Superiorpics.com: Entertainment News Wednesday, January 30, 2008

WINEHOUSE DAD: 'I DON'T WANT MY DAUGHTER AT THE GRAMMYS'

AMY WINEHOUSE's father has dashed hopes the star will perform at this year's (08) Grammy Awards - insisting his troubled daughter is not ready for the pressure of a live show.

AMY WINEHOUSE with her father MITCH WINEHOUSE

London cab driver Mitch Winehouse fears the star is too fragile to cope with performing at such a prestigious event, but is happy she is finally getting the help she needs.

The 24-year-old was admitted to a rehab treatment centre in London last week (ends25jan08) in a bid to put her drug problems behind her.

And Mitch is adamant he won't let the troubled singer attend the ceremony.

He says, "I'm not sure the Grammys are going to happen. I don't want her to go - I think it might be a bit too soon for her.

"She's not well - that's why she's in rehab. But she's doing OK. She is getting good treatment."

Winehouse is nominated for six awards at this year's (08) Grammys, and was reportedly planning to perform at the 10 February (08) gig to mark the end to her stint in rehab.

Source: WENN

| Wednesday, January 30, 2008

LAUNCH PARTY FOR THE NEW BLACKBERRY PEARL 8130 SMARTPHONE FROM VERIZON

IAC Building, New York City, USA - 29.01.08

Natasha Bedingfield, Paris Hilton

Sophia Bush

Taylor Momsen

Source: WENN

| Wednesday, January 30, 2008

SPEARS' MOTHER STEPS IN TO SAVE HER DAUGHTER

BRITNEY SPEARS' mother LYNNE has vowed to 'protect' her troubled daughter after the pair reconciled their year-long feud.

Britney Spears visits Longs Drug store with her mother Lynne Spears, Sam Lufti and Chad Hardcastle at 1.30am. Los Angeles, California - 29.01.08

The pair fell out last year (07) but have recently attempted to revive their relationship - with Lynne arriving in Los Angeles on Monday (28Jan08) to comfort the troubled star.

Spears was spotted out shopping for a new car with her mother the following day (29Jan08), according to the New York Daily News.

And Lynne hopes that now she is back in her daughter's life, she will be able to provide the Toxic hitmaker with the stability she needs.

She says, "Britney's on my mind day and night. She never leaves my thoughts. I love Britney dearly. I want nothing more than to protect her and make everything all right for her."

Source: WENN

| Wednesday, January 30, 2008

ROWLAND BACKS WINEHOUSE FOR GRAMMYS

Former DESTINY'S CHILD star KELLY ROWLAND has backed AMY WINEHOUSE to win big at the Grammy Awards - because the troubled star deserves recognition for her work.

Kelly Rowland arrives to Kabaret's Prophecy Club. London, England - 28.01.08

The Back to Black hitmaker checked into a London rehab facility last week (24Jan08) in a bid to tackle her drug problems - but Rowland is urging people to overlook her personal life and focus on her music.

She says, "Things haven't been easy for (Winehouse) lately. But people should let the music do the talking. She deserves to take home some silverware.

"People should get behind her in support now - my prayer for her is that she be herself and love herself without all the extras. But I won't judge."

Winehouse is nominated in six categories at the 50th annual Grammy Awards, which will be held on 10 February (08) at Los Angeles' Staples Center.

Source: WENN

| Wednesday, January 30, 2008

PAPA ROACH DRUMMER QUITS

Drummer DAVE BUCKNER has parted ways with rockers PAPA ROACH after a tumultuous 2007 which saw the star undergo a stint in rehab.

Dave Buckner of Papa Roach at 'Gavin Maloof's Housewarming Party' at his new private residence. Las Vegas, Nevada - 25.10.07

Frontman Jacoby Shaddix confirmed Buckner's departure from the group in a post on their MySpace webpage earlier this week (begs28Jan08).

In the blog, he admits it was an amicable split to allow the percussionist to "get his life together", blaming the stresses of constant touring for his personal troubles.

Shaddix says, "We are going through a lot of changes right now... Change is good - it keeps things fresh.

"For y'all that don't know, we had to split with Dave, our drummer. It was one of the hardest things we have ever had to do. He's taking this time to get his life together. We are still friends and still talk on a regular basis.

"The road is a hard place to live, and if you are falling apart, it will destroy you. He will be missed. But, on the other hand, life must go (on)..."

Buckner previously took time off from the Scars stars in early 2007 due to what was described as "personal matters" - but Shaddix recently revealed in a radio interview the 31-year-old checked into a rehabilitation facility to "clean his act up, 'cause he was out of his f**king mind", reports Blabbermouth.net.

Source: WENN

| Wednesday, January 30, 2008

ROWLAND DEFENDS 'ARROGANT' KANYE

Singer KELLY ROWLAND has defended KANYE WEST's 'arrogant' attitude - insisting the hip-hop star's self-belief is totally justified.

KELLY ROWLAND and KANYE WEST

The singer is a big fan of the Hear 'Em Say hitmaker and believes the only reason West has an over-inflated ego is because he has the talent to back it up.

Rowland also urges other artists to follow his example.

She says, "People may see him go on stage and act cocky and arrogant but he's just honest, like: 'I'm good and I know I'm good.'

"What's wrong with that I wouldn't have (West's song) Stronger as my ringtone if he wasn't. In fact more artists should have a bit more of Kanye's self-belief. I know I'd like to have a piece of that."

Related News:

Source: WENN

| Wednesday, January 30, 2008

LEWIS TEAMS UP WITH AKON

British singer LEONA LEWIS has teamed up with R+B star AKON to revamp her album for the American market.

Leona Lewis leaving the Hyatt Hotel on Potsdamer Platz square. Berlin, Germany - 17.01.08

The 22-year-old became music mogul Simon Cowell's latest protegee after winning U.K. TV talent show The X Factor.

And after seeing her debut LP Spirit top the chart in her native Britain - becoming the biggest selling record of 2007 - the star has her sights set on the U.S. with a release scheduled for 8 April (08).

But the record has been given a new sound courtesy of the Smack That hitmaker, according to MTV.co.uk.

The pair have recorded a new track, written and produced by Akon, titled Forgive Me, in a bid to make her material more appealing to an American audience.

Source: WENN

| Wednesday, January 30, 2008

JURORS URGED TO ACQUIT 'CRAZY' SNIPES

LATEST: WESLEY SNIPES' lawyer has urged jurors to acquit the star because acting 'kooky, crazy and loony' is not against the law.

WESLEY SNIPES

Attorney Robert Barnes, who is defending the actor against tax evasion charges, told the Ocala, Florida, court that Snipes does not deserve to be jailed - and he will still be punished if he escapes prison.

The Blade star stands accused of conspiring to defraud the U.S. out of millions of dollars in 2000 as part of a conspiracy scheme with co-defendants Eddie Ray Kahn and Douglas Rosile, and then failing to file tax returns. Prosecutors allege that Snipes flooded the U.S. tax agency with bizarre correspondence rather than file tax returns on his estimated $38 million (GBP19 million) income.

But Snipes' legal team insist the actor should not face a criminal conviction - because even if he is acquitted, Snipes will still face a civil prosecution.

Barnes says, "Kooky, crazy and loony is not a crime. This is a case that should have been in civil court. Disagreement is not deception. Frivolous is not fraud.

"He'll probably spend the next 20 years working for the IRS (Internal Revenue Service). They can collect all the penalties and interest they want."

Snipes faces up to 16 years behind bars if convicted of all charges - six counts of failing to file tax returns, two of fraudulently claiming tax refunds and one of conspiracy to defraud the government. Jurors are expected to begin their deliberations on Wednesday (30Jan08).

Source: WENN

| Wednesday, January 30, 2008

GANDOLFINI HITS OUT AT SOPRANOS FAN

SOPRANOS star JAMES GANDOLFINI launched a violent attack on a fan at a New York airport after he was approached for an autograph.

DEBORAH LIN and JAMES GANDOLFINI

The 46-year-old became enraged when the man, brandishing a notepad and pen, came too close to the actor's fiancee, Deborah Lin, and Gandolfini hit out - grabbing him by the collar and punching him in the face.

The altercation - captured on camera - took place as the couple passed through JFK airport on their way back from the Screen Actor's Guild Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday (27Jan08), where Gandolfini picked up the Best Actor gong for his role in the hit TV series.

But the actor soon calmed down, and before leaving he apologised to the fan, taking time to sign the autograph and pose for a picture, according to the New York Daily News.

Source: WENN

| Wednesday, January 30, 2008

SON OF RAMBOW TRAILER

In Theaters May 2, 2008 (Limited)

Will Poulter stars as WILL PROUDFOOT

Director: Garth Jennings
Cast: Adam Godley, Diane Leach, Neil Dudgeon, Tallulah Evans, Zofia Brooks
Synopsis: A Hammer & Tongs Production. By the director and producer of 'The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy'. Will is the eldest son of a Plymouth Brethren family. The Brethren regard themselves as God's 'chosen ones' and their strict moral code means that Will has never been allowed to mix with other people, listen to music or watch TV. That is until he finds himself caught up in the extraordinary world of Lee Carter, the school terror and maker of bizarre home movies. Carter exposes Will to a pirate copy of Rambo: First Blood and from that moment, Will's mind is blown wide open and he's easily convinced to be the stuntman in Lee Carters' diabolical home movie. Will's imaginative little brain is not only given the chance to flourish in the world of film making, but is also handy when it comes to dreaming up elaborate schemes to keep his partnership with Lee Carter a secret from the Brethren community. Will and Carter's ambitions mean that making their film is a rollercoaster ride that will eventually lead to true friendship. They start to make a name for themselves at school as movie makers but when popularity descends in the form of Pied Piper-esque French exchange student, Didier Revol, their unique friendship and their precious film are pushed, quite literally, to breaking point.

Trailer:

Source: Movies.aol.com

| Wednesday, January 30, 2008

SPEARS FACES $500,000 LEGAL BILL

Troubled singer BRITNEY SPEARS may be landed with a $500,000 (GBP250,000) legal bill after KEVIN FEDERLINE's lawyer filed a motion requesting the singer be liable to pay court fees.

Britney Spears takes her new black Mercedez-Benz for a drive around Hollywood Hills. Los Angeles, California - 29.01.08

Federline's attorney Mark Vincent Kaplan has asked the court to order Spears to pay attorney's fees in her ongoing custody dispute with her ex-husband.

The sum includes $100,000 (GBP50,000) of fees Vincent will accumulate between now and the end of the custody trial, set for April (08).

If the motion is granted, Spears could be ordered to pay $500,000 in fees dating back to July last year (07).

A hearing on Kaplan's request is set for 10 March (08).

Source: WENN

| Wednesday, January 30, 2008

MISS AMERICA KIRSTEN HAGLUND LEAVING FOX STUDIOS IN MANHATTAN

New York City, USA - 29.01.08

Source: WENN

| Wednesday, January 30, 2008

MINOGUE SENDS ADVICE TO TROUBLED SPEARS

Pop superstar KYLIE MINOGUE sympathises with troubled singer BRITNEY SPEARS - because she once suffered a breakdown herself.

Kylie Minogue at NRJ Music Awards 2008. Cannes, France - 26.01.08

The Spinning Around hitmaker blames fame for the demise of talented young stars and urges the mother-of-two to seek professional help before it is too late.

She says, "I wish someone would write a manual about fame because it's not easy. I'm always loath to say that because there are a lot more difficulties out there that people deal with every day - but when fame is handed to you, it is unique.

"It's not to the same extreme, but I can remember having a mini-meltdown myself - and unless you've got good people around to support you, you've got a problem.

"Who knows what is going on in her life? Britney isn't that young any more. I think she will still come back but it's like she's taken an extended holiday.

"Whatever help she needs, she should reach out and get it."

Source: WENN

| Wednesday, January 30, 2008

JAMES REGRETS COCAINE BINGES AFTER COLOMBIAN TRIP

Former BLUR star ALEX JAMES regrets experimenting with cocaine in the band's hey day following a visit to Colombia - branding drugs a 'relentless trail of death'.

Alex James signing copies of his book 'Bit Of A Blur' at Waterstone's on Oxford Street. London, England - 10.07.07

The bassist - who confessed in his autobiography to spending "$2 million (GBP1 million) on champagne and cocaine" - travelled to South America to film a documentary about the drugs trade.

And James - who has since stopped using the drug - was shocked by the effects of cocaine trafficking.

He says, "The cash generated by coke basically has been funding a civil war that's been raging for decades.

"It's seen as a victimless crime I suppose, taking drugs, but if you follow the trail of dots back to Colombia it's pretty horrible.

"(If a) person starts consuming coke, all that money comes here to finance landmines, destruction of the environment, terrorism, kidnapping, displacement."

He adds, "It's a relentless trail of death, it's just not stopping and it did start to wear me down. It's a long way from a cheeky line at a dinner party in Notting Hill. It's terrifying."

Source: WENN

| Wednesday, January 30, 2008

HAPPY HUNTER NO LONGER FIGHTING THE FAT

Rocker ROD STEWART's ex-wife RACHEL HUNTER is celebrating slimmers after spending years fighting to stay trim.

Rachel Hunter at 'Style Your Slim' held at Boulevard 3. Hollywood, California - 08.01.08

The former model is the new face of diet product company Slim-Fast and hosted the Style Your Slim fashion show in Los Angeles on Monday (28Jan08), where women who had won their battles with weight showed off their figures.

And Hunter revealed that she has constantly battled weight issues throughout her career.

She says, "I hate scales, I do not like hopping on them. Self-esteem sucks. I have fought with self-esteem.

"Some days you feel great about yourself and sometimes it's hard."

Hunter admits age has helped her come to terms with her weight and her figure - and she's no longer prepared to fight to stay super slim.

She adds, "I'm really comfortable at around 145 (pounds). People say, 'Oh my God, that's heavy!'

"I just love women who embrace what they've got."

Source: WENN

| Wednesday, January 30, 2008

ALI LARTER UNVEILS THE GODIVA DECADENCE SUITE, A HOTEL ROOM DESIGNED WITH CHOCOLATE FROM TOP TO BOTTOM

Bryant Park Hotel, New York City, USA - 29.01.08

Source: WENN

| Wednesday, January 30, 2008

ANNA NICOLE'S SON ASHAMED OF HER FAME

The late son of reality TV star ANNA NICOLE SMITH longed to distance himself from his mother's fame, a friend has told an inquest into his death.

Daniel Smith with mother Anna Nicole Smith

Daniel Smith died from a drug overdose three days after his mother gave birth to baby daughter Dannielynn in September 2006. He was 20.

Friend Ford Shelley told the court in Bahamian capital of Nassau on Tuesday (29Jan08) that Daniel Smith was a "brilliant" young man who was "living in a shell" due to his mother's fame.

He adds, "He wanted to break free. He loved his mother but didn't want to be known as her son."

Shelley, who has already testified that Anna Nicole kept her drugs in a duffel bag, said Daniel Smith could not have been a drug addict because he was "afraid of his own shadow" and "couldn't even hold his liquor."

Meanwhile, Dr. Lee Hern, the lab director for the Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner's Office, told the court that a large dose of methadone taken by Daniel Smith was the primary factor behind his death.

Almost 30 witnesses have so far testified at the inquest before a seven-member jury, which will formally determine what killed Daniel Smith and has the power to recommend criminal charges if it finds evidence of wrongdoing.

Police have said there is no evidence of homicide, and an autopsy found the likely cause of death was a combination of drugs, including methadone and antidepressants.

Source: WENN

| Wednesday, January 30, 2008

LEDGER BURIAL TO TAKE PLACE ON FRIDAY

HEATH LEDGER will be laid to rest in a $25,000 (GBP12,500) mahogany casket lined with cream-coloured velvet in his native Perth, Australia on Friday (01Feb08), according to reports.

HEATH LEDGER

The body of the actor, who was found dead in his New York apartment last week (22Jan08), was released by a funeral home in the city after an autopsy last week (23Feb08).

Family and friends paid tribute to the tragic star at an intimate memorial service in Los Angeles last weekend (26Jan08).

Source: WENN

| Wednesday, January 30, 2008

CARREY JUMPS OFF BRIDGE FOR MOVIE

Funnyman JIM CARREY had cast and crew on his new movie YES MAN biting their nails when he jumped off a Pasadena, California bridge for a scene in the comedy picture.

Zooey deschanel and Jim Carrey in 'Yes Man'

As an MTV camera crew chronicled filming, daredevil Carrey opted to relieve his stunt double and bungee jump himself.

As the stuntman prepared to take a dive, Carrey yelled, "Hold it right there, I don't really need anybody to do this for me... Let's do it."

The Dumb + Dumber star then harnessed himself up and jumped off the bridge.

He later told the MTV cameras he was glad he took the dive: "The adrenaline, man, it was like a freight train going through me. It was unbelievable... I'm so high right now."

Source: WENN

| Wednesday, January 30, 2008

GEMMA ATKINSON AT THE RELEASE OF RACING GAME NEED FOR SPEED PRO STREET ON 3 MOBILE.

London, England - 29.01.08

Source: WENN

| Wednesday, January 30, 2008

CHRISTIE MARRIES IN INDIA

Oscar-nominee JULIE CHRISTIE has secretly wed her long-term partner in India, according to the actress' brother.

Julie Christie at the 14th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at the Shrine Auditorium. Los Angeles, California - 27.01.08

The Away From Her star married British journalist Duncan Campbell - her partner of 28 years - close to her birth town of Assam almost two months ago.

Clive Christie confirmed on Tuesday (29Jan08) that the wedding had taken place, but admitted he did not attend the nuptials.

He adds, "No, we didn't have any involvement."

But a pal says Christie - who won the Screen Actors' Guild Award for Best Actress on Sunday (27Jan08) - deliberately kept the wedding from her family and friends.

The friend tells British newspaper the Daily Mail, "She is very private and quite distant from her family. So for Clive to find out she'd actually got married after the event is not all that unusual."

Source: WENN

| Wednesday, January 30, 2008

BRANDO AUTOPSY INCONCLUSIVE

LATEST: An autopsy on the body of CHRISTIAN BRANDO has failed to reveal how he died.

The eldest son of late actor Marlon Brando died on Saturday (26Jan08) morning at a Los Angeles Hospital after suffering from pneumonia.

Following an autopsy on Tuesday (29Jan08), the cause of death was listed as deferred, pending results of toxicology tests.

Los Angeles County coroner's official Ed Winter said further tests will establish whether Brando had prescription or other drugs in his system and whether a medical condition was involved.

Brando family lawyer David J. Seeley said Christian Brando's mother, Anna Kashfi, requested the autopsy and that neither the Brando estate nor its beneficiaries were involved in the decision.

He adds, "At this point, we have no reason to question the hospital's actions and the cause of death."

Meanwhile, Christian Brando's former attorney, Benjamin Brin said his longtime girlfriend, Donna Goans, had been making funeral arrangements when his mother demanded the autopsy.

Brin says, "We all know 49-year-old people aren't supposed to die. We're going to find out what was different about him. There'll be some explanation. It may be his, you know, partying ways in the past. It may be even something more recent that some people will find interesting. It won't bring him back."

Source: WENN

| Wednesday, January 30, 2008

THE DARK KNIGHT SUIT PHOTO

In Theaters July 18, 2008

Director: Christopher Nolan
Cast: Christian Bale, Eric Roberts, Heath Ledger, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman
Synopsis: 'The Dark Knight' reunites director Christopher Nolan and star Christian Bale who reprises the role of Batman/Bruce Wayne. In the new film, Batman raises the stakes in his war on crime. With the help of lieutenant Jim Gordon and district attorney Harvey Dent, Batman sets out to dismantle the remaining criminal organizations that plague the city streets. The partnership proves to be effective, but they soon find themselves prey to a reign of chaos unleashed by a rising criminal mastermind known to the terrified citizens of Gotham as the Joker.

Official Site

Source: Comingsoon.net

| Wednesday, January 30, 2008

STEFANI PREGNANT AGAIN

Pop superstar GWEN STEFANI is expecting her second child with rocker husband GAVIN ROSSDALE.

Gwen Stefani enjoys a day out with husband Gavin Rossdale and son Kingston at Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. London, England - 05.01.08

The happy couple are preparing to welcome another summer (08) baby - a brother or sister for their son Kingston who was born in May 2006.

Stefani, who wed Brit Rossdale in 2002, is 13 weeks pregnant.

Rossdale's father Douglas says, "They and the whole family are delighted."

Source: WENN

| Wednesday, January 30, 2008