Endorsement deals: New income source for celebrities

                                               

Until a few years ago, the phrase 'celebrity brand ambassador' was not frequently used in Nigeria's entertainment industry. However, corporate organisations seem to have woken up to the benefit of using celebrity faces to promote their products and services. The result is that this has thrown up an entirely new source of income for the practitioners in the country's entertainment industry. Today, many of the people who are rated 'important enough' are laughing all the way to the bank with the huge sums they are paid to be the faces of brands. Apart from being well-known faces, these brand ambassadors also have a huge fans base, a prerequisite for getting endorsement deals. Here are some of the celebrity brand ambassadors who are making waves in the country

Tuface Idibia

Award-winning singer, Tuface Idibia, has made a solid impact on the Nigerian music scene, his numerous scandals notwithstanding. For his fans, Tubaba, as he is fondly called, is a class act.

He was first the brand ambassador for Guinness Extra Smooth Stout. Not too long ago, he became the brand ambassador for Airtel and to cap it all, the African Queen crooner is also the brand ambassador for National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.


Segun Arinze

The Actors Guild of Nigeria's president, Segun Arinze has had his own fair share of endorsement deals since he became a part of the entertainment industry many years ago.

Apart from commercials for Chivita sometime ago, Arinze's smile broadened when he, alongside some other Nollywood actors, were made the Vodacom telecommunications company ambassadors.


Mike Ezuruonye

Nollywood fine boy, Mike Ezuruonye, will always thank whoever it was that introduced him to the make-belief industry because his 'level' changed considerably when he stepped into Nollywood.

By virtue of his being a big player in Nollywood, he became a Globacom ambassador and also landed a mouth-watering deal as the Malta Guinness brand ambassador.


Kate Henshaw-Nuttal

The Calabar, Cross River State-born Kate Henshaw-Nuttal is on top of her game. Though she came into the industry a long while ago, she has not allowed new entrants to overtake her. A one-time AMAA winner, Henshaw-Nuttal clinched the Globacom deal like many of her big-name colleagues and got an icing on her cake - she was made the brand ambassador of Onga seasoning.


Agbani Darego, Oluchi Onweagba

Agbani Darego and Oluchi Onweagba are Nigerian super models who have done the country proud with their performances on the international fashion scene.

Darego was crowned Miss World in 2001 and thereafter, she secured a three-year contract as the face of L'oreal beauty product.

Now, the former beauty queen has joined super model Onweagba as global brand ambassadors for the Nigerian hair company, Natures Gentle Touch.


Desmond Elliot

An actor, Desmond Elliot has had his own share of the endorsement deals.

Apart from representing a soap in a commercial, he did another one for Harp lager. But the big cash rolled in when he was made one of the Globacom ambassadors.

One of the big boys in Nollywood, Elliot is making an impact in the movie world, not only as an actor but as a producer as well.


Genevieve Nnaji

Tongues wagged when screen diva, Genevieve Nnaji, was not selected among the Globacom ambassadors. But then, she was once the face of Lux beauty soap. However, her deal as the face of Mud cosmetics gave her some millions of naira richer.


Ini Edo-Ehiagwina

Ini Edo-Ehiagwina is blessed with a figure that can make men drool.

Despite being the subject of many controversies, the actress still holds her head high in the profession.

A member of the Globacom ambassador family, Ini, as she is popularly called, is currently the new face of Chivita.


Kel and Mochedda

Kelechi Ohia, popularly known as Kel, came into the music scene as a promising youngster, but somehow, she is not shining as expected. The same cannot be said for Mochedda, who came into the industry and has clinched both national and international awards to prove her worth.

However, both of them have something in common - they are brand ambassadors for Soulmate hair cream. We gathered that both singers were paid a nice sum for the deal.


D'banj

D'banj, the Koko Master, will not be forgotten in a hurry because of the impact he has made on the music scene in Nigeria.

A one-time Globacom ambassador, D'banj also got a deal with Virgin Colours and is set to launch his own mobile phones, Koko Mobile.

                                     

Lady GaGa Beats Oprah on Forbes' Celebs 100 List, Justin Bieber Enters Top 3

Thanks to her social media power, the 'Born This Way' hitmaker makes her debut as the world's most powerful celebrity of 2011 and dethrones four-time list leader Oprah Winfrey.

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Lady GaGa has dethroned Oprah Winfrey as the world's most powerful celebrity. On Wednesday, May 18, Forbes magazine released its annual Celebrity 100 list for 2011 and unraveled that the "Born This Way" hitmaker moved up four positions from last year to claim the title from the daytime talk show queen.

Forbes breaks down the list into five categories. While GaGa was way behind four-time list leader Oprah in the money category, she topped the social and web categories. The 25-year-old singer was estimated to have earned $90 million in the past 12 months, and have gathered as much as 32 million Facebook fans and 10 million Twitter followers.

The magazine's editor Dorothy Pomerantz explained, "Lady GaGa beat Oprah this year because of her social media power." She added, "She can use Twitter and Facebook to work the 'little monsters' into a frenzy that leads to record sales and media attention. She's the best example of how celebrities will need to manage their careers in the coming years."

Justin Bieber came in behind Oprah. Making his debut on the list at the tender age of 17, he secured the No. 3 position with the earning of $53 million thanks to concerts, music sales and a 3-D documentary movie, "Justin Bieber: Never Say Never", that grossed $100 million at the global box office. He also holds a YouTube record of 500 million views for his music video "Baby".

Other big newcomers include pop singer Katy Perry at No 12, British director and producer Christopher Nolan at No. 47 and Oscar winner Natalie Portman at No. 75. Tiger Woods, Taylor Swift, Simon Cowell and LeBron James, meanwhile, are among the Top 10. Dropping out of the list entirely are Britney Spears and Daniel Radcliffe.

Top 20 of Forbes' Celebrity 100:

1. Lady GaGa
2. Oprah Winfrey
3. Justin Bieber
4. U2
5. Elton John
6. Tiger Woods
7. Taylor Swift
8. Bon Jovi
9. Simon Cowell
10. LeBron James
11. Angelina Jolie
12. Katy Perry
13. Johnny Depp
14. Kobe Bryant
15. Leonardo DiCaprio
16. Black Eyed Peas
17. Donald Trump
18. Dr. Phil McGraw
19. Tyler Perry
20. Paul McCartney

2011 Grammys: Eminem Wins Best Rap Album, Arcade Fire Get Album of the Year

                                                                           

            The Slim Shady finds his Best Rap Album win 'crazy,' while Arcade Fire will celebrate their Album of the Year victory with 'another song.'




The February 13 live telecast of 2011 Grammy Awards finally comes to an end. Closing the star-studded Biggest Music Night is announcement of top honor, Album of the Year, and the winner is Arcade Fire. The band bring home the gong for their album "The Suburbs".

Arcade Fire win over Eminem ("Recovery"), Lady Antebellum ("Need You Now"), Lady GaGa ("The Fame Monster") and Katy Perry ("Teenage Dream"). "We're gonna play another song, because we love music," Win Butler says.

Before the top honor winner is revealed, Lady Antebellum are handed Record of the Year, thanks to their album "Need You Now". In total, the country music group lead full winners list with five prizes including Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals and Best Country Album.

The Slim Shady is announced as the recipient of Best Rap Album by presenters duo Nicki Minaj and will.i.am. Although having won Golden Gramophones before, the rapper still finds his win "crazy." He thanks his label, Dr. Dre and manager Paul Rosenberg. "What up, Detroit!" he shouted. "Stand up!"

Beside announced at the live telecast, some other winners were unveiled during the Clive Davis' pre-Grammy party a day prior.
Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals: Train - "Hey, Soul Sister (Live)"
Best Female Country Vocal Performance: Miranda Lambert - "The House That Built Me"
Best Rock Album: Muse - "The Resistance"
Best Pop Vocal Album: Lady GaGa - "The Fame Monster"
Best Country Album: Lady Antebellum - "Need You Now"
Song of the Year: Lady Antebellum - "Need You Now"
Best New Artist: Esperanza Spalding
Best Rap Album: Eminem - "Recovery"
Record of the Year: Lady Antebellum - "Need You Now"
Album of the Year: Arcade Fire - "The Suburbs"
2011 Grammys : Photo Gallery

Jesse Eisenberg's Website Successful Because of Facebook

                                                                                                                                               













                                                                         

 The 'Social Network' actor admits his One Up Me game only became popular when it was incorporated into Facebook.


"The Social Network" star Jesse Eisenberg has another reason to thank internet mogul Mark Zuckerberg - Facebook.com has boosted the popularity of the actor's own wordplay website. The 27-year-old actor is the toast of Hollywood for playing computer wizard Zuckerberg in the hit film, a role which has won him his first Academy Award nomination.

But Eisenberg has another link to the social networking phenomenon - Facebook now hosts the online analogies site he started up three years ago. And the actor admits his One Up Me game only became popular when it was incorporated into Facebook so users could play their friends on the site.

He explains, "It's the final nail in the irony coffin. It's finally successful because of Facebook. In the same way I'm in a popular movie because of Facebook." One Up Me is now run by Eisenberg's cousin, a Facebook employee.

i leave monalisa chinda to God my new wife is awesome

                             

                                                                                   


Remember the name, Segun Dejo-Richards? He is the former husband of Nollywood actress, Monalisa Chinda. Since the break-up, Monalisa has been hot on the screen. Her Glo endorsement is also still running. Dejo-Richards, on the other hand, has been out of public view. According to him, he has all these while been recording his soon-to-be aired television Africa-wide show. Last weekend, however, he stepped out in a grand style when he took his America-based lover to the altar. Shortly after tying the nuptial knot, he invited Hazeez Balogun into his Maryland home where he spoke about his turbulent life with Monalisa.

What do you think people will say, after leaving a marriage, you hopped into another?

People will be happy for me. I have suffered a lot of things. There are certain things you cannot afford to lose. The beautiful, new wife I got married to is very calm, caring and very God-fearing. I had no choice than to marry her. I cannot keep suffering and paying for what I did not do. I had to move on with life. I enjoyed every bit of our meeting and thank God that it led to marriage.

Don’t you think it is too early to marry a new wife?

Early? It is almost two years now since Monalisa left. So, it’s not as if it is too early or late. There are certain things in life you just don’t want to miss. I initially had a four to five-year plan for me to find another wife and settle down once again. But this woman I met and married is awesome. She’s gorgeous. She is all what I want in a woman. I can’t afford to let her slip by. So, I had to grab her right away.

She is a Yoruba lady from a good background. She believes in the institution called marriage. She is a Christian not by mouth but by action. With the few months we have met, she knows me through and through. She knows the real me. When we met, the chemistry was just there.

Were you dating your new wife while you were with Monalisa Chinda?

No, she was staying in America and we met when she came to Nigeria. We were just friends and I discovered that she is a good woman. I met her when she came around in 2010. At the point we met, I had been separated with Monalisa for over a year. We got closer and she had the chance of knowing me more and it continued like that up to this present moment. God has been so merciful.

Would she not be disturbed by the fact that you had a divorce that was a public scandal?

She knew they were all lies. She knows that I am a nice person. Before we really became close, all we did was pray and fast together. We shared our faith together. We were best of friends, we did not know we were going to marry. She knows me more than myself. She knows I am a Godly man and during our conversation sessions, she would tell me she needed a Godly man and I would also say I needed a Godly woman. We prayed together, we went on fasting sessions together. She would pray for me and I would do so for her too. We kicked off the game with friendship. She knows everything about me and I know about her too. So, it was easy for her to see that I am not the type to be that violent as I have been painted.

There was a time she was praying for me to get a woman that was meant for me, I was praying the same prayer for her too. Then we looked at each other and said, why look elsewhere? What we are looking for in Sokoto is actually in out pockets. So we married.

You have a very beautiful daughter from your last marriage. Won’t this development affect her psychologically?

Now that I am married, my wife is her mother. One of the beautiful things while we were dating is, any time my wife called from America, she always asked: “have you spoken to your daughter?” My new wife prays for my daughter. She would tell me about her new plans for her. She is so caring and very God-fearing. My daughter is doing very fine and I am happy. She likes her pretty much. So, my wife accepts me and my daughter as a whole. My daughter now has both a father and a mother. She now can grow in a proper home setting.

Who is she with now?

At the moment, she is with her mother

Any plans to have her back?

We are no longer quarelling. We are both adults. So, let’s get to the bridge first. God will take charge

What have you been doing?

I have been doing a lot. I shoot TV commercials, documentaries and so on. I have recorded my TV programme in four countries. I have a fashion magazine that is doing pretty well. I also have a ready made TV programme that will hit the screens pretty soon. My events company is doing very fine, I have some good artists that I am promoting here in Nigeria. I also have a South African presenter and I am her West African manager. I have a lot of beautiful partnership deals. I have been working hard and it pays. I know God would not leave me.

As I speak, I have international talent I am managing, packaging and promoting; I do consulting and public relations.

How did you grow up?

I come from a family of five. I am the only one here in Nigeria. My siblings are in the UK doing fine; my mum is in the UK too. I had my primary and secondary education in Lagos. My mum is from Lagos and my dad from Ibadan. We have a very strong family heritage. I have been independent for 13 years. I do networking and a lot of other businesses. I have a lot of media partners. I have done a lot of things.

There was a time you had a problem with Kelvin Luciano Gabriel. Are you guys friends now?

I have not seen him for a while, I don’t have enemies. I don’t hold any grudge against anybody. I am blessed.

So, did you beat Monalisa as alleged?

I don’t dwell in the past. I have passed that stage now. I really do not want to answer that question because I want that phase in my life to go by. If she says I beat her, and I did beat her as she said, then I leave her to God. I thank God that I am married now, my wife can tell about the man I am.

I read about all the scandals before I married him –Wife

Mimi, the wife of Dejo Richards is a shy and humble woman. She likes to stay indoors and avoids public life. But can she escape the limelight when is married to Dejo Richards. Maybe she can. HAZEEZ BALOGUN met the pretty new wife who was resolute in not granting an interview but she said a few words about her husband.

She described him as a humble man who is every woman’s dream. She said that the first time she met Richard, she did not know about the marriage controversy swirling around him. But when she got to know, she had to go online to read all the articles about the failed marriage with Monalisa Chinda. After her research, Mimi added, she found out that Dejo is not the person painted in the papers. ‘I married him because he is God-fearing,’ she declared.

Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon Expecting Baby Boy and Girl

    Confirming that she and husband Nick Cannon have twin babies underway, Mariah Carey is due to give birth to the tots in April.



Mariah Carey will follow pop peer Jennifer Lopez's lead when she gives birth for the first time later this year - she's expecting boy and girl twins. Lopez gave birth to her babies Max and Emme two years ago and now Carey has told U.S. publication Life & Style she is expecting mixed-sex twins.

The pop superstar tells the publication, "Even before we announced it was twins, I was trying to keep everything gender-neutral because I didn't want to impose an identity on them too soon. There were fan contests on Twitter about what gender they are and rumors about them being two boys or two girls - but nobody guessed this!"

Carey's husband Nick Cannon revealed the couple was expecting twins in December 2010. The babies are due in April this year.

The first person to learn Mariah Carey was expecting twins was U.S. leader Barack Obama. Carey convinced her husband Nick Cannon to keep it a secret until the couple had met the President and his wife Michelle at an official function last year.

The dad-to-be tells Access Hollywood, "She was the one that was like, 'Wouldn't that be a great story to be able to share with our children that the first people to know that they were going to be people was the President and the First Lady'."

But Obama seemed to know, as he opened the conversation with the Cannons with the question, "Is it true you're expecting twins?" Cannon adds, "He has this weird... He's the President; he knows these things."

Justin Bieber Loses His Voice in New 'Never Say Never' Clip

The Canadian star lost his voice when he had a number of gigs lining up for him, and he was asked to be more cautious.



Less than two weeks from "Justin Bieber: Never Say Never" U.S. release, Paramount Pictures has debuted a new clip from the movie. It shares the star's experience when he lost his voice while he was still having a lot of shows. Asked to be more cautious, Justin Bieber promises to do his best at his performance.

"Everyone thinks this is going to be another 3-D concert movie, but it's anything but that," the 16-year-old singer has previously said about his film. "It's a story of how my family, friends and the fans helped me get here and everyday are helping me live an impossible dream. That's why I want them to see it first."

"Justin Bieber: Never Say Never" is directed by "Step Up 3-D" helmer Jon Chu who claimed, "It's not your typical concert film and it's not going to be a biopic.... but it is about his life." The movie will hit U.S. cinemas on February 11, the same day Jennifer Aniston-starring romantic comedy "Just Go with It" is released.

Michael Jackson Fans Kicked Out of Cemetery After Lying

 
                                                        

Two female fans tried to visit Jackson's tomb by telling the guard that they wanted to visit the resting place of Yogananda.




Two Michael Jackson fans were recently thrown out of his final resting place in California after attempting to dupe security into believing they wanted to visit the nearby tomb of Indian guru Yogananda.

The King of Pop was buried at the Forest Lawn Cemetery memorial in Glendale, California following his death in 2009. Strict visitation restrictions were put in place to ensure the cemetery was not flooded with devotees and only close family and friends can visit the mausoleum.

However, two female fans tried to make their way to Jackson's tomb earlier this week by ringing the security buzzer continually, and then insisting to the guard that they wanted to visit the resting place of Yogananda, whose tomb has no restrictions. They were allowed access, but were promptly escorted away from Jackson's mausoleum when they were spotted in the vicinity of his tomb.

A representative for the cemetery says, "They were not allowed into the mausoleum and asked to leave that part of the park."
 

Eva Longoria's Divorce Finalized

   


The 'Desperate Housewives' actress and Peter Parker's marriage was allegedly dissolved on Friday, January 28.



Actress Eva Longoria is officially single - her divorce from Tony Parker has been finalized, according to a U.S. report. The "Desperate Housewives" star, who wed the basketball player in 2007, made headlines in November 2010 when she filed for divorce from Parker citing irreconcilable differences, amid allegations he had been unfaithful.

The pair's marriage was dissolved on Friday, January 28, according to In Touch Weekly. A source tells the publication, "The divorce documents will come through today, she is happy and moving forward with her life."

After announcing her separation from Tony Parker, Eva Longoria was reported was reported dating Penelope Cruz's younger brother, Eduardo. She later dismissed the rumor with her representative saying "Eva and Eduardo are friends."

Elton John Never Acknowledged by Father

                     

 The singer said, 'He left us, remarried and had another family, and by all accounts was a great dad to them.'



Sir Elton John has opened up about his fractured relationship with his late father, revealing his dad never saw him perform. "The Rocket Man", who welcomed a son, Zachary, over Christmas, craved attention from his father, Stanley Dwight, as he was growing up.

Dwight divorced John's mother when the musician was 15 years old, and went on to remarry and have three more children. And the singer reveals that although his father was a loving parent to his half-brothers, he was unable to relate to the star and failed to take an interest in his music career.

He tells Britain's Daily Mail, "You know, my father never came to hear me play. Not ever. He was a tough and unemotional man. Hard. In the RAF (Royal Air Force). He was dismissive, disappointed and finally absent. I just wanted him to acknowledge what I'd done. But he never did."

"It wasn't that he didn't know how to relate to kids. He left us, remarried and had another family, and by all accounts was a great dad to them. It wasn't children, it was me."

Rihanna's Lesbian Rumor Resurfaces Amidst Leaked Topless Sexting Image

   

The picture which sees the Bajan beauty posing in black panties was allegedly sent to her former beau Matt Kemp.




A sexy picture featuring topless Rihanna has hit the web on Friday, January 28. The "Only Girl (In the World)" songstress is seen posing in nothing but black panties and smiling to a mirror while holding a cell phone, rising speculation that she took her own photo for sexting.

Rihanna was said sending the picture to her former boyfriend, Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp. And the athlete allegedly leaked the photo, which made its way out via MediaTakeOut.com, after he shared it with his friends.

While she has not released any statement about the leaked image, Rihanna is hit with another rumor. Model Tajah Burton claimed she enjoyed a brief affair with Rihanna a year ago. "We had an amazing connection. We would order food in together, we watched TV together, we did all kinds of stuff. I listened to her music with her. Music is her life. It became a sexual thing. It only lasted a couple of weeks because she was very busy and had a lot going on in her life and we had to be secretive," she said as quoted by The Sun.

"I would say she's bisexual. It was really exciting. It was unexpected and it was very fun," she additionally gushed. "The sex was really good but there was more to it - we really had a connection. She inspired me and we helped uplift each other."

This is not the first time Rihanna is reported a lesbian. A few years ago, she sparked speculation that she would date women after reportedly saying "All humans are born with the ability to be attracted to both sexes. I mean, I could see myself in a relationship with a girl." However, Gossip Cop set the thing straight, explaining that such statement never came out from Rihanna.

Kanye West Posts Angry Tweets After His Britney Spears

 Noting that he scored big with 'H.A.M' and 'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy', Kanye hit back at the media which suggested he dissed Britney.



Kanye West is pissed off after being mocked by the press for making a comment about Britney Spears' No. 1 single "Hold It Against Me". The outspoken rapper threw a series of Twitter rants and started it by attacking one particular media, "Just saw that MSNBC said I tried to start a twitter war with Brittany. This sh*t takes the air out my lungs sometimes from blogs to news reports... enough already!!!"

He later extended his frustration to the media in general, "All I do is focus on my work. There's a new lie everyday... a new media spin... I never got a watch with my face on it!!! A company tried to give that to me 9 yrs ago! I'm one of the most considerate people in real life. Maybe over considerate. Over caring. Overly real. There is no astronaut training for celebrity... even though this whole life is so outer space!"

In between his furious messages, Kanye slipped a note that his duet track with Jay-Z, which lost the race to No. 1 against "Hold It Against Me", made it to No. 2 on iTunes chart. "I was actually surprised that a record as raw as H*A*M could make it to #2 on Itunes," he stated. "How can u 'let' someone be number one??!! That was the whole joke!!! I know intelligent people know this so bear with me."

In further posts, he insisted he didn't diss Britney, but gave "her props for being #1" instead. He went on, "That's just not my style! As pop stars we're all in this sh*t together! We on the inside of the TV! If the media wants to make a story ... just say I have atrocious spelling and terrible grammar...If you don't give em a story they just make one up. I'm just trying to focus & stay creative! Keep bringing dope shit to the world!"

He launched the rant on the day his new album "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" got Platinum certification, and he made sure his haters know about that. In a thank-you note to his fans, he wrote, "Once again thank you to all my fans who made MBDTF certified platinum! You all give me the power and I never take it for granted. I am an extension of my listeners. ... Whenever I read press I just need to remind myself that there's people that care about music and don't care about press."


                                                                               

Jennifer Lopez Would Be Happy to Get Pregnant Again

                                                                                       
The singer, who has two-year-old twins with husband Marc Anthony, reveals that she would love to have another baby.


Jennifer Lopez quietly dreams of having more kids, revealing she'd be thrilled if she discovered she was pregnant tomorrow. The superstar has two-year-old twins with husband Marc Anthony and she hints more could be on the way.

Appearing on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" on Tuesday, January 18, Lopez says, "As soon as I had the babies, I thought to myself, 'I want to do this a thousand more times.' I love this. This is life. I just thought it felt so great. This is what life is all about. And now that it's like three years in, I'm like, 'Can I do that again?' It's funny. But yes, if I got pregnant, I would be extremely happy."

Jennifer Lopez is gearing up to release a music video for her new single "Good Hit". A sneak peek to the clip has been shared, featuring the singer wearing animal-print leotard.

Sandra Bullock Dismisses Ryan Reynolds Romance Rumor

 The actress is not dating her 'The Proposal' co-star although they both have separated from their spouses and are seen together sometimes.



Sandra Bullock has spoken out to clear up rumors she is dating newly-single Ryan Reynolds, insisting the actor has been an "amazing friend" to her over the last 10 years. The Oscar-winner divorced her husband Jesse James last year after reports of his infidelity hit the headlines, while her "The Proposal" co-star Reynolds split from wife Scarlett Johansson last month.

The stars have been spotted spending time together as they both cope with their marriage breakdowns, prompting flurries of rumors suggesting they are more than just friends. Bullock has now spoken out to silence the gossip for good, telling America's "Today" show, "I think there will be a collective sigh (of relief) amongst women across the United States when I say he's not my lover. He's just an amazing friend for 10 years... but I don't get his loving after dark."

Alec Baldwin Would Be Happy to Romance Denise Richards

                                               

 
When told that Patti Stanger predicted that he would be a perfect match for Richards, Baldwin simply said 'she's certainly a gorgeous woman.'




Alec Baldwin appears to have cleared a path to his heart for Denise Richards after the two stars were linked by a top celebrity matchmaker. Hollywood romance fixer and "Millionaire Matchmaker" show host Patti Stanger suggested Baldwin and Richards would be perfect for each other during a recent TV interview on Access Hollywood and when the news show tracked the actor down at the Golden Globes on Sunday, January 16, the star was asked what he thought of the hook-up with Charlie Sheen's ex.

Baldwin said, "I think Denise Richards is absolutely adorable and she's certainly a gorgeous woman, and I had a psychic once tell me I was going to marry a woman whose name started with the letter 'R'."

Baldwin also talked about his take on the next generation, picking "The Social Network" star Rooney Mara as the one. "This girl's going to be the biggest movie star of her generation," he gushed.

Katy Perry Still Bitter About Madonna's Crucifixion Act

 

'At times, I don't understand why there are artists who play that card,' the daughter of pastors said about blasphemy.



Katy Perry has taken aim at Madonna for peppering her music, videos and performances with religious references, insisting she hates it when artists take spirituality "lightly". The "Firework" hitmaker is the daughter of two pastors and, despite her racy performances, is a dedicated Christian.

And the singer admits it upsets her when pop acts use faith as a gimmick for their gigs, blasting the "Material Girl" - who has had a notoriously strained relationship with the Catholic church - for daring to perform on a cross during her 2006 Confessions tour.

She says, "For me, spirituality is something very important and I don't like it when people take it lightly. At times, I don't understand why there are artists who play that card, like when Madonna gets up on a cross to sing."

And Perry's distaste for blasphemy has forced her funnyman husband Russell Brand to clean up his stand-up act. She adds, "Russell has made very blasphemous jokes in the past, but he's making fewer all the time because he knows that I am very sensitive about this subject.

Lil Wayne's Twitter Hacker Sent Rude Messages to 50 Cent and Soulja Boy

   

                                                                    

Beside sending rude messages to his fellow rappers, the hacker also made explicit jibes about Weezy's recent spell in prison on weapons possession charges.


Lil Wayne has suspended his Twitter account after an internet prankster hacked in and sent a number of questionable messages to his fans and famous followers. The rapper's page is said to have been illegally accessed on Sunday, January 16, and a series of strange posts were subsequently sent out.

The hacker sent rude messages to Lil Wayne's celebrity pals, including 50 Cent, Soulja Boy and The Game, and made explicit jibes about the "Lollipop" hitmaker's recent spell in prison on weapons possession charges, according to AllHipHop.com. A post sent to Soulja Boy reads, "I sent a donations (sic) to your Paypal, check it, I heard you got 13,000 (record) sales lil homie, I feel bad for you!"

Lil Wayne's Twitter account has now been taken offline. The page was previously hacked late last year, with the impostor posting fake news that the rapper would be performing with Nicki Minaj. Lil Wayne said at the time, "I was just mad that somebody went on my Twitter, like that's my personal Twitter!"

Donald Trump Turns Down Lindsay Lohan, Explains Why

Rejecting the idea of having Lindsay on 'Celebrity Apprentice', Donald Trump insists she needs more time to sort out her personal life before stepping back into the limelight.




Real estate mogul-turned-reality TV star Donald Trump turned down the opportunity to include Lindsay Lohan as a contestant on the new "The Celebrity Apprentice", because it's "not the right time" for the troubled actress. Lohan has spent the past year in and out of rehab and recently completed a court-ordered stay at the Betty Ford Clinic in California to battle her addiction issues.

The "Mean Girls" star is eager to get back to work and had been in talks with Trump to rebuild her image and feature as part of the line up for the upcoming season of "Celebrity Apprentice", which kicks off in March. But Trump rejected the idea - because he insists Lohan needs more time to sort out her personal life before stepping back into the limelight - although he's not ruling it out for future series.

He tells Life & Style magazine, "(The Lohans) approached me, and we did talk about it. It's just not the right time. Lindsay has to straighten herself out first... It could happen in the future, but right now we need to see Lindsay get straightened out."

Lohan is facing jail time for again violating the terms of her probation following an altercation with a staffer at the clinic in December 2010, and she is expected to learn her fate at her next court hearing on February 25.

The full list of new contenders to become Trump's "Celebrity Apprentice" was unveiled on Friday, January 14. They include La Toya Jackson, Dionne Warwick, rockers Meat Loaf and Mark McGrath, actors Marlee Matlin and Gary Busey, and former teen idol David Cassidy.

Owen Wilson's Girlfriend Gave Birth in Hawaii

 







Jade Duell whom the actor dated for more than a year reportedly delivered their baby via water birth in his Maui home.



Owen Wilson is officially a first time dad. His girlfriend Jade Duell gave birth to a healthy baby boy on Friday, January 14 in Hawaii, a representative of him confirmed to People. According to Radar Online, the baby was born at 10:47 A.M. local time after 18 hours of labor via water birth which was set up at the actor's $8 million oceanfront home in Maui.

The baby weighs 6lbs, 13oz (3.09kg) but his name is yet to be revealed. "Owen and Jade are thrilled!" an insider said. "Owen has been doing a celebratory hula dance all afternoon! It's a beautiful boy and everyone is incredibly happy!" His rep told reporters to pass along the good news, saying both the mother and baby are "doing well".

Wilson managed to keep his 28-year-old girlfriend's pregnancy a secret until Monday, January 10. A source said Owen "has been been doing research and learning as much as he can. He's super into it and asks a lot of questions to make sure he knows what's going on every step of the way."

Mary J. Blige Turns the Big 40

   In order to celebrate her life and career achievement which includes nine Grammys, WENN has prepared 10 fascinating facts about her.



R&B superstar Mary J. Blige celebrates a milestone age on Tuesday, January 11 as she turns 40 years old. The Yonkers, New York native has been a permanent fixture in the spotlight since landing her first record deal at the tender age of 17.

She has since achieved worldwide success with her blend of hip-hop and soul and has sold over 50 million albums to date. To wish Mary a very Happy Birthday, WENN has bowed down and compiled 10 fascinating facts about the 'The Queen of Hip-hop Soul':

Her father, Thomas, a jazz musician, taught her how to hit the high notes.
Blige and rap entrepreneur Sean 'P. Diddy' Combs' friendship dates back to 1992, when they were paired up to work on the singer's breakthrough debut album, "What's the 411?" It became a worldwide hit and set both artists on the fast-track to fame and fortune.
She endured a tumultuous relationship during the 1990s with Jodeci singer K-Ci, but the romance came to an end in 1997. She went on to wed her manager Kendu Isaacs in 2003.
The superstar made her acting debut on the hit U.S. sitcom The Jamie Foxx Show in 1998.
Blige joined the growing trend of celebrity perfumers in the summer of 2010 when she launched the fragrance My Life through the beauty brand Carol's Daughter.
The singer, who was sexually abused by a family member at the age of five, has championed women's rights throughout her career and established the Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now (FFAWN) with her record executive pal Steve Stoute in 2008.
Blige dropped out of Lincoln High School in her native New York as a teen, but was awarded her high school diploma last year.
She is celebrating her 10th year sober after slipping into a downward spiral of drugs and alcohol during the 1990s.
The singer has won nine Grammy Awards.
In 2008, editors at Rolling Stone magazine named Blige as one of the 100 greatest singers of all time.

Official: Shakira Splits From Boyfriend of Eleven Years

Going their separate ways since summer 2010, Shakira and Antonio de la Rua 'view this period of separation as temporary.'



After dating for about 11 years now, Shakira and her longtime beau Antonio de la Rua called it quits. In a joint statement released earlier this week, the former couple who are also business partners said they have quietly ended their romance since August 2010 and the decision was a "mutual" one.

"During our almost 11 years together we have loved each other deeply, taken care of each other and stood by one another," they said looking back at their togetherness. "They have been the most wonderful years of our lives, and thanks to that love and the respect that we share for one another we have been an exceptional couple and partners."

The two "view this period of separation as temporary." In the meantime, they continue to be partners in business and professional lives. "We move forward as partners, developing projects together, working hand in hand and in close communication. Our friendship and understanding of one another is unwavering and indestructible," they gushed.

Melanie Brown Debunks Feud Rumor With Victoria Adams

                                                                 

Melanie Brown Debunks Feud Rumor With Victoria Adams
Denying report that she is falling out with her former Spice Girls bandmate, she even congratulates Adams for her pregnancy.



Melanie Brown is baffled by rumors she's fallen out with her former Spice Girls bandmate Victoria Adams, insisting she's delighted her pal is a mum-to-be again. Beckham announced on Sunday, January 9 she's expecting her fourth child, yet reports about a rivalry between the singers have continued to circulate in Britain.

But Brown is adamant she is happy for her fashion designer pal as well as fellow former Spice Girl Emma Bunton, who is also expecting a baby. In posts on her Twitter.com page, Brown writes, "Just read online some bulls**t online about me and Vic having a fall out, where do they get this from I have no idea..."

"2 more Spice babies coming yippee Emma Bunton (and) Victoria Beckham love you both!!!"

Eva Longoria's Vegas Restaurant and Nightclub Bankrupt Eva Longoria's Vegas Restaurant and Nightclub Bankrupt

The bosses of Eva Longoria's Las Vegas restaurant and nightclub filed for bankruptcy after racking up debts of almost $5.7 million.



The bosses of actress Eva Longoria's Las Vegas restaurant and nightclub have filed for bankruptcy after racking up debts of almost $5.7 million. The "Desperate Housewives" star launched the Sin City branch of Beso with business partner Todd English in December, 2009 - a year after opening her flagship Hollywood restaurant of the same name.

But the newest addition to Longoria's business empire has encountered financial difficulty and lawyers for Beso LLC filed legal papers in a Vegas court on Thursday, January 6. In the documents, lawyers stated the company was expected to rack up losses of more than $76,000 a month, while Beso executives owed nearly $1.8 million in lease payments.

Longoria, who owns a third of Beso, has poured her own cash into the firm and recently boosted the business with a $1 million loan and covered $375,000 in legal fees. Beso owners filed for bankruptcy in a bid to keep the venue open.

R ihanna Is Sizzling in New Ad of Her First Fragrance Reb'l Fleur

                                                                           


      A rosy lady, RiRi looks dazzling as she poses for the promotional ad of her signature scent by Parlux Fragrance.



Looking flawless, Rihanna is a stunning beauty in a newly-revealed ad to promote her first signature fragrance Reb'l Fleur. Wearing sheer clothes and matching high heels, the Bajan red-haired songstress holds a pink rose and lies on her stomach on a couch.

"Daring, sexy and truly memorable, Reb'l Fleur is as much in tune with Barbados-born Rihanna's roots as it is with the glamour of her present life in New York City. Reb'l Fleur is joyous yet intense, sophisticated yet marvelously surprising," so Parlux introduces the scent.

Reb'l Fleur, which name is based on RiRi's neck tattoo "rebelle fleu", will be in stores starting February this year with price at $49 for a 1.7 oz. bottle. The fragrance will have a variety of scents including ripe fruits and sumptuous florals, as well as a musky mix of vanilla, patchouli and amber.

"My grandmother in Barbados used to call me her Rebel Flower," she told People. "Over the years, I layered many different scents to get something that was truly my own. But I wanted something that said 'Rihanna was here.' Something delicious and special, a fragrance with subtle hints that linger and leave a sexy memory."

Nicki Minaj Would Love to Duet With Lady GaGa and Taylor Swift

Having collaborated with a number of top-notched artists ranging from Kanye West, Rihanna, Jay-Z, Christina Aguilera and Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj still has some names she desires to do a duet. She mentions two fellow female artists Lady GaGa and Taylor Swift who are currently the hottest acts in the music game.

When asked by E! Online about a possible collaboration with GaGa, Minaj said, "A lot of people say that to me! I'd definitely be open to it, yeah... I mean, GaGa is badass. Being compared to greats can never bother me." Revealing that she listens to Swift's music, the femcee is also open to the idea about working with the country music singer.

Talking further about what's on her playlist, she gushed, "I like everyone. I don't listen to music based on genre. Like, I'll hear a song and then I'll live for that song for like months and I'll be like, 'Who the hell is that?' I listen to Taylor Swift. I like Coldplay. I listen to gospel a lot. I listen to anything that's just beautiful music."

While waiting for the possible duets to come to fruition, fans can expect Minaj to hook up with Rihanna in a new music video. She stated, "We're shooting the video with Rihanna for 'Fly' this weekend. We're going to save the world in more ways than one with the video and that's all I can say about that... I love Ri-Ri! I mean, when she's not grabbing my ass she's a sweet girl."

stella damascus remembers late hubby

                                                                


                                                                                Sultry actress, Stella Damasus, has described 3 December as a date she will never forget in her life. It was the day her former husband, Jaiyejeje Aboderin, bade this world goodbye.

Friday last week made it exactly six years that the versatile Jaiye died of cardiac arrest while playing basketball with his friends.

However, Stella, friends and other relatives visited the deceased’s grave at the Victoria Garden Cemetery on that day to pray and also lay the wreaths.

Speaking with NollywoodReel on that Friday morning, Stella confirmed that she will live to remember the day Jaiye died.

“It was a day I can never forget. Jaiye was more than a husband to me; he was my brother, father and everything,” Stella said, adding, “I’m also planing to immortalise him and that will be during his 10th memorial anniversary in 2014.”

The late Jaiye had two daughters, Isabel and Angela from Stella

Celine Dion Opens Up About Emotional Turmoil After Twins Birth

   'One moment, tremendous happiness; the next, fatigue sets in, and I cried for no reason, and then that took care of itself,' she reveals what she felt during the first few days after she came home.



Celine Dion suffered mood swings, fatigue and a loss of appetite following the birth of her twins last year. The pop star welcomed little Nelson and Eddy at a hospital in Florida in October 2010 after a long struggle to conceive with her husband Rene Angelil.

The "My Heart Will Go On" hitmaker admits she was overjoyed to be a mother again, but she suffered a number of worrying symptoms after the birth - and she's glad her own mum Therese was around to reassure her. She tells French magazine Gala, "Some of the first days after I came home, I was a little outside myself. I had no appetite and that bothered me. My mother remarked that she noticed I had moments of lifelessness, but reassured me that this was entirely normal."

"One moment, tremendous happiness; the next, fatigue sets in, and I cried for no reason, and then that took care of itself. It's for things like that after having a baby that mothers really need emotional support."

Aretha Franklin's Health Is No Longer a Problem Add Comment

Franklin has spoken out about her recent health crisis, insisting "the problem has been resolved". The soul star was forced to pull out of a series of end-of-year shows in 2010 after falling ill, with many outlets reporting she had been diagnosed with deadly pancreatic cancer.

The 68 year old "R.E.S.P.E.C.T" singer is refusing to go into details about what was wrong - but insists she's fine now. She tells JET magazine, "I don't have to talk about my health with anybody other than my doctors (but) the problem has been resolved. I am not one to do a lot of talking about my personal health or business. There are a lot of people who will talk about anything, as long as there is somebody listening. That's not Aretha."

But the singer has revealed her problems started after she experienced a pain in her side during a concert in Toronto, Canada. She tells the publication her doctor advised her to have a CAT-scan.

Franklin adds, "Thank God he said that because that unfolded everything, what the problem was and everything. If there is anything happening with you that is uncommon and something that you know should not be happening, go to your doctor. Be determined to find out what is going on."

And she'll be forever grateful to friends and fans who wished her well as she was fighting to get well: "I want to thank my fans and friends and supporters who have prayed for me and sent me beautiful cards and flowers."

Physician Busy Texting While Michael Jackson on Cardiac Arrest

                                         

                                           

Dr. Conrad Murray's cellphone record during the fateful day has been released in court, revealing 11 phone calls on two different phones and two text messages.




Michael Jackson's physician has been accused of wasting time texting and making cellphone calls before contacting emergency services after finding the King of Pop unconscious in his bedroom in the third day of a hearing into the details surrounding the pop superstar's death.

Dr. Conrad Murray, who has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter charges, is trying to avoid a court trial - but evidence is beginning to pile up against him. Following testimony from bodyguards and aides - suggesting the doctor acted inappropriately in the minutes after Jackson's death in June, 2009 - Murray's cellphone records were presented to the court on Thursday, January 6 by prosecutors.

Lawyers fighting for a trial used the documents to prove Murray spent time making personal calls texting during the period authorities say he should have been closely monitoring his client Jackson's vital signs. In the five hours before Murray discovered that his famous patient had stopped breathing, he made 11 phone calls on two different phones - with three conversations leading directly to the moment he realized Jackson was in cardiac arrest lasting for a total of 45 minutes.

Prosecutors have accused Dr. Murray of "extreme deviation" from the standard of medical care. They claim the phone records show he was distracted and not paying attention to the singer. The records also show the call Murray made to Jackson's personal assistant after he found the star in cardiac arrest. He also sent two text messages immediately afterwards - before he instructed a bodyguard to call emergency services.

Previously at the hearing, the security guard, Alberto Alvarez, testified Murray asked him to get rid of an IV bag containing a milky-white substance, believed to be anesthetic Propofol, and "bag up" various vials and needles in Jackson's bedroom. Jackson died from an overdose of Propofol. Dr. Murray has been charged with administering the drug. His lawyers argue Jackson administered it himself. The hearing continues.

Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens Spark Reunion Rumor

                             

                                                     





A man, believed to be the 'High School Musical' hunk, was spotted pulling into her driveway on Tuesday, January 4 in Los Angeles.




It seems that things between Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens are not really over yet. The couple sparks reunion rumor as a man, believed to be Zac, was pictured pulling into her driveway on Tuesday, January 4 in a black Audi car. Earlier the day, the "Sucker Punch" beauty had a chiropractic appointment in Los Angeles, Just Jared Jr. which obtains the photos reports.

However, it is not clear whether their meeting was just a friendly visit or they are back together. At her 22nd birthday party on December 14, Vanessa simply said "We're good" when asked how things are between her and ex-boyfriend, Zac.

In a quite contradictory report, Zac Efron was said getting cozy with Rumer Willis during a vacation with Rumer's family at The Parrot Island Resort in Turks & Caicos. However, both Zac's and Rumer's camps have brushed off the rumor, insisting the two are "just friends".

Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens started dating in 2005 when they filmed "High School Musical". The two announced their separation in December 2010.