As the one-year reign of Hugh Jackman as PEOPLE's Sexiest Man Alive winds down, it's time to pass the crown to a new deserving hunk. So who does the Australian screen star, Oscar host and current Broadway leading man want to see take the title next?
"Me! I want to be the first to have it back to back, buddy," Jackman, 41, told PEOPLE's reporter on Friday in New York, while attending the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Concert (set to air on HBO Nov. 29). "That would be fantastic!"
Though he would like to reclaim the title, the Steady Rain star (who costars in the Broadway drama with Daniel Craig, certainly another SMA possibility) says it's been quite an exciting year as the Sexiest Man Alive, but also one that's been a little demanding.
"I thought there were thousands of other guys that deserved it, but it's been a great year. But now the pressures off," he said good-naturedly. "I can be a slob again."
Victoria Beckham has apparently admitted that her solo singing career was a mistake, albeit one from which she is happy to learn.
The former Spice Girl said that she was "lost" when she teamed up with Truesteppers and Dane Bowers to launch 'Out Of Your Mind' in 2000 following the group's split.
The 35-year-old told Harper's Bazaar: "People never believed the solo singing career, and it wasn't the real me - I was a little bit lost at the time. I don't mind making mistakes."
The mother-of-three has since launched her own clothing collection and said that fashion is her true calling. "I was always pushed into the theatre and dance - it's just taken me a long time to figure out what I wanted to do," she said.
People in Britain are always complaining how skint they are - and then go throw away what little dosh they have by backing the Grimes twins to win X Factor.
It emerged this week that the twins were both born three months premature - which you have to say is one hell of a coincidence - but whoever is backing them must have been born yesterday.
Haven't they heard of Chico, Same Difference, and the MacDonald Brothers? All played the twins' role of hopeless contestants who couldn't carry a tune; all eventually perished - generally about a fortnight after newspaper campaigns to keep them in.
The raison d'etre of X Factor is not to unearth a superstar, it is to get you to pick up a phone and vote - assuming you can prise it from your teenage daughter. Creating pantomime villains like John and Edward is key. In the first weeks we voted for everybody else to get them out. Now, after hugely sympathetic stories in the press, we vote for them to get everybody else out, especially if it's Danyl.
Pantomime is good for the show's supremos (because of cash raked in); it's good for Simon Cowell (because he's the show's supremo); and it's good for Louis Walsh (because he's BEHIND YOU).
But the pantomime season is a short one, particularly if Les Dennis is in it, and sooner or later the twins will find they have served their purpose. Three weeks from now the stories about the twins will be negatives ones.
Madonna travels with her children Lourdes Leon, Mercy James and David Banda, to vist the Mphandu la Orphanage in the Namitete area outside Lilongwe, Malawi on Thursday (October 29).
The 51-year-old entertainer attended the ground breaking ceremony for the Raising Malawi Academy for Girls.
Madonna recently blogged to urge people to join her cause. “I’m writing to urge you to join me in saving the lives of some of the world’s most vulnerable children. And I’m asking you to do it right away.
Raising Malawi, the organization I co-founded in 2006, is dedicated to ending the poverty and hardship endured by Malawi’s one million orphans. By donating to Raising Malawi, you can literally transform the future for an entire generation. To encourage your involvement, I’ve pledged $100,000 to match your contributions dollar-for-dollar.”
Katie Price aka Jordan hates sex and refused to make love to her former husband Peter Andre for four months during the last two years of their marriage, her best friend has alleged.
Jordan’s closest friend for 15 years, Michelle Clack, who was also her chief bridesmaid, made the revelation just days after the glamour girl’s divorce from the singer was finalised.
"Jordan was my best friend but I can't stand by and watch how she's treated Pete. After everything she's been saying I believe the truth about their marriage has to come out,” the News of the World quoted Michelle as saying.
Michelle revealed, "Even though Kate has built her reputation on sex and being sexy, it's all an act for work. She doesn't actually like sex and will usually do anything she can to avoid having it.
"Over the last two years their relationship had become almost entirely sexless. Her excuse would always be that she was working hard and had three kids. She'd always say to me, ''Oh no, I'm always too tired, I can't be bothered''.
"But it didn't sit right with Pete because this all happened at the same time she started to go out on the town much more and dress up very sexily. Jordan was back.
"Kate uses sex to get things she needs. When she first met Pete she said her sex life was awesome - just what she's saying at the moment about her new boyfriend Alex Reid."
Taylor Swift and Dancing With The Stars pal Julianne Hough celebrate Katy Perry’s 25th birthday at Sunset Beach in Los Angeles on Saturday (October 24).
The twosome painted their initials on each other!
Other celebs in attendance and pictured below: Chuck star Zachary Levi, Eastwick actor Matt Dallas and Joel Moore, who played Katy’s date in her “Waking Up In Vegas” music video.
After the Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory extravaganza, Taylor tweeted, “@Katyperry knows how to throw a birthday party! I would even go as far as to say it was party-licious. Best EVER. Happy bday, pretty girl!!
Sir Elton John scrapped a sell-out gig in Britain at short notice on Friday night (23Oct09) after falling ill with influenza.The Rocket Man was due to play to more than 13,000 fans at the Sheffield Arena in Sheffield, England but pulled out just hours before he was due to take the stage for his Red Piano show.
He has always enjoyed a tremendous reaction from the audiences every time he has performed at the Arena
A spokesman for the star put the cancellation down to a serious bout of flu. The rep says, "Elton is terribly disappointed that he is unable to perform tonight's Red Piano show for the people of Sheffield. He has always enjoyed a tremendous reaction from the audiences every time he has performed at the Arena."
The gig is due to be rescheduled shortly. The singer's other concerts next week (beg26Oct09) remain unaffected.
Madhur Bhandarkar’s film, Jail, has been passed by the Censor Board with a ‘U/A’ certificate. But Madhur isn’t exactly smiling from ear to ear as they gave it a ‘U/A’certificate only after chopping off seven scenes.
The seven scenes that were snapped off include Neil’s nude scene, a homosexual scene, Neil and Mugdha Godse’s love-making scene, a sex joke, etc. Abusive dialogues are also no longer a part of the film. Even though Madhur wasn’t entirely ok with the decision, he didn’t want to release the film with an ‘A’ certificate.
Madhur fought a good bit for Neil’s nude scene as it was already blurred. But the authorities were unwilling to budge.
The Regional Officer of the Censor Board stated that it was necessary to remove some scenes if a ‘U/A’ certificate had to be given.
They would have been more liberal if the director was aiming for an ‘A’ certificate. He feels that the film is well researched and very thought provoking and that the authorities loved the film.
Katrina Kaif is going ga ga over Kareena and their bond. Recently giving an interview to a news channel Kat was excited to talk about her friend. Not many people know that both the vivacious actress shares the same manager too.
“She is very nice girl and I like her as well as her work. We even shares one manager and I am a big fan of her,” says Katrina.
There had been news in the industry about their cold war but with this statement of Kat, she is putting it all the rumours at rest.
Kareena Kapoor was the unchallenged queen of B-Town at as far as her price was concerned. But Katrina Kaif started competing with her at every turn: with the price, the number of film, as well as endorsements.
“Whenever we meet each other she talks with me very nicely and I too love her company. I really do admire her as one of the great actress in the industry,” she states in the interview to the entertainment channel.
Looking at this statement it seems the cold war between the two actresses has ended. All’s well that end’s well is what we can say in this case.
South African-born actress Charlize Theron auctioned off a kiss for $140,000, (Rs 64, 40,000) and the winning bidder was a woman, US magazine reported Friday.
Theron, 34, took part in a live auction during a gala for the charity OneXOne Thursday in San Francisco. She was initially selling a 2010 trip to South Africa that included World Cup tickets, a safari and a meet-and-greet with Nelson Mandela.
But she raised the stakes after bidding stalled at $37,000, far less than actor Jeremy Piven had just raised.
To sweeten the deal, she offered up a seven-second kiss for $130,000 to a male bidder, but a woman in the audience quickly bettered the deal with a $140,000 bid.
Theron is in a long-term relationship with actor Stuart Townsend, 36.
"My boyfriend is not here tonight," she joked before a smooch that lasted 20 seconds.
Sienna Miller hits Broadway for the opening of After Miss Julie at the Roundabout Theater Company’s American Airlines Theater in New York City on Thursday (October 22).
The 27-year-old movie actress plays a rich young woman taking care of her father’s estate in the Patrich Marber’s adaptation.
“This is what I have always wanted, to be on Broadway,” Sienna told NY Times. “I’m living my dream, and that’s all you can ask for. At a certain point, you have to ignore all the rest.”
FYI: Sienna is wearing a gold dress with sexy cut-outs from Balmain.
Karan Johar has made a wise move and decided to release his next production, Kurbaan, a week prior to its original release date.
Kurbaan, starring Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor was supposed to release on November 27th along with De Dana Dan, starring Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif.
However, they shifted the release to November 20th as no other film is releasing on that day and they don’t want to clash with any other film.
Director Rensil D’Silva says, “We will be releasing Kurbaan on November 20 as no other film was scheduled to release on that day. We want to avoid a clash with any other film. Why not release solo when we have an empty slot? Clashes don’t help anyone.”
A new addition to the archives in Invercargill is the talk of the southern city.
A chunk of wall from Invercargill's Civic Theatre is believed to have been signed by the Rolling Stones' Mick Jagger nearly 45 years ago.
It is thought he inscribed the signature when the Stones performed at the theatre in 1965.
The etching was discovered in what used to be the band room, during renovations of the theatre.
"As soon as we turned the lights on, there it was sticking out - the signature of Mick Jagger," says Lindsay Frewen from the Civic Theatre.
A contractor involved in the reconstruction has given the old wallboard to the city and it will now remain in the care of the Invercargill City Library.
"There's a lot of story and a lot of obviously speculation around it, and not a lot of other places will have anything like this. It's definitely unique and special for us," says library worker Rebecca Smith.
The plan is to try to confirm the marker as Jagger's - though some people don't need any convincing.
"I think it's exciting really that we've found this. Let's go with it and say yes, it is his signature," says Frewen.
Until now the Rolling Stones' Invercargill visit has been remembered by their description of the city as "the arsehole of the world".
Sienna Miller poses with designer David Neville at the Rag & Bone Soho store opening on Monday (October 19) in New York City.
The 27-year-old actress was recently featured in the NY Times last week, which talked about her desire to act. “This is what I have always wanted, to be on Broadway,” she said. “I’m living my dream, and that’s all you can ask for. At a certain point you have to ignore all the rest.”
The original article misstated the nature of the relationships that she had with Heath Ledger and Sean Combs. She was friends with both of them; she did not have romantic flings with either of them, as the article originally stated
It might not be a complete Who's Who of Hollywood actress royalty, but it's a darn good effort.
As the cast of new movie musical Nine came together for a photoshoot for US Vogue - shot by renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz - one star stood out amongst her esteemed colleagues.
Looking understandably nervous surrounded by Hollywood royalty, is Black Eyed Peas singer Stacy Ferguson aka Fergie.
The new movie is her first big screen role, and seemingly a baptism of fire. Her six female co-stars have not only a handful of Oscars between them – but also decades of experience.
The movie's stars Sophia Loren, Judi Dench, Nicole Kidman, Penelope Cruz, and Marion Cotillard all have Oscars to their name, and Kate Hudson narrowly missed out on an Academy Award.
Miss Dench, 74, has had six Oscar nominations, and won the Best Supporting Actress Academy Award for 1998 for Shakespeare In Love.
Miss Loren, the oldest cast member at 75 years old, won the Best Actress Oscar for 1960 movie La Ciociara, better known as Two Women.
Miss Cruz, 35, Miss Kidman, 42, and Miss Cotillard, 34, are also past Oscar winners, for Vicky Cristina Barcelona, The Hours and La Vie En Rose respectively.
Miss Hudson, 30, meanwhile, narrowly missed out on the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for 2000 film Almost Famous. And, as the daughter of actress Goldie Hawn, acting is clearly in her blood.
Although she doesn’t have the acting experience behind her, Miss Ferguson should have no trouble when it comes to the music.
The Black Eyed Peas singer, 34, best known for hits like Boom Boom Pow and Where is the Love?, won three Grammy Awards with the band.
Nine tells the story of film director Guido Contini, played by Daniel Day Lewis, and the many women in his life.
The movie explores how Contini confronted a mid-life crisis, with creative troubles and personal woes.
He tries to balance this with his women, including his wife, played by Cotillard, his mistress, played by Cruz, his muse, played by Kidman, and his costume designer, played by Dench.
He must also contend with a fashion journalist, played by Hudson, a prostitute from his youth, played by Ferguson, and his mother, played by Loren.
The original 1982 Broadway production of Nine won five Tony Awards including Best Musical.
The big screen version, directed by Rob Marshall, is due to be released in the UK on Christmas Day.
Lindsay Lohan has started proceedings to file a restraining order against her father.
The 'Mean Girls' actress is said to fear for her safety and has instructed her lawyer Shawn Holley Chapman to begin the paperwork against Michael Lohan.
The filing should be ready within the next 48 hours, according to website RadarOnline.
The 23-year-old star took action against Michael - who she has a turbulent relationship with - over fears he was going to kidnap her.
It is thought she was encouraged to seek the restraining order by her mother, Dina - who is Michael's ex-wife - and wants to be out of Los Angeles and away from her father when the filing becomes legal.
I'm going to see the judge this week. If I can't get a conservatorship, then I'm going to take her to an undisclosed location and get her straight. But I know I'm going to get charged with kidnapping.
A source said: "If Lindsay isn't already in New York City, she is on her way. That was the plan to make sure she wasn't around for any of his crazy antics."
Last week, Michael - who recently claimed the starlet has an addiction to prescription drugs - told gossip website X17 he wanted to "kidnap" his daughter and take her to an isolated location to help "get her straight".
He said: "I'm going to see the judge this week. If I can't get a conservatorship, then I'm going to take her to an undisclosed location and get her straight. But I know I'm going to get charged with kidnapping."
Lindsay has previously completed three stints in rehab in a bid to get help for her addiction to drink and drugs.
Somalia's hardline Muslim extremists have been ordering women to shake their breasts at gunpoint to see if they are wearing un-Islamic bras.
According to Daily Mail, the women are publicly whipped for wearing undergarments, as it is deceptive and violate Islam.
The insurgent group Al Shabaab has sent gunmen into the streets of Mogadishu to identify any women who appear to have a firm bust, said the residents.
The women are then inspected to see if the firmness is natural or the result of wearing a bra, reports Courier Mail.
Al Shabaab, which seeks to impose a strict interpretation of Sharia law over all Somalia, ask women to remove the bra and shake their breasts.
They are also whipping men caught without a beard.
The group has also banned movies, musical ringtones, dancing at wedding ceremonies and playing or watching soccer.
Bosses at a U.S. TV network have apologised to Jessica Simpson after broadcasting a cartoon mocking the star's weight.
The Dukes of Hazzard actress was ridiculed by animated versions of the Dallas Cowboys - her ex-boyfriend Tony Romo's football team - during Fox's Nfl Sunday (11Oct09) skit.
A statement released by a Fox representative reads, Upon reflection, our poor attempt at humour was insensitive and we deeply apologise to anyone who might have been offended
In the clip, running back Marion Barber says, "Man, I still can't believe Tony dated Jessica Simpson, even after she blew up bigger than (teammate) Flozell Adams!", to which player Jason Witten responds "Unlike Tony,at least Jessica comes up big when it counts!"
Their coach Wade Phillips then quips, "Say Tony, is Jessica around? We could use a defensive tackle!"
TV heads have now apologised to Simpson, who was subjected to media criticism for her rounder figure earlier this year (09).
A statement released by a Fox representative reads, "Upon reflection, our poor attempt at humour was insensitive and we deeply apologise to anyone who might have been offended".
Elton John regrets not losing his virginity until he was 23.
The pop legend - who married husband David Furnish in an extravagant civil ceremony in 2005 - wishes he hadn't waited so long until he started having sex.
He said: "I made the mistake of not having sex until I was 23! I loved being with another man and felt relieved that I finally knew who I was. I made the mistake of falling in love too soon because I was naive and romantic. My advice to you is to never chase love. It will find you when you least expect it. Have fun, have lots of safe sex and enjoy your sexuality. Be proud of who you are."
I made a lot of mistakes. Stay away from drugs, they're a waste of time. Stand up for every human being's rights. Be loving, kind and strong. Set an example. You're going to have one hell of a life!
The 'Candle in the Wind' singer revealed his sexual regrets when he was asked to write a letter to his 16-year-old self, to offer advice on how to be happy in life.
He wrote: "I made a lot of mistakes. Stay away from drugs, they're a waste of time. Stand up for every human being's rights. Be loving, kind and strong. Set an example. You're going to have one hell of a life!"
Elton's full note appears in Joseph Galliano's new book 'Dear me: A Letter to My Sixteen-Year-Old Self'.
Black Eyed Peas star Fergie is to release her own perfume through cosmetics company, Avon.
The singer joins Avon's already star-studded line-up, which includes Reese Witherspoon, Salma Hayek and Jennifer Hudson.
Fergie's fragrance is yet to be named, but will hit the market next year.
According to WWD Beauty , the exact composition of the perfume is also yet to be finalised, but Fergie describes the fragrance as "fresh and alluring".
"The vibe for the scent is for the woman who wears it to feel confident and not be afraid to be noticed," she says.
Actress Lindsay Lohan has had her probation for a drink driving conviction extended for one more year.
Lohan was ordered to appear in court after probation officials said she had missed some alcohol education classes.
The actress was told to complete an 18-month alcohol awareness programme in August 2007 after being convicted of drink driving and other charges.
Lohan's lawyer, Shawn Chapman Holley, said there was confusion over when she would attend some sessions.
Mr Holley said his client had told officials she was leaving Los Angeles to work on a film in Texas but there was a misunderstanding about when she would return.
Prison time
Los Angeles Superior Court judge Marsha Revel accepted the explanation but added one year to Lohan's three-year probation sentence so that she could finish the programme, suggesting the actress complete it as soon as possible.
"This has to be a top priority," she told Lohan in court.
"I would love to congratulate you rather than admonish you," she added.
Lohan was arrested for driving under the influence in May 2007 and two months later was arrested again, this time for drink driving and cocaine possession.
She was sentenced to one day in jail, community service and three years probation to include the alcohol awareness sessions.
Beyonce attends a meet and greet for Japanese handbag designer Samantha Thavasa at Studio Mouris Roppongi in Tokyo, Japan on Friday (October 16).
The 28-year-old R&B singer is on the last legs of her “I Am” world tour and is currently performing in Asia with a few concerts in Japan followed by performances in China.
Earlier this week, it was announced that Beyonce will be collaborating with Lady Gaga for a video.
Penn Badgley is tall, dark and handsome covering Da Man Magazine’s October/November 2009 issue. Here are some highlights from Hollywood’s Coolest “It” Boy:
On getting (and turning down!) Gossip Girl: “When I was first offered the part, I respectfully declined! I had done a few other teen shows on the same network and was looking for something new, so I said it wasn’t for me. A few months later, [producer Stephanie Savage] came back and urged me to take another look at the script.”
On his most valued possession: “Definitely my turntables and my record collection.”
On how he deals with the craziness of shooting Gossip Girl: “This might sound jaded, but you adapt to it pretty quickly…It’s not something I think about so much anymore. With modern celebrity and the way the media is so hypersensitive these days, you can’t afford to think about it all the time.”
On dating Blake Lively in the spotlight: “Doing what we’re doing, it can be a potentially dangerous thing, but we have something that was worth the risk and have a great trust and passion for each other.”
Actor George Clooney has jokingly said that he’s planning to adopt some of Brad Pitt’s kids. The 'Fantastic Mr. Fox' actor, who has no kids of his own, has claimed that he owes Pitt a favour and is willing to help out with his six children.
"I am planning to adopt. I am going to adopt some of Brad Pitt's kids. I owe him," Contactmusic quoted him as saying. Previously, the actor revealed that he has no plans to become a father, but spends time with Brad and his partner Angelina Jolie and their kids whenever he feels lonely.
"Even one kid running around my villa makes me nervous, so I'm definitely not a candidate for father of the year.
If I need to surround myself with children and feel like I have this big extended family, I can always call Brad and Angelina and ask them to stay with me, just to remind myself why I'm so happy," he said.
A former Bahamas senator accused of attempting to extort $25 million fromJohn Travolta has protested her innocence, telling a Nassau court she is"no devil".
Politician and lawyer Pleasant Bridgewater and paramedic Tarino Lightbourne are on trial in the Bahamas on charges of conspiracy to extort moneyfrom the grieving actor after his teenage son Jett suffered a fatal seizure in January (09).
The pair reportedly threatened to release a Refusal of TreatmentTransportation form, which the actor signed after requesting paramedics drive his son to the airport.
Travolta initially believed it would be faster to fly Jett to a hospital in Florida for treatment, but subsequently changedhis mind.
Bridgewater and Lightbourne supposedly planned to leak the document to the press, suggesting Travolta's actions had delayed treatment for his son.
The pair reportedly threatened to release a Refusal of TreatmentTransportation form, which the actor signed after requesting paramedics drive his son to the airport
The defendants appeared in court on Wednesday (14Oct09) but refused to take the witness stand, choosing instead to read prepared unsworn statements directly to the jury.
Bridgewater claimed she had been set up by Travolta's legal team and subjected to ridicule since the allegations arose earlier this year (09).
She stated, "I maintain my innocence. I will be the first to say I am no saint. But I am no devil".
Lightbourne also declared his innocence, insisting he had no idea what extortion was and is still unclear as to its meaning.
Jessica Simpson believes her dead dog would want her to have another pooch.
The singer-and-actress - who was left devastated when her Maltipoo Daisy was taken by a coyote last month - is struggling to come to terms with the loss of her pet, but draws comfort in knowing Daisy would want her to move on.
She said: "I haven't really thought about another dog yet, but maybe sometime. Daisy would want that."
Jessica, 29, still finds it hard to discuss Daisy, who was a gift from her ex-husband Nick Lachey.
She admitted: "Daisy meant the world to me. I hold her memory very, very close. It was an unfortunate thing what happened. That I don't have her every day... It's a very hard thing to talk about."
People have been contacting my family and friends saying that Daisy has been found. Untrue. People are so cruel... please respect her memory (sic).
Daisy was snatched as Jessica looked on.
She immediately began a campaign to get the dog back, posting messages on her Twitter account and placing posters around her neighbourhood calling for information.
Earlier this week, Jessica - who joked Daisy was a lesbian after she struck up a close friendship with another female dog - revealed people had been falsely claiming Daisy was alive.
She wrote on her Twitter webpage: "People have been contacting my family and friends saying that Daisy has been found. Untrue. People are so cruel... please respect her memory (sic)."
Tara Reid has overcome her physical insecurities and stripped off for an upcoming issue of Playboy magazine, according to U.S. reports.
The American Pie star underwent a botched liposuction procedure in 2004 and vowed never to take off her clothes for the men's magazine - because she was too insecure about her figure.
Reid told reporters, “I know there are problems with my stomach. There are bumps on it, it's uneven.”
However, the 33-year-old is now flaunting her figure, according to In Touch magazine.
She reportedly posed entirely nude for a Playboy shoot at a private residence in Santa Monica, California earlier this month (Oct 7).
A source says, “She was a bit insecure about her body when they first started. She looked great and finally got into the groove.”
Matt Willis wants to reform Busted.
The singer-and-presenter - whose music career has floundered since the group split up in 2005 - says he has "unfinished business" with his former bandmates.
While he will happily work with James Bourne again, he is unsure about a reunion with singer Charlie Simpson.
Matt posted on his Twitter page: "Right! Busted! In answer to when are we getting back together... I honestly don't know! But I like to think we have serious unfinished business.
"Charlie was not fun to be in a band with towards the end. I'm not sure I'd want to be in a band again with him! I still think Charlie is a cool guy but he made things a bit miserable."
However, one reason why Matt may claim he doesn't want to reunite with Charlie is that the Fightstar frontman is content with his career in the rock band he left Busted to concentrate on.
unfinished business with his former bandmates.While he will happily work with James Bourne again, he is unsure about a reunion with singer Charlie Simpson.Matt posted on his Twitter page:
A source said: "The guys have been offered loads of money to get back together several times in the past. Matt and James are up for it - their projects since the band haven't quite worked out as well as they'd hoped - but Charlie's doing fine with Fightstar and doesn't see any reason to go back to the past."
If Matt's reunion plans don't work, the singer - who has four-month-old daughter Isabelle with wife Emma Willis - already has an alternative career path in mind.
He wrote on Twitter: "Cornwall is the most amazing place in the UK man! One day I will move down here and open up a motorbike custom shop! I have a dream!"
Busted released their first single in 2002 and went on to have eight UK top three singles, including four numbers ones.
They released two albums - both of which charted at number two in the UK - before going their separate ways four years ago.
Angelina Jolie is to star in 'The Tourist'.
The 'Changeling' actress is reportedly in talks to take over the lead role in the thriller after Charlize Theron pulled out.
This will not be the first casting change to affect the movie.
Tom Cruise was originally slated to appear but has now been replaced by 'Terminator Salvation' actor Sam Worthington.
The movie - a remake of 2005 French thriller 'Anthony Zimmer' - follows a female Interpol agent who manipulates an American tourist into helping her catch an international criminal who is also her ex-lover.
The project is also looking for a new director after filmmaker Bharat Nalluri dropped out last week.
Julian Fellows, Bill Wheeler and Chris McQuarrie are penning the script for the remake.
Signed to the notorious West Coast powerhouse label Death Row in the nineties has taught Tha Realest some serious lessons when it comes to the music business, ones that some are seldom fortunate in receiving.
Now after almost a decade he has released his debut project which features a star studded supporting cast, all of whom were more than happy to jump on board and join him for the ride.
Speaking to FemaleFirst.co.uk, this Texas born but Oakland raised master of ceremonies gives us his insight to the changes within the music industry since he came onto the scene, how valuable the lessons were over at Death Row and how folks are dead wrong when it comes to the comparison of 2Pac.
You recently released your debut album, why did it take you so long to put it out?
It took so long due to trying to secure the right distribution deal and I wanted to make sure that I owned everything at the end of the day!
How hard was it for you to decide what made the cut?
It wasn't too hard to decide what made the cut. There was a lot of material recorded for this project with a lot of great features but I do believe that we put together a pretty solid project though
You have some great collaborations on there, did these happen organically or were there some you had to work at getting?
Every collabo went smooth as a knife through butter. I know everyone personally that I did a feature with so that helped a lot.
What did being signed to Death Row teach you?
Being signed on Tha Row taught me to treat this business for what it is, BUSINESS. Friendships were not an option, never work with feelings and don't be afraid to let you voice be heard. It was a great place to be on certain days and it was hell for a hustler on others, but that's the same with any label though.
You are often compared to 2Pac, does this get somewhat monotonous for you?
I think that being compared 2Pac is a honour, but you have people out there that get the perception that I'm trying to be him and that's far from the case. I've spoken on this topic plenty of times and my answer remains the same, ‘compare me to one of the best that has ever done this. I write my own music,’ (Laughs).
Being around the music industry for over a decade what would you say have been the biggest changes in your estimation?
I think that the biggest changes in tha industry over the past decade are the way the radio has pushed to play songs that you know shouldn’t even see the light of day. Then you have artists that really have a meaningful projects and they get pushed to the side. So in essence you have artist that usually wouldn’t do all these songs that are not even in their lane such as a song like "Stanky Leg" just to try and get them something in rotation, but they loose in the long run doing this because this is what the fans are going want from you from here on out.
Did appearing on tracks such as F**k Dre affect your relationships with other west coast acts at that time?
I don't believe that the F**k Dre track affected my relationships with any west coast artist at that time because I was moving and shaking with anyone that I wanted too. At that time there was a whole lotta beefing going on with a lot mofos, not just artists and labels; it was just ride or get rode on. Everyone was a target in my opinion when I walked into tha studio.
You are gearing up to shooting a video with Ray J for your track Peep N Game, how important do you think the visual aspect of Hip-Hop is today?
it is very important to have a visual in this business. Everything goes through the net. It's not an option, it's a must, to maintain your following because everyone watches what you do. Hip-Hop has always been about being seen and now the success of such sites like Allhiphop, Thisis50, and Worldstarhiphop you gotta take advantage of the moment..
What else are you working on right now?
Right now I’m working on promoting my current project "WITNESS THA REALEST" and working with my REGIME fam putting that project together. So be on the lookout for me to be in a city near you very soon... JAPAN here I come!!!
Melanie Cornish
Bill Pullman and Julia Stiles have earned mixed reviews from Broadway theater critics with their revival of David Mamet's play Oleanna.
The show, about the power struggle between a university professor and his female student, opened in New York on Sunday night (11Oct09) to a lukewarm response, with Stiles being criticized for her lack of emotion.
The New York Post writes, "Stiles - raw and intense, her mouth compressed into a grim line - barely reins in what you suspect are pools of anger," while Daily Variety says of her performance: "Stiles has a tendency toward sulkiness that doesn't do much to soften her impossible character."
Pullman fairs better with theater experts, who have hailed his portrayal of lecturer John.
Bloomberg.com says, "The revival does profit here from good performances and apt direction. Pullman is an expert at good-natured masculinity turning ugly when sorely beleaguered..."
Daily Variety adds, "Pullman is a far more emotionally available actor... (His) body language is transfixing."
However, the Associated Press notes the complexity of Mamet's work and credits the actors for their efforts: "Oleanna is a fiendishly difficult play to pull off, but Pullman and Stiles, under the precise, careful direction of Doug Hughes, make the most of Mamet's seemingly imprecise language."
Oleanna is not the only big-name Broadway production to face criticism this autumn (09) - Hugh Jackman and Daniel Craig's turn in A Steady Rain has been largely panned by theater reviewers, while Jude Law's Hamlet split critics in their opinion.
Canadian singer Nelly Furtado is calling on Playboy boss Hugh Hefner to offer her a big money deal to pose naked on her 40th birthday.
The 'Promiscuous' singer said she was offered $500,000 early on in her career to pose nude for Playboy, but she turned it down, concerned it would ruin her musical career.
"The magazine was even prepared to offer me $500,000, (but) I didn't want Playboy on my resume at the age of 22."
Furtado, currently 30, added that she's now much more confident with her body and if Hugh Hefner approached her again when she's 40, she'd be keen to do it.
"If they ask when I'm 40, I'll probably say yes!" Nelly said.
British model Kelly Brook will be giving fans quite an eyeful when she strips on stage in Calendar Girls.
Brook, 29, has taken over as Celia, Miss September, at London’s Noel Coward Theatre for a ten-week run on November 3.
Also joining the West End cast is ex-Coronation Street fave Julie Goodyear, 67, who played brassy barmaid Bet Gilroy, reports the Daily Star.
Meanwhile, Brook’s rugby beau Danny Cipriani had not taken her “boobs and bikinis” movie ‘Piranha’ too well.
Rihanna rocks a sheer black mini with one gloved white leather sleeve to Belgain label Maison Martin Margiela’s fashion show during Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010 on Friday (October 2) in France.
The 21-year-old Bajan beauty sat front row next to her BFF Melissa and her super stylist Mariel Haenn.
Earlier in the day, Rihanna and her Mariel attended the Vivienne Westwood show.
Today, Rihanna and BFF Katy Perry sat front and center at the Jean Paul Gaultier fashion show
Drew Barrymore joins Jimmy Fallon on Friday (October 2) in some world-record-setting fun with Universal Record Database.
In the spirit of her new roller derby flick Whip It, Drew set the record for smashing the most pies in strangers’ faces while rollerskating. Check out the Late Night with Jimmy Fallon clip below — the ending is the best!
Whip It is in theaters TODAY. It’s Drew’s directorial debut!
The provocative nude photograph of 10-year-old Brooke Shields has been removed from the Tate exhibition, following a visit by the police.
The picture by New York artist Richard Prince showing Shields standing naked in a bathtub, with a heavily made-up face and oiled torso had attracted the fury of child campaigners amid concerns it could be in breach of child pornography laws.
They had described the photograph as a 'magnet' for paedophiles.
"The exhibit is temporarily closed. We are in discussions with police," the Telegraph quoted a spokesman as saying. The Tate chose to include the picture in the Pop Life: Art In A Material World after consulting lawyers.
The controversial picture, called Spiritual America, was put in a separate room behind a closed door bearing a warning that the work was 'challenging'.
"Officers from the Obscene Publications Unit met with staff at the Tate Modern regarding an image,” a Metropolitan Police spokesman said.
“The officers have specialist experience in this field and are keen to work with gallery management to ensure that they do not inadvertently break the law or cause any offence to their visitors," he added.
