,097th commentary in October, and passing away at age 92 in November.

Ratings-challenged NBC continued to hover near extinction this year, propped up largely by football. And as 2011 draws to a close, the network again demonstrates it's willing to try anything: it has brought back the aptly named "Fear Factor" this month, five long years after that daredevil competition was first axed.

Fear and foolishness remain plentiful on the TV landscape. But in 2011 there were also moments of excellence and crazy distinction.

— For example, Ricky Gervais hosting "The Golden Globes" (NBC). Thanks to his inspired — and, yes, occasionally scathing — stewardship, the Globes steered clear of the pretension and self-worship to which awards shows so often fall victim. And despite the big fuss about his performance (or maybe because of it), he'll be back in 2012 for a third consecutive, surely-to-be-much-viewed hosting gig.

Here, in alphabetical order, are nine more examples of TV at its best in 2012.

— "Boomtown" (Planet Green), an absorbing documentary series about the people of Parshall, N.D. (population: 1,073) and the oil discovered deep beneath their feet, making some of them rich and leaving other neighbors stranded below the poverty line, where they already had been struggling for years.

— "Boss" (Starz) has rewarded Kelsey Grammer with one thing his fame and wealth couldn't as the former star of "Frasier": full credibility as an actor apart from that signature role as a radio shrink. Playing Tom Kane, the fiercely charismatic, ruthless mayor of Chicago, Grammer is both charming and chilling in a drama about the majesty and grubbiness of public service.

— "Breaking Bad" (AMC). Is there anything darker than black? If so, it was this drama series during its fourth season. Bleak, suspenseful, shocking and, at times, bitterly funny, "Breaking Bad" continued to chart the dark descent of Walter White (series star Bryan Cranston) from a middle-class Albuquerque, N.M., milquetoast to a virtuoso of the crystal-meth trade as he went mano-a-mano against his most formidable opponent yet, big-time drug boss Gustavo "Gus" Fring. And prevailed. Outrageously.

— "Enlightened" (HBO) has turned loose the rapturous Laura Dern in a comedy-drama about a damaged woman who sets her sights on social activism, and who is alternately inspiring and cringingly pathetic to behold as she attempts to change the world. This show's scrambled heroine seems to pose the question: Is emotional stability required to spark a revolution — or is it possibly a stumbling block?

— "Happy Endings" (ABC). It's a show about six attractive 20-something pals — three guys and three girls. No, it's not "Friends" or countless "Friends" copycats. By virtue of sharp writing, rapid-fire pacing and a splendid ensemble of six comedic actors who appear to have been chummy for years, "Happy Endings" is its own hilarious thing. And who would have ever guessed that among the talented pack, Elisha Cuthbert — Jack Bauer's constantly imperiled sexpot daughter on "24" — would reveal herself to be such a funny lady?!

— "Homeland" (Showtime). CIA agent Carrie Mathison is convinced that Marine Sgt. Nicholas Brody — rescued from a prison in Iraq, where he had been MIA since 2003 — is an instrument of an Al-Qaida plot to be carried out on American soil. Could this national hero really be an Al-Qaida terrorist turncoat? Or is Carrie obsessively stalking an innocent man? Claire Danes and Damian Lewis co-star in a suspenseful cat-and-mouse game where it's teasingly unclear who is the cat and who is the mouse.

— "Lights Out" (FX) was the best new drama of 2011. Unfortunately, not enough viewers agreed (or even gave it a look). It aired last winter without landing a punch in the ratings, then, with its season finale (a wonderful cliffhanger) it vanished forever. Too bad. Starring Holt McCallany as prizefighter Patrick "Lights" Leary, this drama series was more than just another boxing story. It was a splendid tale about a husband and father who was torn between devotion to his family and a last-ditch try at a comeback in the ring. It was a love story and a thrilling action saga. It should've been a contender.

— "Skins" (MTV). It was a sexy, no-apologies slice of contemporary teen life. It was a sassy, gritty tour through teenage wasteland. And in the words of the Parents Television Council, which successfully targeted the show, even sight unseen, for execution, it was "the most dangerous television show for children that we have ever seen." After a single ambitious season, it lives on, if only as a notch in the PTC's belt.

— "Sons of Anarchy" (FX). It's a brotherhood. A family. A pack of thugs. A pocket of the struggling working class. This saga of a small-town motorcycle club is colorful, unflinching, often bloody — and oddly relatable in the age of Occupy Wall Street. Smart writing keeps this bunch routinely at the edge of oblivion, while the viewer roots for them to succeed, no matter how depraved their game plan. Like so many Americans (and presumably many viewers of this hit drama), the Sons are members of the 99 percent, just trying to hang on.

Cast member Scarlett Johansson arrives for the premiere of the film "We Bought a Zoo" in New York, December 12, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

Sometimes, reacting to a movie is all about the expectations you bring with you walking into it. "We Bought a Zoo" is about a family that buys a zoo. It's as high-concept as you can get, outside of maybe "Attack of the Killer Tomatoes" or "I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry," and it's equally straightforward in wearing its heart on its sleeve.

We know to expect this ahead of time because "We Bought a Zoo" comes from Cameron Crowe, the writer-director of "Say Anything ...," ''Jerry Maguire," ''Almost Famous" and, more recently, the 2005 flop "Elizabethtown." We know there will be some poignantly phrased life lessons in store for this family as they struggle to reconnect after the mother's death.

The whole exercise could have been agonizingly mawkish, and/or filled with cheap, lazy animal-poop jokes. And yet, it's not. It's actually surprisingly charming and more emotionally understated than the material would suggest, and a lot of that has to do with Matt Damon's performance. He is an actor incapable of faking it, one who cannot mail it in, and so he brings great authenticity and gravitas to the role of Benjamin Mee, a widower and father of two. ("We Bought a Zoo," which Crowe co-wrote with Aline Brosh McKenna, is based on a true story with some tweaks.)

Six months after his wife died of cancer, Benjamin is struggling to move on. He's having trouble dedicating himself to his career as a Los Angeles newspaper columnist and finds himself squabbling with his troublemaking teenage son, Dylan (Colin Ford); meanwhile, his younger daughter, Rosie (Maggie Elizabeth Jones), is an impossibly adorable angel.

Benjamin thinks a change of scenery might help, so he quits his job and moves the family to a rustic, rambling house on 18 acres outside the city. Seems perfect — except for the fact that the land includes an animal park that has fallen into disrepair. Since Benjamin is a writer and not a zoologist, he has no idea what he's doing. He gets some help from the park's ragtag, hippie crew, led by Scarlett Johansson as the hottest zookeeper on the planet.

Moving to a zoo — spoiler alert! — eventually helps everyone reconcile. No big shocker there. And no, this does not occur through the mystical power of the animals radiating positive vibes to the universe. The lions and tigers and bears are mercifully free of cloying anthropomorphism. Basically, father and son are just stuck in the middle of nowhere and the necessity for teamwork thrusts them back together. Dylan also makes friends with the only other kid his age on the grounds, the ebullient Lily, played by Elle Fanning.

Yes, "We Bought a Zoo" is sentimental and overlong, and full of obligatory fish-out-of-water physical humor. But everyone is so good in it — especially Damon, who brings real emotional truth to his character's grieving process — that it's hard not to be won over. Johansson has a no-nonsense likability about her performance, and the suggested romance between her character and Damon's, while easy to predict, isn't milked for easy heart-tugging.

It's a beautiful film, too: Everything is bathed in this sort of magical sunlight, the work of cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto ("Brokeback Mountain," ''Lust, Caution"), which enhances the sensation that anything is possible. This is the first feature from Crowe since the heavy-handed, overly quirky "Elizabethtown," and while it's not a complete return to form, it's close enough.

"We Bought a Zoo," a 20th Century Fox release, is rated PG for language and some thematic elements. Running time: 123 minutes. Two and a half stars out of four.

Scarlett Johansson is reportedly dating British musician Dan White.

The 'We Bought A Zoo' actress met the Tribes guitarist when she was shooting in London recently and pals say the pair are smitten and determined to make their long distance relationship work.

A source told the Sunday Mirror: "They met in London recently. Scarlett was shooting the film 'Under The Skin' in the UK and they were introduced at a club night in town.

"They got on like a house on fire and Scarlett was into his band's music. There was an instant connection. They've been seeing each other for a good few weeks. Dan's proper happy about it- and what guy wouldn't be? He already thinks the world of Scarlett.

"Dan thinks she's an amazing girl. They both have incredibly busy lives but are going to see where things go. Dan's band Tribes is only just taking off and Scarlett has a lot of work on. So who knows?"

Although Scarlett split with husband Ryan Reynolds in December 2010, she admitted her union with the 'Green Lantern' actor - who is currently dating Blake Lively - was the "best thing" she ever did.

She has previously said: "It was the best thing I ever did. I'm a big believer in instinct. Getting married was the right thing to do because it was natural. It grew out of romance and love and a desire to have a future with somebody, and I was very fortunate that I married somebody who turned out to be the person I thought he would be."

David and Victoria Beckham are considering leaving Los Angeles.

The soccer star is in talks with French club Paris Saint-Germain and a number of UK teams and rather than Victoria and their four children Brooklyn, 12, Romeo, nine, Cruz, six, and four-month-old daughter Harper remaining in Los Angeles while he plays in Europe, the entire family may relocate with the couple already lining up possible schools for the boys.

A source told the Mail on Sunday: "David is on the brink of committing to either Paris Saint-Germain or a UK club. He'll make the announcement just after the New Year.

"They are preparing to be back in Britain and have been looking at schools for the boys. David is keen on one particular school because it's the area where he grew up and when he was a child he always wished he could have gone there."

Although Victoria was initially reluctant to move, the hugely successful fashion designer is now "excited" about returning home.

The source added: "David has always been adamant he wants to end his career in Europe and Victoria is totally behind the move. She is using the opportunity to work on her fashion profile in Europe and the boys will be privately educated. They are all very excited.

"Victoria wants to come back to London and live between the capital and Paris but she won't give up the place in LA. The advantage of being over here is they can spend more time with their families. But they love LA so it's likely they'll be back."

Kelly Osbourne is "sad" she is no longer the face of Madonna's Material Girl clothing range.

The 'Fashion Police' star - who replaced Taylor Momsen as the ambassador of the brand earlier this year - is upset she has to leave but is looking forward to helping Madonna and her 15-year-old daughter Lourdes choose a new girl.

Kelly said: "I'm sad, but I'm really excited to help pick the next girl and that I got to be a part of this process."

Lourdes added: "Kelly was at every audition. I was only at one and I did the online stuff. It was difficult because we only get photos and resumes."

Kelly says it was inspiring seeing all the girls audition in New York and knows whoever wins the contract is extremely lucky.

She told People magazine: "They get on stage in the middle of Macy's on a microphone in front of the mall. It's really intimidating - really scary. But it gave me faith in the female kind again seeing these awesome young girls on stage spilling their guts. One girl drove 20 hours!

"I can't even tell you what it's done for my confidence. To be a face of a fashion line? I'm not even a model citizen."

Kelly will officially hand over to the next girl in February but is hoping to still be involved with the brand.

She said: "I am going to the first photo shoot with the girls."

Lourdes added: "Of course she'll be involved. We're pallies. We're pals."

U.S. actor Robert Downey Jr. and British actor Jude Law pose for photographers at the premiere of "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows" at the Empire Cinema in London December 8, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

Action adventure film "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows" led a trio of sequels at the box office over another underwhelming weekend that saw ticket sales fall from last year.

Robert Downey Jr.'s follow-up to the 2009 hit "Sherlock Holmes" pulled in an estimated $54.7 million around the world, distributor Warner Bros. said on Sunday.

That included $40 million from the United States and Canada, where the movie topped the domestic charts, plus $14.7 million from six international markets.

"Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked," the third film in the popular family franchise, rung up a global total of $38 million in sales, including a second-place domestic finish of $23.5 million. Thirty-eight international markets added $14.5 million.

Overall, the domestic box office repeated a sluggish trend of recent weeks and dashed hopes for a major kickstart before a crush of big-budget Christmas films hits theaters.

Sales for all movies from Friday through Sunday will reach about $119 million domestically, according to estimates from Hollywood.com Box Office. That is 11.6 percent below the same weekend last year and follows the worst box office weekend in three years.

"The momentum we have lost over the past few weeks has taken its toll on the bottom line," said Paul Dergarabedian, president of Hollywood.com Box Office. "Thankfully there are some big titles on the way."

In third place for the weekend, Tom Cruise brought some holiday cheer as his fourth "Mission: Impossible" movie opened with a strong $13 million at just 425 domestic theaters over three days. "Sherlock Holmes" and "Chipwrecked" played in more than 3,700 theaters each.

"Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol" also racked up $68.2 million from three dozen international markets for a global total of $81.2 million.

'M:I' SETS IMAX RECORDS

Hollywood was closely watching the experiment of opening "Mission: Impossible" just on IMAX and other large screens before the movie heads to another 3,000 locations starting on Wednesday.

IMAX Corp said the film's domestic and international openings set records for December and Christmas IMAX debuts.

For "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows," Warner Bros. said the film performed within opening weekend forecasts for the return of Downey as the famous Victorian detective with his sidekick Dr. Watson, played by Jude Law.

The sequel got an A-minus grade from audiences surveyed by exit polling firm CinemaScore, versus a B for the original.

The response puts the movie in good position to reach the $200-million-plus total domestic take of the first installment, said Dan Fellman, head of domestic distribution for Warner Bros.

"We have a movie that has great playability," he said.

"Chipwrecked," which sees the chipmunks stranded on an island, fell short of studio hopes for a mid-$20 million debut.

Chris Aronson, senior vice president for domestic distribution at 20th Century Fox, called the opening a "good start." "Being the only G-rated film for Christmas, I think we are going to have good run," he said.

In fourth place for the weekend, romantic comedy "New Year's Eve" and its star-studded cast took in $7.4 million during its second weekend in theaters.

"The Sitter," a comedy starring Jonah Hill as a reluctant babysitter and also in its second weekend, earned $4.4 million for fifth place.

So far this year, overall domestic sales are 4 percent below 2010. Hollywood is counting on strong showings from big-budget films that open in the coming week, including best-selling book adaptation "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" and two movies from famed director Steven Spielberg - "War Horse" and "The Adventures of Tintin."

Time Warner Inc unit Warner Bros. distributed "Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows" and "New Year's Eve." "Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked" and "The Sitter" were released by 20th Century Fox, a unit of News Corp. Paramount, a unit of Viacom Inc, released "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol."

Selena Gomez is putting her music career on hold.

The 19-year-old star is planning to take a break from pop and concentrate on her acting career for the immediate future.

Selena released her third album, 'When the Sun Goes Down', in June and enjoyed success with her movie 'Monte Carlo' and at the moment the big screen appeals to her more.

She told Hollywoodlife.com: "I'm very happy and pleased with how well the record did and I'm so thankful that radio and everybody is still being so supportive.

"Next year I'll be starting to do more acting, I'll be doing two films in the beginning and then I'll probably go back to singing. I'll balance them."

The former 'Wizards of Waverly Place' star also insisted fame has not affected her life, despite her rapid success and high-profile relationship with Justin Bieber, 17.

She added: "Nothing's changed for me, I mean, yeah, you get recognised occasionally, but I'm not scared of that. People assume it's awful."

Now that the Disney series has come to an end, Selena says she is up for a new challenge but although she acts and sings she doesn't believe she will ever try her hand at directing.

She said: "I don't have dreams anymore; I just want to do things that are different and challenging and have fun with it."

When asked whether she would try her hand at directing, she laughed: "No!, I will stay in front of the camera!"

Britain's Prince William and Duchess Catherine's visit to Tuvalu proves the royal family's "care" for the country.

The couple will travel the world on behalf of Queen Elizabeth - who is celebrating her 60th year on the throne in 2012 - and can expect a traditional welcome when they visit the country in the Pacific Ocean, according to the country's consul to the UK Iftikhar Ayaz.

He told The Daily Telegraph: "Every individual in Tuvalu will be delighted by this news. The visit is a great example of the care and affection that the royal family has for even the smallest states like Tuvalu.

"They will sit in a canoe and the young men of the island, dressed in skirts of coconut fibre, will carry the canoe on their shoulders. I have met the Queen and she vividly recollects the experience."

Approximately 10,000 people live on the island nation, which is the fourth smallest country in the world after Vatican City, Monaco and Nauru.

Although exact details of what the couple will do when they visit are being kept secret, it is expected they will be rowed ashore in a multi-hued canoe, echoing the boat trip they took when on their first official overseas visit as a couple to Canada earlier this year.

All of the royal family will be visiting countries around the world for the Queen, and Prince Harry will be making his first official trip on behalf of his grandmother when he tours the Caribbean nations, including Jamaica, Belize and The Bahamas.

Robert Pattinson will be spending the Christmas holidays with girlfriend Kristen Stewart.

The 'Twilight Saga' stars - who are famous for keeping their relationship quiet - will be spending the festive period in Los Angeles, California, although they are unsure exactly where they will be on December 25.

A source told Hollywoodlife.com: "They will be together for the holidays and they are happily together in Los Angeles and relaxing away from the limelight.

"They will be spending some time with Kristen's family for the holiday, but not necessarily Christmas."

Earlier this month the pair moved out of their rented home in the Bel Air area of Los Angeles, because the owner was putting it up for sale at a price of $5.9 million.

The couple were e paying $22,500 per month to stay in the four bedroom, four bathroom property.

According to the listings the home features a high wood ceilings and hardwood floors, a spa, pool and a gazebo as well as a guest house with its own kitchen, living room, bedroom and bathroom.

Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant (L) and his wife Vanessa attend activities during the NBA All-Star weekend in Dallas, Texas February 13, 2010.[Photo/Agencies]

Basketball superstar Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers and his wife Vanessa have filed for divorce after more than 10 years of marriage, citing irreconcilable differences, a representative for the couple said on Friday.

"We ask that in the interest of our young children and in light of the upcoming holiday season, the public respect our privacy during this most difficult time," the couple, who have two children, said in a statement.

The couple's spokesman said Bryant, 33, and Vanessa, 29, resolved all issues regarding the divorce privately and both filed petitions. Vanessa went first and Kobe shortly thereafter.

Bryant has helped lead the Lakers to five National Basketball Association championships, has been named a most valuable player, been the league's top scorer and played on numerous all-star teams.

He was drafted into the NBA directly from high school in 1996 at the age of 17 and in his initial years enjoyed a stellar reputation with fans as a highly skilled player.

In 2003, Bryant was accused of sexual assault by an employee at a Colorado hotel, tarnishing his reputation and leading to a media storm to cover his trial. He denied the claims and charges eventually were dropped after the woman refused to testify.

Bryant and his wife were married in April 2001 and throughout the sex scandal she stayed with her husband.

Britney Spears and Jason Trawick arrive at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles, August 28, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

Pop star Britney Spears is engaged to her boyfriend Jason Trawick, celebrity media outlets reported on Friday after the singer posted a message on Twitter about receiving "the one gift" for which she has longed.

Television show "Access Hollywood" said host Billy Bush reached Trawick by text message, and the groom-to-be confirmed the news. "Yes, we are engaged," the show quoted Trawick as telling Bush.

Celebrity news magazine Us Weekly also reported the engagement, citing an unnamed source, saying Trawick popped the question at a private dinner Thursday on his 40th birthday, presenting the singer with a three-carat round stone and pave diamond ring. Website TMZ said the pair would be celebrating their engagement Friday night in Las Vegas.

Spears, 30, added fuel to the wedding fire with her own tweet Friday that said "OMG. Last night Jason surprised me with the one gift I've been waiting for. Can't wait to show you! SO SO SO excited!!!!"

Spears' spokesman did not return requests for comment.

The "Toxic" singer has been dating her former agent Trawick since May 2010, after a turbulent few years in her personal and professional life in which she lost custody of her children and was forced to enter rehabilitation after a public meltdown.

She was previously married to dancer Kevin Federline for two years, with whom she has two children. The singer also spontaneously married childhood friend Jason Alexander during a trip to Las Vegas in 2004. That marriage lasted 55 hours before the singer annulled the union.

Celine Dion owns "about 3,000" pairs of shoes.

The 'My Heart Will Go On' singer is obsessed with footwear and admits she can't resist adding to her collection when she goes out shopping, but she doesn't feel guilty because it's her only real vice.

She said: "If you have, let's say, 600 pairs of shoes, you're considered a freak? I have about 3,000 pairs. Look, some people do drugs, and I buy shoes."

Celine feels very lucky to be able to buy expensive shoes and other luxuries and admits the spending power she now has and the lavish Florida estate she lives at with her husband Rene Angelil and their children - 10-year-old son Rene-Charles and 13-month-old twins Eddy and Nelson - is very different to the house she was raised in.

The 43-year-old star grew up in the French-speaking Canadian town of Charlemagne, Quebec, as the youngest of 14 siblings, but although her parents weren't financially wealthy she insists the house was full of love.

She told VanityFair.com: "I grew up in a very, very, very small house. "My mum was brilliant enough to put a pillow in a drawer for a baby to sleep in. We were safe and warm and taken care of. Three or four of us in the same bed was normal to us. We weren't poor, but we never had money. I don't know if that makes sense. We were given love and affection and support. What else did we need?"

Celine - who has sold millions of albums worldwide - acknowledges her fans are responsible for giving her such a great life and she is thankful that after 30 years people still want to come and see her perform.

She said: "My fans bought me my house. They bought my records ... I'm very fortunate, and people have bought my albums year after year, and they come to see the shows, and it's expensive, and they still come."

Britney Spears has bought a $45,000 motorcycle for her boyfriend's birthday.

The 30-year-old pop star splashed out on the third generation X132 Hellcat from Confederate Motorcycles, along with a $940 leather jacket, for Jason Trawick, who turned 40 today (15.12.11).

Referring to the video for her single 'Criminal', she tweeted: "Hbday Jason! He looked so cool in the video, that I had to get him a new motorcycle. (sic)"

The 'Gimme More' hitmaker - who has sons Sean Preston, six, and Jayden James, five, with ex-husband Kevin Federline - had teased yesterday (14.12.11) that she had a special present for Jason.

She tweeted: "Poor Jason he has less than 5 hours left to be in his 30s. I have a big surprise for him tomorrow. Xxoo (sic)"

Confederate Motorcycles are thrilled that Britney chose to buy one of their custom-made vehicles, which will be delivered to the couple's Californian home in the coming weeks.

Clay Morrison, who works for the company, said: "I think she made the right choice.

"We couldn't be happier that she chose to share the finest motorcycle in the world with Jason!"

The company revealed that Britney will be one of the first celebrities to take delivery of the vehicle, but a host of famous faces - including Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, and Bruce Springsteen - own earlier models.

Kim Kardashian was Google's most searched celebrity of 2011.

The reality TV star, who married Kris Humphries in August only to divorce him after just 72 days of marriage, was the most requested star in search engine Google's annual Zeitgeist survey of their UK site.

Kim rose to fame after starring in reality TV show 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians', which started in 2007 and has built a worldwide following, with her popularity reaching fever pitch ahead of her August 20 wedding to the basketball hunk, which was reported to have cost $10 million to stage.

Kim - who also became the unwitting star of adult DVD 'Kim Kardashian: Superstar' with ex-boyfriend Ray J in 2007 - ensured she stayed in the headlines for the rest of the year with the shock announcement of her divorce less than three months later, which led some showbiz commentators to claim the whole marriage was little more than a publicity stunt.

Web expert Alan Stevens told the Metro newspaper: "Our obsession with celebrity continues although the celebrities move around. People come and go. I think it's the influence of television and particularly the influence of reality television.

"It's still all-pervasive, however much people might want to say it's reached its peak. It clearly hasn't."

Victoria Beckham was the second most searched for star, followed by 'Harry Potter' actress Emma Watson. Actresses Scarlett Johansson and Jennifer Aniston rounded out the top five.

Ricky Gervais was the only male star to be included in the top ten most searched celebrities.

Google.co.uk most searched for celebrities in 2011:

1. Kim Kardashian

2. Victoria Beckham

3. Emma Watson

4. Scarlett Johansson

5. Jennifer Aniston

6. Britney Spears

7. Megan Fox

8. Ricky Gervais

9. Jessica Jane

10. Angelina Jolie

Jennifer Aniston has admitted trying Botox injections.

The 42-year-old actress laughed off speculation she regularly has the wrinkle-smoothing treatments, but acknowledged she has had the procedure in the past, though she thought it looked "ridiculous".

She said: "People think that I do a lot of [Botox] injections, but I don't. I'm not saying that I haven't tried it but I see how it's a slippery slope.

"All that cosmetic stuff looks ridiculous on me."

The 'Friends With Benefits' star also admitted she has started taking extra precautions when out in the sun after noticing the way her appearance is changing with age.

She told the new issue of America's InStyle magazine: "I've started getting those little sun spots. Things are beginning to pop out. Even the texture of my skin is changing. So I've recently started zapping the spots and getting spray tans whenever I can. And I've graduated to using SPF 60 sunblock when I'm on the beach."

Despite recently being named the hottest woman of all time, Jennifer - who is dating actor Justin Theroux - admits she hasn't always been confident about her appearance.

She said: "I was a dumpy teenager. My mom was a model and was all about looks, so I rebelled by going goth. It took me years of peeling back the onion to finally stop using makeup as a mask and feel comfortable in my skin."

Britain's Prince Harry leaves after the marriage between Zara Phillips, the eldest granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth, and England rugby captain Mike Tindall at Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh, Scotland July 30, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

Britain's Prince Harry enjoyed a trip to Winter Wonderland last night (14.12.11).

The 27-year-old royal almost managed to go unnoticed at the festive attraction in London's Hyde Park where he and friends visited the traditional Christmas markets but his distinctive red hair gave him away.

Fellow reveller Rachel Jones exclusively told BANG Showbiz: "Harry looked like he was having a great time with his friends, chatting and larking about as they wandered through Winter Wonderland. They just looked like a normal group of guys, you wouldn't have known he was a prince! It was only when he took off his baseball cap to scratch his head and I could see his red hair that I knew for definite that it was him."

Although Harry was polite and friendly, his bodyguards were nearby at all times.

Rachel added: "I tried to go over and have a photograph, but a security guard discreetly told me, 'No pictures.' Still, it was nice to see that he was able to have a fairly normal evening out with his mates."

Another Winter Wonderland visitor Paul Bowles took to twitter to write: "Smashed into prince harry on the dodgems last night. Top Guy just looked over and laughed. #princeharry #royalbanter (sic)."

Following his festive fun, Harry and friends dined at Jak's restaurant in South Kensington and then partied at Zefi bar before leaving in the early hours of the morning.

Twitter user @HWalesWatch wrote: "Prince Harry was at Jak's restaurant in Lon. tonight before drinks at Zefi while friend Nat. Pinkham partied down the street at BungaBunga (sic)."

Photographer Jesal Parshotam wrote on his twitter account @therealjesal:"#PrinceHarry brushed shoulders with a christmas tree as he left #zefi bar in kensignton Sw3 at 1.30am. He looked very festive (sic)."

Taylor Swift was treated to a decadent birthday cake by her record label.

The 'Ours' singer turned 22 on Wednesday (13.12.11) and although she was in the studio recording her new album on her big day, a luncheon she hosted for the Big Machine label turned into a birthday celebration when they surprised her with a cake covered in vanilla butter cream.

Posting a picture of the cake, which had edible glitter and the words "Happy Birthday Taylor, love, The Machine" on it, Taylor tweeted: "Took a break from the studio to visit the label, where they gave me this!"

Taylor reportedly was so impressed with the treat from Nashville bakery Dulce Desserts that her mother later bought a smaller version to serve that night at a low-key party for Taylor and her friends.

Taylor tweeted yesterday (14.12.11): "Best. Birthday. Ever. Thank you for all the birthday wishes. You made me feel really special today :) :) :) (sic)."

For her 21st birthday last year, Taylor held a Christmas-themed party and revealed she loves celebrating during the festive season because it means there is less focus on her.

She explained: "I love having a Christmas-themed birthday party so people can give each other presents at my birthday party, so it's not so much a spotlight birthday thing - especially with a 21st birthday where people are like, 'Huh? Huh? What's she gonna do?'

"I didn't want it to be a crazy club thing, I just want it to be very me and the me thing to do would be to have a Christmas birthday party."

Singer Katy Perry arrives at the 2011 American Music Awards in Los Angeles November 20, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

NEW YORK — Katy Perry's run of No. 1 singles has earned her the distinction of becoming MTV's first artist of the year.

Perry topped Adele after a spirited discussion among MTV's internal panel of experts, the network said Thursday. Adele's "Rolling in the Deep" was chosen top song of 2011, said Amy Doyle, the network's chief of music programming.

MTV also declared Skrillex its electronic dance music artist of the year over David Guetta.

Different parts of MTV would make "best of" lists in the past, but the network wanted to establish a franchise that brought all its online and TV arms together and emphasized MTV's music roots, Doyle said. The network, established in 1981, hopes it becomes an annual thing.

Seven panelists made the final choice, and their deliberations were featured in MTV programming this week.

"Rolling in the Deep" was an obvious selection as top song, Doyle said. Runners-up were Nicki Minaj's "Super Bass" and Rihanna's "We Found Love."

"I loved the song the moment I wrote it," Adele said. "The melody and the beat added some conviction to it. I think that's why people connected with it."

Perry's achievement of tying Michael Jackson's "Bad" as the only albums to yield five No. 1 singles was particularly impressive, Doyle said. Along with the title cut, "California Gurls," ''E.T.," "Firework" and "Last Friday Night" (T.G.I.F.) all topped the charts. She's trying to beat the record with the current single "The One That Got Away."

"You just really felt her presence in pop culture throughout the year," Doyle said.

Skrillex, whose real name is Sonny Moore, describes his music as a combination of "dubstep, electro and glitch." MTV included the category of best electronic dance music artist to pay tribute to the way the style is taking off with its young viewers, she said.

MTV also asked its viewers to vote on their choice of the best live performances shown on MTV all year. Their choice was "Hurricane" by Thirty Seconds to Mars.

Director Madonna arrives at the screening of her film "W.E." in New York, December 4, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

Madonna inked a deal with Interscope Records that will allow the label run by Jimmy Iovine to release the albums that were originally contracted to Live Nation Entertainment under an ambitious deal that appears to be shrinking in scope.

She plans to release her first album for Interscope next month, first studio album in five years.

A source familiar with the deal's terms said it could be worth between $20 million and $40 million for Madonna and Live Nation combined.

Madonna walked away from a 24-year relationship with Warner Music Group to sign a broad $120 million 10-year deal with Live Nation Entertainment that encompassed touring, ticketing, merchandise, digital assets and three albums.

At the time Live Nation executives had privately predicted its Madonna deal was a sign of a change in the struggling recorded music business that would eventually make traditional music labels irrelevant. It also signed hip-hop artist Jay-Z and rockers Nickelback to similar multi-year so-called '360 degree deals'.

But Live Nation's concert and ticketing business has been hit by the wider economic downturn and sources said the company needs major labels after all to get the marketing and distribution heft required to promote major artists like Madonna and Jay-Z.

Since Live Nation did the deal with Madonna in October 2007 its shares have fallen more than 60 percent. In Feb 2010 it closed its deal to merge with the world's large ticketing company Ticketmaster after a year-long regulatory inquiry.

Madonna is kicking off her Interscope relationship with an album set for release in the last week in January ahead of her upcoming halftime appearance at the Super Bowl on Feb 5. The 53-year old singer also plans to release her new movie 'W.E' on Feb 3.

Director Michel Hazanavicius (L) poses with cast members Jean Dujardin (R) and Berenice Bejo as they arrive on the red carpet for the screening of ''The Artist'' at the 64th Cannes Film Festival, May 15, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

Silent movie "The Artist" painted a pretty picture at the Golden Globe nominations Thursday, leading all movies with six nods, including best film comedy or musical in the race to Hollywood's Oscars.

"The Artist," a silent movie shot in black and white and made in the same way films were before the "talkies," has earned numerous spots atop critics' lists and its director, Frenchman Michel Hazanavicius, thinks he knows why.

"Whether in Italy, the U.K., Spain or Germany, everywhere is the same kind of reaction, and I think that says something about the format. Silent used to be thought of as old. Now, it's no more old or new. It's ageless," he told Reuters.

Along with best film musical or comedy, "The Artist" earned nods for French actor Jean Dujardin, supporting actress Berenice Bejo, director and writer Hazanavicus and musical score.

The Golden Globes, voted on by about 90 members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, are among the most-watched awards programs leading up to the Oscars in February.

But in the race for Oscars, the world's top movie honors from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, "The Artist" already faces competition from drama "The Descendants," starring George Clooney as a man struggling to keep his family together, and civil rights-era film "The Help," which tells of black maids in segregated Mississippi dealing with racism.

Each of those two films earned five Golden Globe nods, including both in the category of best film drama, and both have won fans among critics and audiences in a year shaping up as one in which feel-good films or those with a cathartic ending are winning fans and award votes.

Director Tate Taylor called "The Help" a movie about people doing things to change their lives, and Jim Burke, producer for the "Descendants," said that film sent audiences a message of hope.

Along with best film drama, "Descendants" scored nominations for Clooney as best actor and Alexander Payne for directing and writing, among its honors. "The Help" earned nominations for Viola Davis for best actress in a drama and Octavia Spencer and Jessica Chastain for supporting actress.

HELP FOR 'HUGO'

Those are not the only movies making their mark this award season, and industry watchers should not count out Martin Scorsese's love letter to movies and the creative arts with 3D film "Hugo," which similarly wowed critics.

"Hugo rallied spectacularly today after being shut out at SAG," said Oscar pundit Tom O'Neil of website Gold Derby, noting Wednesday's nominees by the Screen Actors Guild. "Hugo" producer Graham King told Reuters he hoped the recognition by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association would help lure more people to theaters to see it.

"The Help," "Descendants" and "Hugo" will compete for best film drama at the Golden Globes against Steven Spielberg's "War Horse," baseball movie "Moneyball" and Clooney's political film "The Ides of March."

Golden Globe movie nominations are grouped into two categories -- dramas and musicals or comedies -- and "The Artist" will vie for best comedy or musical.

In that group, it faces director Woody Allen's "Midnight in Paris," cancer comedy "50/50," box-office hit "Bridesmaids" and "My Week with Marilyn,' starring Michelle Williams in the role of Marilyn Monroe. Her work put Williams in the Golden Globe race for best actress in a musical or comedy.

Vying for best dramatic actress alongside "Help" star Davis are perennial favorite Meryl Streep as Margaret Thatcher in "The Iron Lady," Glenn Close playing a woman masquerading as a male butler in "Albert Nobbs," newcomer Rooney Mara for "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" and Tilda Swinton in dark parenting movie, "We Need to Talk About Kevin."

In the race for dramatic actor, Clooney squares off against Leonardo DiCaprio as FBI boss J. Edgar Hoover in "J. Edgar," Michael Fassbender playing a sex addict in "Shame," Brad Pitt in "Moneyball" and Ryan Gosling for "The Ides of March." Gosling earned two nominations Thursday, his second coming in the comedic actor category for "Crazy, Stupid, Love."

In the director group, Payne and Hazanavicius take on Scorsese ("Hugo") and Allen ("Midnight in Paris,") along with Clooney for "The Ides of March."

Foreign-language film nominees were Angelina Jolie's Bosnian war movie "In the Land of Blood and Honey," Chinese movie "The Flowers of War," Belgian film "The Kid with a Bike," Iran's "A Separation," and Spanish movie "The Skin I Live In."

The Golden Globe Awards will be given out on January 15, hosted by British comedian Ricky Gervais and telecast live on NBC. Oscar nods come out on January 24.

Last year at the Golden Globes, Gervais ruffled the feathers of the HFPA with caustic jokes about the award show's reputation, but was invited back to emcee the event this year.

HFPA President Takla-O'Reilly made light of that dust-up on Thursday, calling Gervais a "naughty, naughty schoolboy" and saying only one topic was off-limits - religion.

Actresses Regina King (L) and Judy Greer announce Viola Davis as outstanding performance by a female actor in a leading role nominee for her work in "The Help" for 18th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in West Hollywood, December 14, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

The actors of civil rights drama "The Help" topped Screen Actors Guild Award nominations on Wednesday with four nods including best film cast, leading a list of nominees that saw many surprises in Hollywood's current awards season.

"The Help" was closely followed by silent-era drama "The Artist" with three nominations for its actors, including best cast in a film.

Joining them in that key category were the performers in critically acclaimed drama "The Descendants" and unexpected picks in director Woody Allen's "Midnight in Paris" and the raunchy comedy "Bridesmaids."

The Screen Actors Guild, or SAG, awards are among the most-watched honors during Hollywood's film awards season, leading up to the Oscars in February, because actors make up one of the largest voting groups for Academy Awards.

As a result, SAG nominees typically figure prominently on many ballots by members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences which gives out the Oscars.

The SAG Awards will be given out in Los Angeles on January 29, and televised on cable TV networks TNT and TBS.

SAG surprises included the ensemble nod for "Bridesmaids" because dramas typically are favored over comedies during awards season. The joke-filled movie about women in a wedding party also earned Melissa McCarthy a best supporting actress nod.

While movies such as "The Artist," "The Help" and "The Descendants" have made many critics' and industry groups' lists of top movies, "Midnight in Paris" will get a big boost in this year's Academy Award race by virtue of its SAG nomination.

Next on Oscar watchers' list is Thursday's Golden Globe nods.

ACTORS AND ACTRESSES

Among acting races, Leonardo DiCaprio earned a surprise SAG nod for best actor as FBI boss J. Edgar Hoover in "J. Edgar" and Brad Pitt's role as a math-minded baseball man in "Moneyball" put him in the race, too.

They are joined by another unexpected choice, Mexican-born actor Demain Bichir in "A Better Life." Rounding out the category will be widely touted George Clooney playing a struggling father in "The Descendants" and French actor Jean Dujardin as a silent-era film star in "The Artist"

Left out of the SAG actor race was Michael Fassbender, who has earned acclaim portraying a sex addict in "Shame."

Among actresses, many had come into SAG nominations as highly acclaimed including perennial favorite Meryl Streep as former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in "The Iron Lady" and Glenn Close in the role of a woman masquerading as a male butler in "Albert Nobbs."

Viola Davis portraying a maid in "The Help" and Michelle Williams as screen siren Marilyn Monroe in "My Week with Marilyn" also had been expected to pick up SAG nods. Rounding out nominees in that category is Tilda Swinton for the dark, independent drama "We Need to Talk About Kevin."

Joining McCarthy in the supporting actress category were two "Help" actresses, newcomers Jessica Chastain and Octavia Spencer. Also vying for that award will be France's Berenice Bejo for "The Artist" and Janet McTeer in "Albert Nobbs."

Christopher Plummer, who is racking up trophies for playing an elderly gay man in the comedy "Beginners," made the supporting actor group, as did Kenneth Branagh in "My Week with Marilyn."

But that category came with surprises, too, in the name of Nick Nolte in the little-seen mixed martial arts drama "Warrior," Jonah Hill for "Moneyball" and Armie Hammer with "J. Edgar."

While movie honors take top billing at the SAG Awards, the group that represents actors in the film and television industries also votes on performances for TV shows.

In the TV arena, many of the nominees include favorites from past seasons. The best ensemble cast in a drama nominees were the performers in "Boardwalk Empire," "Breaking Bad," "Dexter," "The Good Wife" and one newcomer, "Game of Thrones."

Nominees for acting in a TV comedy were "30 Rock," "The Big Bang Theory," "Glee," "Modern Family," and "The Office."

Lady Gaga performs at the MTV Europe Music Awards show in Belfast November 6, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

Lady Gaga towered over other female musicians in 2011, heading a list of top earning women with an estimated $90 million in income, according to a Forbes.com survey released on Wednesday.

The "Born This Way" singer and performance artist made more than double her nearest rival -- country/pop artist Taylor Swift -- thanks to multiple endorsement deals and an estimated $1.3 million nightly gross ticket sales from her concert tour.

Swift earned about $45 million, thanks to her hit album "Speak Now", perfume line, and other deals, just ahead of "Teenage Dream" singer Katy Perry with $44 million.

Forbes.com drew up its list from data on pre-tax income compiled through record sales, touring data and interviews with music lawyers, managers and concert promoters.

Beyonce's 2011 income dipped to an estimated $35 million, mostly because of her relatively small amount of touring this year, but her new album "4", fashion line, and two fragrances helped to put her in 4th place.

Rihanna rounded out the top 5, earning an estimated $29 million from sales of her album "Loud", and endorsements from cosmetics company CoverGirl.

Tom Cruise wants to have parties around the world to celebrate his 50th birthday.

The 'Mission: Impossible: Ghost Protocol' star is reaching the milestone age next year and plans to mark it in spectacular fashion with a series of celebrations across the globe.

He told US TV show 'Extra': "I'm gonna be 50 on July 3 and I think we'll have a big party. I'm gonna have a party in every country. I'm gonna go, 'Look, I'm 50, man! Where's my party?'"

While he is planning for a huge round of celebrations, they are not likely to take place on his actual birthday as Tom is scheduled to be filming then, but he insists he isn't upset about working on his big day.

He added: "We'll have parties somewhere, but I'm gonna be on the set on the actual day, and that's what I love doing."

Tom - who has five-year-old daughter Suri with wife Katie Holmes and adopted kids Isabella, 19, and Connor, 16, with former spouse Nicole Kidman - is also planning to pitch in with the cooking over the festive season, although he will concentrate on breakfast for his family rather than the traditional roast dinner.

He said: "The family gets together and cooks breakfast, and everyone pitches in - I'm not slouch. I'm not a gourmet chef, but I can whip up some eggs. We are gonna chill. We like taking those times. We really just all hang together and play games. We're all just going to have a really nice, quiet time."

Angelina Jolie has admitted she could have another child.

The actress and her partner Brad Pitt already raise six kids together - Maddox, 10, Pax, eight, Zahara, six, Shiloh, five, and three-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne - and although she isn't making plans to either adopt again or give birth to another baby, she admits it isn't an impossible prospect.

When asked whether she wants to expand her brood, she told America's Marie Claire magazine: "Nothing planned at the moment, but we just don't know. I could end up pregnant."

The 'Salt' star also praised Brad and credits him with changing her outlook on life completely.

The 36-year-old actress insists the 47-year-old actor is the "love" of her life and she can't imagine ever being without him.

She explained: "[Brad] has expanded my life in ways I never imagined. We built a family. He is not just the love my life, he is my family. I hold that very dear.

"I suppose what I've learned from Brad is to be able to have the kind of family whose happiness and wellbeing comes before your own. I'm very grateful to have such a loving family, and I wouldn't have that without him."

Rooney Mara had to wear a merkin for her role in 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo'.

The 26-year-old actress admits a lot of discussion and planning went into what sort of pubic hair wig she would display in the film, because her character Lisbeth Salander is naked in so many scenes in the new thriller.

In an interview with the Metro.us, she revealed: "There was a lot of discussion that went into my merkin for the movie, because I was naked quite a lot. And I don't think a lot of people will notice all of the attention that went into that. But there were a lot of discussions around that."

One of the things the director David Fincher and the production crew wanted to get right was the colour of the intimate hair piece.

Rooney explained: "Well, you know, in the book she's meant to have strawberry-blonde hair originally and she dyes it, so we had a special merkin made that was, you know, strawberry-blonde so that it would fit."

The actress stars opposite Daniel Craig in the movie, which is based on the Swedish novel of the same name by Stieg Larsson.

There are two other books which make up the 'Millennium Series', 'The Girl Who Played with Fire' and 'The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest'.

All three tomes have been made into Swedish language films.

Toni Braxton is dating again - but insists she is taking things slowly with her new guy.

The Grammy Award-winning singer has been seeing the mystery man for around a month but she isn't rushing into anything serious and admits the pair are yet to have sex.

During an appearance on 'Access Hollywood Live', she said: "I'm not ready to be public. I don't know if it's going to be serious. We haven't even."

Toni, 43, admits it was her "really cute and sexy" boyfriend who asked her out and he got her attention by making a joke about her taste in men

The 'Braxton Family Values' star explained: "He kind of flirted and said, 'I love your music, I'm a huge fan. I hear you're single. Ever date a white guy? I hear you haven't, so here I am.' Just like that! He went straight to the point."

The 'Un-Break My Heart' singer was married to Mint Condition musician Keri Lewis - with whom she has two sons, Denim, 10, and Diezel, eight - for eight years until the pair split in November 2009.