It’s been 20 years since Garth Brooks joined the ranks of Diana Ross, Elton John and James Taylor, performing live in Central Park in New York City. On Aug. 7, 1997, an estimated 980,000 people crowded the iconic park’s North Meadow to watch the country superstar perform a set list of hits, including “Callin’ Baton Rouge” and “Friends in Low Places.”
Not only was the landmark concert massive in size, it was a showcase of Brooks’ vigilant perfectionism and the reliable, demo-crossing appeal he’s maintained for years.
In the days leading up to the event, Brooks gave Et some insight into how one mentally prepares for a performance on this scale, which was not only free to concertgoers but being broadcast live on HBO. According to him, he’s the kind of person who didn’t get nervous before his wedding, but sitting in church the day of was a different story. “All the way up until the...
Not only was the landmark concert massive in size, it was a showcase of Brooks’ vigilant perfectionism and the reliable, demo-crossing appeal he’s maintained for years.
In the days leading up to the event, Brooks gave Et some insight into how one mentally prepares for a performance on this scale, which was not only free to concertgoers but being broadcast live on HBO. According to him, he’s the kind of person who didn’t get nervous before his wedding, but sitting in church the day of was a different story. “All the way up until the...
- 8/7/2017
- Entertainment Tonight
Henry Fonda, actor (1905-82) Grammy: Best Spoken Word Album, “Great Documents” (1977) Oscar: Best Actor, “On Golden Pond” (1981) Tony: Best Actor, “Mister Roberts” (1948); Best Actor, “Clarence Darrow” (1975) Oscar Hammerstein II, lyricist and producer (1895-1960) Grammy: Best Original Cast Album, “The Sound of Music” (1960) Oscar: Best Original Song, “The Last Time I Saw Paris” from “Lady Be Good” (1941); “It Might As Well Be Spring” from “State Fair” (1945) Tony: Three awards for “South Pacific” (1950); Best Musical, “The King and I” (1952); Best Musical, “The Sound of Music” (1960) Elton John Grammy: Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group, “That’s What Friends...
- 7/13/2017
- by Thom Geier
- The Wrap
If Ed Sheeran hasn’t invaded your speakers yet, just give it time. His latest single, the instantly hummable “Shape of You,” has shot to No. 1 across the planet, offering just a hint of the tuneful treats found on his new full-length, ÷ (that’s “Divide,” folks), which dropped last Friday. In celebration of his long-awaited return after retiring from the spotlight for nearly a year, the 26-year-old sat with Rolling Stone for an extensive and revealing profile. Read on for some of the highlights.
He Overcame His Stutter By Rapping Along to Eminem
Growing up in Suffolk on England’s east coast,...
He Overcame His Stutter By Rapping Along to Eminem
Growing up in Suffolk on England’s east coast,...
- 3/7/2017
- by Jordan Runtagh
- PEOPLE.com
This article originally appeared on EW.com.
Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration will take place Jan. 20 in Washington, D.C., but so far, the president-elect has had some difficulty assembling a star-powered lineup for the ceremony. Over the last month or so, more and more musicians have publicly declined to perform — even those who Trump has praised or have a previous relationship with the president-elect.
In preparation for the inauguration, here’s a handy list of everyone who won’t perform for the president-elect.
Andrea Bocelli
The classical singer was one of the first names to emerge as an inauguration performer.
Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration will take place Jan. 20 in Washington, D.C., but so far, the president-elect has had some difficulty assembling a star-powered lineup for the ceremony. Over the last month or so, more and more musicians have publicly declined to perform — even those who Trump has praised or have a previous relationship with the president-elect.
In preparation for the inauguration, here’s a handy list of everyone who won’t perform for the president-elect.
Andrea Bocelli
The classical singer was one of the first names to emerge as an inauguration performer.
- 1/11/2017
- by Diana Pearl
- PEOPLE.com
Friends and fans are pouring their hearts out and paying respects after news came on Christmas that George Michael had died.
The iconic singer -- best known for his success in the early '80s with Wham! and then a solo career that kicked off with the hit, "Careless Whisper" -- died on Sunday at his home in London. He was 53.
News: George Michael Dies at 53
Michael's good friend, Elton John, took to Instagram to honor the late singer.
"I am in deep shock. I have lost a beloved friend - the kindest, most generous soul and a brilliant artist," John wrote alongside a photo of him and Michael. "My heart goes out to his family and all of his fans. @GeorgeMichael #Rip."
British actor Ricky Gervaias was one of the first to post on social media, where he alluded to how difficult 2016 has been. "Unbelievable," he tweeted. "Rip George Michael."
And supermodel...
The iconic singer -- best known for his success in the early '80s with Wham! and then a solo career that kicked off with the hit, "Careless Whisper" -- died on Sunday at his home in London. He was 53.
News: George Michael Dies at 53
Michael's good friend, Elton John, took to Instagram to honor the late singer.
"I am in deep shock. I have lost a beloved friend - the kindest, most generous soul and a brilliant artist," John wrote alongside a photo of him and Michael. "My heart goes out to his family and all of his fans. @GeorgeMichael #Rip."
British actor Ricky Gervaias was one of the first to post on social media, where he alluded to how difficult 2016 has been. "Unbelievable," he tweeted. "Rip George Michael."
And supermodel...
- 12/26/2016
- Entertainment Tonight
Pitbull is one party machine!
The 35-year-old singer surprised over 1,500 fans at the grand opening of Brickell City Centre, a four-level, 4.9 million square-foot retail space in downtown Miami on Nov. 2. Despite the rain, the crowd danced to Mr. 305's "Fireball," "Rain Over Me" and "Echa Pa'lla."
Watch: Padma Lakshmi Poses in Black Lingerie Because 'Moms Do That Sometimes'
Earlier in the day, Padma Lakshmi and Matthew Morrison attended Elton John's An Enduring Vision Benefit, with cocktails by Clase Azul Tequila and Chopin Vodka in New York City. The benefit gala raised more than $3.15 million to support HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, supporting services, and advocacy programs across the United States, the Americas, and the Caribbean.
Getty Images
Adriana Lima looked chic and classic in a Vanto crew neck top and black Aleida blazer by All Saints, while running errands in NYC on Nov. 2.
Star Traks Photo
Malin Akerman was all smiles while shopping the new Hotel Style bath...
The 35-year-old singer surprised over 1,500 fans at the grand opening of Brickell City Centre, a four-level, 4.9 million square-foot retail space in downtown Miami on Nov. 2. Despite the rain, the crowd danced to Mr. 305's "Fireball," "Rain Over Me" and "Echa Pa'lla."
Watch: Padma Lakshmi Poses in Black Lingerie Because 'Moms Do That Sometimes'
Earlier in the day, Padma Lakshmi and Matthew Morrison attended Elton John's An Enduring Vision Benefit, with cocktails by Clase Azul Tequila and Chopin Vodka in New York City. The benefit gala raised more than $3.15 million to support HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, supporting services, and advocacy programs across the United States, the Americas, and the Caribbean.
Getty Images
Adriana Lima looked chic and classic in a Vanto crew neck top and black Aleida blazer by All Saints, while running errands in NYC on Nov. 2.
Star Traks Photo
Malin Akerman was all smiles while shopping the new Hotel Style bath...
- 11/11/2016
- Entertainment Tonight
We’re four episodes in to The Voice‘s eleventh season, and there’s still no obvious favorite being prematurely foisted on us by producers like an unwelcome Christmas display popping up at the mall in late September. (Oh, Macy’s, I really didn’t need to explain to my kids today that it’ll be another three months before they see their Power Rangers action-figure collection fully completed.)
RelatedAsk Ausiello: Spoilers on Arrow, Grimm, Big Bang, Once, Empire, Flash, Chi Fire, Gilmore Girls, New Girl and More
Now don’t get me wrong. I’m not going to paint...
RelatedAsk Ausiello: Spoilers on Arrow, Grimm, Big Bang, Once, Empire, Flash, Chi Fire, Gilmore Girls, New Girl and More
Now don’t get me wrong. I’m not going to paint...
- 9/28/2016
- TVLine.com
The stars turned out Wednesday night at New York City's famed Rainbow Room to celebrate the 90th birthday of music legend Tony Bennett. The 19-time Grammy winner's party was filled with some of music's biggest names - from Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder to Bennett's longtime friend and frequent music collaborator Lady Gaga. "I understand a lot of my friends and colleagues are gonna be here so I'm thrilled about it," Bennett told People before the festivities began. "I'm very honored." And honored he was - with superstar performances from Bennett's pals - including Gaga and Wonder, who teamed up...
- 8/4/2016
- by Dave Quinn, @NineDaves
- PEOPLE.com
The stars turned out Wednesday night at New York City's famed Rainbow Room to celebrate the 90th birthday of music legend Tony Bennett. The 19-time Grammy winner's party was filled with some of music's biggest names - from Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder to Bennett's longtime friend and frequent music collaborator Lady Gaga. "I understand a lot of my friends and colleagues are gonna be here so I'm thrilled about it," Bennett told People before the festivities began. "I'm very honored." And honored he was - with superstar performances from Bennett's pals - including Gaga and Wonder, who teamed up...
- 8/4/2016
- by Dave Quinn, @NineDaves
- PEOPLE.com
At the age of 14, it turns out Marcus Butler was already a music curator in the making. “I used to be the kid that would do everyone’s iPods at school,” he says. Friends revered his taste so highly that they’d pay him 5 pounds, and he’d install his favorite songs onto their devices. “I was always known as, like, the guy with the music. I’ve always been passionate about it.”
As his social status blossomed, music came to play an important part in his career. On a former blog, Butler regularly shared his favorite songs with a recurring feature dubbed Music Monday. Today, he has a similar series on his second channel, as well as more than 28,500 followers on Spotify.
And now, Butler is taking this passion to the next level with the launch of Stripped Bear Entertainment, a music management company that will discover and develop...
As his social status blossomed, music came to play an important part in his career. On a former blog, Butler regularly shared his favorite songs with a recurring feature dubbed Music Monday. Today, he has a similar series on his second channel, as well as more than 28,500 followers on Spotify.
And now, Butler is taking this passion to the next level with the launch of Stripped Bear Entertainment, a music management company that will discover and develop...
- 6/26/2016
- by Geoff Weiss
- Tubefilter.com
David Bowie in 'The Hunger' with Catherine Deneuve. David Bowie movies: Iconic singer memorable as fast-aging vampire in 'The Hunger,' Nikola Tesla in 'The Prestige' Singer and sometime actor David Bowie, one of the iconic figures of the English-language music scene of the second half of the 20th century, died of cancer yesterday, Jan. 10, '16. Bowie (born David Robert Jones in the London suburb of Brixton) had turned 69 on Jan. 8. His son, filmmaker Duncan Jones (Moon), has confirmed Bowie's death on Twitter. Bowie was seen in only a couple of dozen movies during his four-decade show business career. Among his most memorable film roles were those in the titles listed below. The Man Who Fell to Earth Directed by Nicolas Roeg (Walkabout, Don't Look Now) from a screenplay by Paul Mayersberg (based on a novel by Walter Tevis), The Man Who Fell to Earth...
- 1/11/2016
- by Andre Soares
- Alt Film Guide
Fire up your DeLorean! It's time to travel to the original star-studded Back to the Future premiere.
You're bound to feel old as you zoom back to the '80s alongside Michael J Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Julia Roberts and even the royal family.
Back to the Future Day October 21, 2015: A definitive guide to hoverboards, Chicago Cubs and Jaws 19
Never forget: Biff from Back to the Future Part II was based on Donald Trump
A bumper collection of '80s icons - like Phil Collins, Sir Elton John, Steven Spielberg, two future Friends stars and Princess Diana - were on hand at The Empire Cinema in Leicester Square to watch the groundbreaking sci-fi comedy.
Also above are some pictures from red carpet screenings of the Back to the Future sequels, so be sure to note the evolution of '80s style.
We are celebrating Back to the Future Day...
You're bound to feel old as you zoom back to the '80s alongside Michael J Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Julia Roberts and even the royal family.
Back to the Future Day October 21, 2015: A definitive guide to hoverboards, Chicago Cubs and Jaws 19
Never forget: Biff from Back to the Future Part II was based on Donald Trump
A bumper collection of '80s icons - like Phil Collins, Sir Elton John, Steven Spielberg, two future Friends stars and Princess Diana - were on hand at The Empire Cinema in Leicester Square to watch the groundbreaking sci-fi comedy.
Also above are some pictures from red carpet screenings of the Back to the Future sequels, so be sure to note the evolution of '80s style.
We are celebrating Back to the Future Day...
- 10/21/2015
- Digital Spy
It's the biggest night in Hollywood, so you'd better be prepared. From the gowns and glamour to the surprise wins and snubs that still sting, People is bringing you everything you need to know about the 2015 Oscars, hosted by Neil Patrick Harris at the Dolby Theatre at the Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood. Stay with us all weekend for inside access and complete coverage, and watch the Oscars live Sunday at 7 p.m. Et on ABC. The Host Oscars Tips for Neil Patrick Harris Selfie etiquette, off-limits songs and what not to say to the stars - here are the...
- 2/22/2015
- by Michele Corriston, @mcorriston
- PEOPLE.com
You couldn't get much more '90s than Tfi Friday. Even if you watched an episode of Friends while wearing a fisherman's hat with Shed Seven playing 'Chasing Rainbows' at the same time in your living room, it still wouldn't be as '90s as Chris Evans stood at a bar, shouting "Wiiiiiilll" in between bursts of 'The Riverboat Song'.
So when Chris Evans revealed over the Bank Holiday that Channel 4 had approached him to revive the show to mark its 20th anniversary next year (it isn't actually 20 until 2016, but let's not quibble over small details), there were understandably a few groans from people who thought the rowdy entertainment show should be left in the decade of Cool Britannia, Hooch and Kula Shaker.
But we disagree, for the five following reasons:
1. Tfi was live. Tfi was unpredictable.
Well, it was normally live. It was until Shaun Ryder...
So when Chris Evans revealed over the Bank Holiday that Channel 4 had approached him to revive the show to mark its 20th anniversary next year (it isn't actually 20 until 2016, but let's not quibble over small details), there were understandably a few groans from people who thought the rowdy entertainment show should be left in the decade of Cool Britannia, Hooch and Kula Shaker.
But we disagree, for the five following reasons:
1. Tfi was live. Tfi was unpredictable.
Well, it was normally live. It was until Shaun Ryder...
- 8/28/2014
- Digital Spy
Psy and Snoop Dogg collaborated on new single “Hangover,” and Jimmy Kimmel forced them to collaborate on karaoke during Sunday's NBA Finals post-game show. Kimmel's mom drove the trio to Los Angeles bar, Boardwalk 11, where they started off a three song set by singing Snoop's 1993 hit “Who Am I (What's My Name),” followed by the American rapper's interpretation of K-pop hit “Gangnam Style.” Also read: Psy's ‘Gangnam Style’ Sets YouTube Record With 2 Billion Views They finished strong by singing “That's What Friends Are For,” a song most famous for Dionne Warwick's cover with “Friends” including Dionne Warwick, Gladys Knight,...
- 6/9/2014
- by Greg Gilman
- The Wrap
The lineup for one of the largest musical festivals of the year is out — and filled with huge names! From Kanye and A$AP Ferg to Elton John and Lionel Richie, Bonnaroo has the most diverse lineup ever.
Hopefully Kanye West won’t walk off stage this time! The rapper is headlining Bonnaroo, along with Elton John, and it will be his big return to the festival since he left the stage six years ago after being booed! See the full lineup below, and get the details on where and when to get your tickets!
Bonaroo Lineup Revealed
Are you ready for this? On Feb. 22, tickets for Bonnaroo go on sale at 12:00 Pm Est, and we’ve got a feeling they’re going to go fast. You can purchase general admission tickets as well as VIP packages right here. On June 12-15th, more than 125 bands and 20 comedic acts...
Hopefully Kanye West won’t walk off stage this time! The rapper is headlining Bonnaroo, along with Elton John, and it will be his big return to the festival since he left the stage six years ago after being booed! See the full lineup below, and get the details on where and when to get your tickets!
Bonaroo Lineup Revealed
Are you ready for this? On Feb. 22, tickets for Bonnaroo go on sale at 12:00 Pm Est, and we’ve got a feeling they’re going to go fast. You can purchase general admission tickets as well as VIP packages right here. On June 12-15th, more than 125 bands and 20 comedic acts...
- 2/20/2014
- by Emily Longeretta
- HollywoodLife
The Bonnaroo Music Festival, which runs for four days in Manchester Tenn., recently announced their 2014 lineup.
Headlining the 13th annual Bonnaroo will be Elton John, Kanye West, Jack White, Lionel Richie, Vampire Weekend, The Avett Brothers, Phoenix, Skrillex, Arctic Monkeys, Frank Ocean and The Flaming Lips.
Also heading to the Great Stage Park this summer will be Neutral Milk Hotel, Wiz Khalifa, Cut Copy, The Head and the Heart, Lauryn Hill, Broken Bells, Ice Cube, Slightly Stoopid, Fitz and The Tantrums, Cake, Janelle Monae, Amos Lee and John Butler Trio.
West was a surprise choice for the festival, which hasn’t had the rapper in their lineup since 2008 when he walked onto the stage nearly two hours after his scheduled set time. Though he tried to blame Pearl Jam’s extended set, the crowd united in booing him.
For John and Richie, two veterans in the music industry, this will...
Headlining the 13th annual Bonnaroo will be Elton John, Kanye West, Jack White, Lionel Richie, Vampire Weekend, The Avett Brothers, Phoenix, Skrillex, Arctic Monkeys, Frank Ocean and The Flaming Lips.
Also heading to the Great Stage Park this summer will be Neutral Milk Hotel, Wiz Khalifa, Cut Copy, The Head and the Heart, Lauryn Hill, Broken Bells, Ice Cube, Slightly Stoopid, Fitz and The Tantrums, Cake, Janelle Monae, Amos Lee and John Butler Trio.
West was a surprise choice for the festival, which hasn’t had the rapper in their lineup since 2008 when he walked onto the stage nearly two hours after his scheduled set time. Though he tried to blame Pearl Jam’s extended set, the crowd united in booing him.
For John and Richie, two veterans in the music industry, this will...
- 2/20/2014
- Uinterview
The always epic Bonnaroo — a four-day music and camping festival on a 700-acre farm in Manchester, Tenn. — boasts some huge names this year. The festival has just confirmed its headliners will be Kanye West, Elton John, Jack White and Lionel Richie. Watch the festival's teaser video and check out the 125 plus artists on the lineup below. The festival’s thirteenth year, which goes down June 12-15, will mark the surprising return of West, whose headlining set in 2008 turned into a disaster when his Glow In The Dark-themed light show didn’t start until after sunrise. Ye posted an angry rant on his blog blaming Bonnaroo organizers, but it seems that all is now forgiven. This year will mark Elton John and Lionel Richie’s first ever appearance. Tickets go on sale Feb. 22 at noon Est. Here’s the full Bonnaroo lineup: Elton John Kanye West Jack White Lionel Richie Vampire Weekend...
- 2/20/2014
- by Whitney Phaneuf
- Hitfix
Your shows may be in reruns now, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to watch this Christmas week. If you look around, you’ll find marathons of TV shows past (Breaking Bad), classic holiday movies (A Christmas Story), new installments of (a few!) current faves and, lest we not forget, Nikita‘s very final mission. So while those chestnuts roast on the fire, relax on the couch with these Christmas picks.
Related | Spoiler Alert!: Once‘s Wicked-Cool Sister Act? CBS Drama Headed For the Ax? Plus: Tragedy Rocks Soa and Homeland
Monday, December 23
8 pm The Sing-Off (NBC...
Related | Spoiler Alert!: Once‘s Wicked-Cool Sister Act? CBS Drama Headed For the Ax? Plus: Tragedy Rocks Soa and Homeland
Monday, December 23
8 pm The Sing-Off (NBC...
- 12/23/2013
- by riannucci
- TVLine.com
Though Jacquie Lee gave Tessanne a run for her money, the pride & joy of Team Adam ended the night with a powerful performance that could secure her victory.
The Voice kicked off its two-night finale Dec. 16 with two hours of killer performances from the finalists – Tessanne Chin, Will Champlin and Jacquie Lee – as well as a few special guests! Though Will put on a good show, it quickly became a showdown between the two remaining ladies, and HollywoodLife.com is declaring Tessanne the winner.
Jacquie Lee Triumphs With ‘Back To Black’
The night began with Tessanne doing coach Adam Levine proud. Her performance of Pink‘s ”Try” was a little low-energy, but she sang it well; and for what it’s worth, it was the same song she used during the blind auditions. All in all, it was a nice reminder of just how much the three finalists have been through.
The Voice kicked off its two-night finale Dec. 16 with two hours of killer performances from the finalists – Tessanne Chin, Will Champlin and Jacquie Lee – as well as a few special guests! Though Will put on a good show, it quickly became a showdown between the two remaining ladies, and HollywoodLife.com is declaring Tessanne the winner.
Jacquie Lee Triumphs With ‘Back To Black’
The night began with Tessanne doing coach Adam Levine proud. Her performance of Pink‘s ”Try” was a little low-energy, but she sang it well; and for what it’s worth, it was the same song she used during the blind auditions. All in all, it was a nice reminder of just how much the three finalists have been through.
- 12/17/2013
- by Andy Swift
- HollywoodLife
The turkey’s stuffed, the pumpkin’s pie’d and the family’s gathered — but don’t neglect your old friend, TV! It’s working Ot this Thursday, Friday and Saturday, serving marathons of fave shows (Castle) and flicks (James Bond), holiday movies (My Santa) and classics (A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving), plus fresh episodes of Glee, Grimm and others. So unbutton your pants and pick up your remote — it’s relaxin’ time. (Sunday’s entrees, including the Walking Dead finale, a great Wife and The Mentalist 2.0 will be covered separately.)
Thursday, Nov. 28
Midnight – 2:40 am Amazing Animation Thanksgiving Marathon (Starz...
Thursday, Nov. 28
Midnight – 2:40 am Amazing Animation Thanksgiving Marathon (Starz...
- 11/28/2013
- by Misha Solomon
- TVLine.com
Looking forward to the Kimye wedding, there is a lot of planning for the couple to do — floral arrangements, the location, the dress (!) — but nothing might be more difficult to put together than a comprehensive guest list! Thankfully for Kim and Kanye, we did all the work for them.
We’re extremely excited to see Kim Kardashian and Kanye West tie the knot, but we may be just as pumped to just take in their wedding! It’s going to be a once-in-a-lifetime event (Kanye literally said there are going to be “fighter jets” there) with a star-studded guest list like no one has ever seen before. Read on to see who could be in attendance when Kim walks down the aisle!
Kim Kardashian & Kanye West’s Star-Studded Friends & Family
Let’s start with the obvious — the family. Obviously all of the Kardashians will be in the front row at...
We’re extremely excited to see Kim Kardashian and Kanye West tie the knot, but we may be just as pumped to just take in their wedding! It’s going to be a once-in-a-lifetime event (Kanye literally said there are going to be “fighter jets” there) with a star-studded guest list like no one has ever seen before. Read on to see who could be in attendance when Kim walks down the aisle!
Kim Kardashian & Kanye West’s Star-Studded Friends & Family
Let’s start with the obvious — the family. Obviously all of the Kardashians will be in the front row at...
- 11/2/2013
- by Andrew Gruttadaro
- HollywoodLife
Birthday shoutouts go to Frank Ocean (above) who is 26, Madison Hildebrand is 33, Jami Gertz is 48, and Annie Potts is 61.
Emile Hirsch will play John Belushi in an upcoming biopic. Hopefully he’ll have better luck than Michael Chiklis in Wired
And the cursed production begins.
Michael Musto talks to Steve Grand about “Gayness, the Church, and Lusting for Straights.”
Absolutely Fabulous could end with a one-off film, says Jennifer Saunders.
RuPaul drives Cassandra Peterson.
Dreamboat Ben Cohen has survived another week of Strictly Come Dancing. Below you can see him quickstep to the Friends theme for some reason.
Here’s our first really good look at Veronica Mars, but it has spoilers. Okay, here’s a hint: She investigates a murder!
Lady Gaga has released the lyric video for “Venus.” I still have “Applause” on an endless loop, so I’m not ready for a new single, but what do you think?...
Emile Hirsch will play John Belushi in an upcoming biopic. Hopefully he’ll have better luck than Michael Chiklis in Wired
And the cursed production begins.
Michael Musto talks to Steve Grand about “Gayness, the Church, and Lusting for Straights.”
Absolutely Fabulous could end with a one-off film, says Jennifer Saunders.
RuPaul drives Cassandra Peterson.
Dreamboat Ben Cohen has survived another week of Strictly Come Dancing. Below you can see him quickstep to the Friends theme for some reason.
Here’s our first really good look at Veronica Mars, but it has spoilers. Okay, here’s a hint: She investigates a murder!
Lady Gaga has released the lyric video for “Venus.” I still have “Applause” on an endless loop, so I’m not ready for a new single, but what do you think?...
- 10/28/2013
- by snicks
- The Backlot
Speakerfone is a recurring column that focuses on music in movies.
Play us a song from "Inside Llewyn Davis" -- then add in another 40 or so classic folk songs, and invite a group of legendary musicians to come and perform them. The result: a star-studded, multi-generational event that pays tribute to a new film and its source material.
Last night in New York City, A-listers, journalists, and a small group of fans who were lucky enough to snag tickets online, came out to celebrate the newest Coen brothers movie at the legendary Town Hall in Midtown Manhattan. Over the course of three hours, a rotating cast of artists performed a wide range of standard folk tunes, along with tracks from the "Inside Llewyn Davis" soundtrack. Overseeing the three-plus-hour production was the man responsible for the film's music: songwriter, producer, and frequent Coen brothers collaborator T. Bone Burnett.
"Inside Llewyn Davis,...
Play us a song from "Inside Llewyn Davis" -- then add in another 40 or so classic folk songs, and invite a group of legendary musicians to come and perform them. The result: a star-studded, multi-generational event that pays tribute to a new film and its source material.
Last night in New York City, A-listers, journalists, and a small group of fans who were lucky enough to snag tickets online, came out to celebrate the newest Coen brothers movie at the legendary Town Hall in Midtown Manhattan. Over the course of three hours, a rotating cast of artists performed a wide range of standard folk tunes, along with tracks from the "Inside Llewyn Davis" soundtrack. Overseeing the three-plus-hour production was the man responsible for the film's music: songwriter, producer, and frequent Coen brothers collaborator T. Bone Burnett.
"Inside Llewyn Davis,...
- 9/30/2013
- by Alex Suskind
- Moviefone
Plus Maggie Gallagher says Scotus declared war on half of America, Sarah Palin wants to take over Hollywood, Sir Elton John cancels tour
Well, you can’t say that you didn’t see this coming: Elisabeth Hasselbeck is leaving The View for Fox News, specifically Fox & Friends, to take Gretchen’s position. We always knew she’d end up at Fox News, didn’t we?
Everybody just take a breath – Indiana did not enact a new law that would result in years of prison time for a same sex couple applying for a marriage license. They actually decreased the sentence on an existing law about providing false information to the state, and there are ways to make sure that same-sex couples filing protest applications are safe from prosecution.
Now that Happy Endings is officially over, the producers talked about what they had in store for season four, and that Max...
Well, you can’t say that you didn’t see this coming: Elisabeth Hasselbeck is leaving The View for Fox News, specifically Fox & Friends, to take Gretchen’s position. We always knew she’d end up at Fox News, didn’t we?
Everybody just take a breath – Indiana did not enact a new law that would result in years of prison time for a same sex couple applying for a marriage license. They actually decreased the sentence on an existing law about providing false information to the state, and there are ways to make sure that same-sex couples filing protest applications are safe from prosecution.
Now that Happy Endings is officially over, the producers talked about what they had in store for season four, and that Max...
- 7/10/2013
- by Ed Kennedy
- The Backlot
It’s been six years since the California stoner rock band released their last LP, Era Vulgaris. Suffice to say, it wasn’t their best effort and instability in the band at the time (and since) has proven to be a large obstacle for Queens of the Stone Age.
It even required the band asking Josh Homme to come back and record after knee surgery that left him bedridden for a few months. After apparently experiencing death momentarily he must have had some sort of refreshing epiphany that made him write some brilliant new music. And that’s the background for their latest album, …Like Clockwork.
Extremely catchy and original guitar riffs show that the band are back on top form and Homme’s lyrics are brilliantly put across by his trembling baritone vocals. Every song clearly has input from each member of the band, including the subtle keyboard from Dean Fertita.
It even required the band asking Josh Homme to come back and record after knee surgery that left him bedridden for a few months. After apparently experiencing death momentarily he must have had some sort of refreshing epiphany that made him write some brilliant new music. And that’s the background for their latest album, …Like Clockwork.
Extremely catchy and original guitar riffs show that the band are back on top form and Homme’s lyrics are brilliantly put across by his trembling baritone vocals. Every song clearly has input from each member of the band, including the subtle keyboard from Dean Fertita.
- 6/27/2013
- by Stuart Ward
- Obsessed with Film
As Melissa & Joey's resident teen girl, Taylor Spreitler's character, Lennox, spends a lot of time with iPod buds in her ears, so we asked the actress to let us know what she's listening to in real life.
"My friends and I are always taking road trips to the beach or mountains," she tells ETonline. "Here are some of our favorites that are sure to get a good time going!"
Tiny Dancer by Elton John: "One of my all time favorites and the perfect song while counting the headlights on the highway."
Let Your Hair Down by Miss Sam: "The perfect way to start a trip."
Hang Loose by Alabama Shakes: "Always a good car jam to belt out."
Love You Long Time by Jazmine Sullivan: "My best friend and I are addicted to this song!"
Ignition by R Kelly: "I mean, who doesn't love this song?!?"
Gangsta by Kat...
"My friends and I are always taking road trips to the beach or mountains," she tells ETonline. "Here are some of our favorites that are sure to get a good time going!"
Tiny Dancer by Elton John: "One of my all time favorites and the perfect song while counting the headlights on the highway."
Let Your Hair Down by Miss Sam: "The perfect way to start a trip."
Hang Loose by Alabama Shakes: "Always a good car jam to belt out."
Love You Long Time by Jazmine Sullivan: "My best friend and I are addicted to this song!"
Ignition by R Kelly: "I mean, who doesn't love this song?!?"
Gangsta by Kat...
- 6/18/2013
- Entertainment Tonight
Queens of the Stone Age, ". Like Clockwork" (Matador)
Opening to the sound of breaking glass and riddled with lascivious intent throughout, Queens of the Stone Age's new album ". Like Clockwork" is the soundtrack to the B movie of your dreams.
In the six years since the release of the band's critically acclaimed "Era Vulgaris," Queens founder Josh Homme has moonlighted with the Eagles of Death Metal and super group Them Crooked Vultures. Now, the California native sounds energized back in his day job.
The credit list for ". Like Clockwork" reads like a who's who of modern rock, with appearances from the band's frequent collaborators Dave Grohl and Mark Lanegan, as well as Homme's former bandmate Nick Oliveri, Nine Inch Nails' Trent Reznor, Artic Monkeys' frontman Alex Turner and, perhaps surprisingly, Sir Elton John – who lends backing vocals and piano to "Fairweather Friends."
Thankfully, ". Like Clockwork" isn't overwhelmed by its roster of guest stars,...
Opening to the sound of breaking glass and riddled with lascivious intent throughout, Queens of the Stone Age's new album ". Like Clockwork" is the soundtrack to the B movie of your dreams.
In the six years since the release of the band's critically acclaimed "Era Vulgaris," Queens founder Josh Homme has moonlighted with the Eagles of Death Metal and super group Them Crooked Vultures. Now, the California native sounds energized back in his day job.
The credit list for ". Like Clockwork" reads like a who's who of modern rock, with appearances from the band's frequent collaborators Dave Grohl and Mark Lanegan, as well as Homme's former bandmate Nick Oliveri, Nine Inch Nails' Trent Reznor, Artic Monkeys' frontman Alex Turner and, perhaps surprisingly, Sir Elton John – who lends backing vocals and piano to "Fairweather Friends."
Thankfully, ". Like Clockwork" isn't overwhelmed by its roster of guest stars,...
- 6/3/2013
- by AP
- Huffington Post
I’ll not waste your time with too many words for reading before you can hit play on the video below, though I imagine you aren’t even reading this because I’m excited, I’m really excited – but I get to listen to it while I write this. I mean, you could go down press play and then come back up here and read; because you’re nice and appreciate the less than minutes it took me to shamble this together.
Anyhoo, it’s been some time since we last got a taste of real Queens of the Stone Age fine dining, until now and it is no mere horse imitation. Era Vulgaris was the last album to be released by Qotsa back in 2007. Then, after some sneaky hints that there would be an album this year, soon followed by the outright tease and tickle of showing the mixing...
Anyhoo, it’s been some time since we last got a taste of real Queens of the Stone Age fine dining, until now and it is no mere horse imitation. Era Vulgaris was the last album to be released by Qotsa back in 2007. Then, after some sneaky hints that there would be an album this year, soon followed by the outright tease and tickle of showing the mixing...
- 4/8/2013
- by Morgan Roberts
- Obsessed with Film
There’s no denying that Saturday Night Live is in the midst of a lackluster season, so the question surrounding the return of All-Star host Justin Timberlake this week (his fifth time in the role) raised the question: Would the former N’Sync-er inspire the show’s writing staff to whip up some decent punch lines or would Jt get dragged into the “Californians”-style muck?
Update: At minimum, Timberlake put big numbers on the tote board — a 5.9 rating among metered-market households and a 15 share, the show’s best scores since Charles Barkley circa January 2012.
Timberlake also worked his multihyphentate...
Update: At minimum, Timberlake put big numbers on the tote board — a 5.9 rating among metered-market households and a 15 share, the show’s best scores since Charles Barkley circa January 2012.
Timberlake also worked his multihyphentate...
- 3/10/2013
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
Seth went there, slamming Chris and Rihanna with a domestic violence joke at the Oscars on Feb. 24, but Chris’ isn’t biting into it! Friends say the R&B singer ‘couldn’t care less.’ Read on for Exclusive details!
Chris Brown “couldn’t care less” that Seth MacFarlane took a jab at him and Rihanna at the 85th Annual Academy Awards on Feb. 24, when the host made reference to the couples domestic violence incident which took place four years ago, HollywoodLife.com is Exclusively reporting.
“He don’t give a f**k,” a source flat out says. Chis “couldn’t care less about what anyone says about him.”
Chris was in the company of many A-Listers who have had their names in the mood as he attended Elton John‘s Academy Awards viewing party in West Hollywood. An onlooker tells HollywodLife.com Kim and Khloe Kardashian “hugged and kissed” Chris...
Chris Brown “couldn’t care less” that Seth MacFarlane took a jab at him and Rihanna at the 85th Annual Academy Awards on Feb. 24, when the host made reference to the couples domestic violence incident which took place four years ago, HollywoodLife.com is Exclusively reporting.
“He don’t give a f**k,” a source flat out says. Chis “couldn’t care less about what anyone says about him.”
Chris was in the company of many A-Listers who have had their names in the mood as he attended Elton John‘s Academy Awards viewing party in West Hollywood. An onlooker tells HollywodLife.com Kim and Khloe Kardashian “hugged and kissed” Chris...
- 2/26/2013
- by ericraymitchellhl
- HollywoodLife
The Oscars are like a fine red wine. They should get better with age. They should make you face-on-the-floor drunk with giddiness about the sheer glory and thrill of movies.
Unfortunately, the award show’s ratings have been as flat as an old gin and tonic these past several years, and the host/hosts haven’t helped. Anne Hathaway and James Franco, in an attempt to reach a younger audience, gave new meaning to the phrase “odd couple” as lackluster out-of-sync Oscar co-hosts in 2011, and Oscar vet Billy Crystal did his usual shtick, stepping in for Eddie Murphy as host...
Unfortunately, the award show’s ratings have been as flat as an old gin and tonic these past several years, and the host/hosts haven’t helped. Anne Hathaway and James Franco, in an attempt to reach a younger audience, gave new meaning to the phrase “odd couple” as lackluster out-of-sync Oscar co-hosts in 2011, and Oscar vet Billy Crystal did his usual shtick, stepping in for Eddie Murphy as host...
- 9/19/2012
- by Solvej Schou
- EW.com - PopWatch
10. Zach Galifianakis in Fiona Apple's "Not About Love"
We still have hope that these two will find love if only to see how eccentric and outlandish their offspring could possibly be. Apparently they met while performing repeatedly at the same club in Los Angeles, which means that the opportunity for the great reality show "Zach and Fiona Act Brilliantly Weird Together" goes fulfilled only in our heads.
9. Macaulay Culkin in Michael Jackson's "Black or White"
We could have gone with George Wendt for this one, but in 1991, no one could touch Macaulay Culkin after "Home Alone." After the stereotypical "turn the music down" parental yell, Culkin does what every 12-year-old kid wanted to do at the time. He will later show up as a hip-hopper and look tougher than Michael Jackson. Too bad the song is kind of lame, though. Eh. There's always the morph scene.
8. Chevy Chase...
We still have hope that these two will find love if only to see how eccentric and outlandish their offspring could possibly be. Apparently they met while performing repeatedly at the same club in Los Angeles, which means that the opportunity for the great reality show "Zach and Fiona Act Brilliantly Weird Together" goes fulfilled only in our heads.
9. Macaulay Culkin in Michael Jackson's "Black or White"
We could have gone with George Wendt for this one, but in 1991, no one could touch Macaulay Culkin after "Home Alone." After the stereotypical "turn the music down" parental yell, Culkin does what every 12-year-old kid wanted to do at the time. He will later show up as a hip-hopper and look tougher than Michael Jackson. Too bad the song is kind of lame, though. Eh. There's always the morph scene.
8. Chevy Chase...
- 9/6/2012
- by Jason Newman
- NextMovie
Pnau have unveiled their new single 'Sad'. The track - out July 16 - serves as the second release from their 'Elton vs. Pnau' project, which sees them reworking a number of Sir Elton John's classic hits from the 1970s into entirely new songs. 'Sad' includes elements of 'Nice and Slow', 'Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word', 'Friends', 'Curtains' and (more)...
- 6/12/2012
- by By Robert Copsey
- Digital Spy
When Titanic hit theaters the weekend of December 19, 1997, it only grossed $3 million more than the week’s other big release. That movie was Tomorrow Never Dies, which almost immediately killed the post-Goldeneye buzz of the Pierce Brosnan Bond era. The only other big release that weekend was Mouse Hunt, the third straight sad-trombone opening from DreamWorks Skg, which in 1997 was still trying to be a real studio (largely because they hadn’t yet discovered the winning formula of “Making Shrek sequels + Making Shrek spin-offs = $$$.”) But while those movies quickly faded down the box office charts in the ensuing weeks,...
- 4/4/2012
- by Darren Franich
- EW.com - PopWatch
Bluegrass and banjo pioneer Earl Scruggs has passed away at the age of 88, says his son Gary. Scruggs died of natural causes Wednesday morning (March 28) at a Nashville, Tenn. hospital.
Scruggs is credited with bringing the banjo from a rhythm section instrument to a lead instrument by his three-finger approach to picking, rather than the clawhammer style. His way of playing became known as the "Scruggs picking style" that helped popularize the banjo across many different kinds of music.
He made his debut with Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys in the 1940s at the Grand Ole Opry and later teamed with Lester Flatt. They were best known for "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" and "The Ballad of Jed Clampett" from "The Beverly Hillbillies."
Scruggs and Flatt were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1985, but he hadn't stopped playing in recent years. Just 10 years ago he released "Earl Scruggs and Friends,...
Scruggs is credited with bringing the banjo from a rhythm section instrument to a lead instrument by his three-finger approach to picking, rather than the clawhammer style. His way of playing became known as the "Scruggs picking style" that helped popularize the banjo across many different kinds of music.
He made his debut with Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys in the 1940s at the Grand Ole Opry and later teamed with Lester Flatt. They were best known for "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" and "The Ballad of Jed Clampett" from "The Beverly Hillbillies."
Scruggs and Flatt were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1985, but he hadn't stopped playing in recent years. Just 10 years ago he released "Earl Scruggs and Friends,...
- 3/29/2012
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
DVD Playhouse—February 2012
By Allen Gardner
To Kill A Mockingbird 50th Anniversary Edition (Universal) Robert Mulligan’s film of Harper Lee’s landmark novel pits a liberal-minded lawyer (Gregory Peck) against a small Southern town’s racism when defending a black man (Brock Peters) on trumped-up rape charges. One of the 1960s’ first landmark films, a truly stirring human drama that hits all the right notes and isn’t dated a bit. Robert Duvall makes his screen debut (sans dialogue) as the enigmatic Boo Radley. DVD and Blu-ray double edition. Bonuses: Two feature-length documentaries: Fearful Symmetry and A Conversation with Gregory Peck; Featurettes; Excerpts and film clips from Gregory Peck’s Oscar acceptance speech and AFI Lifetime Achievement Award; Commentary by Mulligan and producer Alan J. Pakula; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS 2.0 mono.
Outrage: Way Of The Yakuza (Magnolia) After a brief hiatus from his signature oeuvre of Japanese gangster flicks,...
By Allen Gardner
To Kill A Mockingbird 50th Anniversary Edition (Universal) Robert Mulligan’s film of Harper Lee’s landmark novel pits a liberal-minded lawyer (Gregory Peck) against a small Southern town’s racism when defending a black man (Brock Peters) on trumped-up rape charges. One of the 1960s’ first landmark films, a truly stirring human drama that hits all the right notes and isn’t dated a bit. Robert Duvall makes his screen debut (sans dialogue) as the enigmatic Boo Radley. DVD and Blu-ray double edition. Bonuses: Two feature-length documentaries: Fearful Symmetry and A Conversation with Gregory Peck; Featurettes; Excerpts and film clips from Gregory Peck’s Oscar acceptance speech and AFI Lifetime Achievement Award; Commentary by Mulligan and producer Alan J. Pakula; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS 2.0 mono.
Outrage: Way Of The Yakuza (Magnolia) After a brief hiatus from his signature oeuvre of Japanese gangster flicks,...
- 2/26/2012
- by The Hollywood Interview.com
- The Hollywood Interview
Giants? Patriots? Eli Manning and Tom Brady? Yeah, they're on our TVs Sunday, but for a sizable portion of the audience watching Super Bowl Xlvi, the commercials are just as big a draw as the game.
Advertisers ponied up as much as $3.5 million per 30-second spot on NBC's broadcast of the game, which will likely draw about 100 million viewers. Did they get their money's worth? Check back throughout the game for Zap2it's running commentary on the best ads of Super Bowl Sunday.
Hyundai: Gonna Fly Now!
This probably shouldn't be as cute as it was, a bunch of Hyundai employees singing "Gonna Fly Now" from the "Rocky" movies. But it was pretty adorable - the bald guy taking the super-high part particularly cracked us up.
-- Andrea Reiher
Audi: Die, vampires, die
When we heard Audi was doing a vampire-themed ad for the Super Bowl, we thought, oh jeez,...
Advertisers ponied up as much as $3.5 million per 30-second spot on NBC's broadcast of the game, which will likely draw about 100 million viewers. Did they get their money's worth? Check back throughout the game for Zap2it's running commentary on the best ads of Super Bowl Sunday.
Hyundai: Gonna Fly Now!
This probably shouldn't be as cute as it was, a bunch of Hyundai employees singing "Gonna Fly Now" from the "Rocky" movies. But it was pretty adorable - the bald guy taking the super-high part particularly cracked us up.
-- Andrea Reiher
Audi: Die, vampires, die
When we heard Audi was doing a vampire-themed ad for the Super Bowl, we thought, oh jeez,...
- 2/6/2012
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
It’s Super Bowl time (on NBC), and advertisers pay very, very steeply to wave their wares in front of 100 million viewers.
Who enlisted A-list talent? (And who shopped a bargain with B-listers and below?) Who went for laughs? Who tugged at heartstrings? And who whipped out the always-reliable S-e-x?
Here is our quick take on the commercials from the 2nd Half of Super Bowl Xlvi. (Refresh for updates.) Sound off on your favorites in Comments!
Super Bowl Commercials, 1st Quarter: Vampire Killers, Elton John
Goes to Court, the New M&M and an Apocalypse-Surviving Chevy
Super Bowl Commercials, 2nd Quarter: Darth Vader Strikes Back,...
Who enlisted A-list talent? (And who shopped a bargain with B-listers and below?) Who went for laughs? Who tugged at heartstrings? And who whipped out the always-reliable S-e-x?
Here is our quick take on the commercials from the 2nd Half of Super Bowl Xlvi. (Refresh for updates.) Sound off on your favorites in Comments!
Super Bowl Commercials, 1st Quarter: Vampire Killers, Elton John
Goes to Court, the New M&M and an Apocalypse-Surviving Chevy
Super Bowl Commercials, 2nd Quarter: Darth Vader Strikes Back,...
- 2/6/2012
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
Chicago – In our latest extra-special concert edition of HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Music, we have 2 concert tickets plus $25 in Karma Kash up for grabs for the upcoming Jack’s Mannequin performance at House of Blues Show! The performance the day before is already sold out! Day-of tickets are $28 each, so this is valued at $81!
Jack’s Mannequin is a pop/rock band whose third studio album debuted in the Billboard Top 10 when it was released in the fall. They are playing two shows at House of Blues Chicago this month. The first show on Jan. 24, 2012 is already sold out, but HollywoodChicago.com is hooking you up one grand-prize winner and a guest for the second date on Jan. 25, 2012!
For more information and to purchase tickets if you don’t win, see here.
Along with two tickets to the show, our one grand-prize winner also receives access to the House of Blues...
Jack’s Mannequin is a pop/rock band whose third studio album debuted in the Billboard Top 10 when it was released in the fall. They are playing two shows at House of Blues Chicago this month. The first show on Jan. 24, 2012 is already sold out, but HollywoodChicago.com is hooking you up one grand-prize winner and a guest for the second date on Jan. 25, 2012!
For more information and to purchase tickets if you don’t win, see here.
Along with two tickets to the show, our one grand-prize winner also receives access to the House of Blues...
- 1/20/2012
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
If you followed @afterellen's Golden Globes tweet-along at #showusyourglobes, you know that this year was almost as full of Gay Goodness as last year, even though we expected the awards to straighten up.
But we also expected Ricky Gervais not to be invited back, so what do we know?
Before we proceed with a recap of the festivities, I must put to rest any and all rumors about why I am doing this recap when awards shows are Dorothy Snarker territory. Ms. Snarker, faced with the choice of staying up all night writing about the Golden Globes or staying up all night partying in Vegas with lesbian softball players, chose the latter. I know, I know. But we will get through this together. On with the show.
The Red Carpet show-before-the-show wasted no time in affirming that the acting community's favorite designers had chosen "show us your globes" as their...
But we also expected Ricky Gervais not to be invited back, so what do we know?
Before we proceed with a recap of the festivities, I must put to rest any and all rumors about why I am doing this recap when awards shows are Dorothy Snarker territory. Ms. Snarker, faced with the choice of staying up all night writing about the Golden Globes or staying up all night partying in Vegas with lesbian softball players, chose the latter. I know, I know. But we will get through this together. On with the show.
The Red Carpet show-before-the-show wasted no time in affirming that the acting community's favorite designers had chosen "show us your globes" as their...
- 1/16/2012
- by the linster
- AfterEllen.com
Welcome to our live blog of the 2012 Golden Globe Awards where myself and Laremy Legel will be providing running commentary and up-to-the-minute winner announcements over the course of nearly five straight hours of Golden Globe excitement. This is the sixth year in a row we have provided a live blog of the events and hopefully this will be our best yet.
Over the course of the evening Laremy and I will be providing commentary, quotes, winners and anything else that comes to mind. I will be breaking things up on an hourly basis, providing a page break at the end of each hour to hopefully keep things manageable.
Also, in the right hand column you will notice I have placed a list of the winners, which will update live as they are announced, and if you feel as if you need a breather from the live blog, you can also...
Over the course of the evening Laremy and I will be providing commentary, quotes, winners and anything else that comes to mind. I will be breaking things up on an hourly basis, providing a page break at the end of each hour to hopefully keep things manageable.
Also, in the right hand column you will notice I have placed a list of the winners, which will update live as they are announced, and if you feel as if you need a breather from the live blog, you can also...
- 1/15/2012
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
It's been an incredible year in the world of showbiz, with the usual headline-grabbing antics, scandal, sleaze, celebrity births, star weddings, and bitter break-ups. Here, WENN takes a look back at the final six months of 2011...
July
The month of July was overshadowed by the sudden and shocking death of British singer Amy Winehouse. The Back to Black hitmaker was found dead at her home in London at the age of 27 and the news sent the world of showbusiness into mourning. Tributes poured in from both fans and famous friends following the tragedy, and Winehouse's music shot back into the charts.
The headlines were also dominated by celebrity divorces as Jennifer Lopez announced her split from husband of seven years, Marc Anthony, the father of her young twins, Max and Emme. Arnold Schwarzenegger's marriage also came to an abrupt end as his wife Maria Shriver filed for divorce following revelations the actor/politician fathered a lovechild with the family's housekeeper.
Scarlett Johansson's divorce from Ryan Reynolds was finalised and Patricia Arquette's split from husband Thomas Jane was also made official.
In happier news, all eyes were on Monaco as the world geared up for the second royal wedding of the year, following the union of Britain’s Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge in April. In the same month as the British royals flew to Canada to begin their first international tour as a married couple, Prince Albert of Monaco married his fiancee, South African beauty Charlene Wittstock. The couple exchanged vows in two ceremonies in Monte Carlo and the former swimmer became her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco. British supermodel Kate Moss also became a married woman as she wed rocker Jamie Hince in a lavish ceremony in the English countryside, while it was also an exciting month for the Beckham family as former Spice Girls star Victoria, already mother to three boys, gave birth to her first daughter, Harper Seven.
There was also baby joy for Hollywood actress Kate Hudson - she welcomed a son called Bingham with her rocker fiance Matt Bellamy. Singer Jewel, actress Selma Blair and former Fugees star Lauryn Hill also became parents. British artist/director Sam Taylor-Wood also hit headlines after she confirmed she was expecting a second baby with her 21-year-old fiance, actor Aaron Johnson, a year after the birth of their daughter. The couple met on the set of their 2009 film Nowhere Boy and became parents together in 2010.
July also saw troubled British rocker Pete Doherty granted his freedom after serving less than half of his six-month prison sentence for cocaine possession. Another beleaguered star to walk free from jail was rapper Dmx, who served seven months behind bars for a probation violation. However, David Gilmour’s son Charlie found himself on the other side of the prison walls as he was ordered to serve 16 months in jail for his part in the 2010 student riots in London. The Pink Floyd star’s son was charged with violent disorder for causing chaos in the British capital and swinging from a flag on the city’s Cenotaph war memorial. (Lr/Zn)
August
The usual serenity of the summer months was shattered this year when Kate Winslet cheated death in a devastating inferno at Richard Branson's luxury island home, and a string of British stars appealed for calm as widespread rioting broke out in the U.K.
Winslet was holidaying at Virgin boss Branson's Necker Island retreat when lightning struck the property, sparking a huge blaze which gutted the home. Her party of 20 miraculously escaped unscathed - and Winslet was later hailed a heroine after it emerged she carried Branson's 90-year-old mother from the property during the drama.
As unrest, looting, and arson broke out for several nights in the U.K., showbiz stars including Idris Elba, Natasha Bedingfield and Boy George called for calm, and there was also bad news for Sir Paul McCartney - who learned his phone had been hacked by the tabloid press - and veteran actress Margot Kidder, who was arrested during an environment protest at the White House.
Tragedy struck at the Indiana State Fair, when a horrific stage collapse left seven revellers dead and more than 40 injured, actor Rowan Atkinson was treated in hospital after wrecking his rare sports car by crashing it into a tree, and French actor Gerard Depardieu was left red-faced when he was thrown off a plane in Paris, France for urinating in the cabin after he was refused access to the toilet during take-off.
It was ladies night at the MTV Video Music Awards as Katy Perry, Britney Spears and Lady Gaga took home two honours each - and Beyonce announced her pregnancy news. And at the Teen Choice Awards, Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez were crowned queens of the event when they scooped whopping 11 awards between them.
Kings of Leon finally succumbed to their relentless touring schedule and axed their remaining U.S. dates to allow frontman Caleb Followill to recover from "vocal issues and exhaustion", Aerosmith rocker Tom Hamilton and Deep Purple star Jon Lord both announced they were battling cancer, Bono was hospitalised with chest pains, and Norwegian pop band A-ha thrilled fans by announcing they were to reform.
In family news, Kiss star Paul Stanley became a father again, and there were also welcome additions for Ethan Hawke, funnywoman Tina Fey, illusionist David Copperfield, Jessica Alba, and Benicio del Toro, who fathered a child with Rod Stewart's daughter Kimberly.
There were wedding bells for country singer Chely Wright and filmmaker Sofia Coppola, but romance took a plunge for George Michael and Geri Halliwell, who both split from their partners. Also joining the singles club was Arctic Monkeys rocker Alex Turner, who broke up with MTV presenter Alexa Chung after four years together.
The showbiz world bid farewell to songwriting legend Jerry Leiber, who died of cardiopulmonary failure at the age of 78, Police Academy star Charles 'Bubba' Smith, Bollywood veteran Shammi Kapoor, blues legend David 'Honeyboy' Edwards, Warrant rocker Jani Lane, and Motown hitmaker Nickolas Ashford. (Zn/Lr)
September
September was a month rapper T.I. would like to both remember and forget - he completed an 11-month prison sentence for a probation violation only to run into legal trouble again soon after his initial release for conducting illegal business deals on his way to a halfway house. It wasn't a great month for Madonna either - her movie take on the romance between Wallis Simpson and Edward VIII was savaged by critics at the Venice Film Festival, while her ex-husband Guy Ritchie became a dad again.
Celine Dion was left shaken up after an intruder was found running a bath at her Montreal, Canada home; Neil Diamond revealed his engagement, and Dr. Conrad Murray's involuntary manslaughter trial got underway in Los Angeles as prosecutors attempted to prove the medic was responsible for Michael Jackson's death.
R.E.M. announced they were splitting after 31 years; My Chemical Romance fired drummer Michael Pedicone after accusing him of stealing from them; Boyzone singer Ronan Keating swam the Irish Sea for Cancer Research in the U.K., and Sir Paul McCartney became a grandfather again and was named the MusiCares Person of the Year - while he also celebrated as his first ballet score debuted in New York.
The Amy Winehouse Foundation was launched on what would have been the tragic singer's 28th birthday, and the star's Body & Soul duet with Tony Bennett became a hit, making the 85-year-old crooner the oldest living artist to have a single in America's Hot 100.
Eddie Murphy was confirmed as the host for the 2012 Oscars; model Lauren Bush became Lauren Lauren when she exchanged vows with Ralph Lauren's son David; British funnyman David Walliams braved the chills of the River Thames and a stomach bug to complete a charity 140-mile swim in eight days.
Actress Evan Rachel Wood lost a tooth during a boozy night out in Paris; Reese Witherspoon was hospitalised after she was hit by a car while out jogging in Santa Monica, California; soul legend Chaka Khan won temporary custody of her granddaughter after claiming the girl's mother was struggling with drug abuse issues, and British The Saturdays singer Una Healy announced she was pregnant.
Inxs dropped frontman J.D. fortune for a second time and replaced him with Ciaran Gribbin; Austin Powers henchman Joseph Son was sentenced to life behind bars for a Christmas Eve rape in 1990, and George Clooney went public with his new girl, Stacey Kiebler, at the Toronto Film Festival in Canada.
Ashton Kutcher had a month of ups and downs - his debut on TV sitcom Two and a Half Men was a big hit as 28 million Americans tuned in, but then came the news that his marriage to Demi Moore was in trouble amid infidelity rumours. Comedienne Wanda Sykes opened up about her breast cancer battle and double mastectomy; Sharon Stone won a restraining order against an obsessed fan and promptly put the home he visited uninvited on the market, and reality TV star and filmmaker Jack Osbourne announced his engagement to actress Lisa Stelly and followed that up with the news he was to become a dad.
Third time was not the charm for Clueless star Stacy Dash, who announced her plans to divorce husband number three, Emmanuel Xuereb, and X-Men star James Marsden's wife also joined the divorce club as she filed papers against her husband. Elizabeth Hurley's love life was on the up - she accepted cricket star Shane Warne's wedding proposal just three months after divorcing Arun Nayar.
Meanwhile, Elton John launched his new Million Dollar Piano residency in Las Vegas; Smokey Robinson accepted the coveted Ella Award at the Society of Singers Gala, and the month wrapped up with Shania Twain's alleged stalker pleading guilty to harassing the singer in court in Ontario, Canada.
Among September's Hollywood weddings, Amy Smart married reality TV star Carter Oosterhouse; Cougar Town co-stars David Rogers and Sally Pressman became man and wife, and model-turned-actress Molly Sims wed in a Napa Valley vineyard in California. There were also nuptials for British filmmaker Michael Winner and DJ/producer Mark Ronson, while R&B singer Keyshia Cole and former Friends star David Schwimmer both renewed vows with their spouses in Hawaii and London, respectively.
There was baby news for model Jodie Kidd, who gave birth to a son; actress Mary McCormack, who became a mum for the third time, and January Jones, who welcomed Xander Dane to the world while staying mum about the tot's father. Actors Emily Deschanel, Ana Ortiz, Mike Myers, Danny McBride and Jenna Fischer also became new parents. In the music world, former Spice Girl Melanie Brown gave birth to her third daughter, and country star John Rich and former Pussycat Dolls member Carmit Bachar welcomed babies too.
On September's sick list were rocker Scott Weiland and pop stars Katy Perry and Adele, who both scrapped shows due to illness, while Megadeth headbanger Dave Mustaine underwent surgery for a serious neck injury.
The month's big winners included movie mogul Tyler Perry, who was named Forbes magazine's Highest Paid Man in Entertainment; actor Michael Fassbender and director Alexander Sokurov, who claimed Best Actor and Best Film honours, respectively, for Shame and Faust at the Venice Film Festival. Gritty TV drama Boardwalk Empire picked up eight Emmy Awards; Calle 13 landed a record 10 Latin Grammy Award nominations, and Happy Days star Henry Winkler picked up an honorary Order of the British Empire medal at the British Embassy in Washington, D.C.
Also winning: P.J. Harvey, who scooped the Mercury Prize in Britain, Arcade Fire, who claimed Canada's Polaris Prize, and U2 and Rolling Stone Keith Richards, who were named GQ magazine's Men of the Year.
September's losers included Scarlett Johansson, who was left exposed in a series of leaked naked phone photos; Cameron Diaz, who split from baseball beau Alex Rodriguez, and John Travolta, whose beloved Mercedes-Benz was stolen outside a Jaguar dealership in Santa Monica, while his Swordfish co-star Halle Berry broke her foot while on location in Spain.
Meanwhile, we said a sad goodbye to a slew of famous faces, including actors Andy Whitfield and Cliff Robertson; beloved TV stars Mary Fickett and Vesta Williams; actor Jack Garner; French DJ Mehdi Faveris-Essadi; blues great Willie 'Big Eyes' Smith; R&B hitmaker Vesta Williams; gospel icon Jessy Dixon; celebrated British writer/producer David Croft; Happy Gilmore star Frances Bay, and moviemakers David Pressman, Charles Dubin, George Kachar and Paul Hunt. (Kl/Mt)
October
October was a big month for celebrity weddings - funnyman Seth Rogen tied the knot with longtime girlfriend Lauren Miller, Twilight star Nikki Reed married singer/songwriter Paul McDonald, and former Beverly Hills, 90210 actress Shannen Doherty walked down the aisle for the third time when she exchanged vows with celebrity photographer Kurt Iswarienko. Also hoping to make it third-time lucky was Robin Williams, who wed graphic designer Susan Schneider.
Also taking the plunge was Kiss rocker Gene Simmons, who married his girlfriend of 28 years, Shannon Tweed, and Sir Paul McCartney, who exchanged vows with American heiress Nancy Shevell on what would have been his former Beatles bandmate John Lennon’s 71st birthday.
And Sex & the City star Mario Cantone made good use of New York's new gay rights bill by solidifying his love for longtime partner Jerry Dixon.
A number of other stars announced their intention to wed in October - NCIS: Los Angeles star Eric Christian Olsen proposed to girlfriend Sarah Wright and Trace Cyrus popped the question to Disney actress Brenda Song. And actress Kaley Cuoco was sporting a new sparkler after boyfriend Josh 'Lazie' Resnik got down on bended knee. Also officially off the market were former child star Frankie Muniz, The Devil Wears Prada actor Stanley Tucci, rapper The Game and Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's grown-up little girl Francis Bean Cobain.
A number of other celebrities were prepping their homes for babies - movie star Bruce Willis, American footballer Tony Romo, former Dawson's Creek hunk James Van Der Beek, and actress Kaitlin Olson all announced they are expecting little ones, and Jessica Simpson ended months of speculation by announcing she was pregnant.
And October's new parents included Ne-Yo, who welcomed a baby boy, model Ali Landry, who gave birth to her second child, actress Spencer Grammer, who became a first time mum, and France's First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, who became a mum for the second time when baby Giulia was born. Reality TV star Tori Spelling took home baby number three, as did Jackass funnyman Johnny Knoxville. And Sex & the City beauty Kristin Davis, The Help actress Viola Davis and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation veteran Mariska Hargitay all adopted babies.
But it wasn't such a happy month for rapper Rick Ross, who suffered two seizures on his way to a concert, or socialite Kim Kardashian who filed for divorce from husband Kris Humphries after just 72 days of marriage.
In other news, Star Trek actor Zachary Quinto announced he was gay and troubled actress Lindsay Lohan had her probation revoked after failing to complete her required community service hours. She also faced a limousine lawsuit for allegedly neglecting to pay a bill, her dad was arrested - twice, and she was served a lawsuit for reportedly attacking a Betty Ford Clinic employee during her stay there last year.
Meanwhile, the stars came out to show their support for the Occupy Wall Street protests, which were originally launched in New York City in a bid to end corporate greed, and the world mourned the loss of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, British TV and radio personality Sir Jimmy Savile, The Charlie Daniels Band keyboard player Joel 'Taz' Digregorio, former Weezer star Mikey Welsh, veteran British actress Betty Driver, The Miracles guitarist Marv Tarplin, pianist Roger Williams and IndyCar driver Dan Wheldon, who died in a horrific car smash at the Indy300.
November
British bachelor Hugh Grant stunned the world when he announced he had a new love in his life - a baby girl he had fathered during a brief relationship with Chinese model/actress Tinglan Hong. He wasn't the only star to join the celebrity parents' club in November - singer Lily Allen had a reason to Smile again after giving birth to a daughter, her first child with new husband Sam Cooper, while newsman Piers Morgan and his wife Celia Walden also became parents to a little girl. Maggie Gyllenhaal and her husband Peter Sarsgaard announced they were expecting their second child, as did reality TV star Kourtney Kardashian and her partner Scott Disick.
Selena Gomez revealed she is set to become a big sister, while Justin Bieber had some unwanted baby news of his own - he found himself at the centre of a paternity scandal following allegations he had impregnated 20-year-old Mariah Yeater following a backstage tryst in Los Angeles last year. The Baby hitmaker denied the claim and Yeater subsequently dropped the lawsuit.
Lindsay Lohan's troubles hit the headlines again after she was sentenced to serve 30 days behind bars for a probation violation, although she was released after less than five hours due to jail overcrowding. Dr. Conrad Murray was not so lucky - he was convicted of involuntary manslaughter relating to the death of Michael Jackson and sentenced to the maximum of four years behind bars.
In other legal matters, country singer Mindy McCready sparked a manhunt after she took her five-year-old son Zander from his father's Florida home without permission; Tim McGraw won a court battle with his record company bosses releasing him from his contract; and TLC star T-Boz declared bankruptcy.
Hugh Grant, Sienna Miller and Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling became driving forces in the push to improve British press standards following the News of the World phone-hacking scandal earlier this year - the three stars were called to give evidence to the Leveson Inquiry and told how they had had their voicemails, emails and other private messages intercepted by private investigators working on behalf of tabloid reporters.
The sporting world mourned the death of boxing great Joe Frazier at the age of 67, just days after it was revealed he was battling liver cancer, while the hip-hop industry was rocked by the passing of rap icon Heavy D, who collapsed outside his Los Angeles home and was later declared dead at 44. British moviemaker Ken Russell also passed away, aged 84, and longtime Oscars producer Gil Cates died at 77. Meanwhile, Beatles fans remembered George Harrison on 29 November as fans marked the 10th anniversary of his death.
Veteran pop star George Michael was forced to scrap the remainder of his European tour after he was struck down by a serious bout of pneumonia; Bee Gees singer Robin Gibb also spent time in hospital after suffering abdominal pains, and Adele and Keith Urban had a quiet month as they both recovered from vocal cord surgery, while heavy rock fans rejoiced as the original members of Black Sabbath announced they would be reuniting for a new album and tour in 2012.
It was ladies' night at the American Music Awards as Taylor Swift and Adele walked away with three honours each, while Lady Gaga reigned over the MTV Europe Music Awards and newlyweds Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton ruled the Country Music Association Awards by taking home the two top vocalist prizes. November also saw Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher end weeks of speculation about their marriage by calling it quits, while Sugarland singer Jennifer Nettles tied the knot and Anne Hathaway began making plans to wed boyfriend Adam Schulman, and former The Hills star Kristin Cavallari and American footballer Jay Cutler became engaged again, months after they broke off their initial plans to marry.
And it was a busy month for the film industry - the latest Twilight movie, Breaking Dawn - Part 1, landed the biggest global debut in the film franchise's history, thanks to a massive $284 million (£177.5 million) opening weekend haul; Golden Globes bosses decided to bring back controversial comedian Ricky Gervais to host his third prizegiving in 2012; Billy Crystal stepped in for Eddie Murphy as the host of the 2012 Academy Awards a day after the comic and producer pal Brett Ratner resigned, and the race for the Oscars kicked off with the Gotham Independent Film Awards, where Terrence Malick's Tree of Life and Mike Mills' acclaimed Beginners made history when they became the first films to tie for the Best Feature prize in the ceremony's 21-year history.
December
The holiday bells were peeling for newlyweds A.J. McLean, actress Judy Greer, reality TV star Jeff Probst and Yeah Yeah Yeahs rocker Karen O, while Sinead O'Connor married an addiction counsellor in Las Vegas only to call off the union 16 days later. There were also splits for actress Debra Messing and Chaz Bono.
Britney Spears led the month's bride and grooms-to-be when she accepted former agent Jason Trawick's proposal on his 40th birthday, while Steven Tyler, John Legend, Matthew McConaughey, basketball legend Michael Jordan and Lady Antebellum's Dave Haywood all popped the question to their girlfriends - and there was baby news for new dads Robert De Niro, Halle Berry's ex Eric Benet, actor Charlie Day, Westlife star Kian Egan, actress/singer Fantasia Barrino, Essence Atkins and pop star Dev, while actress Alyson Hannigan, Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty, Kings of Leon star Caleb Followill's supermodel wife Lily Aldridge, Alessandra Ambrosio and Irish singer Andrea Corr announced they were pregnant.
There was drama for rapper Tyler, The Creator, who was arrested for alleged acts of vandalism during a show in Hollywood; singer Christina Perri, who was attacked in a car-jacking incident; Barry Manilow, who underwent hip surgery, and Morrissey, whose concert in Puebla, Mexico was evacuated following an earthquake, while Britain's Prince Philip and R&B star Etta James spent Christmas in hospital.
Lindsay Lohan bared all for Playboy magazine; Adam Lambert was arrested in Finland following a pre-Christmas bust-up with his boyfriend; rapper The Game halted a gig in Norway to confront a bottle-throwing fan; boxer Floyd Mayweather, Jr. was sentenced to 90 days in jail for a 2010 fight with his ex; a man who leaked an unfinished new Madonna song online was arrested in Spain, and Michael Douglas' incarcerated son Cameron was handed an extra four-and-a-half years behind bars for another drug conviction.
And there was yet more drama for Terrence Howard, who requested a restraining order against his wife; model Lauren Scruggs, who lost her hand and an eye in a freak plane propeller accident; Hollywood couple Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart, who had to vacate their home after high winds brought a tree crashing into their living room, and pop star Selena Gomez suffered a family tragedy when her mother miscarried.
Meanwhile, Jodie Foster's estranged father was jailed for five years after he was found guilty of a property scam; Angelina Jolie was sued by a Croatian journalist who alleged his chronicle of the Bosnian War inspired her directorial debut; Kirsten Dunst won a restraining order against an obsessed French fan; an extra died of a heart attack while shooting The Dark Knight Rises in New York; Goodfellas actor Tony Darrow was sentenced to six months behind bars for arranging a real-life mob beating, and Charlie Sheen had to change his phone number when he accidentally tweeted it to his followers.
The month's big winners included singer Melanie Amaro, who became the first U.S. X Factor winner; Julio Iglesias, who was named Spain's best-selling recording artist of all time; Russell Simmons, who was crowned PETA's Person of the Year; Chaka Khan, who won permanent custody of her granddaughter; Lady Gaga, who was hailed the year's highest earning female musician, and Taylor Swift who picked up Billboard magazine's coveted Woman of The Year honour.
Also winning in December: Guns N' Roses, the Beastie Boys and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who were all announced as the members of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's Class of 2012, and Twilight star Kristen Stewart, who was named Forbes magazine's Most Lucrative Star. Adele dominated the year's end album and singles polls; Jason Newsted reunited with Metallica for their 30th anniversary bash in San Francisco, and Martin Scorsese's first 3D movie Hugo was the surprise Best Film winner at the National Board of Review Awards in America.
In other movie news, Transformers: Dark of The Moon was named the year's most mistake-ridden film; Orson Welles' Citizen Kane Oscar sold at auction for $861,000; Drive dominated the Satellite Awards while The Help, The Artist and The Descendants picked up the lion's share of nominations for the Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild Awards, and Angelina Jolie's directorial debut, In The Land of Blood and Honey, also picked up Golden Globes nods and she was named the 2012 recipient of the Stanley Kramer Award at the Producer's Guild of America Awards.
In music news, Amy Winehouse's posthumous album debuted at number one in Britain; 30 Seconds To Mars broke a concert record at a show in New York - their 309th in a single album cycle, and Gucci Mane was released from prison.
Wrapping up the month, Oscar winner Colin Firth was immortalised in wax at Madame Tussauds in London; Men's Health magazine bosses crowned Jennifer Aniston the Hottest Woman of All Time; Liz Taylor's diamonds and gems set a new auction record by becoming the most valuable private jewellery collection; Lmfao were forced to abandon a gig in Honduras after a fire broke out at the venue; Welsh opera star Katherine Jenkins announced her split from fiance Gethin Jones, and Coldplay rang in 2012 with a $1.6 million gig in Abu Dhabi.
And the last month of the year saw the notable deaths of actor Bill McKinney, soul stars Dobie Gray and Howard Tate, M*A*S*H regular Harry Morgan, Clark Gable and Loretta Young's love child Judy Lewis, actress Doe Avedon Siegel, former child star Susan Gordon, country singer Billie Jo Spears, Aussie actor Graham Bown, world leaders Vaclav Havel and Kim Jong-Il, songwriter Ralph MacDonald, Kojak star Dan Frazer, directors Don Sharp and Yoshimitsu Morita, writer Christopher Hitchens and Tarzan's chimp sidekick Cheetah, who died of liver failure, aged 80.
July
The month of July was overshadowed by the sudden and shocking death of British singer Amy Winehouse. The Back to Black hitmaker was found dead at her home in London at the age of 27 and the news sent the world of showbusiness into mourning. Tributes poured in from both fans and famous friends following the tragedy, and Winehouse's music shot back into the charts.
The headlines were also dominated by celebrity divorces as Jennifer Lopez announced her split from husband of seven years, Marc Anthony, the father of her young twins, Max and Emme. Arnold Schwarzenegger's marriage also came to an abrupt end as his wife Maria Shriver filed for divorce following revelations the actor/politician fathered a lovechild with the family's housekeeper.
Scarlett Johansson's divorce from Ryan Reynolds was finalised and Patricia Arquette's split from husband Thomas Jane was also made official.
In happier news, all eyes were on Monaco as the world geared up for the second royal wedding of the year, following the union of Britain’s Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge in April. In the same month as the British royals flew to Canada to begin their first international tour as a married couple, Prince Albert of Monaco married his fiancee, South African beauty Charlene Wittstock. The couple exchanged vows in two ceremonies in Monte Carlo and the former swimmer became her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco. British supermodel Kate Moss also became a married woman as she wed rocker Jamie Hince in a lavish ceremony in the English countryside, while it was also an exciting month for the Beckham family as former Spice Girls star Victoria, already mother to three boys, gave birth to her first daughter, Harper Seven.
There was also baby joy for Hollywood actress Kate Hudson - she welcomed a son called Bingham with her rocker fiance Matt Bellamy. Singer Jewel, actress Selma Blair and former Fugees star Lauryn Hill also became parents. British artist/director Sam Taylor-Wood also hit headlines after she confirmed she was expecting a second baby with her 21-year-old fiance, actor Aaron Johnson, a year after the birth of their daughter. The couple met on the set of their 2009 film Nowhere Boy and became parents together in 2010.
July also saw troubled British rocker Pete Doherty granted his freedom after serving less than half of his six-month prison sentence for cocaine possession. Another beleaguered star to walk free from jail was rapper Dmx, who served seven months behind bars for a probation violation. However, David Gilmour’s son Charlie found himself on the other side of the prison walls as he was ordered to serve 16 months in jail for his part in the 2010 student riots in London. The Pink Floyd star’s son was charged with violent disorder for causing chaos in the British capital and swinging from a flag on the city’s Cenotaph war memorial. (Lr/Zn)
August
The usual serenity of the summer months was shattered this year when Kate Winslet cheated death in a devastating inferno at Richard Branson's luxury island home, and a string of British stars appealed for calm as widespread rioting broke out in the U.K.
Winslet was holidaying at Virgin boss Branson's Necker Island retreat when lightning struck the property, sparking a huge blaze which gutted the home. Her party of 20 miraculously escaped unscathed - and Winslet was later hailed a heroine after it emerged she carried Branson's 90-year-old mother from the property during the drama.
As unrest, looting, and arson broke out for several nights in the U.K., showbiz stars including Idris Elba, Natasha Bedingfield and Boy George called for calm, and there was also bad news for Sir Paul McCartney - who learned his phone had been hacked by the tabloid press - and veteran actress Margot Kidder, who was arrested during an environment protest at the White House.
Tragedy struck at the Indiana State Fair, when a horrific stage collapse left seven revellers dead and more than 40 injured, actor Rowan Atkinson was treated in hospital after wrecking his rare sports car by crashing it into a tree, and French actor Gerard Depardieu was left red-faced when he was thrown off a plane in Paris, France for urinating in the cabin after he was refused access to the toilet during take-off.
It was ladies night at the MTV Video Music Awards as Katy Perry, Britney Spears and Lady Gaga took home two honours each - and Beyonce announced her pregnancy news. And at the Teen Choice Awards, Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez were crowned queens of the event when they scooped whopping 11 awards between them.
Kings of Leon finally succumbed to their relentless touring schedule and axed their remaining U.S. dates to allow frontman Caleb Followill to recover from "vocal issues and exhaustion", Aerosmith rocker Tom Hamilton and Deep Purple star Jon Lord both announced they were battling cancer, Bono was hospitalised with chest pains, and Norwegian pop band A-ha thrilled fans by announcing they were to reform.
In family news, Kiss star Paul Stanley became a father again, and there were also welcome additions for Ethan Hawke, funnywoman Tina Fey, illusionist David Copperfield, Jessica Alba, and Benicio del Toro, who fathered a child with Rod Stewart's daughter Kimberly.
There were wedding bells for country singer Chely Wright and filmmaker Sofia Coppola, but romance took a plunge for George Michael and Geri Halliwell, who both split from their partners. Also joining the singles club was Arctic Monkeys rocker Alex Turner, who broke up with MTV presenter Alexa Chung after four years together.
The showbiz world bid farewell to songwriting legend Jerry Leiber, who died of cardiopulmonary failure at the age of 78, Police Academy star Charles 'Bubba' Smith, Bollywood veteran Shammi Kapoor, blues legend David 'Honeyboy' Edwards, Warrant rocker Jani Lane, and Motown hitmaker Nickolas Ashford. (Zn/Lr)
September
September was a month rapper T.I. would like to both remember and forget - he completed an 11-month prison sentence for a probation violation only to run into legal trouble again soon after his initial release for conducting illegal business deals on his way to a halfway house. It wasn't a great month for Madonna either - her movie take on the romance between Wallis Simpson and Edward VIII was savaged by critics at the Venice Film Festival, while her ex-husband Guy Ritchie became a dad again.
Celine Dion was left shaken up after an intruder was found running a bath at her Montreal, Canada home; Neil Diamond revealed his engagement, and Dr. Conrad Murray's involuntary manslaughter trial got underway in Los Angeles as prosecutors attempted to prove the medic was responsible for Michael Jackson's death.
R.E.M. announced they were splitting after 31 years; My Chemical Romance fired drummer Michael Pedicone after accusing him of stealing from them; Boyzone singer Ronan Keating swam the Irish Sea for Cancer Research in the U.K., and Sir Paul McCartney became a grandfather again and was named the MusiCares Person of the Year - while he also celebrated as his first ballet score debuted in New York.
The Amy Winehouse Foundation was launched on what would have been the tragic singer's 28th birthday, and the star's Body & Soul duet with Tony Bennett became a hit, making the 85-year-old crooner the oldest living artist to have a single in America's Hot 100.
Eddie Murphy was confirmed as the host for the 2012 Oscars; model Lauren Bush became Lauren Lauren when she exchanged vows with Ralph Lauren's son David; British funnyman David Walliams braved the chills of the River Thames and a stomach bug to complete a charity 140-mile swim in eight days.
Actress Evan Rachel Wood lost a tooth during a boozy night out in Paris; Reese Witherspoon was hospitalised after she was hit by a car while out jogging in Santa Monica, California; soul legend Chaka Khan won temporary custody of her granddaughter after claiming the girl's mother was struggling with drug abuse issues, and British The Saturdays singer Una Healy announced she was pregnant.
Inxs dropped frontman J.D. fortune for a second time and replaced him with Ciaran Gribbin; Austin Powers henchman Joseph Son was sentenced to life behind bars for a Christmas Eve rape in 1990, and George Clooney went public with his new girl, Stacey Kiebler, at the Toronto Film Festival in Canada.
Ashton Kutcher had a month of ups and downs - his debut on TV sitcom Two and a Half Men was a big hit as 28 million Americans tuned in, but then came the news that his marriage to Demi Moore was in trouble amid infidelity rumours. Comedienne Wanda Sykes opened up about her breast cancer battle and double mastectomy; Sharon Stone won a restraining order against an obsessed fan and promptly put the home he visited uninvited on the market, and reality TV star and filmmaker Jack Osbourne announced his engagement to actress Lisa Stelly and followed that up with the news he was to become a dad.
Third time was not the charm for Clueless star Stacy Dash, who announced her plans to divorce husband number three, Emmanuel Xuereb, and X-Men star James Marsden's wife also joined the divorce club as she filed papers against her husband. Elizabeth Hurley's love life was on the up - she accepted cricket star Shane Warne's wedding proposal just three months after divorcing Arun Nayar.
Meanwhile, Elton John launched his new Million Dollar Piano residency in Las Vegas; Smokey Robinson accepted the coveted Ella Award at the Society of Singers Gala, and the month wrapped up with Shania Twain's alleged stalker pleading guilty to harassing the singer in court in Ontario, Canada.
Among September's Hollywood weddings, Amy Smart married reality TV star Carter Oosterhouse; Cougar Town co-stars David Rogers and Sally Pressman became man and wife, and model-turned-actress Molly Sims wed in a Napa Valley vineyard in California. There were also nuptials for British filmmaker Michael Winner and DJ/producer Mark Ronson, while R&B singer Keyshia Cole and former Friends star David Schwimmer both renewed vows with their spouses in Hawaii and London, respectively.
There was baby news for model Jodie Kidd, who gave birth to a son; actress Mary McCormack, who became a mum for the third time, and January Jones, who welcomed Xander Dane to the world while staying mum about the tot's father. Actors Emily Deschanel, Ana Ortiz, Mike Myers, Danny McBride and Jenna Fischer also became new parents. In the music world, former Spice Girl Melanie Brown gave birth to her third daughter, and country star John Rich and former Pussycat Dolls member Carmit Bachar welcomed babies too.
On September's sick list were rocker Scott Weiland and pop stars Katy Perry and Adele, who both scrapped shows due to illness, while Megadeth headbanger Dave Mustaine underwent surgery for a serious neck injury.
The month's big winners included movie mogul Tyler Perry, who was named Forbes magazine's Highest Paid Man in Entertainment; actor Michael Fassbender and director Alexander Sokurov, who claimed Best Actor and Best Film honours, respectively, for Shame and Faust at the Venice Film Festival. Gritty TV drama Boardwalk Empire picked up eight Emmy Awards; Calle 13 landed a record 10 Latin Grammy Award nominations, and Happy Days star Henry Winkler picked up an honorary Order of the British Empire medal at the British Embassy in Washington, D.C.
Also winning: P.J. Harvey, who scooped the Mercury Prize in Britain, Arcade Fire, who claimed Canada's Polaris Prize, and U2 and Rolling Stone Keith Richards, who were named GQ magazine's Men of the Year.
September's losers included Scarlett Johansson, who was left exposed in a series of leaked naked phone photos; Cameron Diaz, who split from baseball beau Alex Rodriguez, and John Travolta, whose beloved Mercedes-Benz was stolen outside a Jaguar dealership in Santa Monica, while his Swordfish co-star Halle Berry broke her foot while on location in Spain.
Meanwhile, we said a sad goodbye to a slew of famous faces, including actors Andy Whitfield and Cliff Robertson; beloved TV stars Mary Fickett and Vesta Williams; actor Jack Garner; French DJ Mehdi Faveris-Essadi; blues great Willie 'Big Eyes' Smith; R&B hitmaker Vesta Williams; gospel icon Jessy Dixon; celebrated British writer/producer David Croft; Happy Gilmore star Frances Bay, and moviemakers David Pressman, Charles Dubin, George Kachar and Paul Hunt. (Kl/Mt)
October
October was a big month for celebrity weddings - funnyman Seth Rogen tied the knot with longtime girlfriend Lauren Miller, Twilight star Nikki Reed married singer/songwriter Paul McDonald, and former Beverly Hills, 90210 actress Shannen Doherty walked down the aisle for the third time when she exchanged vows with celebrity photographer Kurt Iswarienko. Also hoping to make it third-time lucky was Robin Williams, who wed graphic designer Susan Schneider.
Also taking the plunge was Kiss rocker Gene Simmons, who married his girlfriend of 28 years, Shannon Tweed, and Sir Paul McCartney, who exchanged vows with American heiress Nancy Shevell on what would have been his former Beatles bandmate John Lennon’s 71st birthday.
And Sex & the City star Mario Cantone made good use of New York's new gay rights bill by solidifying his love for longtime partner Jerry Dixon.
A number of other stars announced their intention to wed in October - NCIS: Los Angeles star Eric Christian Olsen proposed to girlfriend Sarah Wright and Trace Cyrus popped the question to Disney actress Brenda Song. And actress Kaley Cuoco was sporting a new sparkler after boyfriend Josh 'Lazie' Resnik got down on bended knee. Also officially off the market were former child star Frankie Muniz, The Devil Wears Prada actor Stanley Tucci, rapper The Game and Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's grown-up little girl Francis Bean Cobain.
A number of other celebrities were prepping their homes for babies - movie star Bruce Willis, American footballer Tony Romo, former Dawson's Creek hunk James Van Der Beek, and actress Kaitlin Olson all announced they are expecting little ones, and Jessica Simpson ended months of speculation by announcing she was pregnant.
And October's new parents included Ne-Yo, who welcomed a baby boy, model Ali Landry, who gave birth to her second child, actress Spencer Grammer, who became a first time mum, and France's First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, who became a mum for the second time when baby Giulia was born. Reality TV star Tori Spelling took home baby number three, as did Jackass funnyman Johnny Knoxville. And Sex & the City beauty Kristin Davis, The Help actress Viola Davis and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation veteran Mariska Hargitay all adopted babies.
But it wasn't such a happy month for rapper Rick Ross, who suffered two seizures on his way to a concert, or socialite Kim Kardashian who filed for divorce from husband Kris Humphries after just 72 days of marriage.
In other news, Star Trek actor Zachary Quinto announced he was gay and troubled actress Lindsay Lohan had her probation revoked after failing to complete her required community service hours. She also faced a limousine lawsuit for allegedly neglecting to pay a bill, her dad was arrested - twice, and she was served a lawsuit for reportedly attacking a Betty Ford Clinic employee during her stay there last year.
Meanwhile, the stars came out to show their support for the Occupy Wall Street protests, which were originally launched in New York City in a bid to end corporate greed, and the world mourned the loss of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, British TV and radio personality Sir Jimmy Savile, The Charlie Daniels Band keyboard player Joel 'Taz' Digregorio, former Weezer star Mikey Welsh, veteran British actress Betty Driver, The Miracles guitarist Marv Tarplin, pianist Roger Williams and IndyCar driver Dan Wheldon, who died in a horrific car smash at the Indy300.
November
British bachelor Hugh Grant stunned the world when he announced he had a new love in his life - a baby girl he had fathered during a brief relationship with Chinese model/actress Tinglan Hong. He wasn't the only star to join the celebrity parents' club in November - singer Lily Allen had a reason to Smile again after giving birth to a daughter, her first child with new husband Sam Cooper, while newsman Piers Morgan and his wife Celia Walden also became parents to a little girl. Maggie Gyllenhaal and her husband Peter Sarsgaard announced they were expecting their second child, as did reality TV star Kourtney Kardashian and her partner Scott Disick.
Selena Gomez revealed she is set to become a big sister, while Justin Bieber had some unwanted baby news of his own - he found himself at the centre of a paternity scandal following allegations he had impregnated 20-year-old Mariah Yeater following a backstage tryst in Los Angeles last year. The Baby hitmaker denied the claim and Yeater subsequently dropped the lawsuit.
Lindsay Lohan's troubles hit the headlines again after she was sentenced to serve 30 days behind bars for a probation violation, although she was released after less than five hours due to jail overcrowding. Dr. Conrad Murray was not so lucky - he was convicted of involuntary manslaughter relating to the death of Michael Jackson and sentenced to the maximum of four years behind bars.
In other legal matters, country singer Mindy McCready sparked a manhunt after she took her five-year-old son Zander from his father's Florida home without permission; Tim McGraw won a court battle with his record company bosses releasing him from his contract; and TLC star T-Boz declared bankruptcy.
Hugh Grant, Sienna Miller and Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling became driving forces in the push to improve British press standards following the News of the World phone-hacking scandal earlier this year - the three stars were called to give evidence to the Leveson Inquiry and told how they had had their voicemails, emails and other private messages intercepted by private investigators working on behalf of tabloid reporters.
The sporting world mourned the death of boxing great Joe Frazier at the age of 67, just days after it was revealed he was battling liver cancer, while the hip-hop industry was rocked by the passing of rap icon Heavy D, who collapsed outside his Los Angeles home and was later declared dead at 44. British moviemaker Ken Russell also passed away, aged 84, and longtime Oscars producer Gil Cates died at 77. Meanwhile, Beatles fans remembered George Harrison on 29 November as fans marked the 10th anniversary of his death.
Veteran pop star George Michael was forced to scrap the remainder of his European tour after he was struck down by a serious bout of pneumonia; Bee Gees singer Robin Gibb also spent time in hospital after suffering abdominal pains, and Adele and Keith Urban had a quiet month as they both recovered from vocal cord surgery, while heavy rock fans rejoiced as the original members of Black Sabbath announced they would be reuniting for a new album and tour in 2012.
It was ladies' night at the American Music Awards as Taylor Swift and Adele walked away with three honours each, while Lady Gaga reigned over the MTV Europe Music Awards and newlyweds Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton ruled the Country Music Association Awards by taking home the two top vocalist prizes. November also saw Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher end weeks of speculation about their marriage by calling it quits, while Sugarland singer Jennifer Nettles tied the knot and Anne Hathaway began making plans to wed boyfriend Adam Schulman, and former The Hills star Kristin Cavallari and American footballer Jay Cutler became engaged again, months after they broke off their initial plans to marry.
And it was a busy month for the film industry - the latest Twilight movie, Breaking Dawn - Part 1, landed the biggest global debut in the film franchise's history, thanks to a massive $284 million (£177.5 million) opening weekend haul; Golden Globes bosses decided to bring back controversial comedian Ricky Gervais to host his third prizegiving in 2012; Billy Crystal stepped in for Eddie Murphy as the host of the 2012 Academy Awards a day after the comic and producer pal Brett Ratner resigned, and the race for the Oscars kicked off with the Gotham Independent Film Awards, where Terrence Malick's Tree of Life and Mike Mills' acclaimed Beginners made history when they became the first films to tie for the Best Feature prize in the ceremony's 21-year history.
December
The holiday bells were peeling for newlyweds A.J. McLean, actress Judy Greer, reality TV star Jeff Probst and Yeah Yeah Yeahs rocker Karen O, while Sinead O'Connor married an addiction counsellor in Las Vegas only to call off the union 16 days later. There were also splits for actress Debra Messing and Chaz Bono.
Britney Spears led the month's bride and grooms-to-be when she accepted former agent Jason Trawick's proposal on his 40th birthday, while Steven Tyler, John Legend, Matthew McConaughey, basketball legend Michael Jordan and Lady Antebellum's Dave Haywood all popped the question to their girlfriends - and there was baby news for new dads Robert De Niro, Halle Berry's ex Eric Benet, actor Charlie Day, Westlife star Kian Egan, actress/singer Fantasia Barrino, Essence Atkins and pop star Dev, while actress Alyson Hannigan, Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty, Kings of Leon star Caleb Followill's supermodel wife Lily Aldridge, Alessandra Ambrosio and Irish singer Andrea Corr announced they were pregnant.
There was drama for rapper Tyler, The Creator, who was arrested for alleged acts of vandalism during a show in Hollywood; singer Christina Perri, who was attacked in a car-jacking incident; Barry Manilow, who underwent hip surgery, and Morrissey, whose concert in Puebla, Mexico was evacuated following an earthquake, while Britain's Prince Philip and R&B star Etta James spent Christmas in hospital.
Lindsay Lohan bared all for Playboy magazine; Adam Lambert was arrested in Finland following a pre-Christmas bust-up with his boyfriend; rapper The Game halted a gig in Norway to confront a bottle-throwing fan; boxer Floyd Mayweather, Jr. was sentenced to 90 days in jail for a 2010 fight with his ex; a man who leaked an unfinished new Madonna song online was arrested in Spain, and Michael Douglas' incarcerated son Cameron was handed an extra four-and-a-half years behind bars for another drug conviction.
And there was yet more drama for Terrence Howard, who requested a restraining order against his wife; model Lauren Scruggs, who lost her hand and an eye in a freak plane propeller accident; Hollywood couple Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart, who had to vacate their home after high winds brought a tree crashing into their living room, and pop star Selena Gomez suffered a family tragedy when her mother miscarried.
Meanwhile, Jodie Foster's estranged father was jailed for five years after he was found guilty of a property scam; Angelina Jolie was sued by a Croatian journalist who alleged his chronicle of the Bosnian War inspired her directorial debut; Kirsten Dunst won a restraining order against an obsessed French fan; an extra died of a heart attack while shooting The Dark Knight Rises in New York; Goodfellas actor Tony Darrow was sentenced to six months behind bars for arranging a real-life mob beating, and Charlie Sheen had to change his phone number when he accidentally tweeted it to his followers.
The month's big winners included singer Melanie Amaro, who became the first U.S. X Factor winner; Julio Iglesias, who was named Spain's best-selling recording artist of all time; Russell Simmons, who was crowned PETA's Person of the Year; Chaka Khan, who won permanent custody of her granddaughter; Lady Gaga, who was hailed the year's highest earning female musician, and Taylor Swift who picked up Billboard magazine's coveted Woman of The Year honour.
Also winning in December: Guns N' Roses, the Beastie Boys and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who were all announced as the members of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's Class of 2012, and Twilight star Kristen Stewart, who was named Forbes magazine's Most Lucrative Star. Adele dominated the year's end album and singles polls; Jason Newsted reunited with Metallica for their 30th anniversary bash in San Francisco, and Martin Scorsese's first 3D movie Hugo was the surprise Best Film winner at the National Board of Review Awards in America.
In other movie news, Transformers: Dark of The Moon was named the year's most mistake-ridden film; Orson Welles' Citizen Kane Oscar sold at auction for $861,000; Drive dominated the Satellite Awards while The Help, The Artist and The Descendants picked up the lion's share of nominations for the Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild Awards, and Angelina Jolie's directorial debut, In The Land of Blood and Honey, also picked up Golden Globes nods and she was named the 2012 recipient of the Stanley Kramer Award at the Producer's Guild of America Awards.
In music news, Amy Winehouse's posthumous album debuted at number one in Britain; 30 Seconds To Mars broke a concert record at a show in New York - their 309th in a single album cycle, and Gucci Mane was released from prison.
Wrapping up the month, Oscar winner Colin Firth was immortalised in wax at Madame Tussauds in London; Men's Health magazine bosses crowned Jennifer Aniston the Hottest Woman of All Time; Liz Taylor's diamonds and gems set a new auction record by becoming the most valuable private jewellery collection; Lmfao were forced to abandon a gig in Honduras after a fire broke out at the venue; Welsh opera star Katherine Jenkins announced her split from fiance Gethin Jones, and Coldplay rang in 2012 with a $1.6 million gig in Abu Dhabi.
And the last month of the year saw the notable deaths of actor Bill McKinney, soul stars Dobie Gray and Howard Tate, M*A*S*H regular Harry Morgan, Clark Gable and Loretta Young's love child Judy Lewis, actress Doe Avedon Siegel, former child star Susan Gordon, country singer Billie Jo Spears, Aussie actor Graham Bown, world leaders Vaclav Havel and Kim Jong-Il, songwriter Ralph MacDonald, Kojak star Dan Frazer, directors Don Sharp and Yoshimitsu Morita, writer Christopher Hitchens and Tarzan's chimp sidekick Cheetah, who died of liver failure, aged 80.
- 1/1/2012
- WENN
It's been an incredible year in the world of showbiz, with the usual headline-grabbing antics, scandal, sleaze, celebrity births, star weddings, and bitter break-ups. Here, WENN takes a look back at the first six months of 2011...
January
The new year began with wedding bells for many couples including singer Shania Twain, who married her fiance Frederic Thiebaud in Puerto Rico on New Year's Day, while country star Kellie Pickler and actress Valerie Bertinelli also walked down the aisle on 1 January.
The new year brought baby news for a number of celebrity couples - Orlando Bloom and his wife Miranda Kerr became first-time parents with the birth of their son Flynn. Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem also welcomed a son, and Owen Wilson became a father just days after he announced his girlfriend's pregnancy. Nicole Kidman also hit headlines when she and her husband Keith Urban revealed they welcomed a daughter called Faith via a surrogate mother over the holidays.
There was also pregnancy news for actress Kate Hudson, who announced she was expecting a baby with Muse rocker Matt Bellamy, as well as Marion Cotillard, Jewel, Selma Blair and Victoria Beckham, who confirmed she was pregnant with her fourth child.
However, the first few weeks of 2011 also brought a slew of celebrity splits - Keira Knightley ended her longtime romance with actor Rupert Friend, Shakira parted ways with Antonio de la Rua, her boyfriend of more than 10 years, and Mila Kunis and Macaulay Culkin separated after eight years together.
Many stars saw in the new year by addressing their personal problems, and a number of famous faces went in and out of rehab in the first few weeks of 2011. Lindsay Lohan and Demi Lovato both ended long treatment stints in January, while David Arquette, Backstreet Boys star A.J. McLean and his bandmate Nick Carter's younger brother Aaron all enrolled in programs. Troubled actor Charlie Sheen also admitted himself to a clinic just weeks after he was hospitalised to treat a hernia, and he later admitted he turned to booze to blot out the pain of the medical condition. Sheen’s rehab stint forced TV bosses to shut down production on his show Two and a Half Men.
Another colourful character to hit the headlines in January was British funnyman Ricky Gervais, who managed to cause controversy during his stint as Golden Globes host. The comedian was condemned by organisers for poking fun at celebrity guests including Robert Downey, Jr., Johnny Depp and Tom Hanks during the glitzy prizegiving.
The month held good news for veteran actor Michael Douglas as he was given the all-clear after a gruelling battle with throat cancer. His wife Catherine Zeta-Jones subsequently admitted she cried tears of joy when doctors told the couple the actor had beaten the disease. Poison rocker Bret Michaels also overcame a health crisis after undergoing successful surgery to close a hole in his heart.
January also saw the loss of a number of great stars including Oscar-winning James Bond theme composer John Barry, and Scottish musician Gerry Rafferty, who passed away after suffering liver failure. The world of Hollywood was again plunged into mourning following the death of British actor Pete Postlethwaite, who died at the age of 64.
February
As awards season got into full swing, The King's Speech was the toast of Hollywood after scooping four Oscars including Best Picture, Best Actor for the movie's star, Colin Firth, and Best Director for Tom Hooper, while Natalie Portman fought back tears as she walked away with the Best Actress honour for her role as a tormented ballet dancer in Black Swan. It was a different story at the Independent Spirit Awards, where Black Swan trounced its rivals, picking up four honours including Best Director for Darren Aronofsky.
In the world of music, Lady Gaga's incredible rise continued as she picked up three Grammy Awards, including Best Pop Vocal Album, but her achievements were overshadowed by country trio Lady Antebellum, who scored five accolades, and the shock win for Canadian rockers Arcade Fire in the prestigious Album of the Year category for their disc The Suburbs. Across the pond at the Brit Awards in London, Arcade Fire were again bathed in glory when they were handed the International Group and International Album honours, while newcomer Tinie Tempah crowned a triumphant 12 months by taking home the British Breakthrough Act and British Single titles. Rihanna was named Best International Female solo star, and Justin Bieber was named the International Breakthrough Act of the year.
Away from the red carpet, it was a bleak month for My Name Is Earl actress Jaime Pressly, who was charged with driving under the influence after failing a field sobriety test, Dirty Dancing star Jennifer Grey, who was underwent an operation to remove a growth from her foot, Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman, who was hospitalised with a flesh-eating bug, and Dame Judi Dench, who broke two of her toes on the set of her new movie J. Edgar.
There were also woes for Rihanna, whose raunchy promo film for single S&M provoked outrage around the world and was banned in 11 countries, actress Eliza Dushku, who broke a finger on holiday, and fashion king John Galliano, who was suspended and later sacked by Christian Dior after he was filmed launching an anti-Semitic rant at stunned drinkers in a bar in Paris, France.
Rock duo the White Stripes stunned the music world when they announced they were splitting up after 14 years, and Lady Gaga's much-hyped new single Born This Way was unveiled to a barrage of accusations she had ripped off Madonna's classic Express Yourself. But there was good news for older music fans, as '60s icons The Monkees announced they were reuniting for a U.K. tour.
Loved up celebrity couples Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez, and Anna Friel and Rhys Ifans, both confirmed their engagements, and there were wedding bells for Kelsey Grammer - who married for the fourth time - and Mark Ronson and Katherine Jenkins, who both announced their respective engagements.
Among the stars hearing the pitter-patter of tiny feet this month were Christina Applegate, who gave birth to a daughter, magician David Blaine, who became a first-time father to a baby girl, reggae star Zac Marley, rocker Rod Stewart, Sex and the City's Cynthia Nixon, and No Doubt star Tom Dumont.
Jude Law continued his unlucky-in-love streak when he split - yet again - from Sienna Miller, Iron Man star Terrence Howard was hit with divorce papers, Olivia Wilde split from her husband after eight years, and celebrity couple Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz announced their marriage was over.
The world of showbiz bid farewell to guitar legend Gary Moore, who died aged 58, blues legend Eddie Kirkland died in a car crash at the age of 88, Seinfeld star Len Lesser succumbed to pneumonia aged 88, and The Dukes of Hazzard actress Peggy Rea, who passed away at the age of 89.
March
Tinseltown lost one of its brightest lights in March after movie icon Dame Elizabeth Taylor died of congestive heart failure at the age of 79. Tributes from the world of showbiz poured in for the Cleopatra legend, with Sir Elton John, Jane Fonda, Barbra Streisand and Liza Minnelli leading the heartfelt remembrances. The acting great was interred at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California, where her dear friend Michael Jackson was also laid to rest in 2009.
March was also marked by controversy as a host of famous faces found themselves in the headlines for all the wrong reasons.
Pop star Christina Aguilera was arrested for drunkenness in West Hollywood, while Boardwalk Empire beauty Pas de la Huerta was also apprehended after a bar fight in New York City. Jackass daredevil Steve-o was taken into custody in Canada on an outstanding warrant, and rapper Rick Ross got caught smoking marijuana in a Louisiana hotel room.
But it was Charlie Sheen who really gave fans something to talk about after he was fired from Two and a Half Men following months of public feuding with writer/creator Chuck Lorre. Days later, cops raided Sheen's Los Angeles home to investigate a tip that the troubled star was in violation of a court order by keeping a gun in the house.
March also brought one of the year's most devastating tragedies as Japan was hit by a massive earthquake, which then created an enormous tidal wave. More than 15,000 people perished in the disaster and Slash, Lady Gaga, the Black Eyed Peas and the Foo Fighters were among the big-name acts who staged gigs to raise money for victims, while actresses Sandra Bullock and Demi Lovato also donated $1 million (£625,000) each to boost relief efforts.
Back in Hollywood, there was plenty of heartache as Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel ended their romance, Renee Zellweger called it quits with Bradley Cooper and Twilight beauty Ashley Greene split from Joe Jonas.
But love was most definitely in the air for Oscar winner Reese Witherspoon, who married showbiz agent Jim Toth in a romantic ceremony at her California home. Canadian crooner Michael Buble also wed stunning supermodel Luisana Lopilato in a civil ceremony in her native Argentina.
Celebrations were in order for former Spice Girl Melanie Brown, who announced she and husband Stephen Belafonte were expecting their first child together. Actors Robert De Niro and Mel Gibson became proud grandfathers in March, while Elizabeth Banks also became a first-time mother to a baby boy, born via surrogate.
Emily Deschanel confirmed she was expecting her first child with actor husband David Hornsby, while Cruel Intentions star Ryan Phillippe also had baby news after the tabloids reported that his ex-girlfriend, actress Alexis Knapp, was pregnant.
There was a health scare on the cards for tennis ace Serena Williams after she was hospitalised with a blood clot in her lungs, while fears for Zsa Zsa Gabor's wellbeing mounted when she began coughing up blood and suffered circulation problems in her left leg.
There was a close call for actor David Arquette after he was in a head-on car crash in Los Angeles, and Glee star Lea Michele was also involved in a smash when her car was struck by a drunk driver.
Hip-hop star Wyclef Jean had a lucky escape after he was shot in the hand during a visit to his native Haiti, while James Taylor suffered a broken leg in a skiing accident in Utah.
Courtroom battles loomed for Britney Spears, who was hit with a $10 million (£6.25 million) lawsuit over a perfume deal, and Jay-z was accused of trademark infringement over the logo for Roc Nation.
Even clean-cut teen pop sensation Justin Bieber found himself named in court papers after a songwriting duo sued over claims they hadn't received royalties for his hit song One Less Lonely Girl.
April
There were births, marriages and bust-ups galore as Spring sprung in April, but only one subject was on everyone's lips - the royal wedding. Celebs and commoners alike got carried away in the buzz of the big day on 29 April, when brunette beauty Kate Middleton walked down the aisle with her very own Prince Charming, William. Who would design the dress? Who would be invited? Would best man Harry fall for bridesmaid Pippa? But all questions fell by the wayside on the morning of the magical day, as Britain and two billion viewers across the world came to a standstill to watch the future Queen of England step out of her Rolls-Royce wearing a stunning Alexander McQueen lace gown to huge cheers from the crowd. The pair wed in front of 1,900 quests, including Queen Elizabeth II, the entire royal family, and even showbiz royalty Victoria and David Beckham, and left London's Westminster Abbey to great fanfare as the new Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. But Kate didn't hog all the limelight - who can forget the backing support of her sister Pippa, hailed Her Royal Hotness thanks to that figure-hugging dress and her much-discussed derriere?
The wedding was of fairytale proportions, one even our favourite celebs couldn't compete with - but that didn’t stop them from trying! Canadian crooner Michael Buble was one of the biggest stars to walk down the aisle in April - his second set of nuptials to stunning fiancee Luisana Lopilato following their original wedding day in March. Controversial couple LeAnn Rimes and Eddie Cibrian also wed in a private ceremony in Malibu, which was a surprise for guests - they thought they were there for the pair's engagement party! Funnyman Rob Schneider also joined the marriage club, exchanging vows with fiancee Patricia Azarcoya Arce over the Easter Weekend. The marriage mood of the month gave many stars ideas; the likes of Kate Hudson and Matt Bellamy, and Tom Fletcher and his longtime girlfriend became engaged.
Despite love being in the air, some unions were destined to end - Elizabeth Hurley started divorce proceedings against her millionaire husband Arun Nayar, while Christina Aguilera's five-year marriage to Jordan Bratman was declared officially over. After marriage must come babies, and April was awash with stars welcoming newborns. Superstar Mariah Carey welcomed twins Moroccan and Monroe, and in true diva style, gave birth to them on her fourth wedding anniversary to Nick Cannon. The Killers frontman Brandon Flowers and Black Eyed Peas rapper Taboo both welcomed their third sons, while Jane Krakowski, Kevin James, Toni Collette and Drea De Matteo all also became parents to baby boys. Mexican actor Gael Garcia Bernal was an exception to the rule - he became the proud father of a baby girl.
But with ups, there must be downs - and nobody does scandal like the stars. Teen sensation Demi Lovato stunned her legions of loyal fans by opening up about the emotional issues which landed her in rehab earlier in the year, revealing she was battling an eating disorder and cut herself at her lowest moments. Charlie Sheen continued his madcap ways by embarking on a comedy tour following his sacking from Two and a Half Men - only to get booed offstage on his first night, with critics calling his stand-up debut an "epic failure". Bond fans mourned April as the month Sir Sean Connery announced he was retiring from public appearances after he failed to show up to a charity event in New York. Lindsay Lohan was back in trouble - and in court - when a judge decided she'd had enough of the actress' antics and sentenced her to 120 days behind bars for violating her probation. Nicolas Cage hit the headlines when he was arrested on domestic violence charges following a street bust-up with his wife in New Orleans, and Vince Neil was also in hot water for domestic violence - his ex-girlfriend accused him of jabbing a finger at her during an argument. However, the biggest shock came when Welsh beauty Catherine Zeta-Jones checked into a mental health facility to overcome her bipolar disorder. The stint in the clinic came after a tough year for the Oscar-winner following husband Michael Douglas' cancer battle.
April was a sad month for actor Tim Robbins, who tragically lost his father, Gil, and his mother, Mary, within days of each other. The punk world was left in mourning when X-Ray Spex legend Poly Styrene lost her battle with cancer at the age of 53, while British actress Elisabeth Sladen, Dr Who's longest running sidekick, also passed away after a fight with the disease.
May
May was a shocking month as Hollywood tough guy Arnold Schwarzenegger split from his wife of 25 years Maria Shriver, only to reveal later on in the month he had fathered a lovechild with their housekeeper 13 years earlier. Although the scandal rocked Hollywood, he wasn't the only one heading for splitsville - Charlie Sheen and Brooke Mueller became officially divorced, as did actress Neve Campbell and James Bond star George Lazenby. Lady Gaga also split from boyfriend Luc Carl, while Hayden Panettiere ended her romance with her boxer boyfriend Wladimir Klitschko. Girls Aloud beauty Nadine Coyle also became single after calling off her engagement to American footballer Jason Bell.
But it wasn't all doom and gloom - Beatles legend Sir Paul Mccartney announced he was engaged to marry for the third time, to American Nancy Shevell, while director Sophia Coppolla and reality star Kim Kardashian also announced plans to walk down the aisle.
As for marriages, Marie Osmond remarried her first husband Stephen Craig, 29 years after they first exchanged vows and in the same wedding dress. Wedding bells also rang for Kings Of Leon frontman Caleb Followill and Victoria's Secret supermodel Lily Aldridge, while country king and queen Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert also became man and wife in Texas.
New romances between Sienna Miller and Tom Sturridge, as well as Nick Jonas and Australian pop star Delta Goodrem also came to light.
It was a baby boom month, with many stars becoming parents for the first time. Rockers Bryan Adams and Matthew Followill, actors David Schwimmer and Mike Myers, and actresses Alicia Silverstone, Marion Cotillard and Lost's Evangeline Lilly all became first-time parents. Former Spice Girl Emma Bunton welcomed her second son. French first lady Carla Bruni and actress Bryce Dallas Howard were also celebrating pregnancies. But it was a sad month for British actress Kelly Brook, who suffered a miscarriage.
Other sad news in May came when Grease actor Jeff Conaway passed away at the age of 60, sending Hollywood into mourning. Boxing legend Sir Henry Cooper died two days before his 77th birthday and Superman star Jackie Cooper also died, aged 88. The month started with the shock news that al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden had been shot dead in Pakistan. Other stars facing struggles included Sean Kingston, who was involved in a horrific jet-ski crash, while veteran actress Zsa Zsa Gabor was also hospitalised with pneumonia-type symptoms and fell into a coma.
It was also a controversial month for Lindsay Lohan, who started a 120-day jail term in the comfort of her own home for parole violation. British rocker Pete Doherty was also jailed for six months for cocaine possession. Other stars facing woes included Amy Winehouse, Whitney Houston, Friends star Matthew Perry and boxer/singer Oscar De La Hoya, who were all submitted in to rehab programs. It was an embarrassing month for British singer Cheryl Cole, who was hired, then fired to sit on the judging panel of America's The X Factor. In music news for the month, Silverchair announced they were to split, Rod Stewart announced a Las Vegas residency, while it was a big movie month as the Cannes Film Festival in France also kicked off. While Brad Pitt was hailed at the glitzy event, with his film Tree Of Life winning the coveted Palme d'Or prize for Best Film, it was a bad experience for director Lars Von Trier, who was banned from the festival for controversial statements he made about Nazi leader Adolf Hitler during the festivities.
June
As summer blossomed, June marked a baby boom in Hollywood. Pop star Pink became a first-time mum at the beginning of the month when she welcomed little Willow, while drummer Adrian Young added to the No Doubt family with daughter Magnolia. Natalie Portman became a yummy mummy to son Aleph, actress Tia Mowry also welcomed a little boy, and model/actress Devon Aoki was another addition to the first-time mum club with the arrival of Hunter. Denise Richards made headlines when she announced she'd adopted a baby, Eloise, into her brood, while Meat Loaf became a grandfather when his daughter Pearl Aday gave birth to a baby boy. Lindsay Price and Nia Long also announced their pregnancies in June, as did Lily Allen - whose baby news went public on the same day she married partner Sam Cooper.
Lily's wedding wasn't the only one at the start of summer - Rachel Weisz married actor Daniel Craig following a whirlwind romance and Noel Gallagher put his wild ways behind him after exchanging vows with longterm partner Sara MacDonald.
However, the month was marred by a string of high-profile splits - David Duchovny and Tea Leoni separated just two years after reconciling following the actor's sex addiction admission, Jack White parted ways with model/singer wife Karen Elson after six years of marriage, and Hugh Hefner was dumped by fiancee Crystal Harris - just days before their planned wedding. Elizabeth Hurley's divorce from Arun Nayar was granted, and George Clooney split from Elisabetta Canalis.
There were health dramas aplenty - pop princesses Selena Gomez and Jennifer Hudson were hospitalised within days of each other. Both stars were forced to pull performances, and getwellselena even became a top trending topic on Twitter.com as fans rallied to support the Disney idol. Gomez later revealed she was malnourished and feeling exhausted, while Hudson was diagnosed with a severe bout of food poisoning.
The music world was left reeling when legendary saxophonist Clarence Clemons, who had worked with Bruce Springsteen and Lady Gaga, died from complications stemming from a major stroke. The rocker led the tributes to his pal, declaring, "His loss is immeasurable and we are honoured and thankful to have known him and had the opportunity to stand beside him for nearly forty years." TV fans were also left in mourning following the passing of Columbo star Peter Falk at the age of 83, while legendary TV cowboy James Arness also died.
In other June news, the vampires from Twilight overpowered the magical Harry Potter kids at the MTV Movie Awards, taking home five golden popcorn prizes to their film franchise rival cast's one. The Cmt Awards took place in Nashville, Tennessee just days later and newlyweds Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert dominated the ceremony - picking up three of the nine top honours between them. But it was a bad month for their country music rival Trace Adkins when his Tennessee home was destroyed by fire.
The month was special for U2 when they headlined Britain's iconic Glastonbury festival after a year-long wait - they were forced to pull out of the event in 2010 after frontman Bono underwent surgery on his back. In a spooky echo of U2's concert drama, pop star Jessie J was forced to axe several summer shows after undergoing emergency surgery on her broken foot – but still fulfilled her duties at Glastonbury, performing while perched on a red and gold throne.
January
The new year began with wedding bells for many couples including singer Shania Twain, who married her fiance Frederic Thiebaud in Puerto Rico on New Year's Day, while country star Kellie Pickler and actress Valerie Bertinelli also walked down the aisle on 1 January.
The new year brought baby news for a number of celebrity couples - Orlando Bloom and his wife Miranda Kerr became first-time parents with the birth of their son Flynn. Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem also welcomed a son, and Owen Wilson became a father just days after he announced his girlfriend's pregnancy. Nicole Kidman also hit headlines when she and her husband Keith Urban revealed they welcomed a daughter called Faith via a surrogate mother over the holidays.
There was also pregnancy news for actress Kate Hudson, who announced she was expecting a baby with Muse rocker Matt Bellamy, as well as Marion Cotillard, Jewel, Selma Blair and Victoria Beckham, who confirmed she was pregnant with her fourth child.
However, the first few weeks of 2011 also brought a slew of celebrity splits - Keira Knightley ended her longtime romance with actor Rupert Friend, Shakira parted ways with Antonio de la Rua, her boyfriend of more than 10 years, and Mila Kunis and Macaulay Culkin separated after eight years together.
Many stars saw in the new year by addressing their personal problems, and a number of famous faces went in and out of rehab in the first few weeks of 2011. Lindsay Lohan and Demi Lovato both ended long treatment stints in January, while David Arquette, Backstreet Boys star A.J. McLean and his bandmate Nick Carter's younger brother Aaron all enrolled in programs. Troubled actor Charlie Sheen also admitted himself to a clinic just weeks after he was hospitalised to treat a hernia, and he later admitted he turned to booze to blot out the pain of the medical condition. Sheen’s rehab stint forced TV bosses to shut down production on his show Two and a Half Men.
Another colourful character to hit the headlines in January was British funnyman Ricky Gervais, who managed to cause controversy during his stint as Golden Globes host. The comedian was condemned by organisers for poking fun at celebrity guests including Robert Downey, Jr., Johnny Depp and Tom Hanks during the glitzy prizegiving.
The month held good news for veteran actor Michael Douglas as he was given the all-clear after a gruelling battle with throat cancer. His wife Catherine Zeta-Jones subsequently admitted she cried tears of joy when doctors told the couple the actor had beaten the disease. Poison rocker Bret Michaels also overcame a health crisis after undergoing successful surgery to close a hole in his heart.
January also saw the loss of a number of great stars including Oscar-winning James Bond theme composer John Barry, and Scottish musician Gerry Rafferty, who passed away after suffering liver failure. The world of Hollywood was again plunged into mourning following the death of British actor Pete Postlethwaite, who died at the age of 64.
February
As awards season got into full swing, The King's Speech was the toast of Hollywood after scooping four Oscars including Best Picture, Best Actor for the movie's star, Colin Firth, and Best Director for Tom Hooper, while Natalie Portman fought back tears as she walked away with the Best Actress honour for her role as a tormented ballet dancer in Black Swan. It was a different story at the Independent Spirit Awards, where Black Swan trounced its rivals, picking up four honours including Best Director for Darren Aronofsky.
In the world of music, Lady Gaga's incredible rise continued as she picked up three Grammy Awards, including Best Pop Vocal Album, but her achievements were overshadowed by country trio Lady Antebellum, who scored five accolades, and the shock win for Canadian rockers Arcade Fire in the prestigious Album of the Year category for their disc The Suburbs. Across the pond at the Brit Awards in London, Arcade Fire were again bathed in glory when they were handed the International Group and International Album honours, while newcomer Tinie Tempah crowned a triumphant 12 months by taking home the British Breakthrough Act and British Single titles. Rihanna was named Best International Female solo star, and Justin Bieber was named the International Breakthrough Act of the year.
Away from the red carpet, it was a bleak month for My Name Is Earl actress Jaime Pressly, who was charged with driving under the influence after failing a field sobriety test, Dirty Dancing star Jennifer Grey, who was underwent an operation to remove a growth from her foot, Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman, who was hospitalised with a flesh-eating bug, and Dame Judi Dench, who broke two of her toes on the set of her new movie J. Edgar.
There were also woes for Rihanna, whose raunchy promo film for single S&M provoked outrage around the world and was banned in 11 countries, actress Eliza Dushku, who broke a finger on holiday, and fashion king John Galliano, who was suspended and later sacked by Christian Dior after he was filmed launching an anti-Semitic rant at stunned drinkers in a bar in Paris, France.
Rock duo the White Stripes stunned the music world when they announced they were splitting up after 14 years, and Lady Gaga's much-hyped new single Born This Way was unveiled to a barrage of accusations she had ripped off Madonna's classic Express Yourself. But there was good news for older music fans, as '60s icons The Monkees announced they were reuniting for a U.K. tour.
Loved up celebrity couples Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez, and Anna Friel and Rhys Ifans, both confirmed their engagements, and there were wedding bells for Kelsey Grammer - who married for the fourth time - and Mark Ronson and Katherine Jenkins, who both announced their respective engagements.
Among the stars hearing the pitter-patter of tiny feet this month were Christina Applegate, who gave birth to a daughter, magician David Blaine, who became a first-time father to a baby girl, reggae star Zac Marley, rocker Rod Stewart, Sex and the City's Cynthia Nixon, and No Doubt star Tom Dumont.
Jude Law continued his unlucky-in-love streak when he split - yet again - from Sienna Miller, Iron Man star Terrence Howard was hit with divorce papers, Olivia Wilde split from her husband after eight years, and celebrity couple Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz announced their marriage was over.
The world of showbiz bid farewell to guitar legend Gary Moore, who died aged 58, blues legend Eddie Kirkland died in a car crash at the age of 88, Seinfeld star Len Lesser succumbed to pneumonia aged 88, and The Dukes of Hazzard actress Peggy Rea, who passed away at the age of 89.
March
Tinseltown lost one of its brightest lights in March after movie icon Dame Elizabeth Taylor died of congestive heart failure at the age of 79. Tributes from the world of showbiz poured in for the Cleopatra legend, with Sir Elton John, Jane Fonda, Barbra Streisand and Liza Minnelli leading the heartfelt remembrances. The acting great was interred at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California, where her dear friend Michael Jackson was also laid to rest in 2009.
March was also marked by controversy as a host of famous faces found themselves in the headlines for all the wrong reasons.
Pop star Christina Aguilera was arrested for drunkenness in West Hollywood, while Boardwalk Empire beauty Pas de la Huerta was also apprehended after a bar fight in New York City. Jackass daredevil Steve-o was taken into custody in Canada on an outstanding warrant, and rapper Rick Ross got caught smoking marijuana in a Louisiana hotel room.
But it was Charlie Sheen who really gave fans something to talk about after he was fired from Two and a Half Men following months of public feuding with writer/creator Chuck Lorre. Days later, cops raided Sheen's Los Angeles home to investigate a tip that the troubled star was in violation of a court order by keeping a gun in the house.
March also brought one of the year's most devastating tragedies as Japan was hit by a massive earthquake, which then created an enormous tidal wave. More than 15,000 people perished in the disaster and Slash, Lady Gaga, the Black Eyed Peas and the Foo Fighters were among the big-name acts who staged gigs to raise money for victims, while actresses Sandra Bullock and Demi Lovato also donated $1 million (£625,000) each to boost relief efforts.
Back in Hollywood, there was plenty of heartache as Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel ended their romance, Renee Zellweger called it quits with Bradley Cooper and Twilight beauty Ashley Greene split from Joe Jonas.
But love was most definitely in the air for Oscar winner Reese Witherspoon, who married showbiz agent Jim Toth in a romantic ceremony at her California home. Canadian crooner Michael Buble also wed stunning supermodel Luisana Lopilato in a civil ceremony in her native Argentina.
Celebrations were in order for former Spice Girl Melanie Brown, who announced she and husband Stephen Belafonte were expecting their first child together. Actors Robert De Niro and Mel Gibson became proud grandfathers in March, while Elizabeth Banks also became a first-time mother to a baby boy, born via surrogate.
Emily Deschanel confirmed she was expecting her first child with actor husband David Hornsby, while Cruel Intentions star Ryan Phillippe also had baby news after the tabloids reported that his ex-girlfriend, actress Alexis Knapp, was pregnant.
There was a health scare on the cards for tennis ace Serena Williams after she was hospitalised with a blood clot in her lungs, while fears for Zsa Zsa Gabor's wellbeing mounted when she began coughing up blood and suffered circulation problems in her left leg.
There was a close call for actor David Arquette after he was in a head-on car crash in Los Angeles, and Glee star Lea Michele was also involved in a smash when her car was struck by a drunk driver.
Hip-hop star Wyclef Jean had a lucky escape after he was shot in the hand during a visit to his native Haiti, while James Taylor suffered a broken leg in a skiing accident in Utah.
Courtroom battles loomed for Britney Spears, who was hit with a $10 million (£6.25 million) lawsuit over a perfume deal, and Jay-z was accused of trademark infringement over the logo for Roc Nation.
Even clean-cut teen pop sensation Justin Bieber found himself named in court papers after a songwriting duo sued over claims they hadn't received royalties for his hit song One Less Lonely Girl.
April
There were births, marriages and bust-ups galore as Spring sprung in April, but only one subject was on everyone's lips - the royal wedding. Celebs and commoners alike got carried away in the buzz of the big day on 29 April, when brunette beauty Kate Middleton walked down the aisle with her very own Prince Charming, William. Who would design the dress? Who would be invited? Would best man Harry fall for bridesmaid Pippa? But all questions fell by the wayside on the morning of the magical day, as Britain and two billion viewers across the world came to a standstill to watch the future Queen of England step out of her Rolls-Royce wearing a stunning Alexander McQueen lace gown to huge cheers from the crowd. The pair wed in front of 1,900 quests, including Queen Elizabeth II, the entire royal family, and even showbiz royalty Victoria and David Beckham, and left London's Westminster Abbey to great fanfare as the new Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. But Kate didn't hog all the limelight - who can forget the backing support of her sister Pippa, hailed Her Royal Hotness thanks to that figure-hugging dress and her much-discussed derriere?
The wedding was of fairytale proportions, one even our favourite celebs couldn't compete with - but that didn’t stop them from trying! Canadian crooner Michael Buble was one of the biggest stars to walk down the aisle in April - his second set of nuptials to stunning fiancee Luisana Lopilato following their original wedding day in March. Controversial couple LeAnn Rimes and Eddie Cibrian also wed in a private ceremony in Malibu, which was a surprise for guests - they thought they were there for the pair's engagement party! Funnyman Rob Schneider also joined the marriage club, exchanging vows with fiancee Patricia Azarcoya Arce over the Easter Weekend. The marriage mood of the month gave many stars ideas; the likes of Kate Hudson and Matt Bellamy, and Tom Fletcher and his longtime girlfriend became engaged.
Despite love being in the air, some unions were destined to end - Elizabeth Hurley started divorce proceedings against her millionaire husband Arun Nayar, while Christina Aguilera's five-year marriage to Jordan Bratman was declared officially over. After marriage must come babies, and April was awash with stars welcoming newborns. Superstar Mariah Carey welcomed twins Moroccan and Monroe, and in true diva style, gave birth to them on her fourth wedding anniversary to Nick Cannon. The Killers frontman Brandon Flowers and Black Eyed Peas rapper Taboo both welcomed their third sons, while Jane Krakowski, Kevin James, Toni Collette and Drea De Matteo all also became parents to baby boys. Mexican actor Gael Garcia Bernal was an exception to the rule - he became the proud father of a baby girl.
But with ups, there must be downs - and nobody does scandal like the stars. Teen sensation Demi Lovato stunned her legions of loyal fans by opening up about the emotional issues which landed her in rehab earlier in the year, revealing she was battling an eating disorder and cut herself at her lowest moments. Charlie Sheen continued his madcap ways by embarking on a comedy tour following his sacking from Two and a Half Men - only to get booed offstage on his first night, with critics calling his stand-up debut an "epic failure". Bond fans mourned April as the month Sir Sean Connery announced he was retiring from public appearances after he failed to show up to a charity event in New York. Lindsay Lohan was back in trouble - and in court - when a judge decided she'd had enough of the actress' antics and sentenced her to 120 days behind bars for violating her probation. Nicolas Cage hit the headlines when he was arrested on domestic violence charges following a street bust-up with his wife in New Orleans, and Vince Neil was also in hot water for domestic violence - his ex-girlfriend accused him of jabbing a finger at her during an argument. However, the biggest shock came when Welsh beauty Catherine Zeta-Jones checked into a mental health facility to overcome her bipolar disorder. The stint in the clinic came after a tough year for the Oscar-winner following husband Michael Douglas' cancer battle.
April was a sad month for actor Tim Robbins, who tragically lost his father, Gil, and his mother, Mary, within days of each other. The punk world was left in mourning when X-Ray Spex legend Poly Styrene lost her battle with cancer at the age of 53, while British actress Elisabeth Sladen, Dr Who's longest running sidekick, also passed away after a fight with the disease.
May
May was a shocking month as Hollywood tough guy Arnold Schwarzenegger split from his wife of 25 years Maria Shriver, only to reveal later on in the month he had fathered a lovechild with their housekeeper 13 years earlier. Although the scandal rocked Hollywood, he wasn't the only one heading for splitsville - Charlie Sheen and Brooke Mueller became officially divorced, as did actress Neve Campbell and James Bond star George Lazenby. Lady Gaga also split from boyfriend Luc Carl, while Hayden Panettiere ended her romance with her boxer boyfriend Wladimir Klitschko. Girls Aloud beauty Nadine Coyle also became single after calling off her engagement to American footballer Jason Bell.
But it wasn't all doom and gloom - Beatles legend Sir Paul Mccartney announced he was engaged to marry for the third time, to American Nancy Shevell, while director Sophia Coppolla and reality star Kim Kardashian also announced plans to walk down the aisle.
As for marriages, Marie Osmond remarried her first husband Stephen Craig, 29 years after they first exchanged vows and in the same wedding dress. Wedding bells also rang for Kings Of Leon frontman Caleb Followill and Victoria's Secret supermodel Lily Aldridge, while country king and queen Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert also became man and wife in Texas.
New romances between Sienna Miller and Tom Sturridge, as well as Nick Jonas and Australian pop star Delta Goodrem also came to light.
It was a baby boom month, with many stars becoming parents for the first time. Rockers Bryan Adams and Matthew Followill, actors David Schwimmer and Mike Myers, and actresses Alicia Silverstone, Marion Cotillard and Lost's Evangeline Lilly all became first-time parents. Former Spice Girl Emma Bunton welcomed her second son. French first lady Carla Bruni and actress Bryce Dallas Howard were also celebrating pregnancies. But it was a sad month for British actress Kelly Brook, who suffered a miscarriage.
Other sad news in May came when Grease actor Jeff Conaway passed away at the age of 60, sending Hollywood into mourning. Boxing legend Sir Henry Cooper died two days before his 77th birthday and Superman star Jackie Cooper also died, aged 88. The month started with the shock news that al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden had been shot dead in Pakistan. Other stars facing struggles included Sean Kingston, who was involved in a horrific jet-ski crash, while veteran actress Zsa Zsa Gabor was also hospitalised with pneumonia-type symptoms and fell into a coma.
It was also a controversial month for Lindsay Lohan, who started a 120-day jail term in the comfort of her own home for parole violation. British rocker Pete Doherty was also jailed for six months for cocaine possession. Other stars facing woes included Amy Winehouse, Whitney Houston, Friends star Matthew Perry and boxer/singer Oscar De La Hoya, who were all submitted in to rehab programs. It was an embarrassing month for British singer Cheryl Cole, who was hired, then fired to sit on the judging panel of America's The X Factor. In music news for the month, Silverchair announced they were to split, Rod Stewart announced a Las Vegas residency, while it was a big movie month as the Cannes Film Festival in France also kicked off. While Brad Pitt was hailed at the glitzy event, with his film Tree Of Life winning the coveted Palme d'Or prize for Best Film, it was a bad experience for director Lars Von Trier, who was banned from the festival for controversial statements he made about Nazi leader Adolf Hitler during the festivities.
June
As summer blossomed, June marked a baby boom in Hollywood. Pop star Pink became a first-time mum at the beginning of the month when she welcomed little Willow, while drummer Adrian Young added to the No Doubt family with daughter Magnolia. Natalie Portman became a yummy mummy to son Aleph, actress Tia Mowry also welcomed a little boy, and model/actress Devon Aoki was another addition to the first-time mum club with the arrival of Hunter. Denise Richards made headlines when she announced she'd adopted a baby, Eloise, into her brood, while Meat Loaf became a grandfather when his daughter Pearl Aday gave birth to a baby boy. Lindsay Price and Nia Long also announced their pregnancies in June, as did Lily Allen - whose baby news went public on the same day she married partner Sam Cooper.
Lily's wedding wasn't the only one at the start of summer - Rachel Weisz married actor Daniel Craig following a whirlwind romance and Noel Gallagher put his wild ways behind him after exchanging vows with longterm partner Sara MacDonald.
However, the month was marred by a string of high-profile splits - David Duchovny and Tea Leoni separated just two years after reconciling following the actor's sex addiction admission, Jack White parted ways with model/singer wife Karen Elson after six years of marriage, and Hugh Hefner was dumped by fiancee Crystal Harris - just days before their planned wedding. Elizabeth Hurley's divorce from Arun Nayar was granted, and George Clooney split from Elisabetta Canalis.
There were health dramas aplenty - pop princesses Selena Gomez and Jennifer Hudson were hospitalised within days of each other. Both stars were forced to pull performances, and getwellselena even became a top trending topic on Twitter.com as fans rallied to support the Disney idol. Gomez later revealed she was malnourished and feeling exhausted, while Hudson was diagnosed with a severe bout of food poisoning.
The music world was left reeling when legendary saxophonist Clarence Clemons, who had worked with Bruce Springsteen and Lady Gaga, died from complications stemming from a major stroke. The rocker led the tributes to his pal, declaring, "His loss is immeasurable and we are honoured and thankful to have known him and had the opportunity to stand beside him for nearly forty years." TV fans were also left in mourning following the passing of Columbo star Peter Falk at the age of 83, while legendary TV cowboy James Arness also died.
In other June news, the vampires from Twilight overpowered the magical Harry Potter kids at the MTV Movie Awards, taking home five golden popcorn prizes to their film franchise rival cast's one. The Cmt Awards took place in Nashville, Tennessee just days later and newlyweds Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert dominated the ceremony - picking up three of the nine top honours between them. But it was a bad month for their country music rival Trace Adkins when his Tennessee home was destroyed by fire.
The month was special for U2 when they headlined Britain's iconic Glastonbury festival after a year-long wait - they were forced to pull out of the event in 2010 after frontman Bono underwent surgery on his back. In a spooky echo of U2's concert drama, pop star Jessie J was forced to axe several summer shows after undergoing emergency surgery on her broken foot – but still fulfilled her duties at Glastonbury, performing while perched on a red and gold throne.
- 12/31/2011
- WENN
LeRoy Bell may not have gotten the chance to play original material during his eighth-place run on Season 1 of The X Factor, but if you’ve ever taken an end-of-the-work-week road trip with the radio blasting, you may have heard his 1979 hit, “Livin’ It Up Friday Night.” We caught up with Bell to discuss the way X Factor obsessed over his status as the world’s hottest 60-year-old, what we didn’t see during his televised audition, and his tenuous connection to American Idol judge Jennifer Lopez.
Tvline | Let’s talk about overall image that was projected of you on The X Factor.
Tvline | Let’s talk about overall image that was projected of you on The X Factor.
- 12/23/2011
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
Billed as a “best of British” ensemble, Cold War thriller Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy can be expected to dominate next year’s BAFTAs with a cast that brings together a plethora of probable future knights of the realm. Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, John Hurt, Mark Strong, Tom Hardy, Toby Jones, Ciarán Hinds, Benedict Cumberbatch, Stephen Graham and Kathy Burke are part of a stellar line-up who bring this adaptation of the John le Carré novel to life. The 70s set movie is replete with locally specific detail too, as Oldman’s protagonist, semi-retired intelligence officer George Smiley, sucks down on a pack of Trebor mints and dines at a local branch of unfashionable burger chain Wimpy (knife and fork and all).
Officially the film is a French co-production, with StudioCanal stumping up the cash, but it’s an unmistakably British enterprise. So how does a director born on the small island of Lidingö,...
Officially the film is a French co-production, with StudioCanal stumping up the cash, but it’s an unmistakably British enterprise. So how does a director born on the small island of Lidingö,...
- 9/19/2011
- by Robert Beames
- Obsessed with Film
DVD Playhouse June 2011
By
Allen Gardner
Kiss Me Deadly (Criterion) Robert Aldrich’s 1955 reinvention of the film noir detective story is one of cinema’s great genre mash-ups: part hardboiled noir; part cold war paranoid thriller; and part science- fiction. Ralph Meeker plays Mickey Spillane’s fascist detective Mike Hammer as a narcissistic simian thug, a sadist who would rather smash a suspect’s fingers than make love to the bevvy of beautiful dames that cross his path. In fact, the only time you see a smile cross Meeker’s sneering mug is when he’s doling out pain, with a vengeance. When a terrified young woman (Cloris Leachman, film debut) literally crossed Hammer’s path one night, and later turns up dead, he vows to get to the bottom of her brutal demise. One of the most influential films ever made, and perhaps the most-cited film by the architects...
By
Allen Gardner
Kiss Me Deadly (Criterion) Robert Aldrich’s 1955 reinvention of the film noir detective story is one of cinema’s great genre mash-ups: part hardboiled noir; part cold war paranoid thriller; and part science- fiction. Ralph Meeker plays Mickey Spillane’s fascist detective Mike Hammer as a narcissistic simian thug, a sadist who would rather smash a suspect’s fingers than make love to the bevvy of beautiful dames that cross his path. In fact, the only time you see a smile cross Meeker’s sneering mug is when he’s doling out pain, with a vengeance. When a terrified young woman (Cloris Leachman, film debut) literally crossed Hammer’s path one night, and later turns up dead, he vows to get to the bottom of her brutal demise. One of the most influential films ever made, and perhaps the most-cited film by the architects...
- 6/11/2011
- by The Hollywood Interview.com
- The Hollywood Interview
The latest issue of Cinema Retro (#20) is now shipping to subscribers all around the world. As we publish in the UK, those subscribers always get their copies first. However, the latest issue just arrived from the other side of the pond and has now been shipped out to all other regions. Readers will have it in their hot little hands very soon.
Cover story on Candy starring Ewa Aulin as the sexy teen nymph in an all-star fiasco that involved Marlon Brando, Ringo Starr, James Coburn and Walter Matthau. Dean Brierly examines how such a sure-fire project turned into one of the worst movies ever made. This issue's Film in Focus is Earthquake, the 1974 blockbuster starring Charlton Heston, Ava Gardner and many other familiar faces in one of the most successful films of the genre. Ross Warner reminds why the film remains a guilty pleasure and Thomas Hauerslav of the web site In70mm.
Cover story on Candy starring Ewa Aulin as the sexy teen nymph in an all-star fiasco that involved Marlon Brando, Ringo Starr, James Coburn and Walter Matthau. Dean Brierly examines how such a sure-fire project turned into one of the worst movies ever made. This issue's Film in Focus is Earthquake, the 1974 blockbuster starring Charlton Heston, Ava Gardner and many other familiar faces in one of the most successful films of the genre. Ross Warner reminds why the film remains a guilty pleasure and Thomas Hauerslav of the web site In70mm.
- 6/4/2011
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
I’m back! And coming to you from the shiny new AfterElton.com satellite office in Sophia, Wv. Yeah, everyone else thinks it’s weird I’m here, too. Did you miss me? I missed you. Well, some of you. I’ve got a mix of new news and things I think we should have talked about last week, so let’s get to it.
Peter Jackson has decided to release his Hobbit films in December of 2012 and 2013. He’s also decided to title the first The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, and the second The Hobbit: There and Back Again. He’s yet to name the giant vault he must be building to put in all the money that he’s going to make.
While we were all spending time with friends and family in the U.S., honoring those who served and gave their lives, not everything went well.
Peter Jackson has decided to release his Hobbit films in December of 2012 and 2013. He’s also decided to title the first The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, and the second The Hobbit: There and Back Again. He’s yet to name the giant vault he must be building to put in all the money that he’s going to make.
While we were all spending time with friends and family in the U.S., honoring those who served and gave their lives, not everything went well.
- 5/31/2011
- by Ed Kennedy
- The Backlot
By Christopher Stipp
The Archives, Right Here
Check out my other column, This Week In Trailers, at SlashFilm.com and follow me on Twitter under the name: Stipp
Gnomeo And Juliet - Giveaway
For those of us with ankle biters in the audience it’s that time again when kids’ thoughts turn to summer vacation and their mouths start to belligerently harass their parents for things to do. Be it playing in the park, going out for lunch, or taking them to the library there is an endless stream of events you all will have to plan to satiate your young hooligans.
Thanks be to a mysterious little elven gnome I am able to promote a wee contest in support of the Blu-ray/DVD release of Gnomeo & Juliet which hits the streets on May 24th. Be one of the first parents, or “animation enthusiast” for those of you like me who still enjoy the medium,...
The Archives, Right Here
Check out my other column, This Week In Trailers, at SlashFilm.com and follow me on Twitter under the name: Stipp
Gnomeo And Juliet - Giveaway
For those of us with ankle biters in the audience it’s that time again when kids’ thoughts turn to summer vacation and their mouths start to belligerently harass their parents for things to do. Be it playing in the park, going out for lunch, or taking them to the library there is an endless stream of events you all will have to plan to satiate your young hooligans.
Thanks be to a mysterious little elven gnome I am able to promote a wee contest in support of the Blu-ray/DVD release of Gnomeo & Juliet which hits the streets on May 24th. Be one of the first parents, or “animation enthusiast” for those of you like me who still enjoy the medium,...
- 5/20/2011
- by Christopher Stipp
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