Spears wows France with Womanizer

(Saturday November 29, 2008 09:35 AM)

Britney Spears wowed French fans on TV on Friday when she performed her new hit Womanizer on talent show Star Academy.

A night after making her first major comeback performance since the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards - at the 2008 Bambi Awards in Germany - Spears was in Paris for her TV turn.

Wearing a flashy red corset dress, she sent fans wild with a lip-synced performance.

Spears will complete her whistle-stop tour on Saturday night when she performs on TV talent show The X Factor.

Britney Spears to sing on X Factor

(Saturday November 29, 2008 06:59 AM)

Britney Spears will grace the X Factor stage for her first UK television performance in over four years.

The pop singer, who turns 27 on Tuesday, will perform her current single Womanizer, while the five remaining finalists will each cover a classic Britney track.

A representative for Spears said she would only be performing and would not coach the show's contestants, as previous guests have done.

Alexandra Burke, who will be singing Toxic, said: "When I was nine, Britney brought out Baby One More Time, and I loved her.

"I'm very excited about meeting her. This is the Britney we all know and love.

"I hope I can do my Britney song justice, with my own twist."

Bestival in space

(Friday November 28, 2008 07:03 PM)

The fancy dress inspiration for next year's Bestival will be outer space, it has been revealed.

Organiser Rob Da Bank today confirmed the news, which follows this summer's nautical theme.

"Due to popular demand from our ever busy forum, and the fact that next year is the 40th anniversary since man landed on the moon, it's a space theme.

"You get the gist! So get needle and thread out, dig out the dressing up box and prepare for lift off", he announced.

Bestival 2009 takes place on September 11-13, with the full line-up yet to be announced.

Daniel isn't a singer, says Sinitta

(Friday November 28, 2008 05:13 PM)

Sinitta has revealed that she would not have picked Daniel to be an X Factor finalist if she was a judge.

Simon Cowell's sidekick, who also criticised the selection of Girlband and Bad Lashes, said: "If I were a judge I would not have picked Daniel just because he could not sing, nice guy but no".

The So Macho singer said that now Daniel has gone, she would like Ruth to win the least.

"I would have to say Ruth. People will kill me for that and I do love her but I think as an overall pop star I think the others are more right for X Factor," she said.

Three to stand trial for 'kidnapping' Allen's pal

(Friday November 28, 2008 03:26 PM)

Three men have been accused of kidnapping a close friend of singer Lily Allen.

Allen's unnamed male pal and another man were allegedly snatched from a shop in west London in August and kept prisoner for seven days while £75,000 ransoms were demanded from their families.

The pair was subsequently rescued by police from an address in the south of the city a week later.

Jason Goode, Thijseen Johns-Elliot and Joseph Hadji denied two counts of kidnapping, two of false imprisonment and two of blackmail at London's Southwark Crown Court on Thursday.

All three were remanded in custody and were ordered to stand trial next year.

Solange suffered from Beyonce link recording new album

(Friday November 28, 2008 09:25 AM)

Beyonce's younger sister Solange Knowles had to fight to get her songs heard by top music producers - because no one wanted to be known for helping out the sibling of a superstar.

Solange, 22, recently released her second album Sol-Angel and the Hadley St Dreams, but she admits having such a famous star in the family was more of a hinderance than a help as she struggled to win over big names like Q-Tip and Pharrell Williams with her own talents.

She tells Hello magazine, "I can see how people would think that I'm here because of Beyonce.

"But with this record, that really wasn't in my head. I started this record completely independently - I had no record label, I had no main producer, and everyone turned me down.

"Probably because of that, like, 'We're not going to reward her because she's Beyonce's sister', and I understood that."

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Britney Spears appears in LA court

(Saturday November 22, 2008 03:46 PM)

Britney Spears made another cameo in the midst of her comeback - this time at a Los Angeles courtroom.

Spears appeared unexpectedly for a hearing in her ongoing power of attorney case.

A court spokesman said after the hearing that Spears appeared to give an update on her upcoming album, Circus, and details of her tour and other promotions.

Her father, Jamie Spears, has had control over his 26-year-old daughter's personal and financial affairs since February.

The court made the arrangement permanent last month, but Spears can petition to end the arrangement.

The court spokesman says she did not make that request.

As part of that deal, her father and attorney gained greater control over her professional career.

Jamie Spears appeared in court with his daughter and emerged from a courtroom with her after a two-hour closed session.

Spears has not appeared in court during months of proceedings, but has been represented by a court-appointed lawyer.

Spears' new album is scheduled to be released on December 2, which is also the singer's 27th birthday.

Spears back in court

(Saturday November 22, 2008 01:25 PM)

Britney Spears was back in court on Friday for the latest hearing in her conservatorship status.

It marked the first time the pop star has been present in court for a conservatorship hearing.

Britney’s father, Jamie, who was made a co-conservator in the pop star's estate in February, accompanied his daughter.

Reports suggest Spears called for the hearing to find out if a planned world tour would upset her conservatorship arrangements.

Details of the outcome were not available as WENN went to press.

Springsteen wins top tour prize

(Saturday November 22, 2008 01:25 PM)

Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band claimed the coveted Top Tour honour at the fifth annual Billboard Touring Awards in New York on Thursday night.

The group's Magic tour was also named 2008's Top Draw, and Springsteen's manager Jon Landau picked up the Top Manager honour at the Roosevelt Hotel prizegiving.

Country star Kenny Chesney claimed the Top Package award for the fourth time, and Miley Cyrus was named Breakthrough Act.

Meanwhile, the Spice Girls were named Top Boxscore award winners for their 17-show stand at the O2 Arena in London, and the Allman Brothers Band were honoured with the Legend of Live tribute.

Chesney also claimed the first Eventful Fans' Choice Award.

New York's Madison Square Garden was named America's Top Arena for the fifth consecutive year, while Tennessee's Bonnaroo claimed its fourth Top Festival prize.

Rudolph confident Spears is back on top form

(Saturday November 22, 2008 10:25 AM)

Britney Spears is more than ready to make her pop comeback, because she's getting "stronger" every day, according to her manager Larry Rudolph.

The Toxic hitmaker is bouncing back following a tumultuous last 12 months - which has seen her lose custody of her kids to ex-husband Kevin Federline, shave off all her hair, and end up in hospital twice.

But Rudolph is confident his young charge - who took home three gongs at the MTV Video Music Awards in September - is back on top form as she prepares for the release of her new album Circus in December.

He says, "She's definitely ready. She loves to work. She's a very strong person. Everybody goes through setbacks in their lives. (But) every day, I see her getting happier and stronger."

And Rudolph insists Spears is handling the pressures of being a working mum well - because she plans her career around sons Sean Preston, three, and Jayden James, one.

He adds, "Her kids and balancing her life with her kids is an incredible priority - the number one priority in terms of how I operate with her."

Artist "kills Winehouse"

(Friday November 21, 2008 06:38 PM)

A new work of art portraying Amy Winehouse shot dead has been unveiled in New York City.

The sculpture captures the infamous singer in a pool of blood, having been killed by US writer William S Burroughs.

The artist behind the work, Marco Perego, said he created "The Only Good Rock Star Is A Dead Rock Star" as a "warning" to Winehouse.

Amy's spokesperson gave their reaction to the piece, commenting: "It's a funny kind of tribute.

"The artist seems in thrall to a tabloid persona that is not the real Amy. People often use her image to sell their work."

Valued at £100,000, the sculpture is on display at the Half Gallery on Manhattan's Lower East Side.

Guns break records

(Friday November 21, 2008 06:13 PM)

The new Guns N' Roses album has smashed all records after being officially unveiled online.

The stream of "Chinese Democracy" was made available on MySpace yesterday and was listened to more than three million times in the first 24 hours.

It received around 25 plays a second, beating the previous high mark set by Beyonce's "I Am…Sasha Fierce" earlier this month.

To listen to the album, visit MySpace.com/gunsnroses.

"Chinese Democracy" is officially released on Monday, November 24.

Minogue performs at Middle East extravaganza

(Friday November 21, 2008 02:40 PM)

Kylie Minogue headlined a spectacular £20 million mega-party in front an array of Hollywood stars at the opening of the £1.5 billion Atlantis Palms Hotel in Dubai.

The Australian singer was reportedly paid £1.5 million to perform a 10-song set on Friday as A-list guests including Robert De Niro, Charlize Theron, Janet Jackson, Denzel Washington and Dame Shirley Bassey watched on.

Endless supplies of oysters, lobster and champagne were laid on for the 2,000 strong guests at the new ocean-themed resort located on the man-made Palm Jumeirah island.

The party also featured the world's largest ever fireworks show that was visible from space, with a million fireworks set off to signal the launch of the monster hotel.

Hough quits dance show to focus on country career

(Friday November 21, 2008 11:25 AM)

Rising country star Julianne Hough is quitting US TV talent show Dancing With The Stars, so she can concentrate on making music.

The 20-year-old shot to fame as a professional dancer on the hit show, and has successfully used the programme as a platform to launch her singing career.

Her stint in the current seventh season of Dancing With The Stars, partnering actor Cody Linley, was interrupted by a spell in hospital suffering from a nasty bout of endometriosis.

And, after she and Linley were eliminated from the show earlier this week, she has decided not to return.

Hough says, "I won't be on Dancing this spring season. I don't know about the fall. Maybe, maybe not. We'll see.

"I'm definitely going to focus on the music. My first album was a learning experience, and I can't wait for the next one. I feel like the writing and producing will be even better, really awesome."

Oasis ticket giveaway

(Thursday November 06, 2008 04:47 PM)

Thirty staff at a shop in Scotland were given free tickets to an Oasis show by Noel Gallagher this week, according to reports.

The band's chief songwriter visited the Cruise designer store in Glasgow on Wednesday night, ahead of their gig at the city's SECC.

He is said to have bought a pair of Guggi shoes and some YMC trainers during the visit and been impressed with the deals and service.

"Noel was so thrilled at getting his bargain, he asked staff how many would like to come to last night's show," a 'source' explained.

The concert was the final Oasis arena gig on the current UK tour. The band release a new single, "I'm Outta Time", next month.

Guns drop Brian May?

(Thursday November 06, 2008 04:03 PM)

Brian May has been dropped from the new Guns N' Roses album, according to reports.

The Queen legend laid down guitar parts for the long-awaited and soon to be released "Chinese Democracy" almost ten years ago.

He was expected to feature on a song entitled "Catcher In The Rye", which features on the tracklisting for the comeback from Axl Rose's band.

In a posting online, May is said to have responded to questions about his contribution, explaining why his work does not feature.

"Well, it is a shame, perhaps...I did put quite a lot of work in, and was proud of it", he told fans.

"But I could understand if Axl wants to have an album which reflects the work of the members of the band as it is right now."

"Chinese Democracy" is due for release on November 24.

Cyrus was a toilet cleaner

(Thursday November 06, 2008 03:27 PM)

The 15-year-old star insists she has learnt to appreciate her fame and fortune, because she started out at such a young age.

And Cyrus' first taste of the world of work was during her time at a cleaning company.

She tells US TV host Tyra Banks, "I had one normal job and I actually liked it. I worked at this place called Sparkles Cleaning Service and I cleaned houses, I was like 11. I can clean toilet bowls."

Danni axed by "X-Factor"?

(Thursday November 06, 2008 03:23 PM)

Dannii Minogue will be axed as a judge on "X-Factor" next series, it has been claimed.

The Aussie singer is said to have been overshadowed on the current run of the TV music talent search by Cheryl Cole, prompting the decision.

This has lead to suggestions that her position is under threat, with "a younger, male judge" said to be in the frame to take over.

"Dannii was brought in to initially to be the younger counterpart to Sharon, but since Cheryl Cole arrived, she has replaced Dannii in that role and become much more popular", according to a 'source'.

Kylie's sister "no longer serves a purpose", the 'source' apparently told Heat magazine.

Pink retires Bush tune

(Thursday November 06, 2008 01:27 PM)

The singer/songwriter wrote the tune in 2006 out of frustration for the current US president Bush and his Republican policies.

But at a performance in London on Tuesday, just hours before it was announced Obama had won the race to the White House, the star declared she was singing the battle cry for the last time.

She told the crowd: "It's Election Day. Oh God, I'm very, very nervous... We're going to win and this is the last time that I will be performing Dear Mr President.

"The next president is going to be an ass-kicker. The whole world is gonna change or else this will become a really f**ked up song."

Springsteen's Obama tribute

(Thursday November 06, 2008 11:21 AM)

Bruce Springsteen is set to release a new album in January to coincide with the inauguration of Barack Obama, according to reports.

The Boss has been amongst the new US President's most vocal supporters from the world of music in recent weeks, appearing at a host of rallies.

It has now been claimed that the rock legend has a host of material left over from last year's "Magic" album.

There are thought to include the track "Workin' On A Dream", which was debuted at an Obama rally in Cleveland last weekend.

Springsteen website www.backstreets.com claims the record's release could be timed to coincide with the new leader's official appointment to the White House.

Beyonce cut Japan trip short for election

(Thursday November 06, 2008 10:27 AM)

The Crazy In Love singer was due to be in Tokyo, Japan on election night, 4 November, to promote her new album I Am... Sasha Fierce.

But Knowles insists that she couldn't be away from her home country on such an important day - and flew home in time to see the Democrat win the vote.

She says, "I said, 'What am I doing? I'm completely making a bad decision. I have to go home, I'm gonna kill myself if I'm not home in America.' I knew I needed to be here."

And the superstar admits that she was so overwhelmed by the history-making win, it reduced her to tears.

She says, "I fell asleep crying and smiling at the same time. I woke up with mascara running and a smile on my face!"

Duff's video censored

(Thursday November 06, 2008 10:27 AM)

The promotional film for Duff's latest single, Reach Out, sees the pop star posing in a variety of saucy outfits, including bondage gear and a blindfold.

But officials have decided footage of Duff licking a male actor's finger like a lollipop is too racy, according to JustJared.com.

Duff has now been forced to delete the clip from the video and insert less controversial footage into the final version.

Fielder-Civil vows to clean up

(Thursday November 06, 2008 08:26 AM)

Fielder-Civil was released from Highpoint Prison in Suffolk on Wednesday after being convicted of causing actual bodily harm (ABH) and perverting the course of justice.

He was sentenced to 27 months behind bars earlier this year but is alleged to have struck a deal with prosecutors for an early release.

Since he walked free, Fielder-Civil has checked into a drug treatment centre in Surrey, south east England, in a bid to kick his addiction to narcotics as part of the bargain.

And he has promised that he will get clean for the sake of his marriage.

He says, "I'm glad to be out. It's tough inside - bloody horrible. But I'm out now and it's bloody brilliant. I'm gonna get myself sorted. Get my life back."

And Fielder-Civil insists he feels extra positive because he was released just a day after Barack Obama triumphed at the US presidential election.

He adds, "It’s a welcome to the free world for me and Barack Obama. I heard about the US election on the car radio - it’s got to be good news.”

Beyonce so excited by Obama victory

(Thursday November 06, 2008 08:12 AM)

Singer Beyonce admits she is still euphoric after Barack Obama's victory in the US presidential election.

She celebrated the victory by wearing a blue suit and tie in honour of the President-elect - with stiletto heels that were red, white and blue.

Beyonce said: "I've never been so patriotic! I'm just beyond excited."

Beyonce was supposed to be in Japan on election night to promote her upcoming album but decided to postpone it at the last minute.

After going with husband Jay-Z, Diddy, Mary J. Blige and others to states like Pennsylvania, Florida, and Ohio just before the election, she watched the election results with family and friends at home.

UK to host MTV Europe Music Awards

(Thursday November 06, 2008 05:38 AM)

The MTV Europe Music Awards returns to the UK with R&B superstar Beyonce and Welsh soul singer Duffy among the star performers.

Former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney will be named the "Ultimate Legend" at the star-studded ceremony taking place in his home city, Liverpool on Thursday.

Duffy, 24, leads the award nominations with Britney Spears and Coldplay.

Each have been shortlisted in three categories, including the Album of the Year.

Their rivals in the album category are Leona Lewis and Alicia Keys.

X Factor winner Lewis, 23, has also been nominated for the Act of 2008 award where she is up against Amy Winehouse and Rihanna.

Beyonce, 27, is nominated in the Ultimate Urban category against Chris Brown, Kanye West, who is also performing on Thursday night, and Lil Wayne.

The ceremony is being held at the Echo Arena, Liverpool, and hosted by American singer-songwriter Katy Perry.

As well as presenting the show, the 24-year-old will perform her new single. She is also nominated in Most Addictive Track category for her hit I Kissed A Girl.

Take That will return to the MTV awards for the first time since the original MTV Europe awards ceremony in 1994, when they won Best Group.