The Crazy In Love hitmaker, who revealed she is expecting her first child with husband Jay-Z at the MTV Video Music Awards in August, recently taped a chat for Sunday Night HD and the footage aired Down Under over the weekend.
But the interview made headlines for all the wrong reasons within hours of its broadcast as it appeared Beyonce's baby bump had folded in on itself as she sat down for the TV discussion.
The clip has sent gossip bloggers into overdrive and many have suggested the singer and Jay-Z have actually chosen a surrogate mother, and are faking the pregnancy until the tot is born in February.
But Beyonce's publicist has dismissed the crazy claims, telling Eonline.com the rumours are all "foolish".
The expectant star has been gushing about her pregnancy joy, and recently said, "If it's any time, right now is the time. I'm so happy. It already has changed my life. My husband and I have been together for 10 years. All of my 20s, since I was 20. I just felt like it's time. I'm very grateful that God has blessed me with the biggest gift any human being can have."
"It was important to me that I gave myself time to focus on becoming the woman I want to be, building my empire, my relationship, and my self-worth, before I became a mother," the singer, 30, tells Harper's Bazaar in its November issue, on newsstands Oct. 25. "Now God has blessed us with the ultimate."
Beyoncé, who announced she is due in February, speaks at length in the interview about her husband, Jay-Z, in particular.
"We have been together since I was 20 years old. We took our time and developed an unbreakable friendship before we got married," she says. "But, like anything great and successful in your life, marriage takes hard work and sacrifice. It has to be something both you and your husband deeply want."
She adds: "The best thing about marriage is the amount of growth you have because you can no longer hide from your fears and insecurities. There's someone right there calling you out on your flaws and building you up when you need the support. If you are with the right person, it brings out the best version of you."
These days, she's more confident than ever in all aspects of her life, personal and professional.
"I am finally at the stage in my life where I am not so concerned with other people's opinions about my life decisions," she says. "It is so liberating to really know what I want, what truly makes me happy."
The pop diva will give birth to the couple's first child in February, Knowles, 30, announced on Australia's Sunday Night TV show.
"My husband and I have been together for 10 years," she said on the program. "All of my 20s. I feel like it is time … and I'm so happy."
Knowles first revealed her pregnancy news at the end of August on the black carpet at the MTV Video Music Awards when she rubbed her baby bump for photographers.
Later, during the show, she performed "Love on Top," introducing the song by telling the crowd, "I want you to stand up on your feet. I want you to feel the love that's growing inside me."
And in just four more months, you'll get to meet the newborn!
The superstar premiered the song in America on Thursday and has been accused of copying a routine from two of Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker's productions, according to AceShowbiz.com.
Writing in a Danish blog, Keersmaeker says, "I didn't know anything about this. I'm not mad, but this is plagiarism... This is stealing. They took pieces from Achterland and Rosas danst Rosas.
"It's a bit rude, I must say. What's rude about it is that they don't even bother about hiding it. They seem to think they could do it because it's a famous work... Am I honoured? Look, I've seen local school kids doing this. That's a lot more beautiful."
As the mom-to-be counts down to baby, she's putting out a new video for her next single, "Countdown," which premieres Thursday (7:56 p.m. ET) on MTV and her website.
But you can watch a 30-second sneak peek of it above.
Dressed in a beatnik-black turtleneck, Beyoncé flirts and flutters her eyelashes at the camera as the upbeat love anthem begins. Later, the singer, whose hair is done up in a dark cropped do, dances around in front of a black-and-white background, before beginning the catchy count backwards from ten to one (which samples the Boyz II Men song "Uhh Ahh") that acts as the song's chorus.
When she gets to the last lines and sings, "I'm trying to make us three / From that two / He's still the one," Beyonce shows off her growing baby bump, which is significantly bigger than it was when she first debuted it in August at the Video Music Awards.
And just like that, Beyoncé and Jay-Z's unborn child becomes a music video veteran.
After showing off her baby bump at the MTV Music Awards and later saying she feels "very empowered," the pop diva, 30, now says she's "so happy to be a woman."
"[Pregnancy] is the most incredible gift anyone can have," Knowles told E! News. "I'm very excited. I'm probably the happiest I've ever been."
And should her baby-on-the-way (with husband Jay-Z) be inclined to follow in mom and dad's footsteps, he or she has already got quite a head start.
"I've been performing the whole time and dancing and singing in the studio," Knowles says. "I think my baby has heard lots and lots of very loud music."
"I'm very excited!" the mom-to-be told E! News during an exclusive interview on Thursday while at Macy's in New York City to promote her new fragrance Pulse. "I'm probably the happiest I've ever been."
In fact, the expectant singer, who said she constantly makes an effort to encourage women to "have their own goals and always know their worth," feels "empowered" by the experience.
"It is the most incredible gift anyone can have and I'm so happy I'm a woman," Beyoncé said. "Men, I feel bad, they don't get to experience this. It's incredible."
However, while the Grammy winner seems to have comfortably made the transition into pending motherhood, there's one common practice she hasn't done yet—headphones on the belly.
"I think my baby has heard a lot of music," she pointed out with a laugh. "I've been performing the whole time and dancing and singing and in the studio, so I think my baby has heard lots and lots of very loud music."
And much like now, Beyoncé doesn't plan on slowing down, even after the arrival of her and Jay-Z's little one.
"I know my mother worked really hard and she definitely didn't stop," she said. "My mother was a great example of how it's possible to own your own salon and be a great wife and spend family time and make the lunches and make the costumes and all of those things. So, that was my example, and I'm hoping to just keep it moving and bring my baby with me."
The expectant singer has been busy in the Big Apple promoting her new fragrance Pulse.
But before she hit her party last night at the Dream Downtown with Jay-Z, the mom-to-be indulged her preggo cravings and got room service.
So what's B chowing down on these days?
French fries!
"Before the party, she was overheard saying she was craving the salty snack and ordered a plate from room service to her suite," a source tells me.
Once she'd gotten her fry fix, it was time to party!
B, rocking a sequin minidress and sky-high heels, headed to the bash with her hubby in tow. The fete was a family affair—her sister Solange spun tunes at the rooftop soiree, which had been decked in blue and purple hues especially for her.
There were blue lights, blue orchids and purple candles, as partygoers (not the hostess!) sipped speciality Pulse-themed martinis.
Guests even stayed past closing since they were having such a great time.
Beyoncé, who recently sat front row at Fashion Week, will make another appearance today at Macy's to promote her perfume.
"It's been great. I feel free. I feel very empowered," the singer, 30, tells ET Canada of her pregnancy in an interview airing Thursday night.
After so many rumors over the years that she and Jay-Z were expecting, Beyoncé was a bit daunted by finally confirming that she was pregnant – but says the big reveal at the MTV Video Music Awards worked out great.
"I was just wondering how it's going to be when one day I am pregnant and everyone's like, 'Oh god, I don't want to hear this again,' " she says. "But I'm happy that people were happy and I actually didn't announce it in a statement. I said it's better to just show everyone."
Beyoncé showed off her Roberto Cavalli maternity style Wednesday at the launch of her new fragrance, Beyoncé Pulse, in New York. And it's a good thing she likes the perfume's scent because her sense of smell is amplified since she got pregnant.
"I smell everything," she says. "If it smells bad I smell it, if it smells great – I love it."
"My nose, I smell everything from a mile away," Beyonce said during an interview with The Associated Press while wearing a long, flowing purple dress, her baby bump showing. "Usually it is food, it is onions or something that I just can't tolerate."
Her new fragrance is not one of them. On Wednesday, Beyonce was busy promoting Pulse, her third scent. For the creator of girl-power anthems like "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" and "Run the World (Girls)," Pulse represents another extension of that theme.
"I always meet strong, powerful women and they always have a signature scent," the 30-year-old said. "That is one of the first things I was so proud of. I thought about Diamonds and Elizabeth Taylor and all these icons, so I am so proud of this."
AP: How is this fragrance different from your others?
Beyonce: This is very fresh. This is all about citrus, but it also has vanilla in the back. It is important for me for a fragrance not to just smell like one thing. I think women are interesting and I don't like for you to be like, "Ok, this smells like this." I like for it to be something signature and something that brings out your inner beauty and your confidence and makes you feel like you leave a long-lasting impression on someone.
AP: Your recent fashion show in London (with mother Tina Knowles for House of Dereon) was about empowerment. This scent is about empowerment. Why is that important to you?
Beyonce: I just enjoy being a woman and especially right now, I just feel so empowered. I think that is sort of my place in the world, for people to see that you can be an entrepreneur. You can have goals and dreams and you can grow and be strong and have your strong opinions, and all of these things bring that out in you.
AP: Does pregnancy make you feel more empowered?
Beyonce: Absolutely. It is the most powerful creation for you to be able to have life growing inside of you. There is no bigger gift, nothing more empowering.
AP: You have the fragrance, the clothing line, a husband, career and a baby on the way. What is next on your bucket list?
Beyonce: Balance. I am still working on balance and still growing. I am starting my company, my label. I want to create a boy band. I want to continue to produce and do documentaries and music videos. I eventually want to start directing for other artists. Once I know that I have my stuff together and I trust that, I can do it for other artists. I see so many male artists building these empires and passing their knowledge on to other artists and development. I see myself doing the same thing and hopefully other younger artists when they grow up and they have been around for 15, 20 years, they can do the same thing.
AP: What advice have you gotten from your mother and sister on motherhood?
Beyonce: I have the best examples around me because my sister is the most incredible mother. My mother, I am so proud of her. I see her and I could cry every time I think about her because she is such an incredible woman, so I just pray that I have the same bond with my children, child.
AP: Will the baby go everywhere with you?
Beyonce: Yes, I will probably be that way. I am sure I will. I think that it shouldn't stop you. I think of course my life is going to change, and I definitely will make sacrifices, but you know, I think I will be able to bring hopefully my little rider with me.
AP: You are doing an appearance for the perfume where you will be with your fans. What does it mean to you to be able to interact with them like that?
Beyonce: I have the best fans. They are so passionate and so loyal. I want to give them everything. I always get excited when I do the meet-and-greets because I get to really shake hands and look people in the eye and really see the impact that I have been able to have in people's lives, because sometimes you don't really get to see it. When I get to meet people and they tell me their stories and I feel their spirits, it makes me feel like my job and all of the hard work is worth it.
AP: You are pregnant but work nonstop. How do you keep your energy up?
Beyonce: I think it is just passion. When you are excited about something, you don't have to think about your energy. It is natural and comes from adrenaline. It is important that I don't look at this as like an illness. I am not sick. I am the same woman and I have the same passions.
AP: What is your pregnancy style?
Beyonce: I think I have been trying to find things that of course are flattering to the silhouette. I think a woman's curves when she is pregnant are so beautiful. I don't want to get matronly, and I still find things that are sensual and feminine and funky. I have been mixing different textures and suit jackets and blazers. I don't want to be in the same dress every day.
“It’s been such a great journey,” the expectant star told reporters in the clip below. ”We’ve been working so hard on this. It is a dream come true.”
Inspired by Beyoncé’s extensive travels, the “Global Nomad”-themed collection was an exotic and glamorous clash of cultures. From tribal Aztec-print dresses with feather headpieces to a flamenco frilled dress, the looks were set off with warrior-style gold face paint and embellished turbans.
Models strutted to the singer’s recent single, “Run the World (Girls),” and front row guests including Rosario Dawson and British singer Ellie Goulding applauded the mother-daughter designing duo, who walked the runway hand-in-hand at the end of the show.
Tina, who launched Deréon in 2004, told Selfridges that the line was inspired in part by her daughter’s style. “Beyoncé gets to travel all around the world and bring back beautiful fashions and trends,” she said. “And she tells us what’s going on, what’s new, and what’s just around the corner. We depend on her a lot — we raid her closet!”
Beyoncé added that she was excited to introduce her line to the U.K. (it’s available now exclusively at Selfridges) because “the women here are so stylish and beautiful. They’re a little more experimental [with fashion].”
But according to the singer, who admitted to coveting Kate Moss‘s sense of style, anyone can work the clothes in her mother’s line. “[She's a] trendsetter,” she said of the Deréon girl. “Someone who is very sexy and confident and bold, and wants to make a statement.”
After the runway show, Beyoncé hightailed it to Under the Bridge, a music venue underneath the Stamford Bridge football stadium in London’s posh Chelsea neighborhood. She settled into the V.I.P. area with Tina, as deejay duo the Nightcrashers spun some of her hits until 2 a.m. (the singer left around midnight). This morning, preggerlicious Beyoncé and her younger sister, Solange, caused a sensation when they made a surprise appearance at the J.Crew spring 2012 runway show... The singer arrived solo—rocking that pregnancy glow in a sparkling gold J.Crew dress—and skipped the interviews but was all smiles as the flashbulbs went crazy. "Beyoncé in sequins at the J.Crew presentation," Women's Wear Daily reported. "Photographers going wild." After the catwalk show ended, she was joined backstage by fashion daredevil Solange, who mixed and matched fun colors and prints by Prabal Gurung for J.Crew. Then it was off to the Vera Wang presentation for the show hoppers. Flanked by a huge security team and wearing new outfits, the sisters were the last to arrive. And like good little fashionistas, Beyoncé and Solange took notes, pointing at a few outfits and whispering to each other throughout the show. What's next, the J.Crew kids collection, perhaps?
Co-anchor Hoda Kotb tried to have a friendly chat with the pregnant superstar’s sister, Solange Knowles, at Lord & Taylor’s Fashion’s Night Out bash, but was rebuffed by her pushy publicist, Charles Wade. When Kotb approached Solange, who was DJ-ing in the store Thursday night, a source told us, Wade jumped in and barked at Kotb: “What do you want to talk to [Solange] about? She won’t answer questions about Beyoncé.” Kotb calmly replied she just wanted to say hi and ask her about the event. Unrelenting Wade got back in Kotb’s face and blustered, “She won’t answer any questions about Beyoncé ... I need to know what questions you’ll ask.” Kotb politely replied, “No, thanks,” and sashayed over to talk to Ivanka Trump. A rep for Kotb, who interviewed designers Kay Unger and Nanette Lepore instead, said, “Any member of the Knowles family is welcome on the ‘Today’ show.” Wade called our story “absolutely false” and added, “Hoda was simply informed that she didn’t want to speak about this issue, because it is indeed a very personal one, and Solange resumed her meet-and-greet with her supporters and continued having a great Fashion’s Night Out.” Kotb’s run-in wasn’t the only tense moment at the store -- one woman literally shopped until she dropped and was carried out on a stretcher after collapsing. At Dolce & Gabbana, Anna Wintour, Katie Couric, LeAnn Rimes and Usher paid homage to Justin Bieber, who sat tucked away in a private room. The pint-size pop star was rattled when an elevator halted briefly on the second floor and he told his team he wouldn’t get back in. He instead walked down the stairs, causing a scene as his security steered him through throngs of screaming teenage girls.
Not only did hot mama-to-be proudly rub her belly at the MTV VMAs when she announced she was expecting her and hubby Jay-Z's first child (we still have chills from her performance!), but… It seems like the holiday ad campaign for her and mom Tina Knowles' House of Deréon fashion line also pays tribute to her impending motherhood. In a just released image from the campaign, a rather busty Beyoncé poses in a short tight glittery gold cocktail dress. However, knowing what we know now, we can't help but notice the placement of her right hand—her well-manicured fingers are spread out and rest right smack in the middle of her tummy. Coincidence? Maybe so. There's no mention of B's pregnancy in the official description of the campaign, which was shot by famed photographer Terry Richardson and is set to break in the U.K. next month as part of House of Deréon's exclusive collection for British retailer Selfridges & Co. "With the collection's global nomadic theme," reads a release from the company, "the campaign takes cues from the inspiration behind Beyoncé's latest album 4 and depicts her as a modern day nomadic woman of the world." Or as her and Jay-Z's recent trip to Croatia proves, a nomadic pregnant woman of the world. A separate campaign for the fall collection shot by Tony Duran launches later this month, also in the U.K. However, no baby tease in this one. A wild-manned Beyoncé is shown covered up by a snake print hooded jumper.
Just several days after showing off her baby bump and announcing she and hubby Jay-Z, 41, are expecting their first child, the "Love on Top" singer celebrated her big 3-0. Rocking a full head of au naturel curls, the mom-to-be and her man jet-setted off to Venice, Italy, where they were spotted leaving a hotel on Saturday. Then, on Sunday (her actual birthday!) the couple had dinner at "one of the city's most celebrated restaurants," according to foreign press reports. The pop star, who has been especially giddy since her pregnancy, recently said to viewers at the MTV Video Music Awards, "I want you to stand up on your feet. I want you to feel the love that's growing inside me."
The singer used the ceremony to announce the news she's expecting her first child with husband Jay-Z and Gaga couldn't wait to congratulate her Telephone collaborator herself as they both prepared to perform at the big event. But security guards failed to recognize Gaga as Calderone and initially blocked her from visiting her pregnant pal. An eyewitness tells UsMagazine.com, "She kept coming over to rub Beyonce's belly and say hello. And the security guards thought she was a guy at first and wouldn't let her back! It was really funny." Paying tribute to mum-to-be Beyonce while presenting onstage at the VMAs, Gaga called the superstar "a beautiful soul".
Dr. D'Lynn Waldron -- who's worked as a consultant for the FBI -- has just released a new digital image ... showing how she thinks the kid will look ... after he's old enough to pop his own collar. Waldron believes the kid will have his "father's features, mother's eyes." No pressure, kid.
When Beyonce performed at 10:35 p.m. EDT Sunday night, there were 8,868 tweets per second. Twitter said that rate was a record for the service. At the VMAs, Beyonce revealed a baby bump, cupping her growing belly for photographers as she arrived and rubbing her tummy when she performed. The 29-year-old singer is married to Jay-Z. The VMAs drew MTV's biggest audience since the network began measuring its viewership. Sunday night's show attracted 12.4 million viewers.
The Crazy In Love singer announced at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday that she is expecting her first child with husband Jay-Z. But the show must go on for Beyonce - organizers have confirmed she will still sing a Jackson 5 track via satellite at Michael Forever - The Tribute Concert, alongside headliners Christina Aguilera, Smokey Robinson and Cee Lo Green. A representative for the event tells TMZ.com, "Pregnancy will not affect her performance." Beyonce will reportedly be five months pregnant at the time of the concert on October 8, 2011.
That's Kelly Rowland's take on the big news that her former Destiny's Child bandmate Beyoncé is expecting her first child with husband Jay-Z. "I have known for quite a while, and she's happy, and Jay is happy, and that's all that counts," Rowland, 30, told PEOPLE Sunday at the House of Hype VMAs afterparty. Asked how Beyoncé, 29, will be as a mom, Rowland replies: "I think she'll be an incredible mother, because she's always been motherly. I think that she takes after so many traits from her mother. And I just think it's going to be so natural for her. Its natural for her now!" Rowland added that the happy couple have already started talking about baby names, but of course she wouldn't spill any secrets there.
But it wasn't one of the pop diva's signature show-stopping performances that had people talking. Instead, it was Beyoncé's burgeoning belly bump, swathed in an orange gown. Beyoncé, 29, posed for photos with her hands cradling her belly, teasing, "I have a surprise!" "I'm happy to say it's true," her rep confirms to PEOPLE. "They told friends in the last month," a source tells PEOPLE. "She's never been happier. Seriously it's all she's been waiting for. And Jay is like an excited kid. They're adorable." This will be the first child for Beyoncé and her husband of three years, 41-year-old Jay-Z, who performed "Otis" at the VMAs with Kanye West. Just in June, Knowles, who turns 30 on Sept. 4, and told Piers Morgan, "I always said I would have a baby at 30." Looks like the talented singer is true to her word!
Rumors have been swirling about B having a bun in the over for weeks ... but tonight she confirmed the buzz by showing off her baby bump on the red carpet. With Beyonce as the mom ... and Jay-Z as the dad -- one thing's for sure ... THAT KID IS GONNA BE RICH!!!! For more on the MTV VMAs check out TooFab.com.
Take a look. There's leopard-print lingerie, too: Video.
Lady Gaga just landed on Forbes' annual World's 100 Most Powerful Women list, ranking higher than quite a few other famous females we know and love. So, where exactly did she place? While the "Born This Way" songstress came in at No. 11, no entertainment-related celebs actually made it into the top 10, which was dominated by the likes of Hillary Clinton (No. 2) and Michelle Obama (No. 8), with German Chancellor Angela Merkel holding down the top spot. But Gaga did beat out such pop culture folks as Oprah Winfrey (No. 14), Beyoncé (No. 18), Angelina Jolie (No. 29), Ellen DeGeneres (No. 55), Gisele Bündchen (No. 60) and Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling. "Lady Gaga wears the crown of Forbes 2011Most Powerful Celebrity," the magazine said in a statement. "It's a title she's made good on both in dollar signs and massive constituency. She raked in $90 million over the past year. In July, Gaga became the first Twitter user to reach 12 million followers...[and] her Facebook page has 36 million fans." (Not to mention, she surfs!) Oh, and as for Queen Elizabeth II, she did manage to break through the top 50 and take the No. 49 spot. Sure, she many not be a singer, dancer, model, actress or talk show host, but she's certainly worth mentioning. If, for no other reason, than we're still a bit obsessed with her new granddaughter-in-law.
Promoters behind the "Michael Forever Tribute" in October just posted the announcement to their Facebook page -- Bey will perform one of her favorite Jackson 5 songs ... via satellite. Sadly, Beyonce couldn't perform live due to scheduling issues -- but this is almost the same, right? Right?
The Crazy In Love hitmaker is known for her dance-driven promos for chart smashes like Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It) and Run The World (Girls), and she hopes to be able to teach others how to groove sometime in the future. She tells InStyle magazine, "I want to someday open a dance school for young kids. I want to do whatever I can to keep the arts in schools."
The “Run the World” singer also had pizza delivered to fans standing on line for a recent show. Beyoncé and her husband, Jay-Z, are known fans of Lucali’s in Brooklyn. Her rep didn’t get back to us.
But sometimes, even queens need to show what it means to be royalty. And on Sunday night, Beyonce arrived at the Roseland Ballroom to give fans and critics alike a reminder that she remains the head diva in the music world. She made her case to a select group of fans one rump-shaking move at a time. "This show is going to be a little different," Beyonce told the standing-room crowd at the show's outset. "I just want to have a good time." But she clearly had more on her agenda for Sunday's concert, the first of a four-night run at the famed concert-dance hall. While she usually performs for audiences of around 20,000, Beyonce downsized at Roseland for a sold-out crowd of about 3,000 to promote her new album "4," which has received critical acclaim and gone gold since its June release, but has not dominated sales and radio charts as her previous three solo albums, all multiplatinum successes with multiple hits, did. The album's release came at a critical time for Beyonce, with the 29-year-old firing her father and longtime manager Matthew Knowles and taking control of her own career, amid the increasing chart pre-eminence of competing acts such as Lady Gaga and Rihanna. With the initial slower-than-usual start for her latest album, there's been discussion about whether her career is heading in the right direction. Sunday's concert was Beyonce's dazzling rebuttal to all that talk: She put her track record up for display along with her new material and a subtle but undeniable message that she is not to be doubted, or counted against. Dressed in a shimmering gold minidress, she gave fans a history lesson of how Beyonce became Beyonce, from her early days as the star of Destiny's Child to her reign at the top of the charts with such hits as "Crazy in Love" and "Single Ladies." She kicked things off by reaching deep into the past to do a song by one of her idols — Michael Jackson's "I Wanna Be Where You Are." Like Jackson, Beyonce started singing as a child, and like Jackson, she became the undisputed star of her group. "I Wanna Be Where You Are" was a song Destiny's Child once sang for a recording contract audition that ended unsuccessfully. Beyonce noted that the setback didn't stop them — a recurring theme for her concert, and her career. Throughout the first half of the show, Beyonce ran through the chart-topping hits that came from her pen such as "Independent Women," and said they were often inspired by her critics. Before launching into "Survivor," she told the crowd about all the jokes lobbed at Destiny's Child and their ever-changing personnel. "This song was the defining moment of our career," she said, noting the constant criticism she received at the time. "It actually inspired me." Later, she recalled how her record company wasn't a fan of her solo debut, "Dangerously in Love." "They told me I did not have one hit song on my album," she said of the album that contained such hits as the title track and "Baby Boy." "I guess they were kind of right: I had five," she boasted, before launching into a smoldering, slow version of the album's biggest hit, "Crazy in Love." Backed by her all-female band, Beyonce reaffirmed her role as a peerless entertainer with her full-throated, soulful soprano and killer dance moves, in her signature stilettos. While she spent the first half the concert running through her life story (including her romance with husband Jay-Z) and her achievements, the second half was devoted to the future, courtesy of "4." She said the album was about "being brave, managing myself ... giving myself artistic freedom to make real music for you." That freedom resulted in an album that showcased her romantic, torch-song persona with her bootylicious, dance-groove side. Though she didn't sing every song on the album, she sang most of them, from the Kanye West-produced "Party" to the girl-wronged anthem "Best Thing I Never Had" to infectious, marching-band inspired "End of Time." "I searched the world, and found myself," she declared. She ended the night with the song "I Am Here," a celebration of having left a lasting legacy — a point she underscored at Roseland to perfection.
According to law enforcement, police had already booted the rowdy 23-year-old male TWICE for sneaking onto the set -- after he shouted, "I can be a better dancer!" But all bets were off when the kid came back a third time ... and allegedly hurled an egg at an officer. We're told cops chased the guy down and arrested him on the spot for trespassing and disorderly conduct. He has since been released. The music video was for Beyonce's new song "Party" -- and the entire thing was shot inside an actual trailer park.
Multi-million selling music artist Beyonce will perform her hit single "Best Thing I Never Had" and "1+1" live, THURSDAY, JULY 28 (11:00 a.m.-12:00 noon, ET) on ABC's "The View," it was announced today by Bill Geddie, executive producer. In June the Texas born superstar, who turns 30 on September 4, released her fourth studio album "4," which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. It was recently announced that she will star in a remake of the classic film "A Star is Born," to be directed by Clint Eastwood.
Beyonce, one of the best-selling music artists of all time, is also one of the most honored by the Grammys, with a total of 16 (13 as a solo artist), and is the recipient of numerous awards. She was honored at the 2011 Billboard Music Awards as recipient of the Billboard Millennium Award.
The multi-faceted singer has sold more than 75 million records worldwide as a solo artist.
The singer and burgeoning actress, whose fourth solo album "4" debuted at No. 1 on pop charts after its release in June, told Reuters she felt lucky to have landed the iconic role previously played by Barbra Streisand and Judy Garland. Eastwood will helm the fourth remake of the story about rising singer and actress Esther Blodgett, and Beyonce fondly remembers being a young girl and watching previous versions of the movie with her mother. "It's when I became a fan of Barbra Streisand's. And I then saw Judy Garland's version of 'A Star Is Born' and I realized every 20 to 30 years a new star is born and a new talent represents that generation and era -- so I didn't think that I would ever get the opportunity to be the star," she said. Beyonce has won 16 Grammy Awards, is married to rapper mogul Jay-Z, has topped Forbes magazine's lists of the most powerful and influential celebrities and is one of the world's top-grossing musicians. She starred in other movies with large ensemble casts, such as the widely-praised "Dreamgirls", but she said meeting Oscar winner Eastwood still made her quiver. "I met with Clint and I was so nervous and I know that it is the biggest opportunity of my life. I will work as hard as I can," she said. "Because I can't wait. And I am so happy that he trusts me and I am in good hands and I am so fortunate." The film is due to begin shooting at the end of the year and, according to showbiz website Deadline Hollywood, may also co-star Leonardo DiCaprio. But for now, Beyonce is still busy managing the singing career that she has taken over from her father and longtime manager, Matthew Knowles. The switch has the music industry watching closely. Without directly addressing her father, Beyonce said it was "difficult balancing the business and the creativity." "Having to balance the two is really hard and really making sure that I'm still doing my job, which is to be the performer and the entertainer and not have to do everyone else's job so that mine doesn't suffer, that's been a challenge," she said. She added: "I'm sleeping with my blackberry, I'm having dreams that I'm answering e-mails, like it's that far!" LABOR OF LOVE While "4," debuted at No. 1, its first week sales were her lowest to date and singles "Run the World (Girls)" and "Best Thing I Never Had" have not performed as well as other hits, from "Crazy In Love" on her first album to her third CD's "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" and "Halo." The Houston-born singer, who first experienced fame with the all-girl group "Destiny's Child," said that with "4" she wanted to make a cohesive album that was "one body of work." "This album was a labor of love. It was not about singles," she said. "I felt like the emotion and live instruments and just soul (were) missing out of the music industry, especially the popular music that's out. I wanted to bring it back to the music I grew up listening to. It's like a mixture of the '90s and the '70s and rock-n-roll." Beyonce heralds the video for "Run the World (Girls)" as a current favorite, but acknowledges that the black-and-white video for "Single Ladies," which showed off her swinging pelvis and rhythmic dance moves in a one-piece bodysuit, was a hard act to follow. That video "was something that no one knew would become the phenomenon it became, thank God. And I know I am so lucky to have one of those moments in my career. It is just a blessing." Her move to take charge of her career -- everything from her tour performances to videos -- is partly aimed at inspiring younger stars to take control of their careers, she said, citing one of her major influences, Michael Jackson. "It just feels like no one else can tell me how I am supposed to perform, and I think it's what separates the Michaels and the Madonnas from the artists that are great but are just not quite the Michaels and the Madonnas," Beyonce said. While some industry watchers have wondered if success has gone to her head, Beyonce seems to exhibit very little of the ego of many pop stars and said as the years progress, she will likely be living "vicariously" through other artists. As she turns 30 years-old in September, what can she possibly achieve by, say, 60? "I am sure at 60 I will not doing the Oh-Oh-Oh dance, that will not be cute," she laughed, referring to the 'Single Ladies' dance. "I think my priority will be my children and hopefully my grandchildren by then -- and my record label or production company or whatever else."
Best Female Video Best Choreography Best Cinematography The songstress has popped up in a few unexpected places lately (like a surprise visit to a Target in New York, for one), but her latest cameo is out of this world. Literally. Yesterday Jay-Z's better half recorded a special message for the astronauts aboard the Atlantis space shuttle. So what did B have to say to those very spacial travelers. It was a wake-up call! "Good morning, Atlantis. This is Beyoncé," she told the crew aboard the NASA space shuttle. "Sandy, Chris, Doug and Rex, you inspire all of us to dare to live our dreams, to know that we're strong enough and smart enough to achieve them." That's quite the way to start your ninth gravity-free day amongst the stars! But even high in orbit, Beyoncé is still all about girl power! "This song is especially for my girl Sandy," Beyoncé told mission specialist Sandy Magnus as "Run the World (Girls)" played over the speaker. "And all the women who've taken us to space with them and the girls who are our future explorers." And the good vibes kept on flowing as Sandy responded to Houston, saying "Good morning, Houston! A big thanks to Beyoncé for taking some time out of her schedule to record us a greeting. We're ready for another day here in Atlantis! Hopefully we as a team at NASA can keep our inspirational work up for the young people of America." The Atlantis is bound for the International Space Station to deliver supplies before touching back down in Florida in less than a week. Gotta wonder if any other celebs will blast into orbit before the shuttle returns to Earth.
The singer began filming A Night With Beyonce at a London studio on Wednesday, belting out hits such as Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It), Crazy In Love, Irreplaceable and Halo, as well as songs from her latest album 4. She shot the second half of the hour-long show for U.K. network ITV on Thursday, performing new tracks including 1+1, Party and Run The World (Girls). But she had to call time on the set after struggling to maintain her powerful voice towards the end of the gig, blaming her lack of rest, and apologised to fans in the audience for making Countdown her last song of the night. Sources tell WENN she then enlisted the help of her devotees to sing the chorus, before exiting the stage to rousing applause and cheers. Earlier in the day, Beyonce treated her waiting fans to free pizza to show her appreciation for their support. Attendees began lining up outside the studio doors hours before showtime to ensure they got prime seats for the intimate show. A Night With Beyonce is due to air in the U.K. later this year.
In the documents -- obtained by TMZ -- Mathew Knowles claims Live Nation Entertainment wanted desperately to sink its fangs into Beyonce's 2011 world tour. According to the docs, Mathew claims Live Nation told Beyonce that Mathew "had stolen money from Beyonce on her most recent tour or otherwise taken funds that [he] was not entitled to." Mathew claims Live Nation was effective, because Beyonce had her law firm conduct an audit, and the law firm concluded Mathew had indeed pilfered money from her. Beyonce then fired him. Mathew claims after he was canned, Beyonce hired a manager who had worked as a former exec at Live Nation and maintained a relationship with the company. Mathew insists the theft accusations by Live Nation are false, and he wants the judge to give him the right to take depositions of various people at Live Nation, to determine just how they concluded he was a thief. We could not reach Beyonce's rep for comment.
Her new album "4" sold 310,000 copies during the week ended July 3, according to tracking firm Nielsen SoundScan -- about the same amount as the next four albums combined. Her previous release, the double-disc "I Am ... Sasha Fierce," sold 482,000 copies during its first week of sale in November 2010, fueled by the hits "If I Were a Boy" and "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)." Her first solo outing away from Destiny's Child, "Dangerously in Love," started with 317,000 in 2003, while 2006's "B-Day" opened with 541,000. The new album has not yet had the benefit of a hit single, with "Run the World (Girls)" stalling at No. 29 on Billboard magazine's Hot 100 singles chart. It is now at No. 84. Executives at her Sony Music label have been on the counter-attack in recent days after the album leaked on June 7 and fans took to the Web to give it a lukewarm reception. Elsewhere on the album chart, English pop singer Adele's "21" rebounded one place to No. 2 in its 19th week, with 91,500 copies. Its tally stands at 2.5 million copies, easily making it the biggest album of the year. Rapper Big Sean's debut release "Finally Famous: The Album" came in at No. 3 with 87,000 copies. Disney starlet Selena Gomez, currently in theaters with the teen comedy "Monte Carlo," arrived at No. 4 with sales of 78,000 for "When the Sun Goes Down," an album on which she shares credit with her band the Scene. Their previous set, "A Year Without Rain," opened at No. 4 with 66,200 last September. Last week's champ, R&B singer Jill Scott, fell to No. 5 with "Light of the Sun" (54,800). "American Idol" accounted for the two other newcomers in the top 10. Season 7 winner David Cook debuted at No. 7 with his second album "This Loud Morning" (45,800 copies). It marked a sharp drop from his self-titled debut, which arrived at No. 3 with 280,000 copies in the same week as Beyonce's previous album. Reigning champ Scotty McCreery came in at No. 10 with the Walmart-exclusive EP "American Idol Season 10: Scotty McCreery" (40,400). A full-length album, released immediately after his victory in May, debuted at No. 12 with 23,000 copies. Filling out the top 10, country singer Jason Aldean's "My Kinda Party" (47,800) rose four to No. 6 in its 35th week, talent contest winner Jackie Evancho's "Dream With Me" (43,900) fell four to No. 8 in its third week, and the Eminem side project "Hell: the Sequel" (42,200) fell three to No. 9, also in its third week.
Her mega-hit disc "21" remained at No. 1 for a second straight week, selling 13,000 copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan. It held off the high debuts from Beyonce and her new effort "4" (8,700), which landed at No. 3, as well as Selena Gomez & the Scene's "When the Sun Goes Down" (9,000), which slid in behind Adele at No. 2. Another female giant, Lady Gaga, gained one position to No. 4 with "Born This Way," while LMFAO's "Sorry for Party Rocking" went the other way, dropping two to No. 5. Eminem's latest project Bad Meets Evil's EP ""Hell: The Sequel" moved up one notch to No. 6, Pitbull's “Planet Pit” had no bark in its second week, dropping three to No. 7, and Simple Plan's latest "Get Your Heart On!" plummeted six levels to No. 8. The compilation "Mixmania 2" spent its fourth week at No. 9, and Bon Iver's self-titled effort held on to the No. 10 spot. In the U.S., Beyonce landed her fourth consecutive No. 1 album with "4," which sold a healthy 310,000 copies, according to Billboard.com. She was followed by Adele in second, Big Sean's "Finally Famous" in third, Selena Gomez & the Scene in fourth, and Jill Scott's "The Light of the Sun" in fifth.
A Capitol Fourth: America's Independence Day Celebration, airing at 8/7c on PBS, will take place from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol and will be hosted by Jimmy Smits. The 90-minute special will feature performances from Steve Martin, Matthew Morrison, Jordin Sparks, Josh Groban and Little Richard, as well as the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of conductor Jack Everly. NBC will broadcast The Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular from New York City at 9/8c. The hourlong special, which will pay tribute to the Statue of Liberty, will be hosted by Nick Lachey and feature musical artists Beyoncé and Brad Paisley. Finally, The 38th Annual Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular will air at 10/9c on CBS from the Charles River Esplanade. Michael Chiklis will host the event and Martina McBride is set to perform with the Boston Pops under the direction of conductor Keith Lockhart.
The Halo hitmaker, who previously starred in Dreamgirls and Austin Powers: Gold Member, has been linked to the leading lady role for months and now she has ended the speculation by revealing she'll follow in the footsteps of Janet Gaynor, Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand for a fourth remake of the classic movie. Making the announcement during her summer concert series performance on Good Morning America on Friday, she says, "Clint Eastwood? Can you believe that? I can't believe it still. When I met with him I was just in awe. I'm so, so honoured that he believes in me. And I can't wait to do this film. "I represent this generation's talent and for me to be the chosen person, as an African American woman, is incredible." Russell Crowe is in talks to co-star.
She talked about her new 4 album, her new movie and her feet. Of the album: "It's all my influences that inspired me over my travels. I was able to see some festivals and artists (during her recent break from work). It's a bit of rock, jazz, live instrumentation. I wanted to bring chords, bridges and melody back on the radio. I thought I've earned the right to make artistic music and not just radio songs." Of the movie she will soon start, A Star is Born with director Clint Eastwood: "I can't believe it still. When I met with him I was just in awe. I'm so honored that he believes in me. I can't wait to do this film. ... For me to be a chosen person, and as an African American woman, it is incredible." Fielding a question from a fan who wondered if her feet ever hurt her: "They do! Sometimes they're numb. Sometimes they bleed - just like a ballet dancer. But I don't even think about it. I'm just usually so focused on stage and connecting with the audience I don't feel my feet until I leave the stage. Then I'm at home and oh, my lord ... "
Beyonce's choreographer was in the middle of conducting a dance lesson for the group ... when the pop star suddenly walked on stage ... AND THE WHOLE PLACE WENT NUTS!! We're told Beyonce hung out for roughly 15 minutes -- and afterward, she bought a handful of her new CDs and handed them out to the group.
Early indications are that the album will debut at No. 1 in as many as 14 countries, including the United States, Columbia/Epic Label Group Chairman Rob Stringer told Billboard.com. The first single, "Run the World (Girls)," stalled at No. 29 on the Hit 100 after it was leaked. The album itself was leaked on June 7, three weeks ahead of its June 28 release date. This led to reports that "4" would be delayed and possible altered -- particularly after a tepid response from the blogosphere. "We didn't want the leaks to happen," Stringer said. "But there was never any discussion of this album moving. It has always been that date. It's been that date for four months now. There was never a conversation about pushing it back, bringing it forward, changing the songs -- none of it." Stringer said the company is looking at an 18-month campaign for "4," which will include "extensive touring" by Beyonce. Just back from a successful overseas run that included three concerts in France and a closing-night gig at the U.K.'s Glastonbury Festival, she'll roll out a documentary, "Beyonce: Year of 4," on Thursday on MTV and BET, then perform Friday on ABC's GMA Summer Concert Series. She'll head back to the U.K. for a July 9 show at Scotland's T in the Park and a stop the next day at a festival in Ireland.
According to the Official Charts Company (OCC), the 29-year-old R&B star is set to top the ranking by the end of the week, which would be her second British number one. She was one of several acts to enjoy the "Glastonbury effect," where media exposure of one of the world's biggest music festivals boosts performers who appear. The event ran from Wednesday to Sunday, with U2, Coldplay and Beyonce grabbing most of the limelight with their headline slots on the final three days. Besides her new album, Beyonce's single "Best Thing I Never Had" was on course to enter at number six, one of seven tracks by the singer in the Top 75. Among others to benefit from Glastonbury with big gains in the album rankings were Chase & Status, Mumford & Sons, Aloe Blacc, Noah & The Whale, Plan B, Elbow and Coldplay.
After being the first female to headline the Glastonbury music festival this weekend, B continued her tour de force with a surprise album launch party and performance. So who was front and center to see her sing her hits old and new, besides hubby Jay-Z? Let's see: Gwyneth Paltrow, Stella McCartney, Adele and her mom, Tina, were all sitting front row at the Shepard's Bush Empire. Glee castmates Naya Riviera, Chord Overstreet, Kevin McHale, Darren Criss and Harry Shum Jr. also managed to attend during a night off from their busy overseas Glee tour. In addition to performing new tunes from her album 4, including Girls (Run the World) and Best Thing I Never Had, the Grammy winner sang former hits like Single Ladies, Halo and Irreplaceable. Bey also paid homage to other artists during the show. "The highlight of evening came with a medley of covers from Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody and Kings of Leon's Sex on Fire," a partygoer tells me. Guests toasted her with specialty Belvedere cocktails during the soiree. We'll see how the album sells with the masses, but one thing's for certain: B's got plenty of celebrity fans!
The former Destiny’s Child star took to the main stage to close the three-day event, becoming the first woman ever to play in the iconic festival’s headline slot. And she was clearly overwhelmed by performing in front of a crowd of more than 170,000 people on the last night of the world’s biggest rock festival. The Crazy in Love hitmaker frequently addressed the crowd between songs to thank them for their support and to express her delight at realizing her dream of playing a major festival. As her husband Jay-Z and pal Gwyneth Paltrow watched from the security pit in front of the stage, Beyonce performed a hits-packed set and even found time for some cover versions - she ran through a rendition of the Kings of Leon’s Sex on Fire and inserted a section of Alanis Morissette’s You Oughta Know into her track If I Were a Boy. She also sang her version of Etta James’ hit At Last, as images of U.S. President Barack Obama were beamed onto her stage backdrop. She invited the audience to join her in a mass singalong to Irreplaceable and invited fans to sing Happy Birthday to music mogul Steve Stoute, who was also watching from the pit. Rumours had earlier swirled that Beyonce was planning an onstage reunion of Destiny’s Child but the speculation was quashed when she gave Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams a shout out “back in the U.S.” before launching into a medley of her former band’s hits, including Independent Women, Bootylicious, and Say My Name. During her closing track, Halo, film footage of festival-goers over the three days was projected onto the backdrop, and Beyonce asked, “Can I come down and join you all?” before she was helped off the stage into the security pit and walked the entire width of the crowd, shaking hands and posing for photographs. She told the audience, “I’ve done a lot of things in my life but I have never performed in front of 175,000 people... I do say thank you, Glastonbury. A girl, a woman, a young lady, has not headlined... so this is history to me... Once again, thank you all for this beautiful night. I will never forget it.”
"I always said I would have a baby at 30," the singer, now 29, told her host Monday on Piers Morgan Tonight. "But I also said I was gonna retire at 30." With only months to go until her Sept. 4 birthday, the artist says "only God knows" when she will become a mother with husband Jay-Z – and she's not ready to retire. For now, she's focusing on her music. Her fourth studio album, aptly titled 4, just dropped Tuesday. And she's not fearing the new milestone. "I can't wait," she says, "because 29 is very strange." "You're still in your 20s," she explains. "But you feel like you're supposed to be 30, and I feel like a woman." She adds: "I feel like 30 is the ideal age because you're mature enough to know who you are and to have your boundaries and your standards and not be afraid of [being] too polite. But you're young enough to be a young woman, and I'm so looking forward to it."
"They're very nervous about Beyoncé's new record," an industry insider told us. "It doesn't have the hit songs that her fans are used to. They asked her to make changes, but she said no." Bracing for the worst, Columbia suits are strategizing in case of slower sales and have had "quiet discussions" about the reunion of Destiny's Child. "Beyoncé's career has stalled a bit," a source told us. "Columbia seems to think they can get some mileage out of a comeback record with all of the girls." Another source tells us Destiny's Child could start recording together as early as October, with a suggested album title "Family Reunion." But Kelly Rowland might not be eager to join forces again. Our source said, "She has her own solo career now, why would she want to be singing back up for Beyoncé?" A Columbia rep told us, "All I know is that the record came in . . . Nothing was ever discussed to change it." Beyoncé's rep said, "All of this is completely untrue. All of it." Rowland's rep didn't get back to us. Meanwhile, Columbia's parent company Sony Music, under new leadership of ex-Universal honcho Doug Morris, will be consolidating. Insiders say Sony honchos are in discussions to dump Jive Records, the label that signed Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears. One of the most successful music labels, Jive was purchased for close to $3 billion in 2002. Now, Peter Edge is poised to take over Sony's RCA label that will absorb many of Jive's artists -- but staff layoffs are still expected in July. "X-Factor" judge L.A. Reid jumped from Island Def Jam last week to revitalize Sony's Epic Records as chairman. Sources say Sony plans to transfer Jive's Tom Carrabba to Epic to work under Reid and control his legendary spending. A Sony rep declined to comment.
Now in its fifth decade, the event has grown from a humble gathering of 1,500 people on Michael Eavis's Worthy dairy farm in 1970, each paying one pound ($1.60) and receiving free milk, to a giant five-day celebration of music costing 195 pounds for a basic ticket. The main talking point in the build-up to the festival, held most years on a sprawling site set in picturesque southwest England, is the weather, and the outlook this year looks more mixed than the sun-baked 2010 edition. Heavy rain means shin-deep mud, leaking tents and sodden crowds, but Britain's Met Office is predicting sunshine, clouds and light rain at the event which ends on Sunday night, and punters are advised to pack sun cream as well as raincoats. The biggest shows kick off on Friday, when the main Pyramid stage will host blues guitar legend B.B. King and contrarian Manchester singer Morrissey in the lead up to Irish rockers U2, the opening headline act. The band had been scheduled to perform in 2010, but were forced to cancel when lead singer Bono injured his back. Drummer Larry Mullen, Jr. said the set, before a crowd of some 100,000 standing on a grass slope leading down to the stage, posed a new challenge for the group, which has honed its live act on a record-breaking world tour that is still ongoing. "It's not the 360 Degree show, we're out of our comfort zone and that's important for us," he told BBC Radio. "Despite everything we have something to prove and it's about the songs. It's about a band being able to get up and play the music and there aren't bells and whistles necessarily. That's a challenge for us and we've got something to prove." Coldplay, who fill the headline slot on Saturday night and release a new album soon, confessed to some nerves, despite, like U2, being one of the biggest bands on the planet. Glastonbury is part of an increasingly crowded live music calendar in Britain, but remains the "mighty mother of all festivals" in the words of music website Pitchfork. "It's one of the few shows that we'll get really nervous about," said Coldplay drummer Will Champion. "When we're doing our own stuff there's a very set routine ... At a festival it's different," he told BBC, the festival's official media partner. According Eavis's daughter and Glastonbury co-organizer Emily, Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin helped the festival secure Beyonce Knowles for the final headline slot on Sunday, which brings the curtain down on the event. Knowles' husband Jay-Z performed at the event in 2008, a choice which upset some members of the British rock establishment like Oasis, who argued that Glastonbury was not the place for U.S. hip-hop. The rapper answered his doubters with a rousing set, and the choice of Beyonce this year barely raised an eyebrow. Pop pundits have singled out performers including Tinie Tempah, Plan B, Paul Simon, Primal Scream, Mumford & Sons, The Chemical Brothers, White Lies, Queens of the Stone Age, Cee Lo Green and Ke$ha as ones to watch across dozens of stages. Michael Eavis recently lamented the decline of political activism at Glastonbury, which he conceded was an event not everyone could afford, and those who could came chiefly "to have a good time. "It gives Glastonbury soul and gives it back its purpose," he said. "I place these values very highly, and recently I've been lamenting a bit of a decline. Tickets are good value, but not everyone can afford them. I hate to admit it, but the political platform has been reducing." Some of that spirit may be restored if Art Uncut, a small pressure group lobbying for funding for arts and public services in Britain, manage to drum up support for their "Bono Pay Up!" protest at this year's festival. The group plans to demonstrate against U2's decision several years ago to move part of its operations to the Netherlands from Ireland for tax purposes, a move that split opinion among fans.
For Oscar, that is. Jennifer Garner, Jesse Eisenberg, Beyoncé Knowles, Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper, Russell Brand, Ellen Page, Mila Kunis and 170 other artistes have been invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which of course doles out the Academy Awards every year. So, why now, and why them? "These individuals are among the best filmmakers working in the industry today," Academy President Tom Sherak said in a statement. "Their talent and creativity have entertained moviegoers around the world, and I welcome each of them to our ranks." Sadly, one of the new memberships is only honorary, as for the first time ever the Academy has extended a posthumous invite. Documentary filmmaker Tim Hetherington, who was nominated for an Oscar earlier this year for Restrepo, was killed in April while covering the unrest in Libya. A few of the household name directors who will presumably be accepting their invites include The Kids Are All Right helmer Lisa Cholodenko and Tom Hooper, who scored the big win in February for The King's Speech. A few of this year's break-out acting nominees made the cut, including Eisenberg, incoming Hunger Games hero Jennifer Lawrence, her Winter's Bone costar John Hawkes, and Animal Kingdom's Jacki Weaver. Rooney Mara, Mia Wasikowska, Rosemarie DeWitt, Nastassja Kinski, Téa Leoni, Lesley Manville and Connie Nielsen also make for lovely additions to the group, while Gerard Butler, David Duchovny, Avatar's Wes Studi, Peter Dinklage, Thomas Jane, John Corbett, Robbie Coltrane and Vincent Cassel round out the beefcake section. Whoever accepts the honor will be among the only additions to the Academy this year. Happy decision-making, stars!
Sold only at Target beginning June 28, the album features three remixes of "Run the World (Girls)," as well as behind-the-scenes footage of the music video, plus three new songs: "Lay Up Under Me," "Schoolin' Life," and "Dance for You."
Described by B herself as "futuristic," "electronic" and "African," the 29-year-old fused all that and more into a still remarkably cohesive music video for "Run the World (Girls)," the first single from her new album 4, due out June 28. Sure, anyone with two X chromosomes may be ready to grab some armor, suit up and join the Beyonce army after watching this, though the XY folk aren't left out, either: there are lions! Chains! Drooling hyenas! Cars on fire! Riot police! A close up of the old one-fingered salute! And did we mention, Beyoncé getting her groove on in a hot, sandy desert in less than modesty-protecting outfits? Bottom line: Beyoncé may have just wangled her way into song of summer territory. And just think, there's not an egg-hatching in sight. But the fun doesn't end there—Beyoncé's also released her new album cover art. Check it out... (Cover)
• Best Female R&B Artist "Everywhere I look, I see them calling it '4,' she told Billboard. "I had a whole other name and concept, but I keep seeing that the fans love the name '4,' and I think it would be a really nice thing to let them name the record." The number four also holds personal significance for Beyonce. "We all have special numbers in our lives, and 4 is that for me," she says. It's the day I was born. My mother's birthday, and a lot of my friends' birthdays, are on the fourth; April 4 is my wedding date." Beyonce said her early inspiration for the album came from Afrobeat music pioneer Fela Kuti: "I recorded more than 60 songs: everything I ever wanted to try, I just did it. I started off being inspired by Fela Kuti. I actually worked with the band from "Fela!" (the hit Broadway musical based on his life) for a couple of days...what I learned most from Fela was artistic freedom: he just felt the spirit." "4," due out in June, marks the follow-up to 2008's "I Am ... Sasha Fierce."
One of the most widely recognized and highly respected women in pop culture, Beyoncé was a founding member and front woman of Destiny's Child, one of the most celebrated female groups in music history. With three chart-topping solo albums, indelible images and a series of visionary videos, she has developed into an iconic artist. She has won numerous accolades and awards, including 16 Grammy Awards and ASCAP Pop Songwriter of the Year award. Her superstar duet with Shakira, "Beautiful Liar," set the all-time record for the biggest chart jump in the history of the Billboard Hot 100, bulleting upward an unprecedented 91 slots (No. 94 to No. 3) in a single week. Additionally, Billboard Magazine named the "I AM...World Tour," where she performed to 1.1 million fans on every continent, the No. 1 concert attraction of 2009. Billboard also named Beyoncé Woman of the Year in October 2009 and Top Female Artist of the Decade in December 2009. Beyoncé is currently finishing her fourth solo studio album, due for release later this year. The lead single, "Run the World (Girls)," debuted on radio worldwide on April 21, 2011. Ticket prices begin at $57.75 for Upper Level, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are now on sale and available at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith's Food and Drug Centers and Ritmo Latino). Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.
About 85 students at P.S. 161 in Harlem were in the middle of a choreographed routine Tuesday to a song adapted from Beyonce's hit "Get Me Bodied" when the singer arrived. The children were participating in a national simulcast of "Let's Move Flash Workout." It's part of first lady Michelle Obama's fitness campaign. The singer joined in wearing stiletto heels and a T-shirt emblazoned with "Let's Move." Thirteen-year-old Aisha Collier gushed "she's so beautiful." She told the New York Post she messed up a little when Beyonce first arrived but then got back into it and continued to dance and have fun.
Apparently, everyone's at a critic at the annual fashion fete, because not even style royalty like Beyoncé and Jay-Z are above booing. The power couple arrived arm-in-arm but skipped media interviews, igniting some pissed-off members of the press to voice their upset. Of course, B was probably busy just trying to make it up the stairs in her supersexy, übertight Emilio Pucci gown... She looked absolutely great, but seriously, she could barely move enough to climb the stairs. Luckily, her hubby , along with a handler, was able to help Queen B scale the steps. Which begs the question: Is looking fierce worth it if it means not being able to move without an assistant by your side?
A video game company called Gate Five filed papers today in NY -- in which they claim they had a deal in place in 2010 to create a game with Beyonce called, "Starpower: Beyonce." According to the docs, things went awry during a "crucial moment in the project's development" when Beyonce made "an extortionate demand" for more money -- even though the two sides already had a deal in place. Gate Five claims her move "drove 70 people into unemployment, the week before Christmas" ... and notes that one of the project's backers described her conduct as "morally reprehensible." The company claims it is entitled to the $6.7 mil it invested into the venture -- as well as more than $100 million in profits Gate Five believes it would have earned had Beyonce honored the agreement.
The couple arrived in the French capital on Monday by private jet and, a source says, they have been ensconced in a two-story hotel penthouse suite at the Hotel Le Meurice overlooking the Tuileries Garden that goes for a whopping $20,000 a night. (No, that's not a misprint, though it's also not the priciest hotel suite in the City of Light.) Not that it's all R&R in the luxurious digs, which features a private kitchen, a glass enclosed dining room and an enormous private open air terrace. It's a working vacation for the pair, who reportedly are recording a new song featuring Kanye West, and possibly prepping a video, according to sources. Reps for the musicians had no comment. Beyoncé, who released the official version of her new single "Run the World (Girls)" on Thursday morning, has been keeping a relatively low profile in Paris. She "hasn't gone out on one of her customary kamikaze boutique runs," says one photographer, and the couple, who regularly enjoy the city's nightlife, have shared a low-key lunch – with champagne – at L'Avenue. Multiple sources tell PEOPLE they arrived with a lot of musical equipment. "They've set up a studio in another suite and have been working nights on her album," says one source. Still, there's always time for a little fun: Beyoncé took her 6-year-old nephew Daniel, who is in town with the singer, out to Disneyland Paris on Thursday. The singer's first stop – a souvenir stand, where she purchased a Goofy cap for herself. Afterwards, she headed for Phantom Manor and the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction.
The singer is expected to release a new album in June, when she headlines this year's Glastonbury festival. Meanwhile, Beyonce and hubby Jay-Z were spotted toasting each other at a Paris cafe yesterday. Buzz is that they are in Paris for a belated (April 4) third wedding anniversary celebration. But they were already said to have celebrated that earlier this month in the Bahamas. Joining them at the restaurant was their nephew Daniel Julez. While waiting for their food, Beyonce was seen leaning to give the 6-year-old son of her younger sister Solange Knowles a quick kiss. (Listen here!)
The pop superstar’s dad has managed her career since she was a teenager, but the singer announced this week that they had decided to part ways. Beyonce insisted the split was “on a business level”, but her statement failed to silence rumours the pair’s relationship hasn’t recovered from a family scandal last year, when Knowles was revealed to have fathered a lovechild while he was still married to the star’s mother, Tina. The baby was born three months after Tina Knowles filed for divorce. Mathew has now released his own statement to clarify the reports, insisting he wanted to move on from managing Beyonce to concentrate on other artists. He tells Us Weekly, “We mutually agreed to part ways in terms of me managing Beyonce, as my focus is in the investment of Music World Entertainment’s growing gospel and inspirational music division... Because of the success of all of these artists, my focus has to be on gospel now.”
Beyonce's publicist, Yvette Noel-Schure, told The Associated Press in a statement Monday that the Grammy-winning singer and her father have parted ways "on a business level." Knowles has managed his daughter since she debuted as a teen in the multiplatinum-selling group Destiny's Child in the late 1990s and throughout her superstar career as a solo artist. Beyonce says in the statement that she is grateful for the role her father has had in her career. She adds that "he is my father for life and I love my dad dearly."
The superstar made the revelation in a statement Wednesday to The Associated Press. Her announcement comes days after singer Nelly Furtado tweeted that she had gotten $1 million from the Gadhafi clan to perform in Italy in 2007. Furtado says she's donating that money to charity. Beyonce's publicist says she performed at a private party on the island of St. Barts on New Year's Eve in 2009. Once it was revealed that the performance was linked to the Gadhafi family, she gave the money and commissions to earthquake relief in Haiti. Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi is being investigated for possible war crimes.
"Put on good music and something that makes you feel great," the singer tells the U.K. edition of Cosmopolitan for its April issue, sharing her tips for feeling sensual. "I love a pair of high, sexy stilettos with a beautiful dress." "Never be predictable," she says. "Mix it up. Surprise him. Change your hair. Be the woman he knows with a little bit of a twist." But the most important ingredient is confidence, the singer, 29, says. "You can be beautiful but if you're not secure in yourself," she says, "you don't come across as sexy." When it comes to beauty, the singer-actress says Naomi Campbell, Halle Berry ("She has great arms") and Kim Kardashian make it look effortless. Still, she admits, it takes commitment to maintain a healthy body and a healthy self-image. "I love my butter pecan ice cream," she says, "but I also love to work out. We all have our issues. Mine is arms and legs, keeping them tight and toned. It takes work, believe me." "My attitude is, there is always room for growth," Beyoncé says. "I feel more comfortable about expressing myself." As for her future and life with Jay-Z, "Yes, I do want to embrace what happens next and family," she says. "It's funny how your outlook changes as you get older, how you look at life – at other women – in a different way." "I have so much admiration for women who are mothers," she says, "who balance family and work."
There's been no word yet from the Grammy winner herself, who reportedly used the photo shoot to also pay tribute to the late African musician-activist Fela Kuti. But the magazine is defending the spread. "The designs are all reflective of the African influence on fashion this season," the magazine says in a statement. "As for the artistic make-up, the inspiration came from several African rituals during which paint is used on the face. We find the images beautiful and inspiring." Inspiring or infuriating? The jury's still out
Spies tell us the talented trio, who split as a band in 2006 after nine years together, were enjoying a birthday meal for Rowland, who turned 30 on Feb. 11. Reps for the stars didn't get back to us.
The real-estate mogul -- who along with friends once famously spent $160,000 in one night at Avenue -- put on the bash Sunday in an Arabian-style tent hoisted onto the hotel roof by a huge crane. Gaga, Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre all performed, and Low was spotted hanging out with Taiwanese superstar singer Elva Hsiao. Other guests included Leonardo DiCaprio -- smoking a cigar and wearing an Irish gangster cap -- and his model girlfriend Bar Refaeli, Megan Fox, Jamie Foxx, Kim Kardashian, Paris Hilton, Busta Rhymes, Eminem, the Black Eyed Peas' Will.i.am, Apl.de.Ap and Taboo, Gwyneth Paltrow, Nicole Scherzinger, Jerry Bruckheimer and "Entourage" star Kevin Connolly. Sources said that despite reports of problems between Jay-Z and Beyoncé, which they strongly deny, the couple attended the bash and "looked happy to be together." Jay missed the Grammys, leaving Beyoncé to attend alone, and watched the show with Iovine at his viewing party, also at L'Ermitage. But a source said, "The rumor was he didn't attend the Grammys because he was p - - - ed he wasn't nominated for Album of the Year." Jay's rep didn't get back to us. Rumors that Iovine, chairman of Interscope-Geffen-A&M, was paid $1 million by Low to bring his talent to the party were denied by music-industry sources, who added that the event was paid for by Low and sponsors including Beats by Dre. But one source said, "Interscope wasn't hosting its own party this year, so Low approached Iovine and offered to throw him a party celebrating Interscope's artists, and said he would pick up the tab. It must have cost around $500,000. Interscope is making it clear that it was Iovine's party." An Interscope rep declined to comment.
They added that U.S. singer Beyonce would also appear at the event, one of the biggest outdoor music festivals in the pop calendar. "Coldplay have played such a major part in the festival over the last 10 years or so," Glastonbury organizer Michael Eavis said on the festival's website. "As their popularity grew around the world I was so proud of them. This is the triumphant return of a band that everyone here feels part of. They're one of the greatest phenomena to grow from these fields." It will be the band's first Glastonbury show since 2005. Coldplay made their debut at the event, held on a farm in southwest England that is turned into a tent city-cum-rock venue, in 1999 in the New Bands tent weeks after signing their record deal. Speaking of Beyonce, Eavis' daughter and co-organizer Emily said: "I went to see her live last year and was blown away by the might of the show. She has such soul, an amazing voice with an incredible, all-female band. "She is, I believe, the first female solo artist to headline, so it's a big moment for us. What better way to see off the Festival till 2013?" Glastonbury is held most years with occasional breaks, including 2012.
It was an ultra-exclusive affair on Saturday as Jay-Z's RocNation and Gucci threw a pre-Grammy brunch for guests including Rihanna, Adrian Brody and Ryan Phillippe at the Soho House West, where the emphasis was on mingling and grooving to the beat. Solange was one of the celebrity DJs at the event, entertaining the crowd while Beyonce and Solange's young son looked on. Best new artist nominee Florence Welch of Florence + the Machine was greeted by admirers when she walked in. Welch says she's excited about the Grammy week festivities. Jay-Z is up for six awards at Sunday's Grammys.
"Beyoncé is the most talented human being on the planet," Paltrow, 38, tells Harper's Bazaar U.K. in its March issue, on newsstands Thursday. "She has so much mastery over what she does. It's not even confidence – it's on a whole other level. It's mind-blowing." Beyoncé, 29, was trying to be helpful, but Paltrow at times found her example intimidating. "I watched her [perform] a lot to see how she did it, and I was like 'S---! I can't do that!' " Paltrow says. The actress ended up becoming a very believable country singer for the film role. But she was still terrified when called on to perform live at the CMA Awards in November. "Two weeks before I did it, I was dying," she says. "I couldn't sleep. I couldn't eat. I was like, 'Why would I say yes to this? What is wrong with me? What kind of maniac would agree to do this?' "
Warner Bros. confirms that the two are in negotiations to remake the 1937 classic. Eastwood is in talks to direct, while Beyonce, who has been attached to the project for some time, would star. Set to produce are Billy Gerber, Basil Iwanyk and Jon Peters, who made the 1976 version of the film with Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson. Corporate spokeswoman Jessica Zacholl notes that the deals have not been finalized and negotiations are ongoing.
Outstanding Variety (Series or Special) Outstanding Music Video Jay-Z and Beyoncé hit Skylight West this week to celebrate their friend's birthday, and they weren't the only bold-faced names in the house. Diddy, Russell Simmons and Gayle King all turned out to fete a certain hip-hop heavyweight at an Egypt-themed party. So who was blowing out the candles? It was Mary J. Blige, who turned 40 on Tuesday (aka "1/11/11") in NYC. Her hubby, Martin Kendu Isaacs, organized the surprise soiree, which began with a dinner party at 9 p.m. and went all the way until 3 in the morning. Mary offered toasts to Diddy, for pushing her so hard, as well as Beyoncé, whom she called "an inspiration". Another special surprise was when Anita Baker took the stage to croon "Caught Up in the Rapture." "Mary was moved to tears and started singing along with Baker," a source tells us. Hey, it's her party and she'll cry if she wants to!
The singer recently made a cameo in Tom Ford's spring 2011 fashion show. But it wasn't just any old runway scenario: The celebrated designer showed his first womenswear collection in six years. (He left Gucci in 2004 when contract negotiations went sour.) For such a hugely fabulous occasion, Ford enlisted the help of fierce ladies like B., Julianne Moore and Lauren Hutton, along with top models Daria Werbowy, Chanel Iman and more. Though the supersecret show went down in September, video of the event was just released today. Click in and check out the "Single Ladies" singer strut her stuff around the two-minute mark.
In what was sure to be one of the most star-studded concerts of the year, Jay-Z and Coldplay rocked Las Vegas on New Year's Eve, performing at the grand opening of The Cosmopolitan, a $3.9 billion hotel on the famous Strip. But those two acts weren't the only ones to take the stage: Beyoncé, Kanye West and John Mayer all made surprise appearances during Jay-Z's performance. Beyoncé joined her husband for "Forever Young" and sang "Halo" with Chris Martin. Mayer played guitar with Jay-Z on his hit song "99 Problems." "All the problems you were going through have been kicked out the door," Jay-Z told the crowd before a collaborative performance of West's "Homecoming," which featured Jay-Z, West and Martin. Gwyneth Paltrow was also on hand to watch the show – and ring in the 2011 with her husband and close friends. The intimate crowd was littered with celebrities to witness the show that Jay-Z called "once in a lifetime." Following their Mexican vacation, Cameron Diaz and Alex Rodriguez were spotted in the audience. Diaz spent some of the evening chatting with Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony, not far from Ellen Pompeo and Blake Lively. Following the concert, the stars headed to Marquee Las Vegas where famed DJ Eric Morrillo entertained the concert crowd.
From Jay-Z and Coldplay's star-studded concert in Vegas to a royal fete in London, we're breaking down the best big-time bashes... 1. The Cosmopolitan Hotel grand opening: This has been the most buzzed about party. The rumor mill has been in overdrive about the Vegas resort's New Year's Eve concert, where Jay-Z and Coldplay are performing. Did the Jiggaman really get 50 rooms for his entourage? Will Beyoncé and Gwyneth Paltrow get up on stage with their hubbies? We do know that Ashley Greene, Joe Jonas, Kellan Lutz and Mark Salling are a few of the VIPs who will be there. You could go, too...for a price. Rooms for the weekend were selling for $5,000. 2. Snooki's Jersey Shore house soiree: So what if the city put the kibosh on dropping the pint-sized MTV star in a ball from the middle of Times Square—the show must go on! Snooki will now be ringing in 2011 in Jersey at the cast's original shore house as MTV cuts back and forth between there and New York. No word on who else is coming, but Snooki's already shown that she can have fun all by herself (anyone remember her champagne-fueled bubble bath and solo dance parties?). And she's still getting dropped! 3. Prince Azim's party: If his New Year's Eve party is anything like his birthday party last year, this is going to be one lavish soiree. Prince Azim of Brunei rented out an entire London hotel for his 26th birthday in 2009 and personally paid big bucks for celebs like Kristen Bell, Mariah Carey and Janet Jackson to appear. For his New Year's fete in London, he's paying $75,000 alone for 90210 hottie Matt Lanter's attendance. 4. Cabo San Lucas: Some stars have opted to pass on a paycheck and celebrate the holiday south of the border. Although there's not an official party here, celebs are flocking to Mexico to ring in 2011. Paris Hilton and Cy Waits are in town, along with George Clooney and Elisabetta Canalis, who hung with Cameron Diaz and A-Rod in Cabo over Christmas. 5. Ciroc the New Year in Miami: As if we aren't going to put our own bashes on this list! E! and Ciroc are throwing a rooftop party at the Gansevoort with Kourtney Kardashian. Our oceanfront celebration will have an open bar, fireworks, and Scott Disick (you know you wanna see what he'll wear). And if you can't make it to Miami, I'll bring the party to you when I host the livestream with Michael Yo at 8 p.m. PST/11 p.m. EST!
Oprah takes the top spot on the newly-released Hollywood’s 20 Highest-Earning of 2010 with an estimated $315 million windfall, while filmmaker Perry comes in third with $125 million. The success of Avatar puts pioneering director James Cameron in second place with an estimated $210 million 2010 haul, while his peers Steven Spielberg, Jerry Bruckheimer, George Lucas and Michael Bay also make the top 10. The highest musician on the list is Beyonce, who lands ahead of Lady Gaga and Britney Spears on the coveted list at number nine with an $87 million 2010 windfall. Spears came in at 13, while Gaga closely followed at 14. Also making the top 20: Madonna, Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift.
Halo (Live) [Columbia Records/Music World Music] Bad Romance Teenage Dream Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals For a collaborative performance, with vocals, by artists who do not normally perform together. Singles or Tracks only. Airplanes, Part II Imagine Telephone California Gurls "Of course I am [ready for her to have a baby]," she told PEOPLE at the launch event for the Lorraine Schwartz "2BHAPPY" Jewelry Collection at LAVO in New York this week. "What grandmother isn't? I can't wait." And, Knowles adds, her daughter and husband Jay-Z have what it takes to be "great parents." "They're good people and they're really positive and they're talented and they've had a lot of practice with my grandson – their nephew," she says. "So I know they're going to make great parents." Her daughter, especially, is "very caring and patient and loving," Tina says, "so I know she'll be a great mom." Whenever Beyoncé and Jay-Z are ready to welcome their first child, they can always turn to Tina for parenting advice. As for raising her two daughters, she always tried "not [to] put pressure on them to be what you want them to be." And while her daughter has found massive success, there's one thing she hasn't quite conquered yet. "Cooking is the one thing she hasn't gotten into," says Knowles. "She hasn't mastered [it], but I'm sure she'll be a good cook once she makes up her mind." How the power couple will be spending Thanksgiving? "They're actually out of the country, so it's going to be different, but it'll be good," Knowles says. "They're getting their own tradition – so we have to let go."
I Am...World Tour documents an 11-month tour that saw Mrs. Jay-Z perform in 32 countries to over a million fans. "It's an honor to be able to come into people's homes on such a big holiday," says Beyoncé. The opening moments of the show — with audience members across the globe crying and passing out — establish the scale of the extravaganza that follows. Over the years, Beyoncé has racked up a boatload of hits, and I Am... covers everything from her early smashes with Destiny's Child to her version of Etta James' "At Last," best known as the first dance at the Obama inauguration dinner. Through rapid, cross-continental cuts, "Irreplaceable" becomes a global sing-along, and the staging of "Single Ladies" features hilarious clips of fans performing the video's signature dance steps. I Am... also includes rehearsal footage: "This isn't just a cut-down version of the concert film," says Beyoncé. "We wanted to make the special and the DVD two different experiences for the fans to enjoy." I Am... World Tour airs Thursday at 9:30/8:30c on ABC (Order the the New DVD here!)
"At this point, they say that I've been pregnant like eight times, so I am kind of used to it," the 29-year-old singer said in an interview with The Associated Press. "I just hope that one day when I decide to be pregnant that people are happy for me. ... One day hopefully I will be. It's part of being a celebrity, I guess." Beyonce is delivering something else — a concert DVD titled, "I AM ... WORLD TOUR," which goes on sale Friday. Footage from the DVD will air on Thanksgiving in her second prime-time special on ABC (9:30 p.m. EST), "Beyonce's I Am ... World Tour," but this time, she shows a more personal side. "I felt like I've done so many different things, it's time for me to show a bit of who I am. The hardest thing was showing that, because a lot of things that I filmed, I filmed in my computer, and I would never have gotten so open if someone else was in the room," she explained at her DVD premiere Sunday. Beyonce produced, directed and edited "I AM," which follows the singer on her world tour, which started in March 2009 and ended in February. (Order the the New DVD here!)
ABC News "Nightline" Anchor Cynthia McFadden sits down with one of the most dynamic forces in music today, Beyonce, for an in-depth interview. The interview will air MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22 on "Nightline." The star discusses her new DVD -- which she directed, chronicling her worldwide tour, "I Am... World Tour." The DVD offers a rare glimpse behind the curtains at the personal Beyonce. In her interview with Cynthia McFadden, she also discusses her career and addresses pregnancy rumors. On Thanksgiving night, November 25, the ABC Television Network will air a 90-minute special "Beyonce's I Am... World Tour" at 9:30 p.m., ET.
The raunchy new promo shows the superstar lying seductively on a bed, before going on to stroke her thighs while wearing a sexy red dress. As she walks away from the camera, her footprints melt and she says, "Catch the fever". However, officials at the U.K.'s Advertising Standards Authority have banished the footage from TV schedules until after 7.30pm following complaints from viewers.
The Crazy In Love superstar's stylist mom filed papers in Harris County, Texas last November to put an end to her 29-year marriage. The news emerged weeks after Mathew Knowles, Beyonce's manager, was accused of fathering a child with Los Angeles resident Alexsandra Wright. The Knowles were due to go to trial on Monday but a judge put a stop to the proceedings after a no-show from both parties, according to TMZ.com. As WENN went to press, it was not clear whether the estranged couple had called off the divorce and reconciled. Wright, who claims to have had an 18-month fling with Knowles, gave birth to baby boy Nixon in February and the music mogul has been paying her child support amid reports a DNA test was positive.
"I really sit back and wonder when people are going to stop," he said on Howard Stern's radio show Monday, when asked about the rumors by the show's co-host Robin Quivers. "The day that happens, I don't think Newsday is going to know before my grandmother." The rapper, who is notorious for keeping mum on his personal life, added, "Everyone knows I'm married, I just don't discuss it because it's a part of my life that I'd rather keep private." Meanwhile, Jay-Z was happy to elaborate when asked about his controversial pal Kanye West. "It was bad timing, but it was absolutely an honest emotion," he said of West's statement that George W. Bush "hates black people." Continues Jay-Z, "We all felt like that. We didn't feel like Katrina was a natural disaster. We felt like it was an attack on black people."
Fair or not, the entertainment industry's highest-earning men collectively raked in an estimated $1.2 billion between June 1, 2009, and June 1, 2010, compared to the $835 million the women pulled down during the same period. In fact, after Oprah Winfrey, who at $315 million out-earned everyone--male or female--Hollywood's second-best-paid woman, Beyoncé Knowles, would place ninth on the men's list. And the remaining top-earning females wouldn't have placed at all. Blame the industry's lack of high-ranking female directors, a category that dominated the men's list. Having built billion-dollar empires on the backs of massive franchises like Star Wars, Transformers and Avatar, top-earners like George Lucas, Michael Bay and James Cameron respectively banked $95 million, $120 million and $210 million. But the profession, particularly at the upper echelon, tends to be light on women, which explains the hoopla surrounding the Oscar win by Kathryn Bigelow (who was once married to Cameron) earlier this year. Too bad critical acclaim didn't translate to commercial success--her flick TheHurt Locker made peanuts compared with Avatar's $2.8 billion haul. Needless to say, she didn't make the cut for our rundown of top-earning women. Actually, the only woman on our list with a true film career is No. 6, Sandra Bullock. With two hit movies (The Proposal and The Blind Side) and an Oscar win this year, Bullock raked in $56 million thanks to her on-screen work, as well as her off-screen role as a producer. To determine how much the women on our list earned we talked to agents, managers, producers and lawyers. Though some of these leading ladies come from the worlds of film, television and talk shows, musicians dominate our ranking. Global appeal is what sets apart women like Lady Gaga (No. 4), Madonna (No. 5) and Taylor Swift (No. 9). Unlike stars of stateside TV shows, the popularity of which rarely extends far beyond U.S. borders, these musicians are making the bulk of their income touring around the world. Consider Beyoncé, who pulled down an estimated $87 million in the last year. Though her collection of endorsement deals, fashion line and debut fragrance helped pad her pocketbook, it was her 32-country, six-continent I Am... tour that took her around the globe and earned her many millions along the way. Britney Spears, who much of the entertainment universe had written off only a few years ago, translated her international appeal into $64 million in earnings over the 12-month span. She logged the fifth-highest-grossing tour in the world, bringing in $130 million in gross box office receipts by playing nearly 100 dates. Spears' résumé also includes a high-profile endorsement deal with Candies and a collection of lucrative fragrances from Elizabeth Arden. All of it was enough to garner her a spot at No. 3 on our list, and continued presence in the limelight. Lady Gaga, too, has a global tour to thank for much of her $62 million income this past year. The songstress, who premiered on this year's Celebrity 100 and ranks No. 4 on this list, remained on the road with a 106-date tour that grossed $95 million. Like her top-earning peers, she also booked a slew of marketing and endorsement deals, with companies like Polaroid, Virgin Mobile and MAC's Viva Glam, and cashed in on album sales and music video tie-ins. She's often recognized for maintaining and feeding that international fan base through social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, where she touts more fans than any other star. And then there's Madonna, who rounds out the top five with an estimated $58 million. At 52 she is not yet ready to concede her spot in pop music's hierarchy to the genre's younger set. In addition to publishing royalties and a handful of fashion-related endorsement deals, the original Material Girl generated the fourth-highest-grossing tour of 2009, bringing in $6 million a night and $138 million overall. Up next, she's launching a series of gyms, appropriately dubbed "Hard Candy" after her 2008 album, around the world.
FAVORITE SONG FAVORITE POP ARTIST FAVORITE R&B ARTIST FAVORITE MUSIC VIDEO (Presented By VEVO) For the second year in a row, ABC is airing a prime-time special with the singer on turkey night. "Beyonce's I Am ... World Tour" will start at 9:30 p.m. Eastern on Nov. 25. The show will be a combination of performance clips from the tour, as well as backstage moments. Beyonce's husband, Jay-Z, and Kanye West will make guest appearances. ABC said Monday the special highlights the work of producing a highly visual act, "complicated by a performer who will tolerate nothing less than perfection."
The notoriously private couple came under the spotlight last week following a spate of rumours which suggested they had a baby on the way. Beyonce's mother Tina laughed off the gossip during a subsequent appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and now Jay-Z has broken his silence about his personal life to insist there is "no truth" to the stories. He tells the Sydney Daily Telegraph, "I'm just shooting down the rumours before they start. They do that every slow news day, this is like the fifth time. I think we have five kids now. No truth, but I wonder when people will stop giving it relevance? "You can't do the same subject. At least change the subject, they have to find a new one."
But then the 55-year-old Oklahoma native scored a viral hit on YouTube with her version, and it's now included on McEntire's new album All The Women I Am, on sale Nov. 9. "When I got the song and the lyrics, I thought it was an incredible song," said McEntire, on the line from Minneapolis before a short swing through Western Canada, including a show Friday night at Edmonton's Rexall Place. "And, to me, it turned out to be a country song, when we got our instrumentation on it and everything. And some people go, 'Well, why in the world would you do a pop song?' I just think music is music. You've got good and you've got bad, and I try to stay on the good side." McEntire first recorded If I Were A Boy for CMT's Unplugged Sessions back in May, and the success of it led to her recording a whole new album. "We did it and it went viral, and so we thought, 'We're going to quit the Keep On Loving You album (from 2009) and start a new album.' "And so I found a song called Turn On Your Radio, and when we recorded that one, it just screamed 'first single.' It's sassy." All The Women I Am is McEntire's 34th career disc, and she's calls it "a theme" album. "I have been all these women in this album. I have lectured a boy or two. I've been divorced. I have a child. I have been in love. All these songs -- it's the women -- all the hats they wear. And I've worn all the hats in this album, so this is all the women I am." And a woman's toughest job? "Spending time for herself," said McEntire after a long pause. "She's a giver. She's a caretaker. She's a lover. She's a mother. She's a worker and she can triple-task at one time. Finding time for herself and not feeling guilty about it probably is the most important thing that she can do for herself. I love getting older and maturing. You learn about yourself, to do things for yourself and not to feel guilty. That's a big step for women. I've got the kids, the work, being a wife. When that day (off) happens, I cherish it. I'll schedule lunch with my girlfriends. I love to do that. That's a treat for me." In the meantime, McEntire is performing at the Country Music Awards on Nov. 10. She is up for best female vocalist. After all this time, a victory still means something to her. "You bet it's a big deal," she said. "It's voted on by your peers, the people in the industry. It's very important. It's a huge honour ... I don't take it for granted at all." She hopes she gets to play Eastern Canada next year. "You guys are always so nice to us," she said. "You're very attentive, very appreciative of artists coming to your town, and y'all love country music -- so I'm just so proud to get to come to Canada." Reba welcomes Gwyneth to singers’ club The big news at next month's Country Music Awards is that Hollywood star Gwyneth Paltrow is set to make her CMA debut, singing the title track from her new movie, Country Strong. Reba McEntire -- a country singer who dabbles in acting -- doesn't have a problem with Paltrow doing the reverse. "'Welcome to the party' is my view," she said. "I don't know what everybody else is saying. But she's in a new movie with Tim McGraw so that's why she's been invited to the CMA awards. And (Tim's wife) Faith (Hill) said she sings great. Faith told me that's the best performance of a movie she's ever seen her do. So I can't wait to see it." McEntire's own acting plans include filming two cameos -- in the sitcom Better With You (ABC, Wednesday nights), and in the series Working Class (debuting in January on CMT).
The couple kicked back at the Delano Hotel, where Jay-Z was working with Bing to launch the DECODED search experience, an Internet scavenger hunt based on his new book. And though it was Beyoncé making headlines, she left the spotlight all to her husband. As the rapper gave interviews, Beyoncé slipped away into a poolside bungalow, where she ordered snapper, salad and sparkling water from the hotel's Blue Door Fish. "She was wearing a skintight dress that left nothing to the imagination," an onlooker tells PEOPLE. "There were no remote physical signs that she was pregnant." It wasn't until later that she emerged, smiling, to hear Jay-Z give a speech. "She almost went unnoticed. She really made it a point not to be in the spotlight, that it was his night," says the onlooker. "At one point, she actually introduced herself to a Jay-Z fan, who was shocked that she was standing there." Later in the evening, the couple retreated to a bungalow together. "They were adorable," says the onlooker. "She was sitting on his leg and they were watching TV. They were lovey-dovey." On Thursday's Ellen DeGeneres Show, Beyoncé's mother, Tina Knowles, denied that her daughter is expecting – yet.
At a taping for Thursday's Ellen, the clothing designer appeared to clear up recent reports that the Grammy winning singer was expecting her first child. "The truth is that's it's not Beyoncé that's pregnant. It's me," Knowles told host Ellen DeGeneres. Knowles then revealed that she was joking, but she also made it clear that Beyoncé, 29, isn't having a baby either. "No, no it's not true. Not right now," she said. Beyoncé and rapper Jay-Z married in April 2008.
The Crazy In Love singer was said to be stunned after learning she is expecting a child with her husband, rapper Jay-Z. A source tells Us Weekly magazine, "B was shocked. She loves kids, but she wasn't ready to be a mother just yet. She really wanted to get her album done and tour the world again. (But she realises) this is a gift from God and she's so happy." And former Def Jam president Kevin Liles has already wished the couple congratulations: "Jay has been all about family since I met him, and he's always going to be. I wish them the best." The former Destiny's Child star, who wed the rapper in 2008, had not responded to the reports as WENN went to press.
She's also the most powerful woman in the world, according to Forbes' list of, well, the World's 100 Most Powerful Women. According to the list-loving magazine, Obama, along with Oprah Winfrey (queen of Hollywoodland but a mere third in this case), Lady Gaga, Ellen DeGeneres, Angelina Jolie, E!'s own Chelsea Handler and love-or-hate-her Sarah Palin, are "shaping many of the agenda-setting conversations of our day" and "driving meaningful change across the world." But which of the aforementioned ladies ranks closest to Mrs. O and Ms. O when it comes to ruling her realm of influence with an iron fist? That would be 24-year-old Lady Gaga, who at No. 7 is the highest-ranking performer and the the youngest woman on the entire list. Her perch in the top 10 also places her above Washington power brokers like House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. Even Queen Elizabeth II is languishing at No. 41! Ninth-place Beyoncé almost has Gaga's number, and DeGeneres, even though she's lost the American Idol bully pulpit, weighs in at No. 10. The ubiquitous Palin comes in at No. 16, while Jolie, Katie Couric, Madonna and Handler are sitting pretty at Nos. 21, 22, 29 and 33, respectively. Other names you may recognize from your daily media consumption: Heidi Klum (39), Meredith Vieira (40), Sarah Jessica Parker (45), Diane Sawyer (46), Twilight author Stephenie Meyer (49), Serena and Venus Williams (55, 60), Gisele Bündchen (72), Rachael Ray (78) and Martha Stewart (99).
Well, then, good news: you, too, could be the host of the fourth hour of the Today show, because that's exactly the reaction Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford had when B—or should we say "Sarah"?—surprised the hosts and the viewing audience by being the final model to walk the morning show runway and help show off the new clothing collection from her mom, Tina Knowles. Just when you thought it wasn't possible for her to get any cooler. Well played, Beyoncé. Well played.
A Los Angeles Superior Court judge dismissed Philip Markowitz's suit against the Grammy-winning singer on Friday. Court filings show Markowitz sought a dismissal of the case roughly three months after it was filed. Markowitz had sued the singer, claiming that the all-day shooting of Knowles' video for "Why Don't You Love Me" disrupted his privacy in his Hollywood Hills neighborhood. The suit alleged that Markowitz's driveway was blocked and the video shoot lasted until 11 p.m. He had been seeking more than $25,000 from Knowles, a liability company and a production coordinator. Court filings did not state whether a settlement had been reached.
Ironically, "Blood Diamond" star Leonardo DiCaprio and his model girl friend, Bar Refaeli, disembarked in Sardinia when Campbell and company changed ships.
"My ambition is to continue to learn about the world and to eventually have a family," the singer-actress, who turns 29 on Sept. 4, tells You magazine, published by Britain's Mail on Sunday. Pressed for specifics, Knowles – who was the subject of pregnancy rumors last winter – says she can offer "no dates, no times – it will happen when I am ready." When she does have a child, it will add another major element to an already hectic life. Finding a balance amid the craziness, Knowles admits, is sometimes hard. "I love so many different things, and to have the discipline to turn certain things away and focus on one thing at a time so that I can give it 100 percent is really hard," she says. "Probably the biggest challenge in my life is time – making sure I have time to be a wife, to be a singer, to be a songwriter, to be an actor and still have time for my clothing line and now for my perfume [Heat]." But she gets by – usually with a little help from her girlfriends. "I love being a woman and I love being a friend to other women," she says. "I think we learn a lot from our female friends – female friendship is very, very important. It's good to support each other, and I do try to put that message in my music."
The singer has just readied a remix of "Why Don't You Love Me," a song that was originally a bonus track on her 2008 album I Am ... Sasha Fierce. Check out the song here! Beyoncé, 28, tells PEOPLE the video for the original version of the song inspired the ads for the fall collections for Deréon and House of Deréon, the clothing lines she created with her mother, Tina. "It's this pinup thing and we just thought that it would really be cool to do," Tina says. Beyoncé notes that B. B. Homemaker, the character she plays in the video, is not as edgy as Sasha Fierce, which relates more to where she is in her life today. "I've kind of been being a wife," says the singer, who has been married to Jay-Z since April 2008. "And I figured it could be nice to kind of give a little wink towards the things that I've been doing at home, but making fun of it. I'm just kind of living my life, relaxing, and trying to enjoy [doing things] other than performing and music." To read more about Beyoncé and Tina's glamorous style and fashion collaborations, pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands now.
The former Destiny's Child singer is seen in several shots for her fashion brand, House of Dereon, wearing just a pair of black and silver leggings and leather boots. Her back, arms, chest and legs are covered in black 'tattoos' of circles, swirls, cobwebs and enormous spiders. In another shot, she is draped provocatively over a motorbike. The star launched the ready-to-wear clothes range with her mother, Tina, in 2004.
"Beyoncé was having a great time showing off her dance moves" and hanging with her sister in the deejay booth "until the early morning hours," an onlooker said. The sisters stuck with their musical talents and skipped the venue's chic bowling lanes.
Visitors to WENN.com were grilled on their favourite celebrity derriere and a resounding 37 per cent opted for the superstar, who admits she's fiercely proud of her best asset. J.Lo once said, "I do special squats and work with loads of weights in the gym to achieve my butt. And in a way I'm kind of flattered when people compliment me for having a big a**." Bootylicious beauty Beyonce came in second in the online poll and Kim Kardashian and Shakira tied for third, ahead of Ice-T's glamour model wife Coco, who brought up the rear in fifth place.
Best Collaboration Best Female Video Best Pop Video Best Art Direction Best Choreography The singer, in London since watching her husband Jay-Z's gig at the Wireless festival on Sunday, had set off with the rapper to pay a visit to luxury department store Harrods before a restaurant date in the British capital. But the trip nearly ended in tragedy after Beyonce narrowly avoided being hit by a London cab, which collided with her parked car's open door as it sped past, according to Britain's The Sun newspaper. A source tells the publication, "It was terrifying to watch. It all happened so quickly, the taxi came out of nowhere. "She seemed very shaken and was lucky to be alive. A couple of seconds' difference and God knows what could have happened." The couple was later picked up by a replacement car.
The multimedia mogul regained her throne at the top of Forbes' 2010 list of the world's 100 Most Powerful Celebrities, rebounding from last year's ignominious slip to No. 2. So what has become of last year's No. 1? Angelina Jolie slid to 18th place because, per the powerful list makers at Forbes, though she still maintained a solid media presence over the last 12 months, she didn't release any major films. (Look for a rebound in '11 after The Tourist and Salt come out.) Anyway, though Oprah's sitting pretty, No. 2 Beyoncé is nipping at her heels, followed by James Cameron (absent from the list last year) and first-time powerbroker Lady Gaga. Meanwhile, Tiger Woods, comfortable at No. 5, is still the highest-paid athlete in the business thanks to Nike, despite his inability to sell watches, Gatorade and cell-phone service at this time. Rounding out the top 10 are an ascendant Britney Spears, 2009 absentee U2, Sandra Bullock (who made a whopping one-year leap from 92nd to 8th), a stationary Johnny Depp and a slightly slipping Madonna. Out of the top 10 but still lurking close by are Kobe Bryant, Bruce Springsteen, Jennifer Aniston, Steven Spielberg and Brad Pitt (30th to Jen's 27th). Making their Most Powerful list debut are Robert Pattinson (50th) and Kristen Stewart (66th), both landing ahead of Daniel Radcliffe, who slipped from 70th to 82nd while waiting for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 to come along. Also hitting the list for the first time is E!'s own Chelsea Handler, debuting at No. 98, though she has some catching up to do to equal Ryan Seacrest's two-years' running spot at No. 44. Check out Forbes.com for the complete list.
The superstar singer was horrified when it was alleged last year that Matthew had an 18-month affair with 38-year-old Alexsandra Wright and DNA tests confirmed he'd fathered her son, Nixon, while still married to Beyoncé's mother, Tina Knowles. Now, sources tell Page Six that relations between Beyoncé, who is very close to her mom, and her father have reached such a low point that executives at her label, Columbia, are worried. Matthew guided Beyoncé's career through her days with Destiny's Child and is still her manager. But one music industry insider said, "Beyoncé was horrified to find out her dad cheated on her mom. She always looked up to him, and she is very close to her mom, so this has hit her really hard. She is refusing to speak to him, which is making things difficult where it comes to managing her career. Some people at Columbia now think it would be better to move him aside." Former "Scrubs" actress Wright filed a paternity suit last October, and a DNA test taken in March confirmed that Knowles was the father of Nixon, who was born on Feb. 4. A judge ordered him to pay $8,200 a month in child support on an interim basis. Wright, a Los Angeles-based branding executive, claimed that Matthew Knowles, who was married to Tina for 29 years, had an affair with her for a year and a half. Tina filed for divorce last November. Wright and Matthew are now in the final stages of negotiating a child support settlement. A rep for Beyoncé said: "There is no merit to this. This is absolutely false." Matthew Knowles didn't get back to us.
Kenny Chesney and The Steve Miller Band have been announced as the next Crossroads matchup to air in July, but isn't it time for the ladies to show their stuff? Reba McEntire recently performed a version of Beyoncé's "If I Were a Boy," which begs the question – who wouldn't like to see a Reba/Beyoncé Crossroads? The set list could include "Single Ladies," "If I Were a Boy," "Consider Me Gone," and "Fancy" – capitalizing on the stage power of the two top divas.
Choice Music: R&B Artist "Sometimes on creative stuff, one of us will ask, 'Do you think this is cool?' " the rapper, 40, tellsRolling Stone, which for its latest issue features the publication's first ever peel-off cover. "She's a magnificent A&R, if she ever decides to do that, for things like pitch. So I defer to her on those sort of questions." But while he might occasionally depend on his wife of two yearsfor input in his work, Jay-Z says the two tend to "pretty much stay out of each other's business." Case in point: The hip-hop star, 40, raves about Beyoncé's appearance in Lady Gaga's "Telephone" music video but says that was a decision she made on her own – and he never advised her on whether or not she should participate in it. A Photo Had to Go Outside the office and recording studio and back at home, Knowles, 28, is equally vocal about what she does – and especially doesn't – like, says the hip-hop star, who had to return a piece of artwork that she didn't approve. B., as Jay-Z calls her, vetoed a black-and-white photograph by artist Laurie Simmons "depicting a noirishly lit pistol with a pair of women's legs emerging from the handle," reports the magazine. Beyoncé then had it replaced with a similar piece showing a perfume bottle instead of a gun to hang in their 8,000-sq.ft. New York City penthouse apartment. "It was more of a masculine style, I guess," says Jay-Z. They Love Music One thing the couple does agree on: Their love of music, specifically watching other artists perform and getting to experience the same thrill their fans enjoy when they're on stage. "One of my great moments at Coachella was driving backstage," says Lyor Cohen, vice chairman of Warner Music Group and a long-time Jay-Z pal. "He was driving the other way, and Beyoncé rolled her window down. They're beaming from ear to ear." "I said, 'Where you guys going?'" recalls Cohen. "Jay said, 'Lyor, either jump in, or I'll check you out later – we can't miss the show we're running to now!' They were so excited by the other artists."
But that hasn't stopped Camp Beyoncé from releasing not one but two emphatic statements denying the apparently pervasive yet almost untraceable (we said almost) rumors to the contrary. While rumors of an impending reunion of the trio seem to pop up every few years—and go away just as quickly as they arrive—this time around, both the father and publicist of Knowles have piped up to deny the latest round of reports. "Contrary to rumors online of a Destiny's Child reunion, there are no plans for the group to reunite for a performance or album," the much-beleaguered Papa Fierce, and the group's former manager, Matthew Knowles, said in a statement. "The rumors are false." And just in case that wasn't final enough, Knowles went so far as to preemptively deny the same rumor should it pop back up in the future. "Destiny's Child made an unprecedented impact in contemporary music, becoming one of the best-selling groups of all time. Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams have each moved on to successful solo careers. The members remain close, but will not reunite as a group." But hey, they'll always have tenuous excuses to get their names back out there, so really everyone wins. Uh, except the fans.
Just after Rowland checked into the Empire Hotel Thursday night, Knowles arrived there with her bodyguard, who waited two hours in the lobby while she visited her old bandmate in a suite upstairs. Rowland just released a new dance song, "Commander," with producer David Guetta.
Court documents show Philip Markowitz filed the lawsuit seeking $25,000 on Friday in Los Angeles against Knowles, a liability company and Dina Ciccotello, a production coordinator for the video shoot for "Why Don't You Love Me." Markowitz claims his expectations of privacy in his upscale neighborhood were "shattered" on March 26 when the crew came in the morning and didn't leave until 11 p.m., and that his driveway was repeatedly blocked. Calls to Beyonce's publicists were not immediately returned.
Also expected to entertain guests Wednesday night inside a tent on the South Lawn will be the Mexican singing duo of Rodrigo y Gabriela The White House announced the entertainment lineup for the dinner on its blog.
They're both nominated for video of the year, best collaboration and viewers' choice. Jay-Z received two nominations in the video of the year category, which includes newcomers B.o.B and Melanie Fiona. Jay-Z is the top contender with five nominations; he's also up for best male hip-hop artist. Beyonce, Fiona and Alicia Keys, who follow with four nods each, are all up for best R&B female artist. R&B crooner Trey Songz also received four nominations. Other multiple nominees include Rihanna, Maxwell, Drake and Fabolous. Queen Latifah will host the awards show, which airs live on June 27 from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.
That's the rumor swirling around these parts: That the singer and her rap mogul husband, Grammy Award winners both, are planning to buy a multimillion-dollar spread on 210 secluded acres in eastern Pennsylvania. What began as idle gossip has turned into an article of faith among many here. People are talking about it in grocery stores and pharmacies, at the fitness center and kids' T-ball games, online and over the phone. One fan even posted a welcome message on Beyonce's official website. No one seems to know how the rumor got started. No deed has been recorded in the courthouse, no real estate transfer tax has been paid, and the celebs have yet to request a showing, according to the real estate agent listing the house. But the gossip persists, supercharged by unconfirmed sightings of Beyonce at several businesses, from Boyer's supermarket to Heisler's dairy bar. And who was riding in that black Lamborghini seen tooling around town? Beyonce fans Brooke Shilling and Anne Tomtishen, college students from nearby Pottsville and Ringtown, drove up to the front gate after class one day this week, excited by the prospect of one of the planet's best-known celebrity couples making a home in Schuylkill County (pronounced SKOO'-kuhl). "I'm gonna tell everyone I'm their neighbors. It's insane!" gushed Shilling, 20. Added Tomtishen, 23: "Maybe she'll have babies. That would be awesome!" At first, the notion they would buy a house here seems farfetched, even ludicrous. Schuylkill County is an economically struggling region best known for the Yuengling brewery, Mrs. T's Pierogies, the Molly Maguires and a coal mining industry that is a shadow of its former self. In other words, it's a celebrity-free zone. "I don't believe they'll be here, unless they get a taste for Yuengling," scoffed Jonathan Moss, 54, of nearby Orwigsburg. Upon further inspection, though, the idea has a certain logic. Beyonce and Jay-Z could do a lot worse than the unique wood-and-stone hillside contemporary at the heart of the matter. Listed at $11.9 million, it's got 16,000 square feet of living space and stunning views of Hawk Mountain, a popular birdwatching spot. The property comes with a vintage eight-bedroom Sears house, a one-bedroom guest house, a restored bank barn and frontage on the trout-stocked Little Schuylkill River. (Does Beyonce fish?) It's also convenient — just over two hours west of Manhattan by stretch limo, even closer by helicopter or private plane. And the region does have a few celebrity claims to fame, including 1930s bandleaders Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey and Muhammad Ali, who had a training camp a few miles away in Deer Lake. The rumor has brought plenty of attention to the ultra-luxe property, but Beyonce and Jay-Z haven't expressed an interest in it, said Ericka Kirkpatrick, the agent who is listing the house. "I am just humored," she said. "We have no idea what the deal is or where it got started. ... We are just being bombarded with craziness. This is so absurd!" Jeff Faust, chairman of the local board of supervisors, said no one has approached the township about putting in a helipad — another rumor making the rounds. "It's amazing what people will come up with," he said. "Believe me, I'd love for that property to sell. The township gets a nice chunk of change from the realty transfer tax." The stars' reps aren't commenting, which means this rumor will likely persist at least until the house is sold. So who knows? There may be a Yuengling or two in their future after all.
The first, well, if you don't already know, then congratulations on finally managing to get out from under that rock. The second, well, it's all about the pretty. That's right, People has unwisely chosen today to unveil the aesthetically pleasing crop of superstars that make up this year's list of Most Beautiful People, with the much coveted cover shot going to Sandra Bullock Angelina Jolie Halle Berry Julia Roberts, her fourth such time as the Most Most Beautiful Person. She's called a Pretty Woman for a reason, folks. And it's not just because it makes for a good pun. Of course, she's not alone in the genetic winners' circle, getting joined this year by everybody's favorite sparkle vamp Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart (they're kind of a set), Jennifers Aniston, Garner and Lopez, Jake Gyllenhaal, Zoe Saldana, Scarlett Johansson, Bradley Cooper and the dreamiest, wittiest deodorant hawker out there, Isaiah Mustafa, to name a few. Now here's the rest: First, the ladies. Joining the lookers in the list proper is Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, small-screen babe Sofia Vergara, newly engaged songbird Katy Perry, suddenly prolific starlet Amanda Seyfried, Good Wife's Julianna Margulies and Gossip Girl star Jessica Szohr. As for the fellas, Ryan Reynolds, Johnny Depp, front-sweeper extraordinaire Justin Bieber and Grey's Anatomy hunks Patrick Dempsey and Kevin McKidd also made the cut. Among those forced to bear the title of Hot: our own Kim Kardashian and Kendra Wilkinson made the cut. They're joined by Glee's Dianna Agron, Adam Lambert, Christina Hendricks, Gabourey Sidibe, Kelly Osbourne and Miley Cyrus. The magazine's round-up of Beautiful at Every Age is where K. Stew makes the scene, and she's joined by...well, just about every hot young star you can think of (hey, every year has a publicist-appeasing catch-all category, and this is 2010's). Joining the ranks are Vanessa Hudgens, Blake Lively, Megan Fox (no hot list is complete without her!), Freida Pinto, America Ferrera, Anne Hathaway, Beyoncé, Jessica Alba, Rosario Dawson, Kate Hudson, January Jones, Reese Witherspoon, Amy Adams, Eva Mendes, Jenny McCarthy, Taraji P. Henson, Gwen Stefani, Lucy Liu, Kate Walsh, Cindy Crawford, Marisa Tomei, Mariska Hargitay (still with us? Hang in there!), Demi Moore, Sheryl Crow, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Michelle Pfeiffer, Annette Bening, Christie Brinkley and Meryl Streep, among other decade-spanning beauties. This year's crop of stars who we hate look good without makeup are Ashley Greene, Diane Kruger, Heidi Klum, Kerry Washington, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Robin Wright and Selena Gomez. People also helpfully took the guesswork out of naming Hollywood's All-Time Screen Beauties (until next year, that is), dividing the stunning leading ladies into decade-size bites. The Noughties are well represented by Natalie Portman, Charlize Theron, Angelina Jolie, Penélope Cruz, Drew Barrymore and Jennifer Lopez. The '90s were apparently blinded by the beauty of Gwyneth Paltrow, Cameron Diaz, Michelle Yeoh, Winona Ryder, Nicole Kidman and Meg Ryan. The '80s belonged to Brooke Shields and Kim Basinger. Oddly absent from the list—or at least from the online preview of the list—is Sandra Bullock, but we're guessing (hoping) that the magazine's editors didn't want to oversaturate the market. We're sure she'll make the cut when the issue hits newsstands this week...right, People?!
The odd couple were linked to the leading roles in the remake of the 1976 film, in which has-been rocker Kristofferson fell for aspiring pop star Streisand. Crowe, who tasted rock star success as the frontman of Thirty Odd Foot Of Grunts, admits he's still interested in making the movie - but doesn't think Beyonce is. He tells U.S. news show Extra, "I think she's pulled out of it. I'm still chatting about it. It's one of those stories that's been made a lot, but I think it's still quite a big focus - you can see that in terms of the popularity of things like American Idol." And Crowe admits he's an unlikely fan of the TV talent show's wannabe talent: "I have been known to spend many an hour watching American Idol; it's a compelling piece of TV."
The VIP crowd Friday night included Katy Perry, Paris Hilton, Rachel Bilson and cute couple Kate Bosworth and Alexander Skarsgard, who later got into a scuffle with photogs. Read on for more of what the stars were doing onstage and off... After his show, Jay-Z got his party on at a private house in Palm Springs, where he and Beyoncé arrived around 1:45 a.m. Belvedere was flowing at the small private party with only 50 other guests, including Solange Knowles. On Saturday, the couple hit the fest again and were spotted watching UK indie rock band The XX among all the regular concertgoers. Also checking out last night's lineup was Whitney Port, engaging in PDA with her new boyfriend from The Buried Life, while Kristin Cavallari hung out by the bar with Hayden Panettiere in VIP. After the shows Saturday night, celebs headed to 944 and Armani Exchange's neon carinval, where Josh Hartnett rode a mechanical bull and Kellan Lutz hit the dance floor. Newly single Paris danced up a storm with her sister and told E! that this was her "best Coachella ever," while David Hasselhoff, who was in attendance with his daughter, snapped photos with surprised fans. Lindsay Lohan opted to hit up the Adidas party instead. Stars stayed out even after the official parties shut down. Paris invited people to her rented house at 4 a.m. to continue the fun, while Rumer Willis retired to her RV with friends.
The R&B beauties jetted to the slums of Rio de Janiero, Brazil in February to film a new music video for Put It In a Love Song, which they recorded for Key's latest album The Element of Freedom last year. The promo was expected to air in March but Keys has revealed she's put the song on hold while she makes plans to promote Un-Thinkable (I'm Ready), which features vocals from singer/rapper Drake. Speaking about her Beyonce duet, Keys tells Rap-Up.com, "Expect it right after my Un-Thinkable video. It's kind of nice that I have such a great video (with) such a great artist in the can. They're going to be able to see the Un-Thinkable video first and then see Put It in a Love Song, but it probably won't come until closer to this summer." Keys has ruled out inviting Drake to make a cameo in the clip when she shoots it later this month but hopes to collaborate with him again in the future: "He won't be in the video. That's too obvious. (But) he's a great guy. I'm really proud of all the things he's been able to achieve, and we're most likely going to do some kind of remix for the song that'll be really good. There'll be more of me and Drake."
By the looks of the Grammy-winning, multihyphenate's YouTube page, Sony has blocked all of B's music videos and replaced them with this message: "This video contains content from Sony Music Entertainment, who has blocked it in your country on copyright grounds." The action comes on the heels of a copyright infringement issue involving Beyoncé's label, and as techie website Motherboard points out, no doubt stems from the floundering record industry and their desire to have a piece of the online video biz. No word yet on when those pieces of art Beyoncé calls music videos—you know you love "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)"!— will be live on the web once more. We're just hoping more of our faves don't start vanishing from YouTube, too.
A paternity test has confirmed that Mathew Knowles, 58, is the father of Alexsandra Wright's new baby boy, Nixon TMZ reports. The baby's half-sisters Beyoncé and Solange are 29 and 24, respectively. The news comes after the elder Knowles initially had no comment about claims that he fathered a child with Wright, an actress, who said they had an 18-month affair with Knowles and filed a paternity suit last October. Knowles was the manager of daughter Beyoncé, who first rose to stardom with Destiny's Child under his leadership. He split with former wife Tina after nearly 30 years of marriage when rumors of his affair with Wright surfaced. A rep for Matthew Knowles had no comment.
The video begins with Gaga's wry commentary on speculation that she's a hermaphrodite. Two female cops rip her clothes off, throw her down on a prison cell cot and mutter, "I told you she didn't have a d--k." From there, the crazy level kicks up about twenty notches as Gaga dances in a skimpy studded bikini through the prison halls, just prior to Beyonce bailing her out. The two go all sorts of Kill Bill on us as they jump in pick-up truck labeled "P---y Wagon" and arrive at a diner where they kill all the patrons —including Tyrese and a dog. They then ride off into the sunset hand-in-hand, Thelma & Louise style, before a "To Be Continued..." flashes across the screen. They also sing a little bit here and there. Watch the video and weigh in on what you think in the poll bellow, as well as at the many gorgeous and grotesque looks of Lady Gaga (we're partial to the cigarette shades).
The singer and her mother Tina made a surprise visit to Brooklyn's Phoenix House on Friday, a day after she and husband Jay-Z met with U.S. President Barack Obama at the White House in Washington, D.C. Beyonce spent time at Phoenix Center while preparing to play former heroine addict Etta James in the 2008 film, and she was so moved by her experience there she donated her movie salary to the centre's bosses. Beyonce and Tina Knowles later suggested Phoenix chiefs launch a cosmetology course, and they were both on hand on Friday to cut the ribbon at the school, which will be named the Beyonce Cosmetology Center. The school will allow recovering addicts to rebuild their lives and embark on careers in the cosmetics industry.
Next stop was club LIV, where they hung out until 2 a.m., when Jay sent a member of his entourage back to the restaurant for takeout. "After 20 minutes, the assistant brought five plates of spaghetti," we're told. "They munched on the pasta inside the club."
The singer came number one in the U.K. survey to find the sexiest stars in the eyes of women, while men voted Megan Fox into first place. Jennifer Aniston was also popular with girls, with women naming her as the star with the prettiest face, but the male survey handed the title to Keira Knightley. Former Spice Girls star Victoria Beckham didn't do so well in the poll by Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment - she topped the list of least attractive stars by both sexes.
The R&B superstar dons a black and white two-piece in one scene in the music video, which also features Lady GaGa, complete with matching bracelets and sunglasses. Triumph executives took issue with the outfit, alleging it bared striking similarities to their creation by Bulgarian designer Iskren Lozanov, and filed suit against Sony for copyright infringement earlier this year. Lawyers for Sony argued Beyonce's underwear had been inspired by Spanish artist Pablo Picasso, but a judge recently dismissed their claim, ruling in Triumph's favour because Lozanov's design was so unique. Bosses at the record label have consulted with the Halo hitmaker and are now preparing to file legal papers to appeal the decision.
Alexsandra Wright claims Mathew Knowles is the father of her two-week-old son, Nixon, and her lawyer was in court in Los Angeles on Tuesday asking for financial support. However, the support might be temporary - Knowles will take a DNA test on March 1 to determine paternity. In the meantime, he has been told to pay up and the order has been backdated to the beginning of February. Knowles must also pay all of Wright's uninsured medical costs, according to TMZ.com. The mother claims her son was conceived during an 18-month affair with Knowles. The music manager has yet to confirm he's the child's father, but he gave Wright $10,000 in January to cover her immediate medical costs.
Favorite Female Singer The superstar took her I Am... world tour to South America and kicked off the dates with a string of shows in Brazil. Britain's Star magazine reported the final show in the city of Salvador on Wednesday night was marred by violence, with a gang of youths opening fire on fans as they left the Parque de Exposicoes venue. Other reports suggested the singer cut short the show as a result of the violence - but her spokesperson has denied the incident affected the concert. The rep tells UsWeekly.com, "The reports of gunfire during Beyonce's concert in Brazil that allegedly ended her show early are totally false. Beyonce played to record crowds on her recent tour in Brazil without incident, including an audience of 60,000 in Sao Paolo on Saturday, February 6 and two sold-out shows in Rio on February 7 and 8."
The Crazy In Love hitmaker took her I Am... world tour to South America last week, kicking off the dates with a string of shows in Brazil. But Beyonce's final Brazilian concert in the city of Salvador on Wednesday night was marred by violence when youths outside the Parque de Exposicoes venue began shooting at fans leaving the arena, according to Britain's Star Magazine. Police reportedly returned fire but no one was injured during the incident.
The choice of third-grader Julia Lira to lead the drum corps for the Viradouro samba group sparked controversy and a legal challenge by a children's rights group who said she risked being sexually exploited. The final word was left to a family court judge, who according to Brazilian media ruled on Wednesday she could join the parade. The judge's office declined to comment. If allowed, Lira will dance through the Sambadrome stadium after midnight on Sunday cheered by thousands of fans and celebrities expected to include Madonna, who has been pictured in Rio smooching with her 22-year-old Brazilian boyfriend. In Carnival capital Rio, which has extra reason to party after being awarded the 2016 Olympics last year, masks of late U.S. pop idol Michael Jackson have been flying off the shelves along with those of Brazilian politicians in an election year. U.S. R&B stars Beyonce and Alicia Keys are also in Brazil to take part in the festival of hedonism before Lent that is thought to have its roots in pre-Christian spring festivals. The two donned feathered Carnival costumes to shoot a music video in a Rio slum on Tuesday and Beyonce opened the celebrations in the northeastern city of Salvador on Wednesday night with a show in front of 45,000 people. But it is the much younger diva who has been dominating the pre-Carnival headlines. The selection of a tiny girl in a role usually occupied by scantily clad, high-heeled models and buxom TV stars has sparked a heated debate, with critics saying she is too young to star in the grueling, sexually charged parade. Drum queens, chosen for their looks and samba skills, dance non-stop in front of hundreds of drummers, wearing little more than a tiny bikini, a feathered headdress and high heels. With Rio sweltering through its hottest February in half a century amid temperatures well above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), concern has also focused on the possible health consequences for a 7-year-old. Julia's father Marco Lira, who is also president of Viradouro, has defended her selection, saying she is doing what she wants and will wear an outfit designed for children. "No father wants to expose his daughter. She will parade because she deserves it," he told reporters on Wednesday.
Sheri Ladner is a publicist with RCA Music Group, which includes Keys' label, J Records. She says the singers are shooting a video for their duet "Put It In a Love Song." The song is from Keys' recently released album "The Element of Freedom." Brazilian television on Tuesday showed the singers performing together in front of cameras in the Morro da Conceicao shantytown. Ladner says the video will have scenes recorded at several locations across Rio. Keys already filmed one segment in Rio's Dona Marta slum. That shantytown became renowned worldwide after Michael Jackson went there to film the 1996 video "They Don't Care About Us."
The Grammy-winning diva's dad, Matthew Knowles, who was a target of a paternity suit in October, exclusively tells E! News that he will "certainly" submit to a paternity test when asked. "I know about as much as you do," he says. "Last week, they said it was a girl, this week they said it was a boy. We do have a court date but none of that means anything until DNA testing is done." "I'll leave that in the hands of the attorneys," Knowles added. Alexsandra Wright, who claims that Knowles fathered her child during an affair that lasted 18 months, gave birth to a son last week. A source told E! that she's planning to request that the former Destiny's Child manager take a DNA test—and then, if it's positive, petition Knowles for child support. Knowles has denied being Wright's baby-daddy and has not offered up any money to date, our source says. Beyoncé's mother, Tina, filed for divorce from Matthew in December after 29 years of marriage.
The Irreplaceable hitmaker, who launched clothing collection House of Dereon with her stylist mother Tina Knowles in 2005, is accused of costing apparel maker Vier International $500,000 in an alleged conspiracy to undercut the Asian company. In legal papers filed in the U.S. District Court in Manhattan, New York on Monday Vier International owners claim executives at clothing company Donna Loren LLC and shipping firm HJM International worked together as "conspirators who induced the shipment of goods to the United States with the intent to convert them or pay less than the agreed upon contract price". Beyonce and her partners at House of Dereon and her Beyond Productions company reportedly aided the scheme by making purchase orders and requesting manufacturer specifications, reports WWD.com. Vier International executives are suing for compensation and they have also filed the complaint under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, a statute usually reserved for the prosecution of organised crime gangs like the mafia.
Other guests included Clive Davis, Sony head Barry Weiss, Kings of Leon, John Legend, Usher, Britney Spears clinging to agent-boyfriend Jason Trawick, Tony Bennett and Sharon Osbourne. Meanwhile, Lady Gaga held court still dressed in a glittering Statue of Liberty outfit at Interscope founder Jimmy Iovine's afterparty, at the Thom Thom club in Santa Monica, which drew Eminem, Dr. Dre, Akon and the Black Eyed Peas.
Later in the evening, Knowles and Jay-Z arrived at Reid's bash, and it became a mini-Destiny's Child reunion for the pop star as she sat next to Michelle Williams at the dinner table. The two caught up for a long time, leaning in and sharing close conversation. Then, at 10 p.m., Rihanna arrived and took a seat across from Beyoncé and Jay-Z, who gave her a high-five, as she nibbled on lobster and mascarpone ravioli, while they watched their favorite moments – and acceptance speeches – as everyone applauded.
Song of the Year: "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)," Beyoncé R&B Female R&B Vocal Performance: Beyoncé, "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" Traditional R&B Vocal Performance: Beyoncé, "At Last" R&B Song: "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)", Beyoncé Contemporary R&B Album: I Am...Sasha Fierce, Beyoncé
Beyonce -- who had topped the nominations with 10 nods -- won the prestigious Song of the Year award for her hit "Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)", which also earned her the best female R&B vocal award. The former Destiny's Child singer also snagged Grammys for best R&B song for "Single Ladies" and best contemporary R&B album for her chart-topping "I Am ... Sasha Fierce" as well as best traditional R&B vocal performance for "At Last." "Wow thank you so much. This has been such an amazing night for me," Beyonce said after collecting the best female pop vocal performance, her sixth award of the night at the Staples Center. However Beyonce -- who dazzled the audience with an electrifying performance -- was forced to share the honors in the other blue riband categories of Record of the Year and Album of the Year. Swift scored a stunning victory in Album of the Year for "Fearless" while the Kings of Leon looked as surprised as anyone else when they were named winners of Record of the Year for "Use Somebody." "Oh my god," Swift said after winning Album of the Year. "I just hope that you know how much this means to me. Oh my god. "Our families are freaking out in their living rooms right now. This is the story we're going to be telling over and over again when we're 80-years-old." "I just keep thinking back to when you're in second grade and you sing at your talent show and people say 'Maybe we'll see you at the Grammys one day' and it feels like an impossible dream," the 20-year-old said. "I just feel like I'm standing here accepting an impossible dream right now." Swift, who had received eight nominations also won for best female country vocal performance for her single "White Horse" and followed it up with victory in the best country song category for the same track. Meanwhile the Kings of Leon were wrong-footed by their Record of the Year success. "I'm not going to lie we're a little drunk but we're happy drunk," said frontman Caleb Followill. Elsewhere Sunday, oddball New York singer Lady Gaga picked up two Grammys with her smash hit single "Poker Face" taking best dance recording of the year and "The Fame" winning best dance album. The 23-year-old singer, famous for her outlandish outfits, had brought the curtain up on the show in a wacky duet with legendary songwriter Elton John where the couple performed a medley of "Speechless" and "Your Song." Pop powerhouses the Black Eyed Peas also enjoyed success, picking up three Grammys for best short form music video, best pop performance by a duo or group and best pop vocal album. Indian composer A.R. Rahman was also another early winner, scooping two Grammys for his music from the Oscar-winning film "Slumdog Millionaire." Rahman won in the best compilation soundtrack for a motion picture category before his "Jai Ho" won in the best motion picture song category moments later."This is insane, god is great again," Rahman said as he accepted his second award before a VIP audience. The Grammy success comes after Rahman earned two Oscars for his music in "Slumdog Millionaire" at last year's Academy Awards. One of the most popular segments of the show was a tribute to tragic "King of Pop" Michael Jackson which saw Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson, Celine Dion, Smokey Robinson and Usher give a rendition of his track "Earth Song." The performance saw the star-studded audience rise to their feet for an ovation before Jackson's two eldest children Prince Michael and Paris appeared to accept a lifetime achievement award on behalf of their late father. "In all his songs his message was simple -- love," Prince Michael said in a faltering acceptance speech. "We will continue to spread his message."
Among the other big winners: Nashville rockers Kings of Leon, whose surging ballad "Use Somebody" netted them the prestigious Grammy for record for the year; the Black Eyed Peas won three awards, including best pop vocal album for The E.N.D. And country group Zac Brown Band was named best new artist. ?
What she hasn't won, however, is the prestigious album of the year trophy, despite being nominated once before. That may change on Sunday. The superstar is nominated for a leading 10 Grammys, including record of the year for "Halo," song of the year for her anthem "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)" and album of the year for her multiplatinum third CD, "I Am ... Sasha Fierce." Of course, she faces tough competition — especially from two newer divas. Taylor Swift isn't far behind in the Grammy nominee count with eight. She too is up for the evening's three top awards: "Fearless" is nominated for album of the year, and her song "You Belong With Me" is nominated for both record and song of the year. Swift, whose country album became the most popular album of any genre last year, has captured top awards at just about every awards show she's been at, from the Country Music Association Awards to the MTV Video Music Awards. The 20-year-old, who is only on her second album, could emerge as the top winner at the Grammys as well. Lady Gaga is another relative newcomer up for top awards. Although she was disqualified from the best new artist category because her first single, "Just Dance," was released last fall and nominated for a Grammy, the Recording Academy more than made up for her exclusion in that category. Gaga is up for five Grammys, and like Beyonce and Swift, is also up for record and song of the year, for "Poker Face," and album of the year for "The Fame." Rounding out the album of the year category is the Black Eyed Peas' "The E.N.D.," and the Dave Matthews Band's "Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King." The latter album was the band's first release since the death of founding member and saxophonist LeRoi Moore. All are expected to perform on Sunday's show, to be aired on CBS from Staples Center. But the show won't be all about the nominees. There will be a special 3-D tribute to Michael Jackson; a video clip he made of "Earth Song" will be shown, as Usher, Carrie Underwood, Celine Dion, Jennifer Hudson and Smokey Robinson sing along. Mary J. Blige and Andrea Bocelli will celebrate the 30th anniversary of "Bridge Over Troubled Water's" Grammy wins with a special performance of the classic song, which will be made available on iTunes. The proceeds will be donated to Haiti relief.
First released in 1937, the musical has been reworked twice in the past, with Judy Garland and James Mason in 1957 and Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson in 1976. Actor-turned-director Nick Cassavettes is behind the latest version and has signed a deal with Warner Bros ahead of a 2012 release, reports Deadline Hollywood Daily. Downey Jr. and Beyonce are the favourites for the lead roles, playing Normal Maine and Esther Victoria Blodgett, aka Vicki Lester - with Mad Men star John Hamm, Alicia Keys and Rihanna linked as back-up stars. It's not the first time a remake has been mooted, Will Smith and Jennifer Lopez were once linked to a version planned by director Joel Schumacher.
"I definitely want to have a child, but I know from my nephew it's a lot," Knowles tells Allure magazine for its February issue of starting a family with husband Jay-Z. "I hope that those things will just happen naturally. I still haven't had time to relax." Who can relax when you're popping out hit songs and maintaining a voluptuous figure? "I always say, 'I don't want to lose my curves.' I like firm curves," Knowles, 28, says. "You can never do enough squats, you can never do enough sit-ups. I like for women to look feminine." Feminine? How about Bootylicious? The singer/actress can't seem to shake the word coined in the Destiny's Child song of the same name. It's even been added to the Oxford Dictionary. "I still can't believe it! It's hilarious," Knowles says. "I actually wish it was another word that I created. I wish it didn't have 'booty' in it."
All that hard work has paid off. Between June 2008 and June 2009 the couple earned a combined $122 million putting them squarely at the top of our annual Top-Earning Couples list. Our list includes actors, musicians and professional athletes. We talked to agents, managers, producers and lawyers to determine what celebrities earned from staring in movies, touring, selling albums, playing professional sports, creating lines of clothing and perfumes and appearing in ads. Jay-Z and Beyonce both contribute significantly to their joint earnings. Last year Beyonce out-earned Jay-Z, bringing in $87 million to his $35 million. (The couple also topped last year's list with $162 million. About half of that came from each star.) For the couple in second place on our list, it's more about his big payday. Harrison Ford and his girlfriend, Calista Flockhart, earned a combined $69 million, $53 million less than Jay-Z and Beyonce. Almost all of that came from Ford's work in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Ford and producers Steven Spielberg and George Lucas made a unique deal with Paramount on the movie that gave them a significant portion of the film's earnings after the studio broke even. As a result Ford eared a jaw-dropping $65 million for putting back on Indy's trademark fedora. Flockhart earns for her work on the TV show Brothers & Sisters. In third place: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. The power couple earned a total of $55 million split about evenly between them both. Pitt had one of the biggest hits of his career last year with The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, and Jolie has embraced her inner action hero with 2008's Wanted and the upcoming film Salt. Will Smith and his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, rank fourth with $48 million. Smith is perhaps the last of the great movie stars. Even in recessionary times he still can demand a $20 million paycheck. Pinkett Smith has a burgeoning career of her own. She voices Gloria the hippo in the popular Madagascar films and last year produced The Secret Life of Bees. The Smiths would earn even more if we were including whole families. Their daughter, Willow, appeared in I Am Legend with her dad and did voice work with her mom on Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa. Jaden Smith costarred with his father in The Pursuit of Happyness and will star in the upcoming remake of The Karate Kid. Rounding out the top five are David and Victoria Beckham. The pair earned $46 million between June 2008 and June 2009. The vast majority of that comes from David Beckham, who plays for the Los Angeles Galaxy. He is also playing for A.C. Milan and could appear in his fourth World Cup this summer.
"Fashion is something I've been familiar with my whole life," she says in an interview before the shoot. So when Nintendo tapped her to represent its product, she was happy to oblige. Introduced last November for the portable Nintendo DS and Nintendo DSi systems, the game allows aspiring entrepreneurs to choose from 16 fictional designer labels, each with a different style and price point, and more than 10,000 items. The goal is to accommodate customers' budgets and needs, then use the accumulated cash to restock your stores, bearing in mind such factors as seasonal changes. "It can teach young girls a sense of business and of responsibility," Beyoncé says. "You have to be a good listener and pay attention to what the customers want. It also teaches you about fashion, using terms that fashion people use, like 'asymmetrical.' " As part of its arrangement with Beyoncé, Nintendo plans to introduce five items from her Deréonline early this year. (Five items from Charlotte Ronson's fall 2009 collection are currently available for download.) "It will be fun," she says. "The clothes in the game are great, so cute and detailed, and there's always something new. It's like playing dress-up, only with digital technology instead of dolls." Up to four players can hook up wirelessly for a runway contest. Beyoncé took part in one such competition with a few friends, "and they told me I still have a long way to go. So I guess I have to keep working at it."
"It's definitely time to take a break, to recharge my batteries," says Beyoncé, 28. "I'd like to take about six months and not go into the studio. I need to just live life, to be inspired by things again." Not that Beyoncé won't be visible in the coming months. Just a few days before Christmas, she's in Long Island City, shooting a pair of commercials for the Nintendo video game Style Savvy, which is introducing items from Deréon, a casual lifestyle extension of the House of Deréon line that Beyoncé created with longtime fashion adviser Tina Knowles— also her mom. The spots will air on Nickelodeon in March, in the week before the Kids' Choice Awards and during the show. Before that, of course, Beyoncé will perform on the Grammy Awards broadcast Jan. 31 on CBS, where she's up for 10 trophies, more than any other artist, including album, record and song of the year. The last is for her slamming manifesto Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It), one of 2009's most ubiquitous singles (3.5 million downloads sold) and its most-streamed video. The album, I Am ... Sasha Fierce, has sold 2.7 million copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan. "I still haven't really digested it yet," Beyoncé says. The Grammy nominations were announced Dec. 2, two days before her spouse and fellow pop icon Jay-Z turned 40. "I was focused so much on my husband's birthday — I threw a big party — that I didn't really think about it. But it's really an honor." Brian Hiatt of Rolling Stone, which recently named Beyoncé one of the top eight artists of the decade, doubts she'll have a sweep, given the momentum of industry "It" girl Taylor Swift and other up-and-comers such as Lady Gaga. "But if (Beyoncé) loses in all 10 categories, it will have absolutely no effect on her career," Hiatt says. Always a hard worker For the former Destiny's Child frontwoman, the nominations were a sweet coda to an especially productive and demanding period. "I've always worked hard, but I feel like I worked harder this past year than I have since I was just starting out. I just had all these great opportunities. It started out with singing At Last," the song Barack and Michelle Obama chose for their first dance as first couple. Beyoncé serenaded them at a ball hours after the president's inauguration. In the spring, the singer launched the I Am ... Tour, which took her to 110 cities around the world. Despite her hectic schedule, Beyoncé was determined "not to just perform and stay in the hotel. I visited the pyramids in Egypt. I saw the Great Wall of China and went out in the middle of the ocean in Australia to see the whales. I actually got sprayed in the face. I made some great memories this year and really learned to enjoy life." So much so that "when I got home, I wrote out a contract with myself. I made a list of everything I want to do that has nothing to do with music. Well, some of it does. But I promised myself that I would not go back on tour or in the studio until I finished these things." The to-do list consists of "random things. I want to go to restaurants, maybe take a class, see some movies and Broadway shows." (Beyoncé says she would love to do a stage musical, eventually.) She's also keen to spend more time with her 5-year-old nephew, Daniel, whose mom is Beyoncé's younger sister, Solange, 23. "He's a wonderful kid, amazing, so smart. And I spoil him, so it's a lot of work. He's a 24-hour job." Still, Beyoncé doesn't expect her sabbatical from the music business to be easy, or even necessarily successful. "It will be the hardest thing in the world for me to make myself not do an album and shoot a video and turn it in and say, 'I'm ready!' I already have all these melodies and ideas in my head. I have to tell myself, 'Sit down! Sit down!' " She already has planned a reprieve from her reprieve, in fact: Two weeks of concert dates are scheduled in South America and the Caribbean in February to accommodate additional demand from the I Am ... trek. (She recently generated controversy by performing at a private New Year's Eve party hosted by Muatsim-Billah Gaddafi, a son of the Libyan leader. A statement from her agency and management firms notes that the annual event has "a long history of booking internationally known artists.") She'll also launch a signature fragrance that month, Beyoncé Heat, with Coty. And there's no saying that a great film script won't come along. Beyoncé's portrayal of R&B legend Etta James in 2008's Cadillac Records earned the best reviews of her acting career and provided something of a revelation. "I learned that drama is probably what I'm best at. I really enjoy it, too — though it can be emotionally draining. Now I know I need to take time out for a project like that, rather than juggle it with 50 other things. I'm only one person." 'Grace under pressure' For someone who has been so famous, and so famously driven, for such a long stretch, Beyoncé still manages to convey a gentle, self-deprecating quality in person. Former Vibe and Spin editor Alan Light says her mix of indomitability and accessibility is one key to her enduring appeal. "She seems to have it all, but there's still this thing in her that you can relate to. The persona is one of graciousness and grace under pressure." That was certainly evident at the MTV Video Music Awards, when Kanye West interrupted Taylor Swift's acceptance speech by suggesting her winning video was inferior to Single Ladies and Beyoncé responded by inviting Swift to share her own triumphant moment. "When someone does something like that on the fly, you can't say it's totally made up," Light says. Fans can be found everywhere Beyoncé allows that she takes pride in maintaining a positive image. Out in New York recently, "I accidentally walked into the men's room, which was so embarrassing. But then I met this young lady in the (women's) restroom, and she was like, 'You're one of the only artists that my daughter and I both love, and I want to thank you for helping to bring us closer together.' "That kind of compliment makes me feel so good. And I think that my own relationship with my mom, though that has nothing to do with my music, inspires mothers and young girls. That's not something I try to do, but I'm aware of it and happy about it."
Beyoncé performed five songs in a sexy black leotard at the Nikki Beach club on St. Barts in front of a crowd that included her husband Jay-Z, Usher, Microsoft founder Paul Allen and Lindsay Lohan. We couldn't confirm how much Beyoncé was paid for the gig, but last year, Mariah Carey reportedly pocketed $1 million for performing at Nikki Beach. Some vacationers on the island were aghast. DJ Sam Young tweeted: "Jigga [Jay-Z], Beyonce & Usher were @ Nikki Beach performing for Khadafy family, WTF?" Just a week earlier, on Christmas Day, Hannibal, 33 -- also known as Moutassim -- allegedly attacked his wife, Aline Skaf, in his suite at Claridge's in London. Three of his security staff were arrested for obstructing police. Skaf was reportedly hospitalized with a broken nose while Hannibal was whisked away in a diplomatic car. In July 2008, he and his then-pregnant wife were arrested on charges of beating their servants in a Geneva hotel. They denied the charges, which were dropped after the servants received compensation. Hannibal was also arrested in 2005 in a Paris hotel for allegedly punching Skaf. He then allegedly brandished a 9mm handgun and went on a furniture-smashing rampage in his hotel suite. No charges were brought. A year earlier, he led a police chase on the Champs Elysees, reaching speeds of 90 mph in his Porsche. No charges were brought after Libyan diplomats apologized. And in 2001, he allegedly attacked three Italian policemen with a fire extinguisher, but demanded diplomatic immunity. Reps for Beyoncé and Nikki Beach did not return calls and e-mails.
Nominated for three Grammys, Beyoncé's hit "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)," from her third solo album, I Am ... Sasha Fierce, has taken the world by storm. Peaking at No. 1 on the Billboard chart and staying on top for four non-consecutive weeks, the single dominated Hot 100 Airplay, topped U.K., Canadian and Australian charts and, with over 3,000,000 digital downloads, became the singer's highest-selling song. But do you know the story behind the music and the moves? The Lyrics "Single Ladies," conceptualized by singer-songwriter The-Dream, was recorded after Beyoncé secretly married Jay-Z. "It was the only public statement that they ever made about marriage," says the song's producer Christopher "Tricky" Stewart. "When we went into the studio she didn't have a ring on or anything, because at that point they were still really hiding it. That's where Dream got that concept from." "I thought it was a subject that most women wanted to talk about because most of us men are scared as s--- to be bound to a commitment," adds The-Dream (real name: Terius Youngdell Nash). The Sound Ever notice that "Single Ladies" sounds a lot like another Beyoncé dance hit, "Get Me Bodied?" "I always believe that every artist has a groove to them," says Tricky, who crafted the song's shuffle beat. "That rhythm is what she responds to," he adds. And once she had the rhythm locked in, she delivered the now-classic lines, "on point right away," says vocal producer Kuk Harrell. "She knows what she's going for." The Video Spawning a massive dance craze and hundreds of YouTube tributes, the moves in the music video for "Single Ladies" were choreographed by Frank Gatson Jr. and JaQuel Knight. "She wanted it to feel good and powerful and she wanted something that everyone would do," says Knight. Beyoncé's main inspiration was the Bob Fosse-choreographed performance of "Mexican Breakfast" on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1969 and, says Gatson, "Shirley MacLaine in Sweet Charity ... That is why Beyoncé ran up the wall [in the video]." Pair those moves and killer costumes, "reminiscent of the high-cut leotards seen in both A Chorus Line and All That Jazz, but modern," according to designer Tina Knowles, and add a flash of that $5-million Lorraine Schwartz wedding ring, and it's easy to see why "Single Ladies" became an instant classic. "I think the visual is what really pulled the record together as a whole," says Tricky. "The reach was just unparalleled."
The Recording Academy said Tuesday that other performers will include the Black Eyed Peas, Lady Antebellum and Maxwell. Beyonce has 10 Grammy nominations; Swift has eight. A stage-crashing Kanye West interrupted Swift's acceptance speech at this year's MTV Video Music Awards to say Beyonce should have won for best female video instead. West later apologized. The Grammys will be presented at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Jan. 31. The show will air on CBS. The Recording Academy says additional performers will be announced at a later date.
Reports began circulating online last week alleging stylist Tina Knowles had filed papers in a Harris County, Texas court in November to put an end to her 29-year marriage. The Knowles have now revealed the news is true, but insist the decision to split was "amicable". In a joint statement, the former couple says, "The decision to end our marriage is an amicable one. We remain friends, parents, and business partners. If anyone is expecting an ugly messy fight, they will be sadly disappointed. We ask for your respect of our privacy as we handle this matter." The divorce comes just weeks after Beyonce's manager father was hit with a paternity lawsuit from Los Angeles resident Alexsandra Wright, who works in the name branding business. Pregnant Wright claims Mathew Knowles is the father of her unborn child, which is due in spring 2010. The Knowles wed in 1980 and are parents to the Crazy In Love hitmaker and her younger sister Solange.
West marred Taylor Swift's first Video Music Awards win this year when he rushed the stage, interrupted her acceptance speech and went on a tirade about Beyonce being more deserving of the award for Best Female Video. The performer Swift beat out for the No. 1 spot on the Billboard list is none other than Beyonce Knowles. It's just another milestone in an amazing year for Swift. Aside from the VMA statue, Swift has won two Academy of Country Music awards, five BMI awards, and five Country Music Association awards (including Entertainer of the Year). Most recently, Swift took home five American Music Awards -- including Artist of the Year, where she faced possibly the stiffest competition of all, the late Michael Jackson. West, however, has all but fallen off the radar since the VMAs debacle. His tour with Lady Gaga was canceled as the rapper retreated to take time away from the spotlight (though he surfaced in the tabloids briefly in October when an Internet rumor declared that he was dead.) For the following overall year-end standings, the editors of Billboard have tallied the year's album sales figures and reviewed Hot 100 song rankings and compiled a list of the 20 artists who traveled furthest and fastest up the charts. These stars were the best performers on the Hot 100 singles chart and the Billboard 200 album chart from November 2008 through November 2009. 1. TAYLOR SWIFT: To say Taylor Swift had a remarkable year would be a comic understatement. She sold more albums than any artist not named Michael Jackson. Her first headlining tour, Fearless 2009, sold out every show within minutes. She became the youngest woman to win the Country Music Association's entertainer of the year award, and she set seemingly every chart record that exists. But most important, she proved herself a graceful, timeless celebrity, handling hosting duties on "Saturday Night Live" and a rampaging Kanye West at the MTV Video Music Awards with equal aplomb. 2. BEYONCE: As Kanye West infamously pointed out at the 2009 Video Music Awards, Beyonce made one of the best videos of all time. "Out of all my videos, ("Single Ladies") was the least expensive and took the least amount of time, and it ended up being the most iconic," Billboard's 2009 Woman of the Year reflects. "But once we got on the set, it was like, wait a minute. This is something special." Not only did the ubiquitous clip inspire thousands of YouTube imitations, it also helped push her "I Am ... Sasha Fierce" album to last over a year on the Billboard 200 chart. 3. LADY GAGA: The chart-topping hit-maker and headline-grabbing fashionista from Yonkers, New York, became the first artist ever to send her first four singles to No. 1 on the Billboard Pop Songs chart. What's her secret? "A hit record writes itself," said the winner of the 2009 Billboard Rising Star award. "If you have to wait, maybe the song isn't there. Once you tap into the soul, the song begins to write itself. And I usually write the choruses first, because without a good chorus, who really gives a f**k?" 4. THE BLACK EYED PEAS: In 2009, Will.i.am, Fergie, apl.de.ap and Taboo became the first group in history to spend six consecutive months atop the Billboard Hot 100, thanks to the succession of two No. 1 songs ("Boom Boom Pow" and "I Gotta Feeling") from the band's fifth release, "The E.N.D." -- a body of work that Will.i.am refuses to think of in traditional terms. "I'm trying to break away from the concept of an album," he told Billboard. "What is an album when you put 12 songs on iTunes and people can pick at it like scabs? That's not an album. There is no album anymore." 5. MILEY CYRUS: What does Miley Cyrus want to be when she grows up? The 17-year-old superstar, who spent 15 weeks at No. 1 on Adult Contemporary with "The Climb," told Billboard last year, "Songwriting is what I really want to do with my life forever. No matter how long what I'm doing here lasts, I want to be a songwriter for the rest of my life." With the soundtrack to her "Hannah Montana" movie climbing to No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart this spring, it seems the queen of the teens is off to a pretty good start. 6. KANYE WEST: Mr. West is Billboard's Top Male Artist of 2009; an impressive honor, though after his bullying of Taylor Swift at this year's VMAs, he might be a little irked to see her ranked five spots higher than him on this overall artist list. Still, despite his sometimes misplaced enthusiasm, the hip-hop hit-maker never fails to give the fans (and the foes) his all. "I've always wanted to sound like I was rapping at the top of a mountain," he told Billboard in 2005. "I wanted to change the sound of music." 7. BRITNEY SPEARS: After a few tumultuous years that found Spears in the tabloid more often than on the charts, Britney redeemed herself with a pair of chart-topping singles -- "Womanizer" and "Circus" -- from her 2008 comeback album. A successful world tour brought her back to center stage, but the real proof of her rejuvenation was the one-off single "3," which debuted atop the Hot 100 chart in October, making Spears the first artist to achieve that feat in three years. 8. T.I.: Sadly, T.I. -- who has done big things on the Rap Songs chart this year -- will be celebrating his 2009 successes behind bars in Forrest City , Arkansas, where he remains imprisoned for federal weapons charges through March 2010. But the Atlanta emcee, who scored two of the biggest hits of his career with "Dead and Gone" and "Live Your Life," is taking his punches in stride. "I must be a man and stand up and accept responsibility," he told BET in May. "I exercised extremely poor judgment, and for that, I must be willing to pay whatever price that comes before me." 9. NICKELBACK: Why did the band that sold 7.3 million copies of its 2005 album, "All the Right Reasons," entitle its follow-up "Dark Horse"? "We never feel like we'll ever be done trying to prove ourselves," Chad Kroeger told Billboard last year. "You really have to keep that initial hunger that made some of your first songs your best songs. You have to keep that fire in the belly." 10. PINK: "'Heartbreak is a Motherf**ker' is what I originally wanted to name the album," laughed Pink during an interview with Billboard last year when asked about her 2008 release, which was inspired by her split from motocross star Carey Hart. "But this album is not all about that. There is fun happening, too, and that's why I named it 'Funhouse' in the end." The set proved positive in more ways that one; it produced her first solo Hot 100 No. 1, "So What." 11. KINGS OF LEON: The Nashville band's slow build finally exploded in 2009, with its platinum-selling album "Only by the Night" pushing the alt-rock quartet to arena-headlining status. "I always felt that people would look at me as a guy who dropped out of high school and point out everything I said that wasn't proper," frontman Caleb Followill admitted to Billboard. "I was writing these melodies that I felt were so deserving to be heard (that) I just said, sing the way you know how to sing. Just try it for one record, and, if it doesn't work, you can go back to your shelter." 12. KATY PERRY: Katy Perry went straight to the top 10 with three smash singles, including the No. 1 anthem "I Kissed a Girl." The California Girl embraced her success with open arms. "I can't wait to be super-mainstream," Perry told Billboard last year. "But, take all the production away, and I'll play on an acoustic guitar and sing by myself. I'm not a puppet, I don't need strings. There need to be pop girls other girls can aspire to, like Cyndi Lauper, Joan Jett, Pat Benatar. We need those women again." 13. FLO RIDA: Flo Rida had a monster 2008 thanks to "Low," which reigned as the year's No. 1 song. But 2009 wasn't too shabby for the Sunshine State rapper either; "Right Round," the first single from his sophomore album, "R.O.O.T.S.," sat on the top of the Hot 100 for six weeks beginning in February. "I'm happy to be stepping it up," he told Billboard earlier this year. "I didn't know this record would be this big. I just love making music." 14. KELLY CLARKSON: After taking a much-publicized stand to follow her own creative muse on 2007's "My December" (which yielded only one Hot 100 hit after her previous album, "Breakaway," afforded four top 10s), Clarkson returned to her winning chart formula in 2009. "My Life Would Suck Without You," from "All I Ever Wanted," became her first Hot 100 No. 1 since "A Moment Like This" in 2002. 15. JASON MRAZ: In 2009, singer-songwriter Jason Mraz rewrote Hot 100 history with "I'm Yours," which remained on the chart for a record 76 weeks. "That's a song about generosity, giving yourself or your time to someone else, and countries all over the world are singing it, loud ... really loud," Mraz told Billboard. "I'm really stoked that that's the kind of song people want to hear right now. It makes me want to keep writing songs like that." 16. THE FRAY: The Fray boasted a huge Adult Pop Songs hit this year, "You Found Me," but the band also enjoyed unexpected airplay with an organic remake of Kanye West's "Heartless," which stemmed from a performance on BBC Radio. "They ask guests to cover a current artist and just gave us a list of artists they were playing at the time," said drummer Ben Wysocki. "It was either 'Heartless' or 'Circus' by Britney Spears." 17. NE-YO: Ne-Yo, who did big things on the R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart this year, respects those who paved the way for his success. "Years ago, if you weren't wearing the right suit or (didn't) have a correct crease in your pants, you couldn't even get in the door, let alone on stage to perform," he told Billboard last year. "For me, the sharpness of Sammy (Davis Jr.) and Sinatra is the kind of style I strive for in clothes and music. (Ne-Yo's 2008 album) 'Year of the Gentleman' is named in honor of those guys." 18. LIL WAYNE: The N'awlins rapper made 21 trips to the Hot 100 in 2009, more than any other solo act. "I think this album is going to be one of my best," he declared to Billboard last year, before the release of "Tha Carter III." "I got one of them Beyonce(-type) albums; everything's hot. I might have to work out a deal with Universal to shoot a video for all these songs, that's how crazy they all are. Every one of them is a movie!" 19. RASCAL FLATTS: The Ohio trio made its debut on Billboard's Country Songs chart in March 2000 and has since become a cornerstone of the format. With 38 chart appearances this decade, including a pair of No. 1s in 2009 ("Here" and "Here Comes Goodbye"), the gang trails only Kenny Chesney (47) and Toby Keith (41) for most visits to the survey in the 2000s. 20. ZAC BROWN BAND: Country fans are accepting of newer sounds as well, especially when they're as carefree and catchy as the Zac Brown Band's recent No. 1 "Toes." "(Co-writer Wyatt Durette) called me (at) about 6 in the morning on my home phone," Brown recounted to Billboard, "which either meant that something was wrong or that somebody was up late partying. He said, 'I got my toes in the water, ass in the sand and we gotta write a song about it.'" Not only was the tune a hit, but it helped the band earn a 2010 Grammy nomination for Best New Artist.
But for an album to make the cut, it had to be more than just something to appreciate and put on a shelf. It had to be something you couldn't live without, that you had on your go-to playlist, that you listened to not just the year it came out ... but in the years since. Best albums of the decade: 1. "Denials, Delusions and Decisions," Jaguar Wright: Who? WHO? OK, OK, she's not the best-known artist of the decade; she could win an award for most obscure. But this R&B singer-songwriter should have won top accolades for her amazing debut album, a raw, sometimes profane, yet brilliant collection of songs about a woman frustrated by love and life. This is a riveting CD that never leaves those who hear it. Too bad so few people had that experience with such a masterful album. 2. "Confessions," Usher: If Usher is this generation's Michael Jackson, this was his "Thriller." Every song is good, and most of them are absolutely great tunes that paint a complex portrait of a man entangled in a relationship when his inner bachelor is trying to set him free. 3. "Mama's Gun," Erykah Badu: "Because I'm cleva, when I bust a rhyme," Badu croons on one of the disc's tracks, "Cleva." But that could be a synopsis for this entire album, which grabs you as much by lyrics as it does by its musicality. 4. "The College Dropout," Kanye West: The self-proclaimed "voice of the generation" first roared with his debut, changing the game of rap, from his production to his style. Just when rap was beginning to sag creatively, Kanye provided its biggest boost with this amazing concept album. Say what you want, but West is not only one of rap's greatest, but music's greatest as well. 5. "Back to Black," Amy Winehouse: If Winehouse doesn't get her act together, she may go down in history as a two-hit wonder best known for the song "Rehab," that would come to define her disheveled life. But listening to this album, you forget about all that drama and get lost in her artistry — those sassy lyrics, the retro-soul and the emotional depth in her voice. Here's hoping we can get that Amy back in the next decade. 6. "Get Rich or Die Tryin'" 50 Cent: There's nothing particularly deep about this album, but when you make songs this good, you know what? It's OK. From "In Da Club" to "What Up Gangsta" to "P.I.M.P.," 50's debut was thoroughly riveting. 7. "B'day," Beyonce: Beyonce could have chosen to make "Dangerously in Love 2" for her sophomore debut. Instead, she took a musical risk by trying out different sonic styles, from the futuristic funk of "Green Light" to the acoustic brilliance of "Irreplaceable." With "B'day" Beyonce established herself not only as this decade's most important hitmaker, but also established her artistic heft. 8. "Testimony: Vol 1. Life and Relationship," India.Arie: Being eternally positive has often been a negative in India.Arie's career — sometimes people want to wallow in grief with music that mirrors their mood and not be told to look at the silver lining. For that reason, she's often been ignored and derided, but those who choose to embrace the light are always rewarded, and on "Testimony," India finds a way to turn heartbreak into lyrics filled with wisdom, optimism and grace — something we should all celebrate. 9. "The Chocolate Factory," R. Kelly: In the middle of a child porn scandal (of which he would eventually be cleared), R. Kelly decided to write with his heart in mind, and not that other body part that usually dictates his music, and delivered the best album of his career, with touching love songs and bluesy heartbreak ballads. Sure, there was the obligatory sex-equals-machinery song with "Ignition," but this album took Kelly to a level we wish he had been able to sustain. 10. "The Marshall Mathers LP," Eminem: This is Eminem's greatest album, where his demented genius is at its apex, with songs such as "Stan" and "The Way I Am." Here, we get more of a sense of who Marshall Mathers is before the caricature of Eminem took over completely, and his image became cartoonish and garish. On this album, Eminem is a conduit to warped young Americans whose voices were silent — until Mathers came along. Honorable mentions: "The Black Album," Jay-Z; "Dreaming Wide Awake," Lizz Wright; "The Emancipation of Mimi," Mariah Carey; "Survivor," Destiny's Child; "Taking the Long Way," the Dixie Chicks; "FutureSexLoveSounds," Justin Timberlake; "Graduation," Kanye West; "Vespertine," Bjork; "Arular," M.I.A.; "Elephant," The White Stripes; "Acoustic Soul," India.Arie; "Van Hunt," Van Hunt; "Late Registration," Kanye West; "Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds, Vol. 1," Jill Scott; "American Idiot," Green Day; "Lovers Rock," Sade; "The Breakthrough," Mary J. Blige.
Wynn Resorts spokeswoman Jennifer Dunne says there's no deal yet, despite published rumors of a lucrative, long-term contract. Beyonce (bee-AHN'-say) appeared at the resort from July 30 through Aug. 2 this year while filming a concert DVD. Her shows helped boost visitation to Wynn and its sister Encore Las Vegas resort during a typically slow tourist season in Las Vegas. Beyonce sang in the Encore Theater, where country star Garth Brooks plans to play a series of solo acoustic shows starting on Friday. Brooks' deal puts him in Las Vegas 15 weeks a year for possibly the next five years.
GENERAL FIELD Album Of The Year: Record Of The Year: Song Of The Year: RAP FIELD It takes a lot to upstage both Beyoncé and the ghost of Michael Jackson, but Toni Braxton managed to do just that, when her show-opening performance of "Yesterday" ended with her tongue squarely in the throat of duet partner Trey Songz. The sealed-with-a-kiss performance sent a ripple of shock through the audience, not least of all because Braxton's hubby of eight years, Keri Lewis, had a front-row seat for the makeshift game of tonsil hockey. Within days (the awards taped on Nov. 3), the duo was dunzo. Braxton wasted no time in denying that the smooch contributed to the disintegration of her marriage, telling Wendy Williams afterward that it was part of the choreography and that she had warned Lewis beforehand. You can judge for yourself when the ceremony finally airs Sunday on BET. As for the actual winners... It was pretty much business as usual for the Soul Train Awards: Jackson picked up yet another posthumous award, for Entertainer of the Year no less, while the unstoppable Beyoncé took home a leading three trophies. Here's the complete list of winners for the 2009 Soul Train Awards: • Entertainer of the Year: Michael Jackson • Best New Artist: Keri Hilson • Best R&B/Soul Artist, Female: Beyoncé • Best R&B/Soul Artist, Male: Maxwell • Song of the Year: "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)," Beyoncé • Album of the Year: I Am...Sasha Fierce, Beyoncé • Record of the Year: "Blame It," Jamie Foxx feat. T-Pain • Best Reggae Artist: Sean Paul • Centric Award, Soul Approved/Underground: Maysa • Gospel Performance: "God in Me," Mary Mary featuring Kierra "KiKi" Sheard • Collaboration: "Knock You Down," Keri Hilson featuring Kanye West and Ne-Yo
"This is my last show for this tour in the U.K., so hopefully, I'll see you all in a year with a new album," a raspy-voiced Beyonce told the crowd at the end of the set, before thanking them "from the bottom of my heart" for coming to the show. Producer Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins confirmed the news on Twitter, recently posting the news that he's working on some tracks for Beyonce's upcoming album. Beyonce's 2008 album, "I Am ... Sasha Fierce," has sold 2.5 million copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
The Crazy In Love hitmaker is currently touring the U.K. and performed in Liverpool, north-west England on Wednesday night. The singer stayed at the Lowry Hotel in nearby Manchester - but paid out for an additional room in Liverpool for her clothes. A source tells Britain's Daily Mirror newspaper, "She had seven suitcases, three hand-luggage bags and two boxes, all for her mammoth gig. "Beyonce doesn't do things by halves - especially where her performances are concerned. So in the cases there were apparently 14 dresses along with numerous pairs of shoes. Another box was full of make-up and the other had about 25 wigs in it."
Revered historian Zahi Hawass, Egypt's chief Egyptologist, reportedly called the pop star a "stupid person" while speaking to journalists during Beyonce's recent tour of the Giza pyramids near Cairo. Reporter Summer al-Gamal says Hawass, who claims he inspired Harrison Ford's Raiders of The Lost Ark character, was annoyed by the pop star's apparent lack of interest as she toured the ancient site. According to Gamal, Hawass said, "I showed her the Sphinx and I gave her a book on King Tutankhamen," during his self-guided tour. The reporter says, "Then he stopped being diplomatic and said in anger, 'She's a stupid person and she doesn't understand a thing and she doesn't want to understand... She's coming here to take pictures and that's it.'" Gamal has reported Hawass' comments in the al-Shorouk newspaper. The leading Egyptologist has yet to comment about the story.
"Beyoncé: I am...Yours," at 9:00 p.m., ET: In Beyoncé's first network special with ABC, viewers get a front row seat to an intimate performance from the iconic artist. The hour-long special captures the superstar's appearance at the Encore Theater in Wynn, Las Vegas this past summer, where she tells the story of her career through music and dance. Woven throughout the special are backstage moments, footage of her off stage life, and rare childhood video. Additionally, viewers will get to know her famously all-female band -- drums, keys, bass, guitar, horns and percussion players. Beyoncé shares how she transformed herself from a talented nine-year-old into one of the world's most powerful musical forces - and what she thinks of it all. "Paul McCartney: Good Evening New York City," at 10:00 p.m., ET: Forty-four years ago, four kids from Liverpool performed what was then the largest, highest grossing rock concert ever - the Beatles Live at Shea Stadium. In the summer of 2009, Paul McCartney did it again, performing at Shea's former site, New York's Citi Field in Queens, NY. ABC will bring viewers this dazzling concert in which he performs Beatles, Wings and solo classics. Culled from nearly three hours of music and video, the program is an emotional journey through his legendary 50-year musical career and includes footage of the original Beatles concert at Shea. McCartney also talks candidly about those early days and what it was like to return to a place where he performed at the height of Beatlemania.
"Twilight" and "True Blood" were among the top nominees announced Tuesday. Fans cast more than 18 million votes online to select the nominee slate and will also choose the winners in 35 categories. The People's Choice Awards lets the general public vote for their favorite stars and works of popular culture. "Twilight" is up for favorite movie, franchise and on-screen team for its trio of stars: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner. Stewart and Pattinson were also nominated individually for favorite movie actress and actor, and Lautner is up for breakout movie actor. "True Blood" was nominated for favorite TV obsession and sci-fi/fantasy TV show, plus star Anna Paquin earned a nod for TV drama actress. Fans can vote for their favorites online at www.peopleschoice.com. Queen Latifah is set to host the People's Choice Awards at the Nokia Theatre. The ceremony will be broadcast live on CBS on Jan. 6, 2010. The complete list of nominees: TV drama: "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," "Grey's Anatomy," "House," "Lost," "NCIS." TV comedy: "Desperate Housewives," "How I Met Your Mother," "The Big Bang Theory," "The Office," "Two and a Half Men." TV drama Actor: Hugh Laurie, Kiefer Sutherland, Mark Harmon, Matthew Fox, Patrick Dempsey. TV drama Actress: Anna Paquin, Blake Lively, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Katherine Heigl, Mariska Hargitay. TV comedy Actor: Alex Baldwin, Charlie Sheen, Jim Parsons, Neil Patrick Harris, Steve Carell. TV comedy Actress: Alyson Hannigan, America Ferrera, Amy Poehler, Eva Longoria Parker, Tina Fey. TV obsession: "Dexter," "Gossip Girl," "The Hills," "The Secret Life of the American Teenager," "True Blood." TV talk show: "Chelsea Lately," "Live with Regis & Kelly," "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," "The Oprah Winfrey Show," "The Tyra Banks Show." TV sci-fi/fantasy: "Heroes," "Lost," "Supernatural," "The Vampire Diaries," "True Blood." TV competition show: "American Idol," "Dancing With the Stars," "Project Runway," "So You Think You Can Dance," "Survivor: Samoa." Animal show: "Animal Cops," "DogTown," "Dog Whisperer," "It's Me or the Dog," "Rescue Ink." New TV drama: "Eastwick," "FlashForward," "Melrose Place," "Mercy," "The Forgotten," "The Good Wife," "The Vampire Diaries," "Three Rivers," "NCIS: Los Angeles," "V." New TV comedy: "Accidentally on Purpose," "Brothers," "Community," "Cougar Town," "Glee," "Hank," "The Cleveland Show," "The Middle," "Modern Family." Movie actor: Brad Pitt, Hugh Jackman, Johnny Depp, Robert Pattinson, Ryan Reynolds. Movie actress: Anna Hathaway, Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Aniston, Kristen Stewart, Sandra Bullock. Action star: Christian Bale, Gerard Butler, Hugh Jackman, Shia LaBeouf, Vin Diesel. Comedic star: Adam Sandler, Ben Stiller, Jim Carrey, Ryan Reynolds, Vince Vaughn. Breakout movie actress: Anna Kendrick, Emily Osment, Ginnifer Goodwin, Miley Cyrus, Zoe Saldana. Breakout movie actor: Chris Pine, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Sam Worthington, Taylor Lautner, Zachary Quinto. On-screen team: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince"; Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds, "The Proposal"; Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner, "The Twilight Saga"; Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox, "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen"; Hugh Jackman, Liev Schreiber, Ryan Reynolds, will.i.am, Dominic Monaghan and Daniel Henney, "X-Men Origins: Wolverine." Family movie: "Hannah Montana: The Movie," "Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs," "Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian," "Up," "Where the Wild Things Are." Independent movie: "(500) Days of Summer," "District 9," "Inglourious Basterds," "Paranormal Activity," "Tyler Perry's Madea Goes to Jail." Franchise: "Harry Potter," "Star Trek," "The Twilight Saga," "Transformers," "X-Men." Comedy movie: "17 Again," "Bride Wars," "He's Just Not That Into You," "The Hangover," "The Proposal." Favorite movie: "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," "Star Trek," "The Hangover," "The Proposal," "Twilight." Male artist: Eminem, Jason Mraz, John Mayer, Keith Urban, Tim McGraw. Female artist: Beyonce, Britney Spears, Carrie Underwood, Pink, Taylor Swift. Country artist: Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, Taylor Swift. Breakout Music Artist: Adam Lambert, Demi Lovato, Kris Allen, Lady Gaga, Susan Boyle. Hip-hop artist: Eminem, Flo Rida, Jay-Z, Lil' Wayne, T.I. Rock band: Daughtry, Green Day, Kings of Leon, Muse, Paramore. Music collaboration: Cobra Starship & Leighton Meester, "Good Girls Go Bad"; Jason Mraz & Colbie Caillat, "Lucky"; Jay-Z, Rihanna & Kanye West, "Run This Town"; T.I. & Rihanna, "Live Your Life"; The Lonely Island & T-Pain, "I'm on a Boat." R&B artist: Alicia Keys, Beyonce, Jennifer Hudson, Mariah Carey, Usher. Pop artist: Britney Spears, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, the Black Eyed Peas. Web celeb: Andy Samberg, Ashton Kutcher, Miley Cyrus, P. Diddy, Will Ferrell.
The R&B superstar scooped up three wins Thursday at the 16th annual MTV Europe Music Awards, including trophies for best female, best song for "Halo" and best video for her No. 1 smash, "Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It.)" When she won the best video award, she thanked Jay-Z - who just happens to be her husband - for "putting a ring on it." Jay-Z was also honoured, winning MTV Europe's best urban act - though he said he looked forward to the day when "all those awards come down" that it's just music, plain and simple, adding "Danke schoen" (thank you in German) before leaving the stage. Other winners included Green Day, the established trio whose punk-influenced tunes have garnered it a fan legion worldwide. The trio won the award for best rock act while U2, which earlier Thursday performed a six-song mini-set in front of the German capital's iconic Brandenburg Gate, won best live act. U2 frontman Bono paid tribute to Berlin, which marks the 20th anniversary of the collapse of the Berlin Wall on Monday, for its grit and determination. The band recorded its LP "Achtung Baby" in the city and drew inspiration from reunification to write its oft-played single "One." German pop quartet Tokio Hotel, which has toured steadfastly and built up a fan base outside of Germany won best group and played a set that saw its amps and equipment light up in organized pyrotechnics. Lady Gaga took best new act though she was not in person, having had to stay in New York and Eminem took best male, beating out Kanye West, Mika, Robbie Williams and Jay-Z for award. Turkey's maNga took home the best European act, giving Turkey the award for the second consecutive year - last year the country's Emre Aydin scored a trophy. Katy Perry, who hosted the show for the second consecutive year, lauded Berlin and Germany, citing its history of division by the wall and sported a bevy of toned-down yet sultry costumes that hearkened back to Berlin's Weimar-era of hedonism and decadence. The telecast also featured performances by Foo Fighters, Leona Lewis and Shakira. Berlin is the only city to host the awards show twice - in 1994 and this year - a decision MTV said it made to mark the 20th anniversary of the Berlin Wall's collapse.
On giant posters plastered across the Egyptian capital advertising the Friday evening concert, Beyonce sports a revealing, flame-covered outfit and grips a set of motorcycle handlebars extending from her hips — a sharp contrast to Cairo streets, where most women wear the traditional Muslim headscarves. TV ads promoting the show, part of Beyonce's I Am ... world tour, have run on Egyptian and Arab satellite stations. The tour, which also took Beyonce to the United Arab Emirates last week, had grossed $53.5 million as of October, according to Billboard magazine. But in Egypt, Islamic lawmakers and their supporters have waged campaigns on social networking websites, accusing the government of encouraging debauchery and calling for the concert's cancellation. "Why are you encouraging this insolent sex party?" lawmaker Hamdi Hassan from the opposition Muslim Brotherhood wrote in a letter to the government. "You are accused of disturbing social peace and stability, encouraging vice and debauchery." Another Islamic lawmaker, Ali Laban, called for banning the "nudity concert." A Facebook campaign against Beyonce's concert collected nearly 10,000 supporters. But the war of words has not derailed the glitzy concert, due hundreds of miles south of Cairo in the luxury Red Sea resort of Port Ghalib. Organizers said "ultra" security will be deployed to protect the thousands of concertgoers. Beyonce canceled her stop in Malaysia last month following opposition from a conservative Islamic party. Malaysia requires female artists to cover up from the shoulders to the knees and bans any showing of cleavage. Egypt, the Arab world's most populous country, is torn between a growing secular and economically prosperous class and a large mainly conservative, poor population. The government has been squeezing Islamic conservatives with security crackdowns and administrative measures aimed at curbing outward manifestations of conservatism. Beyonce's event organizer Ahmed Beltagi said tourism and police officials cooperated to make the concert happen because they believe it's a way to promote Egypt as a center of culture, entertainment and art. "We are Muslims too ... this will not stop Egypt from hosting an award-winning, first class artist," Beltagi said. "We should salute her instead of criticizing her," he said of the diva.
The DVD, entitled "I Am ... Yours: An Intimate Performance At Wynn Las Vegas," will be released November 23 by Columbia Records. Three days later, ABC will air a Beyonce Thanksgiving special. The DVD, culled from an August stand in Las Vegas, will mix biographical storytelling, performances and behind-the-scenes footage, showcasing over 30 songs from all three Beyonce solo albums. A CD of the concert will be included in the package. Also due on November 23 is a deluxe version of her current studio album "I Am ... Sasha Fierce," which will feature two bonus tracks, including "Video Phone (Extended Remix)," featuring Lady Gaga. The music video for "Video Phone" will premiere on MTV on Thursday.
Hanks first racked his brain when asked for his favorite tune of 2009 while backstage at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 25th anniversary concert Thursday. Then, the song came to him — though he didn't know all the words. "Dada-dada ring on it! Dada-dada ring on it!" he sang, as he tried to remember. "That is a damn fine song, the Beyonce song ... because it's infectious," the 53-year-old actor said of Beyonce's No. 1 smash, "Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It.)" Hanks said "Single Ladies" resonates with him because that's what he told his wife, actress Rita Wilson, when they first met: "I'm gon' put a ring on that finger. I'm gon' take that thing home." He also joked: "Kanye West has nothing to do with my embracing of that song."
The awards ceremony, hosted by actors Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson, will be the first special aired on BET's recently launched CENTRIC Network. Taping November 3 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, the "CENTRIC Presents: 2009 Soul Train Awards" will premiere on both CENTRIC and BET in a special simulcast on November 29 at 9 p.m. In addition to awards presented in various categories, the show will salute the careers of Chaka Khan, Charlie Wilson, Antonio "L.A." Reed and Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds. The Soul Train Awards will also celebrate the 50th anniversary of Motown Records and honor the late Michael Jackson with the Entertainer of the Year Award. Scheduled performers include Toni Braxton, Trey Songz, Chrisette Michelle, Ledisi and Melanie Fiona.
Beyoncé has called off a planned concert for culturally sensitive Malaysia after facing some pretty fierce objections from Islamic critics upset over her sexy stage outfits and dance routines. The R&B songstress was due to perform Oct. 25 at the National Stadium Bukit Jalil in Kuala Lumpur, but according to a statement released by Malaysia-based promoter Marctensia, the performance "has been postponed to a future date to be announced shortly." "The postponement is soley [the] decision of the artist and has nothing to do with other external reasons," the company added. Best to let it blow over, B. While Marctensia denied the delay is a response to the uproar sparked by Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party, which has labeled Beyoncé's bootylicious stage show a Western attack upon the country's traditional values, it's likely the move will succeed in dampening the threat of protests. The "Ring The Alarm" singer's camp was unavailable for comment. The Kuala Lumpur date has since been removed from her site. Beyoncé must be feeling a bit of déjà vu right about now. The Grammy-winning diva similarly scrapped a 2007 gig after taking heat from Malaysia's religious vanguard and instead headed to Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim state, which has less rigid standards for performers (for instance, female artists don't have to wear birkas). At that time, Team Knowles blamed a sudden "scheduling conflict" for the nixed show.
After teaming up with Shakira and husband Jay-Z on record and Tina Turner and Prince onstage, the Single Ladies star is set to test her fanbase with a GaGa diva duet on her upcoming single Video Phone. The pop stars were spotted shooting a video for the song in a New York studio together last week and all those involved in the secret get together were instructed to keep details under wraps. But one insider tells Life & Style magazine, "Everything on the set was being kept very hush-hush, and security was extremely tight. "In the video, Beyonce wears a feathered dress. And of course Lady GaGa wears something wild. The fashion is sick and insane."
Favorite Female Artist SOUL/RHYTHM & BLUES MUSIC Favorite Female Artist Favorite Album After receiving Billboard's Woman of the Year award Friday, Beyoncé spoke to radio host and O: The Oprah Magazine editor-at-large Gayle King in one of her first interviews since the tirade. "I knew his intentions and I knew he was standing up for art," Beyoncé told King. "When they didn't call my name, he was completely shocked. When he walked on the stage, I was like 'No, no, no!' He spoke and I'm like, 'Oh, no, no, no!'" The singer-actress was grateful that the ceremony at least closed on a good note. "In the end, it ended up being a great night. Taylor Swift did get her moment and I didn't have to make an acceptance speech," Beyoncé said.
Take the four days leading up to MTV's recent Video Music Awards. She wraps a run-through of her Radio City Music Hall performance at midnight Thursday evening. Friday morning at 10 a.m., she returns to rehearsal mode. A dressing room break is anything but: chats with MTV personnel about show logistics segue into an editing session for her next project -- a DVD culled from a summer stand at the Wynn Las Vegas. Later that evening, Beyonce makes a surprise appearance at husband Jay-Z's September 11 Madison Square Garden show. Then right after the VMAs on September 13, Beyonce catches a flight to Australia to kick off the next leg of the world tour to promote her latest chart-topper "I Am ... Sasha Fierce." "It's just one of those grind weeks," Beyonce casually says. THE AVERAGE PERSON CAN'T KEEP UP YOUR PACE. HOW DO YOU IT? I'm an all-or-nothing type of woman. Either I'm doing absolutely nothing and relaxing -- reading a book, sitting by the ocean and not answering any questions -- or else I'm hands-on and giving 100%, working really hard. I was just on vacation for three weeks after touring for a couple of months. I have to schedule time to rest, rejuvenate and get inspired to work again. Now I'm definitely rested and thank God I had the rest -- that's the only way I would be able to get through a week like this. After three weeks without giving any answers or approvals and no performing, I came back like, "Yes! I'm ready to work!" WHAT DO YOU DO TO MAINTAIN YOUR TOUR STAMINA? I HEARD A RUMOR THAT YOU RUN ON A TREADMILL IN HEELS AND SING. (Laughs heartily) No, I don't run on a treadmill in heels. That's a bit extreme. But I do practice my choreography in heels. And I have a rule that when I have my heels on, everyone has to have their heels on too. Sometimes the dancers are like, "Oh, God, we hope Beyonce comes in late," because I'll go all day. And in the end, I'll have blisters and my toes will have bruises. It's really hard sometimes. I still do all the boring things that everyone else does in regular workouts like squats and the treadmill. But I mainly get in shape from doing the choreography during those long 12-hour rehearsals for two months before a tour. ... On my days off from the tour, I do a lot of sightseeing. I love to visit churches and museums all over the world. The architecture in America is amazing but in Europe, there's so much history. I also started riding a bike on my days off with others like my assistant and stylist. It's amazing how I'm able to ride around on a bike. People kind of see it's me but since I'm on a bike, they think, "No, it's not her." And by the time they realize it's me, I'm already gone. It's great to do something normal every day. It keeps me grounded. WERE YOU SURPRISED BY THE IMMENSE POPULARITY OF THE "SINGLE LADIES (PUT A RING ON IT)" VIDEO? Out of all my videos, it was the least expensive and took the least amount of time. And it ended up being the most iconic. I absolutely didn't expect that -- I don't think anyone did. But I knew exactly what I wanted to do: Keep it simple. I've done so many things in videos with different hair and wardrobe changes, different sets and lights. I just wanted to keep this one really minimal. And once we got on the set, it was like, "Wait a minute. This is something special." I'd seen this 1969 video (featuring Gwen Verdon), this one take of amazing Bob Fosse choreography set against a white background. And I thought, "Wow, despite all the technology we have now, wouldn't it be great to just strip it all down -- without a bunch of different camera shots and cuts, without any hair and wardrobe changes -- and make it all about the performance?" We had exactly 12 hours to film that video. We did it after shooting "If I Were a Boy," so I used the same director and same crew, renting out a studio in New Jersey. From the black leotards to incorporating some of Fosse's 1969 choreography into our modern choreography, it was just a conscious effort at keeping everything simple. YOU'RE JUST AS BUSY ON THE ENTREPRENEURIAL SIDE, DATING BACK TO YOUR ASSOCIATION WITH L'OREAL. I have worked with L'Oreal since I was 18 and it continues to be a great relationship. And with the clothing line that I started with my mother (Tina Knowles), I'm still making sure the brand is true to what I like and what I think my fans will like. Making it affordable for them was very important. At my concerts, we've offered seats for $10 so that people who can't afford it can attend. I don't realize all that I do until I do interviews like this. And then I'm like, "Oh, my God, how is this possible?" But I usually break things up and focus on one thing at a time. It is a lot and thank God I love it, because I don't know how else I would be able to do it. You just make it happen. HAVE YOU LINED UP YOUR NEXT ACTING GIG YET? I did two movies last year, which was hard because I had the album and a tour. I'm on tour right now until March and I'll be going back and forth for some of the award shows. So probably next year after the tour something may happen. I've gotten a lot of scripts and out of those there are 10 that are very good. So I have to pick the one I really love. All of the work I've put into my films has paid off because the type of scripts I'm getting now has completely changed. I've always wanted to do something darker and more dramatic because I'm much better at drama than anything else. I don't think anyone knew that until I played Etta James; people could see my range. And then I did the other movie, "Obsessed." It was so much fun, especially the fight scenes. I fell in love with doing those stunts. That was my first time ever doing anything with action in it. Eventually, I would love to do something with a little more action in it. I'm not in a rush because acting for me is fun -- something I do because I enjoy it. I don't have to do it. So I'm going to be patient and find the right film to work on next year or whenever it works out. WHAT ELSE IS ON YOUR TO-DO LIST? I'm interested in a lot of different things. I'd like to get involved in videogames since I really love Wii Fit. I think it would be a great idea to incorporate choreography because for me my workout is way more fun when it involves dancing as opposed to running on a boring treadmill. So I would love to do some kind of fitness game but incorporate dance and performance into it. I think a lot of women would enjoy that. I also want to continue to produce films -- even if I'm not in them -- as well as a documentary on my life. Actually, I'd like to do a film loosely based on my father's (Mathew Knowles) childhood and school years. He's had an interesting life. But that will probably be in a couple of years. YOU CAN'T END THIS INTERVIEW WITHOUT ONE LAST QUESTION: ANY TRUTH TO THE RUMOR ABOUT A DESTINY'S CHILD REUNION TOUR AND/OR ALBUM? I don't know if we would do another record anytime soon. And we haven't talked about a tour. That's just been something floating in the media. If people keep talking about it, maybe we'll do it. If that's what people want ... who knows? But whenever the girls need me or I need the girls, we're here for each other.
Alexsandra Wright claims Mathew Knowles is the father of her unborn child, due in December. And what gives her case considerable weight is the fact top lawyer Neal Hersh is representing her. TMZ.com reports Wright works in the name-branding business. News of the lawsuit broke just hours after Beyonce had picked up Billboard magazine's Woman of The Year Award in New York.
Two of Michael Jackson's siblings also appeared at the MOBO (Music Of Black Origin) prize ceremony, held for the first time outside London this year. The late singer's sister La Toya introduced a musical tribute to Jackson, who died of a prescription drug overdose on June 25, and his brother Jermaine performed. Boy band JLS picked up prizes for best newcomer and best song ("Beat Again") in the public vote, while hip hop act N-Dubz won the best UK act and the best album category for "Uncle B." Beyonce, who did not attend, was named best international act and won the best video category for "Single Ladies." London rapper Chipmunk, whose real name is Jahmaal Fyffe, was the surprise winner of the best hip hop award, beating out U.S. heavyweights Eminem and Kanye West. Following is a list of winners of the main prizes on the night: Best UK Act - N-Dubz Flash Entertainment said Monday the performers will open and close the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend next month. Beyonce is slated to kick off the festivities on Thursday, Oct. 29. Aerosmith will wrap things up three days later. But the only way fans in the conservative Gulf city can see them is to buy tickets to the F1 race. Concerts are also planned for Friday and Saturday, though the headliners haven't been announced. Some of the attractions planned around the Emirati capital's first Formula One race include outdoor movies and free concerts — including one by hip-hop producer Timbaland — on the city's Persian Gulf beachfront.
The R&B superstar has attracted criticism in recent days from the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party, the country's largest opposition group, which wants authorities to scrap the Oct. 25 show because it would promote "Western sexy performances." Knowles, who is well-known for her provocative clothes and concert choreography, backed out of a concert in Malaysia two years ago after the Islamic party threatened to protest the show. Party officials have not planned any demonstrations for next month's event. Entertainment company Marctensia, the concert's Malaysian organizer, said Knowles should be regarded as a "role model" and "embodiment of success" because of her heavy involvement in philanthropy work, including campaigns against poverty and domestic violence. The company also allayed concerns that Knowles would wear inappropriate outfits, saying "all parties have come to an amicable understanding" about stage costumes at the stadium concert in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's largest city. "We are confident that (the concert) will once and for all silence international critics and put Malaysia back on track ... in presenting A-list international pop concerts in this region," Marctensia said in a statement. Other pop stars such as Avril Lavigne and Gwen Stefani have performed in Malaysia under similar protest threats by conservative Muslims in recent years, forcing the artists to don attire that revealed little skin. In another recent concert controversy, the government at first barred, then reversed an order forbidding Muslims from attending a Black Eyed Peas concert Friday because it is being sponsored by a beer company.
When the rapper rudely upstaged country music cutie Taylor Swift during the televised Sept. 13 awards show, the 54-year-old country music veteran says she would have done something about it. West grabbed the microphone out of Swift's hand as she won best female video and declared that Beyonce had one of the best clips of the year. "I wish I had been there!" the intense McEntire told Sun Media yesterday in Toronto. "I would have jumped up there and said, 'Give me that microphone! Give that back to her!' I was totally upset." The redheaded Oklahoman is in Canada to promote her 12th No. 1 album, Keep On Loving You, which she'll support with shows tonight and tomorrow at Fallsview Casino in Niagara Falls, Ont. "It was (Swift's) time to shine, her moment, and Kanye is way down here and Beyonce is way up here (in terms of my) admiration, respect. "What Beyonce did when she won her award (later) and she called Taylor back on the stage, I thought that was huge, classy, professional. Beyonce's mouth was wide open when Kanye pulled that fiasco. Taylor had been on SNL (previously). I'm sure, I haven't talked to her about it, but what would have been going through my mind: 'Is this a gag?' " A frequent awards-show host, presenter and performer, McEntire said the only time she has been involved in an uncomfortable live TV moment was when she was presenting the entertainer-of-the-year trophy to Toby Keith at the ACMs while he was fueding with the Dixie Chicks. "The official explanation was that he was on the bus (with Willie Nelson) writing songs when he was up for entertainer of the year -- that's the last place I would have been. I would have my butt in a seat waiting for that award. "But anyway, I think Toby was mad because the Dixie Chicks had gotten to perform live via satellite and he had asked to do that and they had told him no. Oh, it was so much fun that day. Whoa, mercy, it was like juggling." McEntire, who has sold 55 million albums worldwide over her 32-year career, is up for two CMAs in late November for her collaboration with Brooks and Dunn, on a re-recording of their hit Cowgirls Don't Cry. She will perform her own new song, Consider Me Gone, on the awards show. McEntire said she's excited, not disappointed, that Brooks and Dunn are splitting up following their 2009 greatest-hits album and 2010 tour, after 20 years as a duo. "They've done everything they know to do as a duet, won every award. So I think now what I'm really anxious about and excited about is to see what they're going to do next, separately, because they're so creative. Surprised? No. Twenty years. The thing is to keep recreating yourself." McEntire, who just broke Loretta Lynn's record for having the most No. 1 album debuts on the country music charts with Keep On Loving You, pointed out her fan base has diversified since she spent six seasons on the Reba TV series and also did Annie Get Your Gun on Broadway in 2001. "The more different things you do, and the more fans you bring into your music, is very beneficial to the whole country music scene." She recently recorded Blue Christmas with opera star Andrea Bocelli at the invitation of Canadian producer David Foster, and will be on both the PBS TV special in November and Bocelli's holiday album -- along with fellow guests Natalie Cole, Mary J. Blige and The Muppets. "Andrea's a huge fan of Elvis Presley," McEntire said. "I sat there in awe. I just loved it. (His voice) is like rich frosting on a cake -- decadent. It's so full. I stood there right beside him and just watched him. He's a very handsome man."
Best Live Act - Beyonce; Green Day; Kings of Leon; Lady Gaga; U2 Best Group - Black Eyed Peas; Green Day; Jonas Brothers; Kings of Leon; Tokio Hotel Best New Act - Daniel Merriweather; La Roux; Lady Gaga; Pixie Lott; Taylor Swift Best Female - Beyonce; Katy Perry; Lady Gaga; Leona Lewis; Shakira Best European Act- Nominations announced October 12 Best Push Artist - Daniel Merriweather; Hockey; La Roux; Little Boots; Metro Station; Pixie Lott; The Veronicas; White Lies Best Male - Eminem; Jay-Z; Kanye West; Mika; Robbie Williams Best Urban - Ciara; Eminem; Jay-Z; Kanye West; T.I Best Rock - Foo Fighters; Green Day; Kings of Leon; Linkin Park; U2 Best Alternative - Muse; Paramore; Placebo; The Killers; The Prodigy Best Video - Beyonce/Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It); Britney Spears/Circus; Eminem/We Made You; Katy Perry/Waking up in Vegas; Shakira/She Wolf Best World Stage Performance - Coldplay; Kid Rock; Kings of Leon; Lady Gaga; Linkin Park
The R&B superstar said on her Web site that she will take the stage at a stadium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's biggest city, on Oct. 25. "Beyonce for the first time ever has decided to make Malaysia part of her 'I am.' World Tour," her Web site said. Two years ago, Knowles canceled a planned concert following protest threats. At the time Knowles' talent agency said the show was called off due to a scheduling conflict. Instead she went to Indonesia, which has less stringent rules about how performers should dress and behave. Malaysia requires female performers to cover up from the shoulders to knees with no cleavage showing. Artists such as Avril Lavigne and Gwen Stefani have performed in Malaysia but under similar protest threats by conservative Muslim groups, forcing the artists to don attire that revealed little skin. In the latest controversy, the government late last month at first barred then reversed the order forbidding Muslims from attending a Black Eyed Peas concert because it was sponsored by a beer company. With the ban lifted Muslims can now watch the U.S. hip-hop stars at a theme park near Kuala Lumpur on Sept. 25. In family and personal matters, Muslims, who make up two-thirds of Malaysia's 28 million people, are governed by Islamic law, which forbids the consumption of alcohol. The laws do not apply to non-Muslims. Organizers for Beyonce's October show could not immediately be reached for comment Sunday.
Abercrombie & Fitch Co, the apparel retailer known for sexy advertising and casual looks, has sued the singer Beyonce Knowles, claiming her plan for a new fragrance to be launched in early 2010 infringes on its existing trademark. In a federal lawsuit filed on Tuesday in Columbus, Ohio, Abercrombie claims a fragrance under the singer's "Sasha Fierce" label "poses a likelihood of confusion" with the retailer's own "Fierce" brand. It said such confusion could deprive it of control over a trademark it has used since 2002, and perhaps cost it sales. The lawsuit seeks to halt potential trademark infringement, unfair competition and deceptive trade practices. Representatives of Knowles did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Best known for clothing sold to teens and college-age adults, New Albany, Ohio-based Abercrombie said it has sold more than $190 million worth of fragrance under the Fierce name, and expects $64 million of sales in 2009. Abercrombie sells Fierce at more than 350 retail stores and on its website, typically for $40 to $70 in bottles featuring a young man's muscular, nude torso. The fragrance is sprayed throughout stores via a scent machine or by store employees. "A&F's intent is that all garments that leave the store have the FIERCE scent attached to them," the complaint said. The company markets Fierce as a men's cologne whose "fresh citrus aroma" and "warm musky subtleness" will "naturally draw her curiosity because of its seductive nature." A saleswoman at a San Francisco store nonetheless described it as a "unisex" scent. WHO IS MORE FIERCE? Fragrance maker Coty Inc has signed an agreement to market Knowles' fragrance. Knowles, often known solely by her first name, is one of the world's best-known singers, after having risen to fame as lead singer of the group Destiny's Child. Last November, her album "I am ... Sasha Fierce" debuted at No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart. On Sunday, the song "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" from that album won the Video of the Year award at the MTV Video Music Awards. In English vernacular "fierce" means "cool" or "fabulous." The case is Abercrombie & Fitch Co v. Knowles, U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio (Columbus), No. 09-807.
Although the list, released Wednesday, does not have numerical ranking, Winslet, 33, who won an Oscar in February for playing a dour Nazi in "The Reader," was deemed to be the best-dressed woman on the red carpet on 2009 "with her unique brand of sexy sophistication, modern Hollywood glamour and those enviable curves." People named Reese Witherspoon as having the "best short dresses," "High School Musical" actress Vanessa Hudgens as best hippie chic, and Freida Pinto, the Indian star of Oscar-winning movie "Slumdog Millionaire," for having the best use of color. Brad Pitt, "Twilight" actor Robert Pattinson, and Bradley Cooper of "The Hangover" and "Nip/Tuck" fame were among the best-dressed men of the year. People said their attention to details like a scarf, pin or skinny tie "took their looks beyond basic." Teen country singer Taylor Swift was dubbed "best sparkle." The annual best- and worst-dressed double issue, on newsstands Friday, also acknowledged the impact on fashion of the Emmy-award winning TV series "Mad Men," set in the 1960s, whose cigarette pants and sheath dresses have inspired new designs by Michael Kors and Tory Burch. The People magazine special issue also looked at some of the fashion flops of 2009. Former "American Idol" judge Paula Abdul and actress Renee Zellweger were cited as having the worst red carpet dresses. Singer Jessica Simpson's January appearance in unflattering high-waisted "mom jeans," which triggering a heated debate about weight issues in Hollywood, was among the "most memorable moments of the year," People said. People's choice of the Top 10 Best-Dressed Women of 2009 are: Kate Winslet - Best Red Carpet Vanessa Hudgens - Best Hippie Chic Reese Witherspoon - Best Short Dresses Cameron Diaz - Best Jeans Michelle Obama - Best Accessible Glamour Freida Pinto - Best Use of Color Taylor Swift - Best Sparkle Nicole Richie - Best Maternity Beyonce - Best Street Chic Kim Kardashian - Best Bikinis The complete list can be found at www.people.com/bestdressed.
VIDEO OF THE YEAR: Beyonce, "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)." BEST FEMALE VIDEO: Taylor Swift, "You Belong With Me." BEST ROCK VIDEO: Green Day, "21 Guns." BEST POP VIDEO: Britney Spears, "Womanizer." BEST MALE VIDEO: T.I. featuring Rihanna, "Live Your Life." BEST HIP-HOP VIDEO: Eminem, "We Made You." BEST NEW ARTIST: Lady Gaga. BEST VIDEO THAT SHOULD HAVE WON A MOONMAN: Beastie Boys, "Sabotage." BEST BREAKTHROUGH VIDEO: Matt and Kim, "Lessons Learned."
Swift, the first winner of the night for Best Female Video for "You Belong with Me," was abruptly interrupted during her acceptance speech by West, who grabbed the microphone from her to declare that "Beyoncé has one of the best videos of all time. One of the best videos of all time!" Beyonce looked horrified as the audience booed West and Swift was ushered offstage. The singer got her moment nearly two hours later though, when Beyonce invited her onstage after winning Video of the Year for "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)." West, who was booed whenever his named was mentioned after the incident, lost all three of his nominations. He later took to his blog to apologize to Swift. "I'm sooooo sorry to Taylor Swift and her fans and her mom. I spoke to her mother right after and she said the same thing my mother would've said. She is very talented! I like the lyrics about being a cheerleader and she's in the bleachers! I'm in the wrong for going on stage and taking away from her moment!" West wrote. "Beyonce's video was the best of this decade!!!! I'm sorry to my fans if I let you guys down!!!! I'm sorry to my friends at MTV. I will apologize to Taylor 2mrw. Welcome to the real world!!!! Everybody wanna booooo me but I'm a fan of real pop culture!!! No disrespect but we watchin' the show at the crib right now cause ... well you know!!!! I'm still happy for Taylor!!!! Boooyaaawwww!!!! You are very very talented!!! I gave my awards to Outkast when they deserved it over me ... That's what it is!!!!!!! I'm not crazy y'all, i'm just real. Sorry for that!!! I really feel bad for Taylor and I'm sincerely sorry!!! Much respect!!!!!"
Project Runway all-star Chris March, he of the outlandish costume design and seemingly incessant narcolepsy, has filed suit against Beyoncé's world tour costume designers (but not the star herself) for failing to make good on payments promised for properly outfitting Sasha Fierce. Those robogloves and futuristic superhero outfits don't pay for themselves, you know. March, who placed fourth on both the All-Star special last week and during the fourth season of the reality hit, filed the suit on July 23, seeking upwards of $45,000 for wardrobe services rendered. "Chris March's lawsuit is not against Beyoncé, but rather against Thierry Mugler and Tancrede Prinz, who owe Chris money for having designed and fitted Beyonce's costumes," March's lawyer, Leslie Ben-Zvi, told E! News. Sounds like a job for the fashion police. Or the New York State Supreme Court. March, who filed suit on behalf of both himself and Carelli Costumes, Inc., claims in court documents that he was hired as "head of costumes" for Beyoncé's tour by Mugler back in February of this year. His job was "to create, pattern, fit and deliver finished costumes" for her tour. For several months after, while Beyoncé was donning his very duds around the world, March sent a series of invoices to Mugler, most of which remained unpaid. And while the Runway alum is looking to recoup the funds that are rightfully his, the designer (looking out for his clients as well as career, no doubt) says he bears no ill toward his muse. "Chris continues to be a big fan and admirer of Beyoncé," Zvi said. "And Beyoncé is a big fan of Chris' as well. She continues to look beautiful in anything she wears, especially Chris' costumes."
The superstar will be honored by the industry publication at its annual Women in Music event. Past "Woman of the Year" honorees were Ciara (SEE-ehr-ah) and Reba McEntire. Beyonce will be on hand to accept her award at the Oct. 2 event in New York City. It's been yet another big year for the entertainer. She had the smash hit "Single Ladies," sang at President Obama's inauguration, had a No. 1 movie with "Obsessed" and embarked on an arena tour.
The police action came after footage of the paparazzi fight in the narrow streets of Dubrovnik - a medieval port known as the pearl of the Adriatic Sea - was broadcast on television. Police say they have seized the passport of the bodyguard, a 31-year-old Dutch national, as a precaution. They have also ordered him to attend a magistrates court for a "breach of public order". The guard was reportedly detained on the luxurious 47-metre yacht on which Beyonce and her husband Jay-Z have been cruising the Adriatic coast since the start of this week. The boat was intercepted off the southern island of Korcula, the website of the newspaper Jutarnji List says. A police statement said the cameraman, 57-year-old Dragan Banovic, had also been taken in for questioning over the incident. In the television footage, Banovic is seen striking the bodyguard on the back with a tripod after the guard knocked down his camera and laid into him. The guard was later filmed hurling the tripod into the sea. Pictures of Beyonce holidaying have been a big hit with the Croatian press.
Beyonce was heading to a boat anchored in the medieval port with her rapper husband Jay-Z when their bodyguard kicked a Croatian cameraman in the back several times, the online edition of the Jutarnji List daily says. Private television station RTL showed images of the incident, including journalists chasing the star couple down Dubrovnik's narrow streets despite their bodyguard's protests. The footage showed that before getting back on the boat, the bodyguard knocked a journalist's video camera to the ground and then laid into the man himself. The journalist then hit the bodyguard in the back with his tripod, who - visibly angry - responded by throwing it in the Adriatic sea. Police are now investigating the incident. Pictures of Beyonce holidaying on a yacht off the resort known as the pearl of the Adriatic have been a big hit with the Croatian press.
The crew songs include Beyonce’s Billboard chart No. 1 “Crazy in Love” and “Single Ladies,” Billboard chart No. 4 “Déjà Vu,” “Beautiful Liar” and her new single, “Sweet Dreams.” This season, the show moves from Thursdays to a new night and time, Sundays at 9 ET/8 CT. This Sunday, Aug. 9, kicks off a special 90-minute special episode.
A criminal complaint filed Tuesday alleges Leon Desmond Barrett sent more than a dozen letters between December 2006 and April of this year to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and the University of Notre Dame. In some letters, the government says Barrett wrote he was getting ready to kill the former Steelers and Rams running back, as well as music performers Beyonce and Jay-Z. Barrett denies sending threatening letters. He tells The Associated Press he has had a dispute with Bettis for seven years and has written to various people about the dispute.
All three will compete for the honor of video of the year, with Beyonce earning a bid for "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It), Lady Gaga for "Poker Face" and Britney Spears for "Womanizer." They square off against rappers Kanye West with "Love Lockdown" and Eminem for "We Made You" in the video of the year race. Honors will be given out at New York's Radio City Music Hall on September 13 in a show hosted by British prankster Russell Brand. Beyonce has enjoyed a hugely successful solo career since leaving the all-female group "Destiny's Child." Her third solo album, "I Am ... Sasha Fierce," had the No. 1 hit "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)." "I've been blessed this year to have 'Single Ladies' become a video people really connected with and responded to," Beyonce said in a statement released by MTV. The annual awards are one of the cable TV channel's most-watched programs, as much for the celebrity antics and performances as the awards themselves. At the height of Spears' early career in 2003, she and Madonna famously kissed on the show. Later her personal life veered out of control and her father took control of her business affairs. But recently she has rebounded. Spears is currently on tour and her video for the song "Circus" was nominated for best choreography. 'GET WASTED AND MAKE ART' New Yorker Lady Gaga's 2008 debut album, "The Fame," included the hit single "Just Dance" and was among the top five CDs in countries including the United States, Britain and Germany. "Poker Face" earned Lady Gaga not only a video of the year nomination but also a nod for best female video, a category that pits her against Katy Perry with "Hot N Cold," Beyonce with "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)," Kelly Clarkson with "My Life Would Suck Without You," Taylor Swift with "You Belong With Me" and Pink with "So What." Lady Gaga thanked MTV "for being our video flagship, and for supporting this bunch of inspired kids, who love to get wasted and make art, together." Eminem ("We Made You") and Kanye West ("Love Lockdown") will square off in the best male video category against hip hop star Jay-Z with "D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune)," rapper T.I. (featuring Rihanna) with his "Live Your Life" and Ne-Yo with "Miss Independent." First-time nominees include U.S. rockers Kings of Leon as well as rappers Drake and Asher Roth. Both rappers were nominated in the best new artist category. Other categories include best hip hop video, best pop video and best rock video.
Beyonce will be joined by the Black Eyed Peas, ZZ Top, Simple Minds, N*E*R*D and Chinese pop legend Jacky Cheung as entertainment over three days in Singapore from September 24th, adding to Formula One's night-time grand prix weekend. "The world's only F1 night race just got bigger, faster and louder. Our talent is world class and "F1 ROCKS" will rock Singapore!" Paul Morrison, CEO & chief creative officer of the concert, said in a statement. The show is also expected to feature guest appearances from top Formula One drivers and celebrities, the organizers said in a statement.
And then some. The 27-year-old singer, previously known for her work in Destiny's Child but now three albums into a successful solo career, including her most recent effort, I Am... Sasha Fierce, came to town packing big hair, big heels, big costumes -- courtesy of designer Thierry Mugler -- a big production, that included an impressive LED video screen and a staircase -- and a big band made up of 13 female musicians and singers and as many as nine dancers, both female and male. Seemingly, it all went according to plan over the course of an hour and 40 minutes with nary a hair out of place on the beautiful Beyonce, despite a wind machine constantly blowing back her long mane which she liked to whip around while doing her trademark exaggerated dance moves. Part supermodel, part drag queen, part showgirl, this girl loved her drama and the audience seemed to love her for it. Opening the show with Crazy In Love, Beyonce first appeared backlit while wearing a gold bathing suit-like costume with a big bow on her backside. With her hands on her hips and her legs spread apart, the crowd went nuts before she even sang a note and by the time the tune had ended, white confetti rained down on the audience like it was the show finale instead of the beginning. Now that she had gotten our attention, Beyonce segued into Naughty Girl with red lighting to emphasize the point. At times, she came across as a sex kitten on songs like Freakem Dress, but other times, she seemed more innocent such as when she donned a full-length silver-beaded gown for the ballads At Last, the Etta James classic which she sang while portraying the singer in Cadillac Records, and Listen from Dreamgirls. There was even a moment when she sang and danced opposite vintage footage of her former small self in a split screen during Radio. Mostly though, it all seemed to be about Beyonce with not a lot of soul behind the music itself. When she offered up a snippet of Bootylicious from her Destiny's Child days, it was really the sample of Stevie Nicks' Edge of Seventeen guitar hook that everyone was going nuts for. Visually, she had some interesting highlights like the crashing blue surf projected on to the LED screen behind her while she donned a white bathing suit and white cover up to sing Smash Into You, and Ave Maria, which included a bit of Sarah McLachlan's Angel. But Beyonce's best look was a black leather bustier, mini skirt and cuff, which she donned for If I Were A Boy, on to which she tagged Alanis Morissette's You Oughta Know. She definitely gets points for Can-Con. Even rising Toronto rapper Drake was spotted in the crowd as she left the stage to greet fans in the audience as the evening wound down during Halo. The cheesiest moment came during a filmed video segment, shown while she was offstage making one of her numerous costume changes, when her face transformed into that of a leopard's during a snow storm. She then returned to the stage in a futuristic outfit that included lit-up private parts in the dark while her female dancers wore gold robot-like suits that recalled C-3PO from Star Wars. The best video moment was a YouTube montage showing fans dancing to All The Single Ladies before Beyonce and her dancers performed the hit song much to the crowd's delight. Another highlight was Irreplaceable as audience members sang the song's familiar refrain, "To the left, to the left," while waving their hands in the same direction. "That is so beautiful," Beyonce said. Beautiful yes, soulful, not exactly, much like the concert itself. Sun Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Away from the stage, Beyoncé dropped $6,000 on some new sunglasses at Ilori, a boutique on Beverly Hills's Rodeo Drive. Joining her on the shopping trip: 4½-year-old nephew Daniel and mom Tina.
Despite the title of her latest album, "I Am ... Sasha Fierce," nothing was fierce at all. Warm and fuzzy? Sure. Over the top? You could've bet on that because it's the nature of pop tours these days. But what made her truly connect with fans wasn't the gimmicks -- confetti raining down during her horn-blasted, opening retro-soul strut of "Crazy in Love," or high-tech movable stage parts and loads of costume changes: It was the music and the way it was delivered that counted the most as she interacted with her band and fans. Many so-called divas and such could learn something here. Are you listening, Madonna? The two-hour-plus show offered Beyonce's far-ranging styles, from pop and R&B to hip-hop, reggaeton, electronic and dance. She also dipped into songs by others -- though they were more tease than covers, linked to her own songs. She cooed through a bit of Donna Summer's "Love to Love You Baby," Sarah McLachlan's winsome "Angel" and took a quick tear through part of Alanis Morissette's "You Oughta Know." She proved adept at each, and it's a shame she didn't just go for the complete numbers. But "Ave Maria," sung while dancers assembled a wedding dress on her, didn't work at all. When the crowd cheered, screamed and roared early on in the show, she stopped to beam with a genuine smile. This was a far cry from the Beyonce of some years whose ego appeared to walk ahead of her. But she's grown up -- musically and as a performer. So while "flying" across the top of the arena in a harness to a small stage in the middle of the floor was a slice of Cirque du Tinkerbell, what followed contained much more emotion, as fans sang her hit "Irreplaceable" before she took over. For the most heated material, she was Tina, the Next Generation, and some ballads found her in a Streisand mode, down to her phrasing. She's become a much better vocalist, thanks in part to taking on such projects as playing Etta James in the film "Cadillac Records" and appearing in the film adaptation of Broadway's "Dreamgirls," both of which played a part in the night's diversity. The show certainly had its flaws, and some material was hammered out and shrill or served up through pretentious videos, like a sci-fi segment. At one point, Beyonce spoke of believing in female empowerment, citing her all-woman band and backing singers. Even among her co-ed dancers, the men often were in costumes with their faces covered. Such sisterhood shout-outs are well and good, especially for pumping up the self-esteem of her younger fans. Some might claim she's on a feminist-agenda tack, but that's nonsense. All those mini-dresses and even racier skimpy outfits were not just for the women in the audience. Ultimately, it's all about marketing and branding, from music to clothing lines, fragrances and more. Beyonce has long been a product. That's the way it's been since she emerged as the breakout star in Destiny's Child a decade ago. Now, some might argue that's the nature of pop -- and very often it is. But the best moments of the concert weren't about glitz and flash: They were about making a connection. And if she pursues that path, it's a direction that might bring greater artistry, with marketing secondary.
Soul Train Holdings has partnered with Direct Holdings Americas Inc., granting the latter the domestic home video and worldwide clip licensing rights to the "Soul Train" library. During its 35-year run, "Soul Train" evolved into a mainstream cultural institution that played host to such R&B and pop icons as Al Green, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, The Jackson 5, Prince, Elton John, Whitney Houston, Justin Timberlake and Beyonce. All told, the "Soul Train" library houses more than 1,100 hours of archival footage. The show's last new episodes aired in 2006. Direct Holdings' Time Life brand will produce and distribute DVDs of vintage "Soul Train" episodes and launch a comprehensive marketing campaign to license show clips worldwide. The announcement comes a year after the famed music variety show's longtime host/producer/owner Don Cornelius sold the franchise to MadVision Entertainment. Los Angeles-based Soul Train Holdings, a union formed between MadVision and Intermedia Partners, is headed by co-CEOs Peter Griffith and Kenard Gibbs. The clip licensing half of the agreement is already under way. Show clips can be viewed at globalimageworks.com. Fans can also visit the Soul Train YouTube channel. Regarding the DVD rollout, Griffith said music clearances are still being processed. Once that is completed, the company will determine its initial release slate and other details. In the meantime, BET's new Centric channel will bring back the Soul Train Awards this November. The channel is licensing old episodes of the dance show for broadcast as well. And a "Soul Train" documentary is being developed for VH1, according to Griffith. Also in discussion for next year: a new "Soul Train" show. "We're talking to some very well-known producers," Griffith said. "It would have to be updated for today's world of competitive reality programing like 'American Idol' and 'Dancing With the Stars.' It's not something we take lightly. We want to do it with the same kind of passion and respect that Don had."
Video of the Year Best Actress Viewer's Choice Nominees "The reason I am here is due to Michael Jackson," Beyoncé told the Friday night crowd at Philadelphia's Wachovia Center before her concert, where she sang Jackson's "I Can't Help It". In Beverly Hills, the 22nd Annual ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards – honoring songwriting achievements in the R&B, soul, rap, hip-hop and gospel genres – became a total memorial to Jackson, as the audience observed a moment of silence and presenters and award-winners alike extolled Jackson's unparalleled influence on the industry. Winner Alicia Keys thanked Jackson for breaking "all the rules" and "inspir[ing] us all to hopefully break the rules, because we have to break the rules in order to reap the benefits." Timbaland, who was set to work with Jackson on what was to have been his upcoming tour, spoke of feeling "down" about missing the chance to collaborate with the pop legend, but uplifted in knowing that "his music lives on."
"The incomparable Michael Jackson has made a bigger impact on music than any other artist in the history of music," the 27-year-old singer said. "He was magic. He was what we all strive to be. He will always be the King of Pop! "Life is not about how many breaths you take, but about how many moments in life that take your breath away. For anyone who has ever seen, felt, or heard his art, we are all honored to have been alive in this generation to experience the magic of Michael Jackson. I love you Michael."
The pop princess was slated to perform tomorrow at M2 -- the West 27th Street nightclub that used to be Crobar and Mansion -- as part of the launch of her "I Am . . . Sasha Fierce" North American tour. M2 owner Joey Morrissey agreed to pay the singer $200,000 for the gig, he says. But on Wednesday, Beyoncé's people suddenly pulled the plug on the performance, despite having signed a contract that had prompted Morrissey to spend $100,000 preparing for the show, according to the clubowner. "They said they were too busy with the launching of the tour and that they wouldn't have time to do the kickoff party," Morrissey tells Page Six. To make up for the cancellation, Morrissey says Beyoncé offered to stop by the club "to hang out for an hour" on Sunday. He adds, "I mean, we sold tables for thousands of dollars for the show, and spent $100,000 renting a soundboard and other equipment, as per their stipulations. What good does her showing up for an hour do me? They've been totally unwilling to agree to another show." As a result, Morrissey says he's now preparing to file suit against Beyoncé, claiming his place has suffered a "loss of reputation" in addition to the sunk cash. "We had an overwhelming response from our clubgoers, who were lining up to buy tickets and tables. This will come as a great disappointment to all of them," he claims, adding, "If Beyoncé cancels and doesn't give us a new date, this hurts our credibility in night life." The gig, which was initially posted on the singer's Web site, has since been taken down. A rep for Beyoncé at Sony did not respond to our phone calls and e-mails.
The R&B babe is the on warpath against a bunch of unnamed vendors who have been peddling pirated CDs and merchandise "in the vicinity" of her concerts during her world tour. She dispatched her legal team to federal court in New York to crack down on the 100 John and Jane Does, saying they've been making money at her expense. Aside from a lawsuit, the 27-year-old songbird also wants an injunction to keep the street hawkers away from her June 21-22 gigs at Madison Square Garden. The Fierce singer's rep could not be reached for comment on the legal action. Aside from protecting her booty, she's also tuning up to perform at this year's BET Awards, June 28 in Los Angeles, where she's also nominated for five prizes.
Choice Movie: Rumble Choice Music: R&B Artist Choice Music: Love Song Choice Music: R&B Track Choice Music: Album (Female Artist) Choice Female Hottie Show organizers say the pop star will attend the ceremony, as will her husband, Jay-Z. The two join a performance lineup that includes Kanye West, Maxwell, Young Jeezy, Ne-Yo and Soulja Boy. Beyonce is nominated for a leading five BET Awards, including favorite R&B female and video of the year. Rapper T.I. also has five nods, followed by Lil Wayne, T-Pain and Keri Hilson, who are tied with four nominations each. Jamie Foxx will host the show, to be broadcast live June 28 from the Shrine Auditorium.
Just as Beyoncé was bringing her concert to a close—wham!—out came George Michael to perform a duet with the shiny gloved one on her hit "If I Were a Boy." Of course, hearing this father figure of music belt out lyrics speculating about life as a guy when he already is one is kinda weird, but whatever. He and B killed it! Angelina Jolie nabbed the No. 1 spot on Forbes' 2009 Celebrity 100 list, the magazine announced Wednesday, topping Winfrey who slipped to No. 2 after two consecutive years at the top. According to the magazine, wealth is only one factor in determining the most powerful celebrity, and Jolie's $27 million in earnings last year combined with her fame determined her ranking. (Interestingly, Winfrey grossed $275 million in 2008.) Rounding out the top 5 positions in Forbes' rankings: Madonna, whose Hard Candy tour and $110 million income landed her the No. 3 slot; Beyoncé is No. 4; and Tiger Woods fell to No. 5 on the list, down from No. 2 last year. Notable newcomers to Forbes' power list include Taylor Swift (No. 69), fellow country star Toby Keith (No. 59) and 30 Rock star Alec Baldwin (No. 91). Meanwhile, Barack Obama (No. 49) became the first sitting head of state to appear on the list. The reason? His historic election made him the most famous person in the world, Forbes says, and also increased his book sales. See the full list here.
The R&B singer is currently playing a string of dates in the U.K. as part of her I Am... world tour and landed at the capital's O2 Arena for a show on Monday. But as she was preparing to start her performance, a fan managed to sneak backstage and accost her as she was walking between her dressing room and the stage. A source tells The London Paper, "A man barged through the backstage door just as Beyonce was walking past. "He cried out her name with his arms outstretched before security bundled him back out again." But the paper reports it was not the Crazy In Love hitmaker who was the actual target: "He wanted to see (Beyonce's husband) Jay-Z to give him a demo tape.”
She actually has a painting in her gym featuring the iconic gold statuette so she can run toward her goal. "I look at it, and I'm like, OK, I have to stay in shape," she explains in the new issue of Self magazine. That's not her only motivator… Shopping also comes in handy. "I buy something too small and then say, 'I have a reason,'" the 27-year-old singer says. "I need to wear these jeans or this hot dress." And then there are the tiny Thierry Mugler costumes she's been squeezing into for her tour. "[All it takes is to] do a fitting and see that my costume doesn't fit anymore," Beyoncé says. "I know I have to keep things in all the right places." But she'll only lose so much weight. She wasn't happy about the 15 pounds she shed to play Deena Jones in Dreamgirls. "I felt very chic, like a model," she says of her thinner-than-ever bod. "But it didn't look natural for me. I didn't feel very sexy or feminine, and I didn't have much confidence because I didn't feel like myself." In other words, don't expect to find her running too much toward that Oscar.
The two entertainers, who each who scored No. 1 hit songs and videos this year, lead BET Awards nominees with five each. Beyonce also counts a No. 1 film among her recent credits: "Obsessed," which topped the box office when it opened last month. The 27-year-old singer is up for female R&B artist, actress, the viewer's choice award and video of the year, where she has nods for both "Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)" and "If I Were a Boy." T.I. has two nominations for best collaboration — with Rihanna for "Live Your Life" and with Yung LA and Young Dro for "Ain't I." The 28-year-old rapper is also up for male hip-hop artist, the viewer's choice award and video of the year. Lil Wayne, T-Pain and Keri Hilson have four nominations each. Other multiple nominees include Jennifer Hudson, Jazmine Sullivan, Kanye West, Keyshia Cole and Jamie Foxx, who is set to host the show on June 28 at the Shrine Auditorium. Foxx is up for male R&B artist, along with best collaboration and video of the year for his hit with T-Pain, "Blame It." The ninth annual BET Awards is scheduled to include performances by Foxx, Maxwell and Ne-Yo. Click here for a complete list of nominees.
Before Beyoncé Knowles performed "At Last" for Barack and Michelle Obama's first dance as President and First Lady in January, the singer – who has said her onstage alter ego is the aggressive Fierce – was overcome by emotion. "I had to tell myself, 'They asked you to do this. You have to do a great job. This is their history. Calm down. Calm down,'" she admits in the June issue of Marie Claire. "I barely made it. Literally seconds before the song started, I was crying like a 5-year-old." But she remains proud of that moment – and all of her accomplishments so far. "Fifteen years from now, I want to be able to look back and say 'Wow.' That's where I was at 27. That was my best." And it certainly has been a big year: Last April, she married Jay-Z, 39, and the busy couple work hard to spend time together. "We try to sync our calendars," Knowles says. "I started working on my tour a year ago just to make sure that I had time at home. But you know, that's part of it. Any other woman who has to go to work and pick up the kids and make dinner – that's way harder than what I have to do. At least I can say I'm taking two weeks off and really take two weeks off." She might even be ready for a longer break. "My priorities are slowly changing," she reveals in the interview. "So after this tour I might be tired and want to take two years off. I've worked hard enough to be able to do that. I'm in a very good place." Who also might welcome a break from touring? Her mother, Tina, who accompanies her on the road. Tina tells the magazine, "I'm always the person to make her go to bed."
"We have had Brad Pitt and Nicolas Cage visit here," says museum press officer Verena Dahlitz. "So this was not big news for us – to have celebrities visit." Thirty minutes later, a stretch limo arrived and a sunglass-wearing woman stepped out surrounded by five burly bodyguards. Museum officials were immediately skeptical. "She was too thin for Beyoncé," says Dahlitz. "I thought she had probably lost weight." Still, the museum director gave the woman a VIP tour. After all, there were screaming fans outside, and officials assumed that she was just one of those stars who look different in person than they do on television. Later, the museum learned that the woman actually wasn't Knowles, but an impersonator sent by a local radio station, Krona Hit Radio. "We were fooled," admits Dahlitz. But the museum is taking the prank in stride: "We must be the most important museum in Vienna," says Dahlitz, "because they chose us." A rep for Knowles could not be reached for comment.
Obsessed, the new-school Fatal Attraction thriller with Knowles and Larter battling it out, amped-up Angela- and Kelly-style over The Office's Idris Elba, dominated the weekend box office with a far-bigger-than-expected $28.5 million, per studio estimates. Elsewhere, Zac Efron's 17 Again aged well, grossing another $11.7 million, while Robert Downey Jr. and Jamie Foxx's The Soloist ($9.7 million) didn't play as well as the year's other disappointing grown-up movies. Drilling down into the numbers: • The most optimistic projections had Obsessed bowing in the high teens. In the end, the movie had its reputed $20 million budget covered by Saturday night. • Obsessed is Knowles' top-grossing debut since her own film debut in Austin Powers in Goldmember. • The XX-chromosonal types who supposedly are too interested in girly things to drive box-office business, except for Twilight, Sex and the City and any other number of titles, drove Obsessed, too. The opening-weekend audience was said to be 58 percent female. And in the mood for a good cat fight. • 17 Again, last weekend's No. 1 film, slipped to second. Ticket sales were down the standard 51 percent. The Efron comedy has now grossed nearly $40 million overall. • By opening with less than $10 million, the violin-tuned The Soloist failed to come close to the new low standard for adult dramas, non-porn division, as set by Russell Crowe's State of Play and Julia Roberts' Duplicity. The latter movies debuted in the $13-$14 million range, and boasted higher per-screen averages than The Soloist. • The Soloist marks Foxx's smallest wide-release debut since his breakout 2004 of Ray and Collateral. • In its second weekend, State of Play ($6.9 million) actually held okay, with ticket sales down 51 percent. Its overall gross of $25.1 million, though, isn't going to sell many on the current viability of political thrillers. • Thinking may be out, but punching is in! Channing Tatum and Terrence Howard's Fighting ($11.4 million) bowed in third, but outgrossed second-place 17 Again, theater for theater. • The Disney nature movie, Earth, which opened last Wednesday, and didn't lack for furry-style fisticuffs, upped its so-far take to $14.2 million with a solid $8.6 million weekend. • Hannah Montana: The Movie ($6.4 million) passed the $65 million mark overall. • I Love You Man ($1.936 million) and former No. 1 movie, Knowing ($1.935 million), depart the Top 10 after five weekends each, and a Role Models-esque run of $67.8 million and a Vantage Point-esque run of $76.8 million, respectively. • In limited release, the new Mike Tyson documentary, Tyson, did well, but not killer with a $85,982 gross at 11 theaters. The Manhattan nursery-school documentary, Nursery University, did killer, taking in $13,100 at one theater, for the weekend's highest-reported per-screen average. • Bret Easton Ellis source material—check. Billy Bob Thornton, Kim Basinger and Mickey Rourke brand names—check. A $622 per-screen average, per Box Office Mojo, for The Informers ($300,000)—oy. Here's a complete look at the weekend's top-grossing films based on Friday-Sunday estimates as compiled by Exhibitor Relations: Obsessed, $28.5 million "I saw this dress online. I'm always on Style.com," she said of her sparkling Balmain dress with an endless black train on the red carpet at the Cinema Society and MCM-sponsored New York premiere of her film Obsessed. When her stylist friend found it for her, "he was so excited, he said, 'Please fit, please fit.' " And fit it did, but not without a lot of work on the part of Knowles. "I lost a lot of weight naturally, just from 12-hour rehearsals," she explained, attributing her recent weight loss to preparing to tour. "That's a lot of dancing. I would never work out for 12 hours, but I'm able to move around and not think about it. It's part of my job." Her other stay fit trick for fitting into those tiny tour costumes? "I've been trying to eat really clean," she told PEOPLE. "Fish and, in the morning, Special K." Knowles, joined by Jay-Z in the theater and, surrounded by bodyguards at The Bowery Hotel dinner after, accented the look with shinning chrome nails and a unique bracelet. "It's black and white jade and white diamonds," said the designer Lorraine Schwartz at the screening. "It's incredible. It was designed with her in mind." But, most importantly, is the star comfortable with the long train, metallic nails, and fierce four-and-a-half-inch heels? "I wouldn't say comfortable, but hopefully, I'll be happy when I see all the photographs and footage," Knowles said.
The couple celebrated its one-year wedding anniversary on 4 April - and the Irreplaceable hitmaker, who will launch the U.S. leg of her I Am... world tour on 21 June, admits she'd eventually like to slow down and build a family with the rapper. But until then, 27-year-old Beyonce is content living vicariously through her younger sister Solange and playing aunt to her sibling's four-year-old son, Daniel. She says, "I definitely want one (a child) but I'm not ready for all that. I don't think a person should see that before their time. I fall in love with my nephew every time I see him."
"It's my ideal job," Knowles told Reuters, while promoting her latest film role in "Obsessed," in which she plays a wife who takes on her husband's stalker. "I'll be able to go to the theater every day and drop my kids off and maybe make some food -- maybe I'll know how to cook by then -- and then go do what I love and have some normalcy and have a regular schedule." "I definitely want to do Broadway." Knowles, 27, said she loved playing Sharon Charles in "Obsessed," which opens in U.S. theaters on Friday, her first non-singing film role after performances in screen musicals including "Cadillac Records" and "Dreamgirls." "I love this role because in most of these movies the man comes in and saves the day. And my character Sharon is the hero. She's strong and doesn't choose to be the victim, call her husband, call the police, hide in the attic -- she fights," said Knowles. The singer's "I Am..." world tour, which begins this week in Croatia, is dramatic but, "I wouldn't say Broadway," said Knowles , who has sold more than 50 million albums worldwide. "It's really theatrical and I do, of course, all of the singles."
The fake tape first surfaced on The Howard Stern Show Wednesday and has since been dismissed as "a complete prank," Matt Lauer told Knowles on Thursday morning's Today show. "I haven't heard this, but I do know whoever did this did it as a joke," the singer, 27, told Lauer, who described the recording as a combination of "dogs barking and fingernails on a chalkboard." She added, "I heard it's a little over the top." What amazed her, said the Cadillac Records and Obsessed star, was that such a recording could go from someone's home – where the tape was created – to the nation's airwaves.
The singer's "board mix" from a November performance on America's The Today Show was played by shock jock Howard Stern on Wednesday, and the audio quickly circulated the internet. Fans were shocked to hear a voice purported to be Beyonce's screeching a rendition of her hit tune If I Were a Boy into the mic. But Mathew Knowles has slammed the singer's critics and insists the recording has been tampered with. In a statement to TMZ.com, he says, "If no one took the time to look at the biggest Inauguration in the history of America then shame on them. If no one took the time to listen to Beyonce sing America the Beautiful and At Last at the Neighborhood Ball for the first dance of President Obama and the First Lady, and they question Beyonce's vocal ability, they've gotta be an idiot. "At 12 years into her career, the last thing someone should be questioning is her vocal ability. That would be like questioning if Kobe Bryant could shoot a jump shot. The vocals were obviously altered."
Beyonce strutted gingerly in one such outfit, with a motorcycle handle-type top and flashing light at the centre. But the camera brought out Sasha Fierce, her alter ego moving confidently in the outrageous getup and stiletto heels. "I'm never gonna go on stage or do a video and not work until my feet are blistered, and until I'm basically, I can't walk any more," the giggly but exhausted entertainer said later. "I always give, and I do that because I know how lucky I am, to do my job." In a recent interview, Beyonce - whose latest CD, "I Am ... Sasha Fierce," is double platinum - talked about concerts (her tour kicks off June 21 at Madison Square Garden) in the YouTube age, what she will fight fiercely for and why Etta James never had her worried. AP: How will this tour be different from your 2007 "B'Day" tour? Beyonce: It's going to be more emotional, because this album, "I Am," that portion was a lot more real and raw and more sensitive. ... The best part about this tour is I'm working with Thierry Mugler, who is an icon and a legend, and I've been a fan. AP: Often snippets of concerts end up on the Internet. Is it frustrating not being able to surprise people anymore? Beyonce: It's very frustrating now. ... It's great because people can get a little sneak peak and say, "Oh, I wanna come to the show" or "I don't wanna go to that show" (laughs), and I'm fans of people so I go on there and check it out too. But you put so much of your heart and time into the wardrobe ... it's kind of unfortunate that people can see the show months before you get into their city, but that's life. AP: One YouTube video from your last tour showed you falling, getting up and continuing. Beyonce: A lot of people with heart can see that I have heart, and I encourage other people to have that same strength and fight, and I definitely get tired, I definitely mess up, I definitely fall down stairs. I forget the words, sometimes, but that's just life. I guess the question is, what are you going to do after that? And I always get back up, and it just makes me even stronger. AP: In your new movie "Obsessed," out on Friday, you play a wife who fights to protect her family. What is the hardest thing you ever fought for? Beyonce: Everything that's worth anything you have to fight for. You have to fight in your relationships, I have to fight for my career, I have to fight to stay in shape, because I get tempted to eat good old chocolate (laughs), and all this stuff everybody loves. It's all a fight, but it's worth it. AP: When you sang "At Last" for the Obamas at the inauguration ball, Etta James said some pretty harsh things about you but later said she was joking. Did you know she was joking? Beyonce: I played Etta James (in last year's "Cadillac Records"), so I did my research, I read her book. I was not at all surprised. That's Etta. She's hilarious (laughs). AP: Your sister Solange twitters all the time. Do you do it? Beyonce: My sister is the Twitter queen. She told me about the twittering, but I don't get it, I feel like I'm getting really old. I'm like, what? I don't understand. Just call me.
Launching at Madison Square Garden, the tour, which officially kicked off March 26 in Edmonton, takes Beyoncé to arenas across the country, hitting Ft. Lauderdale, Dallas, Chicago, and 14 other cities before wrapping with a four night stand at Las Vegas' Encore Theatre inside the Wynn. The singer is touring behind her 2008 album I AM … Sasha Fierce. Beyoncé's tour wardrobe, which includes 71 costumes, was designed by Thierry Mugler. The singer will also be joined on the road by her all-female band as well as winners of her "Single Ladies" dance contest – in which fans uploaded videos of themselves performing her hit – during a segment of the show. Fan club members can buy tickets beginning April 20. Tickets to the general public will go on sale April 25. In addition, Beyoncé is making 2,000 seats available at each venue (save for the Las Vegas dates) available for $20. For a full tour itinerary, visit the singer's official Web site.
Newly single Jennifer Aniston pocketed a cool $27 million in 2008, according to Parade's annual "What People Earn" issue. Aniston bagged the same amount in 2007. The actress is no match for Jay-Z and Beyonce: The power couple combined for a household income of $162 million ($82 million for him; $80 million for her). On the other side of the spectrum, comeback queen Britney Spears earned $2.25 million (must have spent a lot on lawyer fees, huh?). Country-pop princess Taylor Swift earned $5.5 million. One-woman comedy machine Tina Fey made $4.6 million, but Alaskan Gov. Sarah Palin only reeled in $125,000. Other celebrities on the list include Will Ferrell ($31 million), Kelly Ripa ($8 million), Patrick Dempsey ($3.5 million), Alex Rodriguez ($34 million) and Tiger Woods ($125 million). Trumping them all? Barbie. The plastic babe took in a whopping $3.3 billion.
The singer is lending her famous voice to Nickelodeon's animated kids' show, Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!, playing Shine, the lead singer of the The Wubb Girls, in four episodes beginning April 27. It will be the star's first children's project. Watch the exclusive music video for The Wubb Girlz's tune, "Sing a Song." "She's a very sweet young lady," Beyoncé says of her character. "Whenever Wubbzy needs a little help or a friend, she's right there with The Wubb Girlz to give him a helping hand. I think Shine is pretty cool." While Beyoncé has recorded albums (as a solo artist and with Destiny's Child) and performed for fans across the globe – including President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle – and appeared in films, her role for Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! was "all about fun," she says. "It was all about my inner child and me being 5 years old all over again."
The Wubb Girlz will appear in four episodes, April 27-30 at 10 a.m. ET/PT. Beyonce will introduce Sing a Song. The first and third episodes will be shown as Wubb Idol May 1 at 1 p.m. ET/PT, and on Noggin May 3 at 7 p.m. ET. Says Beyonce: "The one challenging thing for me in playing the role of Shine was her voice. It's really, really high, and my voice is deep and a little husky." She hasn't convinced Daniel she got the gig. "I told my nephew I was being considered for the role, and he didn't believe me. The episodes haven't aired on TV, so he still doesn't believe me. He's like, 'Yeah, right, Auntie BB, you don't know Wubbzy!' "
The multiple Grammy-winning group - comprising of Beyonce Knowles, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams - left fans heartbroken when they split in 2005. Knowles has since carved out a highly successful career as a solo artist and actress, while Rowland and Williams have also released their own material. But the Independent Women hitmakers are set to head back into the studio to complete one last record out of duty to their music label, reports PerezHilton.com. A source tells the website, "They still have another album they owe their label, Columbia Records, on their contract." Destiny's Child's last album of new material, Destiny Fulfilled, was released in 2004 and their greatest hits disc, #1s, hit stores in 2005 before the group disbanded.
Two words: Paid rehearsal. If something went wrong at Rexall Place last night, who cares? It's Edmonton. Work out the kinks in the hinterland before upcoming dates in places like Vienna, Prague, Paris and London. Makes sense, doesn't it? It may also explain the "no media" rule in force at the show last night. You wouldn't want some kind of bootylicious wardrobe malfunction on the front page of the Edmonton Sun, would you? Or maybe you would. Well, anyway, media ban or not, we can still buy a ticket - lots were available - and review the show. One word here: Spectacular. I don't know what she was worried about, if indeed she was. There were no kinks, not a single bad note or missed cue was evident. Drawing just 8,000 fans, far less than is expected at Britney Spears in two weeks, the show had all the high-production bells and whistles you'd expect from the African-American queen of all media. As with her tour in 2007, there was also the extra-large all-girl band, the phalanx of backup dancers drilled in the latest artful choreography, songs spanning a remarkable career - solo and with Destiny's Child - in a wide range of musical styles, not to mention a remarkable vocal range, and of course the riveting presence of the star herself. The tour is called I Am ... to support her latest double album I Am ... Sasha Fierce. So in addition to seeing Beyonce's alter-ego (that would be Sasha Fierce), which as far as I can tell is just the uptempo side of this ridiculously gifted artist, we can fill in the blanks in that loaded ellipsis at will. I Am ... the new Tina Turner. I Am ... one hell of a singer. I Am ... blessed with a great butt. And so on. Sure, it's a bit of a self-centred title for a tour, but in what was basically a celebration of all things Beyonce, who else would you want in the spotlight the entire time? Her image - in one revealing costume after another - filled the video screens. Her voice filled the arena. The extra-large all-girl band filled the spaces between, buying time for costume changes. There was little that was subtle about this show, but some of the Canadian musical homages were appreciated - like a snippet from Sarah McLachlan in her a version of Ave Maria, or a blast from Alanis Morissette's You Oughta Know in If I Were a Boy, the latter seeing Beyonce decked out in some armour-plated get-up like Aunty Entity in Mad Max: Beyond the Thunderdome. Like I said, she's the new Tina Turner. You might also quibble with some of the robotic wrinkles that weighed down the second half of the concert, though the flying through the air routine was entertaining in a Cirque du Soleil sort of way. Beyonce can sing traditional R&B if she wants. She proved it late last night - wailing on the Etta James classic At Last, which she performed for the inauguration of U.S president Barack Obama. There weren't a lot of traditional R&B moments like that last night. Based on the new material, she seems more interested in reinventing the wheel and doesn't seem clear on which way she's going to go. With talent like this, it could be anywhere. It just doesn't have to be everywhere. The audience, which was forced to wait in the concourse for a full half hour while the band finished its soundcheck, got shafted on the opening act. It was just a mere four songs from 2006 Canadian Idol winner Eva Avila. She even seemed to forget the words to her own latest minor hit, from her second, album: Damned, as in "damned if I do, damned if I don't." There's a message in there somewhere.
The Bootylicious beauty donned a hip-enhancing Thierry Mugler gown in early March and hit the streets of the Big Apple to film a promo video for her I Am... tour. The dress has attracted unflattering comments about the singer's curvy figure, with some detractors claiming Beyonce's weight is gradually ballooning. It wouldn't be the first time Beyonce has drastically changed her physique - she piled on the pounds to portray Etta James in 2008 movie Cadillac Records and went on a strict diet to slim down for her role as Deena Jones in the big-screen adaptation of Broadway musical Dreamgirls in 2006. But the star's spokesperson insists Beyonce is fighting fit as she heads out on tour. Her representative tells Usmagazine.com, "This is not a weight-gain issue. Beyonce is in the best shape of her life. The exaggerated hips are a design element of a truly couture dress. Beyonce has always loved this dress." The Mugler couture outfit is one of many designed for Beyonce - the fashion guru was also responsible for creating the 58-piece stage wardrobe she will wear on tour.
And let's face it, BritBrit and RiRi aren't really within reach of the pedestal we're about to place R&B powerhouse Queen B on. Even Barack Obama's daughters look up to she of the bootylicious curves and Fierce 'tude -- which will be out in full force when her I Am ... Tour hits MTS Centre on Saturday night. Here are 10 reasons why we love her: 1. Her alter-ego makes sense. When countryman Garth Brooks told everyone he would like to be referred to as a rock musician called Chris Gaines in 1999, the world chuckled. But when Beyonce explained her that her alter-ego Sasha Fierce -- who she introduced us to in her two-disc third release I Am ... Sasha Fierce last November -- helps her separate her tamer self from the wild persona she takes on when she hits the stage, it sounded like a logical, harmless idea. Well, until she brought out that roboglove (see No. 9). 2. She doesn't engage in diva feuds. Part of being a queen is knowing when to keep your mouth shut - and Beyonce has done just that on two notable occasions. First case in point: Aretha Franklin. At last year's Grammy Awards, Beyonce referred to her all-time idol Tina Turner as "the queen" while Queen of Soul Franklin was sitting in the audience. Franklin later issued a statement that implied Beyonce was being dis-R-E-S-P-E-C-T-ful: "I dismissed it as a cheap shot for controversy." Instead of piping up, Beyonce let her dad respond ("I consider my wife a queen and sometimes call her that. Does Aretha have a problem with that?" Matthew Knowles said). As for this year's dis from Etta James -- who said "the great Beyonce" was "gonna get her ass whupped" for singing her song At Last at U.S. President Barack Obama's inauguration? Beyonce also let that one slide. Though if she had unleashed Sasha Fierce, it might have been another story. 3. She keeps her private life (relatively) private. The paps might have caught her on vacation without mascara a few times, but Beyonce otherwise keeps her personal life under wraps. To think, the public wasn't even sure if she and Jay-Z had really tied the knot last spring until five months after the fact, when she wore her wedding ring to the Fashion Rocks concert in September. Heck, Beyon-Z could have a Brangelina-sized brood by now and we wouldn't even know it. 4. She keeps her privates (relatively) private. There's a fine line between sexy and skanky that Beyonce has yet to cross. Though Sasha Fierce is no stranger to hot pants, Beyonce keeps her offstage attire classy, favouring floor-length gowns and pants -- which you'll rarely seen on some of the other songstresses topping the charts these days (right, Lady Gaga?). And while Britney can't get out of a limo without the paparazzi congregating at her crotch, Miss B has avoided any pantyless embarrassment so far. 5. Those moves! When the average person squats so low that their 'cheeks touch the floor, chances are they're not going to get up gracefully. That's not the case for Beyonce, whose superhumanly strong legs allow her to bend and rise so smoothly, it looks like she's riding an escalator. She can also shake it like nobody's business, and while some of those karate-meets-chicken dance moves from her infamous Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) video were bizarre enough to be mocked by Justin Timberlake and Andy Samberg on SNL, we couldn't take our eyes off them. 6. That bod! Beyonce's pinup curves can be seen everywhere from the latest edition of Vogue to 2007's Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition, meaning both women and men agree: She's hot stuff. We ARE talking about the woman who coined the term "bootylicious." 7. She's not afraid to take acting risks. For every Dreamgirls, there's a Pink Panther for our beloved Beyonce. Fortunately, she's had more hits (The Fighting Temptations, Cadillac Records) than misses (Austin Powers in Goldmember) throughout her film career. Who knows what will come of her upcoming thriller Obsessed, in which she plays a woman whose husband is being stalked by Ali Larter. But at least she's willing to find out. 8. She'll be the first to admit she can be annoying. While still dangerously in love with hubby Jay-Z, Knowles says she has a tendency to annoy him. "I'm a little messy," she told the April issue of Ebony magazine. "When I get home, I don't want to take care of anything ... I don't have any shoes on. No makeup. My purse is in the kitchen." Apparently, this irks Jay-Z -- who she says is "very, very organized." It never hurts for a celeb to admit their imperfections -- if you can call being "a little messy" a flaw. 9. She rocks a roboglove. Fashion can be cruel - and if you got stuck in the clutches of Beyonce's metal handpiece, you'd learn that the hard way. Dubbed "the roboglove," this dagger-like titanium creation is usually only worn by Sasha Fierce, not Beyonce. But the fact that either of them could pull it off is impressive. 10. Barack Obama's kids dig her. After Beyonce called Michelle Obama to thank her for letting her sing at the Presidential Inauguration, the first lady told her she's happy her daughters Malia and Sasha have someone like her to look up to. "And I'm like, 'Oh, my God,' " Beyonce said in April's Vogue magazine. Yep, we'd say that's a pretty good compliment.
"I'm a little messy!" the singer, 27, confesses to Ebony magazine in the issue hitting stands March 10. "Oh, yeah." Seems the pressure to look tailored in public can weigh on her – and when she's out of the spotlight, she feels the need to kick back. At home, "I don't have any shoes on. No makeup. My shoes are left at the door. My purse is in the kitchen," she says. "I'm relaxed!" As for her husband, Jay-Z, Knowles realizes that her messy habits may bug him. "I think that is the most difficult thing for him," she concedes. "He's very, very organized."
Several sources say that the Aussie hunk will be joined on stage by Beyoncé, High School Musical stars and real-life couple Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens and Mamma Mia!'s Amanda Seyfried. Dominic Cooper, Seyfried's costar and rumored boyfriend, will also likely participate, but I'm told scheduling conflicts still have to be resolved to make it work. One source tells me that Jackman and Beyoncé have been rehearsing at the Baryshnikov Arts Center in New York City. The entire group begins rehearsals tonight here in Hollywood, according to another source. The song-and-dance routine is being directed by Jackman's Australia director Baz Luhrmann. No stranger to musicals, Luhrman's credits include Moulin Rouge!, Romeo + Juliet and Strictly Ballroom. Jackman reportedly requested to have Luhrmann stage the Oscar number. As I first told you earlier today, Efron is also expected to present Best Original Song. No word yet on what they'll singing and dancing to. First-time show producers Laurence Mark and Bill Condon have kept a tight lid on their plans, but have continually stressed that they intend to shake things up on the movie industry's biggest night of the year. Reps for the stars and the Oscars did not comment. The 81st annual Academy Awards will telecast live on ABC from Hollywood's Kodak Theatre.
Beyonce won the female artist category while Husdon picked up the new artist award. They costarred in the 2006 film "Dreamgirls." "This is where we come from," Hudson said, accepting the trophy. "So it's always an honor to come home and feel welcome and to feel the love. I really cherish this and appreciate it." Along with Beyonce and Hudson, will.i.am and Seal performed on stage at the Shrine Auditorium ceremony, which was hosted by actress Halle Berry and actor-screenwriter Tyler Perry. The show coincides with the 100th anniversary of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and kicks off a yearlong centennial celebration. "The Secret Life of Bees" won for motion picture. "Grey's Anatomy" won for TV drama. Several of the winners were awarded before the live ceremony, including Chandra Wilson from "Grey's Anatomy" for actress in a drama series, Columbus Short from "Cadillac Records" for supporting actor in a motion picture and singer-actor Jamie Foxx for male artist. Chris Brown, who's accused in a domestic dispute that reportedly involves pop superstar Rihanna, was up against Foxx with Common, John Legend and will.i.am for the male artist trophy. Rihanna was competing against Beyonce with Alicia Keys, Jennifer Hudson and Mariah Carey for the female artist award. Neither Brown or Rihanna were in attendance. Sean "Diddy" Combs picked up the TV movie actor trophy for his role in "A Raisin in the Sun." Other acting winners included Hill Harper for "CSI: NY," Tracee Ellis Ross for "Girlfriends," Taraji P. Henson for "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" and Will Smith and Rosario Dawson for "Seven Pounds." The awards honor achievements and performances of people of color in TV, film, music and literature. Former Vice President Al Gore and Kenyan activist Wangari Maathai received the Chairman's Award. Boxing legend Muhammad Ali won the President's Award. Hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons was given the Vanguard Award. "I discovered that giving made me happy," Simmons said during his acceptance speech alongside daughters Ming and Aoki, who precariously held up his trophy and counted down his remaining speech time. "As you get older, that's the easy route, so it's always been such an easy thing. It seems kinda crazy to be honored for it."
They join previously announced singers Jennifer Hudson and Seal, Fox said Wednesday. Other celebrities scheduled to take part include Academy Award nominee Taraji P. Henson ("The Curious Case of Benjamin Button") and Sean "Diddy" Combs. Halle Berry and screenwriter-actor Tyler Perry are hosts of the 40th annual Image Awards, airing Thursday. The awards coincide with the 100th anniversary of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and will kick off a yearlong centennial celebration.
Hanks was the master of ceremonies for Saks Fifth Avenue's 14th annual "Unforgettable Evening" Tuesday to benefit the Women's Cancer Research Fund. He and wife Rita Wilson, along with Spielberg and wife Kate Capshaw, serve as honorary chairs of the charity, which funds innovative cancer research. Paltrow and Cox were recognized for their dedication to cancer causes. Paltrow, who helped establish a research fund in memory of her father, appeared deeply touched by the honour. "I'm like a housewife in England," the 36-year-old actress said. "I'm married to a singer. And now I'm here." Paltrow's husband is Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, who won three Grammys with his band at Sunday's Grammy Awards. Martin missed Tuesday's party. "My husband's in Japan," Paltrow said. "But I've got Jay-Z, so that's even better." The A-list crowd nibbled on filet mignon and chocolate-covered strawberries, then finished with three songs from Beyonce. Wearing a sparkly gold mini-dress and backed by an eight-piece, all-girl band, the entertainer opened with Etta James' "At Last" and boogied alongside two dancers during "Crazy in Love" and "Single Ladies." Beyonce called Paltrow "one of my favourite people in the world."
The 71-year-old singer tells the New York Daily News she "didn't really mean anything" by her remarks at a concert last week. James says: "Even as a little child, I've always had that comedian kind of attitude. ... That's probably what went into it." Even so, James says it stung that she wasn't asked to sing her most famous song on the historic night. James says she liked Beyonce's version but thinks she could have done a better job. She says it's "a shame to say that." Beyonce portrayed James - and sang the 1941 song written by Mack Gordon and Harry Warren - in the film "Cadillac Records" last year. Beyonce's spokeswoman did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment.
Favorite Song Favorite Female Singer First, Hilary Duff snaps nasty about Faye Dunaway. Then, Stephen King admits he doesn't think much of Twilight author Stephenie Meyer's writing chops. Now, R&B icon Etta James has some choice words to say about Beyoncé Knowles and her "At Last" performance at President Barack Obama's Inaugural Ball. "I can't stand Beyonce," she told a Seattle crowd. "You know your president, the one with the big ears? He ain't my president—had that woman singing for him at his Inauguration. She's going to get her ass whooped...she had no business up there, singing up there on a big ol' president day, gonna be singing my song that I've been singing forever." For the record, Mrs. Jay-Z played James in the recent film Cadillac Records. The "Single Ladies" star claims the soulful songstress had nice things to say about her portrayal. Is she sure about that?
And it will be about a lot more than music, said Michelle Ebanks, president of Essence Communications Inc. The festival, slated for July 3-5, will include events marking the festival's 15th anniversary and President Barack Obama's inauguration. Headliners for the festival — billed as one of the nation's largest annual events celebrating black music and culture — will include Beyonce, John Legend, Teena Marie, Al Green and dozens of others. There also will be a tribute to Bishop T.D. Jakes, the Dallas pastor who gave an Inauguration Day sermon in Washington. Obama spoke at Essence two years ago, when he was campaigning for the Democratic presidential nomination. The format for this year's festival will be the same as in years past: Ticketed musical performances are slated at night and free empowerment seminars will be held during the day. The musical lineup also includes Robin Thicke, Anita Baker, Eric Benet, Ne-Yo and Salt-N-Pepa. "That's the wonderful thing about Essence," Ebanks said. "It's not one particular genre of music. It's a celebration of the music of our lives, of all the music that we know and love." More musical acts may be added in coming months, she said. The festival began in 1995 as a one-time celebration of the 25th anniversary of Essence magazine. Over the years, it has hosted performances by Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight, LL Cool J, the Isley Brothers, Lionel Richie, Luther Vandross, Mary J. Blige, the O'Jays, Prince, Stevie Wonder, Toni Braxton and Patti LaBelle, among others. In honor of Essence's 15th anniversary, the festival is offering a 15 percent discount on select tickets through Friday. General admission tickets range from $51 to nearly $175. Ebanks said the festival's 15 years of success is "a real testament to the legacy of the brand," which she says "was designed with such care." An estimated 200,000 people attended the festival in 2007, the year it returned to New Orleans after being held in Houston in 2006 because the city was still recovering from Hurricane Katrina. The festival had one of its biggest turnouts last year with more than 270,000 attendees.
The Neighborhood Ball: At the Washington Convention Center, where Mariah Carey, Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Alicia Keys, Faith Hill and Mary J. Blige perform.
On Sunday afternoon, the President-elect was feted on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration. The two-hour event was broadcast live on an open signal on HBO, and it featured a mix of historical speeches, presented by stars like Tom Hanks, and classic anthems like U2's surging Martin Luther King, Jr.-inspired "Pride (In the Name of Love)." Equally powerful, Beyoncé closed out the festivities with a stately, soaring version of "America the Beautiful." The singer beckoned all the earlier performers on stage, leading a star-studded sing-along. Said Beyoncé as she concluded, "America, we are one."
She will sing the Etta James classic "At Last." Beyonce portrayed the blues great in the recent film "Cadillac Records" and sings the song in that movie. Beyonce will sing to the Obamas at the Neighborhood Ball Tuesday night. In a statement, Beyonce said: "I am so honored that I will be performing for President Obama and the first lady. To sing `At Last' while they have their first dance is a dream come true. I could not be more honored and excited that they have asked me to be part of this moment in history." It was revealed on Thursday that Beyonce would be serenading the Obamas at the event. But the song choice was not revealed by the Presidential Inaugural Committee. "It is our hope that we can keep the song secret until the moment," said spokeswoman Linda Douglass. But Beyonce decided to spill the beans herself Friday. Maybe it reflects her excitement: A day after Obama's victory, Beyonce giddily offered to do anything the Obamas needed at the inauguration during an interview. Beyonce, along with husband Jay-Z, were Obama supporters and went out to campaign for him during the election. Beyonce recently had a No. 1 hit with her song "Single Ladies," with its catchy refrain to a former love: "If you like it then you should have put a ring on it."
And the song? "Crazy in Love?" Her version of Etta James' "At Last?" The Presidential Inaugural Committee isn't saying. "It is our hope that we can keep the song secret until the moment," said spokeswoman Linda Douglass. Beyonce is part of the star-studded lineup at the official Neighbourhood Ball that will be televised on ABC, along with her husband Jay-Z, will.i.am, Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys, Shakira, Sting, Faith Hill, Mary J. Blige, Stevie Wonder and Maroon 5. The Presidential Inaugural Committee says presenters at the ball will include Denzel Washington, Jessica Alba, Leonardo DiCaprio, Ray Romano, Jamie Foxx, Queen Latifah and Kate Walsh. The Neighbourhood Ball is for Washington, D.C. residents, and will be broadcast live and streamed online with an interactive component on the Internet. The inaugural Web site allows people to host or find viewing parties around the country. "We are encouraging people all around the country to have their own inaugural ball," Douglass said. "All Americans are invited to take a moment and have a little party, and they'll be connected to the folks in Washington and the Neighbourhood Ball through both broadcast and on the Internet." Beyonce has been eager to participate in the inauguration, telling a reporter the day after the election: "Whatever they want - if they need me to volunteer, they need me to sing, I'm there, and I'm ready."
Beyonce, Bono, Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp, Usher, Shakira, Sheryl Crow, Josh Groban and James Taylor are among the musicians scheduled to perform Sunday afternoon. The president-elect and his family are expected to attend. HBO will televise the show at 7 p.m. EST on Sunday on an open feed, meaning the pay cable network will offer the telecast for free to cable and satellite customers. Other performers include Stevie Wonder, Renee Fleming, Garth Brooks, Mary J. Blige, Herbie Hancock, Heather Headley, John Legend and Jennifer Nettles. Historical passages will be read by Jamie Foxx, Martin Luther King III, Queen Latifah and Denzel Washington.
Outstanding Music Video Outstanding Song Outstanding Album • Beyoncé – “I Am…Sasha Fierce” (MusicWorld/Columbia Records) Nashville's teen queen just notched her fourth straight week at No. 1,selling another 90,000 for the week ended Sunday, per Nielsen SoundScan. Beyoncé Knowles' I Am…Sasha Fierce, moved 77,000 at No. 2. With no major releases slated for the immediate future, Fearless will likely dominate the coming charts. Beyoncé, who currently tops the Hot 100 with "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)," will remain Swift's main competition. Kanye West's 808s & Heartbreak, which reentered the Top 10 last week, climbed another two spots to No. 3 on 71,000 thanks to major radio play for the current single, "Heartless." Ironically, the post-Yule week's biggest jumper is actually a holiday album. All Wrapped Up—a Target exclusive featuring holiday songs by such friends of Mickey as Miley Cyrus, Demi Lavato and the Jonas Brothers—jumped 78 spots to No. 10. The album sold 40,000 for the week after the retailer slashed the price after Christmas. Other discounted holiday albums experienced similar jumps. Julianne Hough's Sounds of the Season bounced 58 spots to No. 24; Disney's Fairy Tale Holiday was up 81 to No. 34; and Nat King Cole's NBC Sounds of the Season leapt a stunning 120 spots to No. 44. Score one for Ludwig as The 99 Most Essential Beethoven Masterpieces led all debuts by selling 21,000 copies at No. 29. Similar to the holiday releases, the 19th century master benefited from discount pricing—just $1.99 as an MP3 on Amazon.com—which also made it No. 2 on the Digital Albums chart, behind the Twilight soundtrack. Thanks to a traditionally slow January sales week, newbie rockers Thriving Ivory jumped onto the Billboard 200 with their self-titled debut selling 6,000 at No. 124. Over on the Digital Tracks chart, Lady GaGa held the No. 1 spot with "Just Dance" selling another 279,000 downloads, while West, Spears and Knowles remarkably dominated six of the other Top 10 spots. While down a crushing 55 percent compared to the previous week, overall sales were off just 14 percent compared to 2008's kickoff week, when Mary J. Blige's Growing Pains ruled the charts. Here's a rundown of the Top 10: Knowles appeared to put down the Jackson family in a recent interview with Elle magazine after stating, "I grew up upper class. Private school. My dad had a Jaguar. We're African-American and we work together as a family, so people assume we're like the Jacksons - but I didn't have parents using me to get out of a bad situation." And according to the New York Daily News, Jackson, who hails from the working class area of Gary, Indiana, is so "infuriated" by the comment she is planning to confront the singer.
Beyonce's "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)," a track from her chart-topping album "I Am ... Sasha Fierce," sold a massive 382,000 downloads last week according to Nielsen SoundScan, a 157% increase. But Lady GaGa's Grammy-nominated "Just Dance" featuring Colby O'Donis sold 419,000 downloads, the second biggest single-week sum of all time behind Flo Rida's 467,000 from the same week last year. It rose one spot from the previous week, swapping places with T.I.'s "Live Your Life" featuring Rihanna. Kanye West's "Heartless" held at No. 4, and Taylor Swift's "Love Story" rose two to No. 5. Katy Perry's "Hot N Cold" remained at No. 6, and Britney Spears' "Womanizer" fell two to No. 7. Rounding out the top portion of the Hot 100, West's "Love Lockdown," T.I.'s "Whatever You Like" and Beyonce's "If I Were a Boy" were are unchanged at Nos. 8-10. Nickelodeon star Miranda Cosgrove's cover of Sugababes' "About You Now" was the top debut at No. 51. The song was released last June on the "iCarly" soundtrack but is now doing strong digital business after a performance on Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade; it sold 74,000 copies last week.
But Beyonce is giving them all a run for their money. Her video for "If I Were a Boy" has been watched by more than 34 million on the video-sharing site. In it, Beyonce imagines life if gender roles were reversed between her and her boyfriend (a fictional boyfriend, alas, not Jay-Z). This offers the particular thrill of seeing Beyonce as a police officer - which, if it ever happened, would surely cause such a rash of speeding (with the hopes of a ticket from the pop star) that roads would resemble "Grand Theft Auto." The popularity of "If I Were a Boy" is matched by Beyonce's "Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)." That video has yielded at least 22 million views and inspired countless bedroom copycats. Whereas "If I Were a Boy" is conceptual and has a narrative, "Single Ladies" is simple, imitable and iconic. It's just Beyonce dancing in a black leotard and heels (and a bizarre metal glove), flanked by two similarly dressed female dancers on a plain white studio set. The video has spawned dozens and dozens of amateur versions, from the mimicking of a toddler named Arianna to more aggressively serious attempts, like that of a 20-year-old North Carolina native who identifies himself as a Staples employee named Chris or "Angel Pariz." Beyonce has spoken about how bowled over she is by all the imitations and met some of the dancers. She also joined the "Saturday Night Live" parody of the video with Justin Timberlake and cast members Andy Samberg and Bobby Moynihan. (That video has also been watched by millions online.) Beyonce and her record label, Sony/BMG, surely hope her latest video, "Diva," also hits a nerve. Released on Dec. 24, it returns the singer to the simple style of her and two dancers in a plain setting - this time an empty warehouse. It's a grittier and less catchy song, though, and the video hasn't sparked the same attention, drawing less than one million viewers on YouTube so far. But the popularity of Beyonce's videos only reinforce how important music videos are to the Google-owned YouTube. Many of the most watched videos in YouTube's short history are music videos. (Remember how OK Go's treadmill clip was such a hit in YouTube's infancy?) Earlier this month, though, videos by artists signed to Warner Music Group began disappearing from the site after contract negotiations broke down between the music company and YouTube. The takedown included many fan-created videos, as well. It's a somewhat ironic development for a medium - the music video - originally created as an advertisement to sell records (and thus something labels wanted played as much as possible). But as album sales have declined, all revenue streams are more important to labels. At the same time, YouTube is aware of how much music videos are part of its lifeblood; the site promptly posted a blog entry explaining the situation to users. There's competition in being an online broadcaster of music videos, too. Artist pages on MySpace increasingly host music videos, and MTV earlier this year launched the beta version of the impressive MTVMusic.com, a player that hosts seemingly every music video. And naturally, Beyonce's "Single Ladies" is one of the most viewed videos at MTVMusic, too.
Rapper T.I.'s "Live Your Life" featuring Rihanna held at No. 2, and Lady GaGa's "Just Dance" featuring Colby O'Donis at No. 3. Kanye West's "Heartless" jumped three places to No. 4. Britney Spears' "Womanizer" rose one to No. 5, Katy Perry's "Hot N Cold" jumped two to No. 6, and Taylor Swift's "Love Story" climbed four to No. 7. Another West song, "Love Lockdown," moved up two to No. 8, T.I.'s "Whatever You Like" fell four to No. 9, and Beyonce's "If I Were a Boy" slipped one to No. 10. Leona Lewis' cover of Snow Patrol's "Run," a recent No. 1 hit in her native United Kingdom, was the top debut at No. 81. Billboard's airplay-based rock charts were unchanged, with Kings Of Leon's "Sex on Fire" in a third week atop Modern Rock and Shinedown leading Mainstream Rock for a second with "Second Chance."
The tune rose one place to No. 1, trading places for the second time in recent weeks with T.I.'s "Live Your Life" featuring Rihanna. Lady GaGa's "Just Dance" featuring Colby O'Donis rose one place to No. 3, flip-flopping with Britney Spears' "Circus." T.I.'s "Whatever You Like" held at No. 5, as Spears' "Womanizer" rebounded four places to No. 6 and Kanye West's "Heartless" blasted nine places to No. 7 thanks to strong airplay. Katy Perry's "Hot N Cold" fell one place to No. 8, Beyonce's "If I Were a Boy" dropped three to No. 9, and West's "Love Lockdown" was off two to No. 10. The Hot 100's top debut was Jamie Foxx's "Just Like Me" featuring T.I. at No. 75. The Oscar-winning actor's new album, "Intuition," was released this week. Montgomery Gentry's "Roll With Me" began a second week at No. 1 on Hot Country Songs, as Kings Of Leon's "Sex on Fire" did the same on the Modern Rock tally.
Also on the list: Paris Hilton, Ashton Kutcher, Jenna Fischer, Criss Angel, Hayden Panettiere, Shanna Moakler, Travis Barker and Lauren Conrad. The movie "Twilight," Jennifer Hudson, Beyonce, Lil Wayne and Taylor Swift are among the five top-searched terms on MySpace. Swift led the list of musical artists most searched for on MySpace Music since it launched on Sept. 25. The most streamed artist is T.I., and the most streamed song belongs to him as well: "Whatever You Like."
"I've known her since she was a teenager!" Union told PEOPLE at Ideal Bite's "Best in Green" Awards on Thursday. "It's been nice to see that her music and her lifestyle choices and her acting choices have all evolved as she's gotten older." Most notably? The development of Beyoncé's stage persona, Sasha Fierce. "Beyoncé is quiet and reserved, very Southern, sweet and polite," Union said. "If someone told me that girl was gonna go on stage and do the kind of performances that she does, and be so fiery, and this quintessential and iconic entertainer, I'd be [in disbelief], like, 'Yeah, okay!' " There's no doubt that Beyoncé has grown up over the years, but one thing that hasn't changed her, Union says, is marriage. (The singer wed rapper Jay-Z in a super-secret ceremony earlier this year.) "They were good to each other before, they're good to each other now," Union noted. "They seem very happy when they're around. As long as there's more smiles than frowns, I suppose that's the key."
The story traces the rise of Chess Records and the turbulent careers of such legendary R&B artists of the 1950s and '60s as Muddy Waters, Etta James, Howlin' Wolf and Chuck Berry. A rather disjointed plot follows these musical legends and their interactions with Leonard Chess (Adrien Brody), a Polish-born bar owner. For his patrons' entertainment, he hires guitar prodigy Waters (an excellent Jeffrey Wright) and harmonica player Little Walter (Columbus Short), a duo who change his life. Seeing a broader potential in the blues, he records their songs, and Chess Records is born. The title refers to Chess' habit of giving his recording artists new Cadillacs as a reward for a hit record. Whether or not Chess exploited or properly compensated the musicians on his label is unclear, but he seemed to have a familial affection for most of them. He also appears to have had an affection that transcended friendship with James (Beyoncé Knowles). Conflict poisons some of the relationships among the musicians and between them and Chess, but there are a few too many story lines, which dilutes the individual sagas, some of which come off like soap opera. Little Walter has a temper, which leads to trouble with the law. His bond with Muddy's long-suffering girlfriend (Gabrielle Union) could have been more fully explored. And Muddy clashes with Howlin' Wolf (a fine Eamonn Walker). The film features too little about Berry (an engaging Mos Def), who crosses over to great fame. But when Berry is arrested, Chess switches his focus to another artist: James. Knowles captures James' emotional vulnerability and is substantially better than she was in Dreamgirls. Of course, she shines most when singing. While the story could use a tighter focus, the ensemble is strong and the music makes Cadillac Records worth catching. Cadillac Records - ** 1/2 (out of four) "If I didn't respect someone and they didn't have that strength, then I would be bored," the 27-year-old tells Elle in its December issue. "I wouldn't be attracted to them." The couple, who secretly wed in April, topped Forbes' list of richest couples this year with an estimated worth of $162 million. As for starting a family with Jay-Z, 39, Knowles told Ellen DeGeneres she definitely wants to have "a couple" of children – but not for a while. "I'm terrified of having a child," the Cadillac Records actress reveals in Elle. "No way! I'm terrified of delivering a child because I saw my nephew being born. That traumatized me. I'm only 27. I've got time."
"Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)," a track from the R&B star's new solo album "I Am... Sasha Fierce," rose one place to the top, swapping places with T.I.'s "Live You Life." Another Beyonce song, "If I Were a Boy," held at No. 3, and another former T.I. chart-topper, "Whatever You Like," held at No. 4. Newcomer Lady GaGa's "Just Dance" featuring Colby O'Donis rose two places to No. 5. Katy Perry's "Hot N Cold" slipped one place to No. 6, Ne-Yo's "Miss Independent" jumped two places to No. 7, Pink's "So What" was steady at No. 8, Britney Spears' "Womanizer" rose three places to No. 9, and Jason Mraz's "I'm Yours" was up three to No. 10. Top debut honors went to Kanye West's "See You in My Nightmares" featuring Lil Wayne, which started at No. 21. The song comes from West's new album, "808s & Heartbreak," which opened at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 on Wednesday. AC/DC's "Rock'N'Roll Train" led Billboard's airplay-based Mainstream Rock chart for a third week, and the Offspring's "You're Gonna Go Far, Kid" ruled Modern Rock for an eleventh.
Me, Myself And I, Beyonce Organizers of the festival announced Tuesday the singer has confirmed her participation. The July event will mark the 15th anniversary of the celebration of black music and culture. The festival will include more than 12 musical acts a day. The festival had one of its biggest turnouts this year with more than 270,000 attendees. Performers at the last event included Mary J. Blige and LL Cool J.
Instead, the writer-director has made a movie about all of them with "Cadillac Records," cramming their complicated individual stories into the larger saga of Chicago-based Chess Records, the label that launched those stars and so many others during the 1950s and '60s. The result feels even more cursory and rushed than the average music biopic, a genre that's already difficult to depict without lapsing into self-parody. (Jake Kasdan, Judd Apatow and Co. had long known that when they made "Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story.") It's all here, over and over, just as you've seen it countless times before: the early struggle, the rise to the top (accompanied by the obligatory montage of press clippings and positions on the Billboard chart), the waste of fame and talent with various controlled substances. Certainly there must be a better, fresher way to tell this familiar tale. Despite the glimmers of potential for typically strong work from Jeffrey Wright as Waters, Mos Def as Berry and Adrien Brody as the label's founder, Polish emigre Leonard Chess, Martin too often gives them too little of substance with which to work. She also shows us the racism of the time — which Chess earnestly, persistently tries to break through by bringing blues and R&B to a mass audience — with facile platitudes and hand-holding voiceover provided by Cedric the Entertainer. As songwriter Willie Dixon, Cedric tells us things that are already obvious, things we're already seeing for ourselves: that these performers were hooked on music, women and cars (namely Cadillacs, hence the title), on the flashy lifestyle talent and stardom afforded them. Columbus Short gets some amusing moments as volatile harmonica player Little Walter, but Gabrielle Union gets too little to do as Waters' initially supportive but ultimately put-upon wife (yet another cliche in this type of movie, for those of you keeping score at home). And Beyonce Knowles doesn't seem to have splurged on acting lessons since her wooden turn in "Dreamgirls." From the second she enters the film as the tempestuous James, you want to see her sing "At Last," then get out. No amount of wigs and padding can transform her. The music itself is the most reliable star of all; Knowles does knock it out of the park a couple times, particularly on James' signature song, and Mos Def is insanely charismatic as Berry, though he doesn't appear in the film nearly as much as the ads would lead you to believe and when he's gone you want him to come back. In fact, the music is often so good, with classics including Waters' "Hoochie Coochie Man" and Berry's "No Particular Place to Go," that "Cadillac Records" makes you long for a documentary on the subject instead. That probably wasn't the intended effect. "Cadillac Records," a Sony Music Film release, is rated R for pervasive language and some sexuality. Running time: 107 minutes. Two stars out of four.
The R&B chanteuse's "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" rocketed from No. 28 to No. 2 after selling 204,000 digital downloads, while "If I Were a Boy" held at No. 3. In the week ended November 23, Beyonce scored her third-straight No. 1 debut on the Billboard 200 album chart with "I Am ... Sasha Fierce," which sold 482,000 copies. T.I.'s other recent No. 1, "Whatever You Like," slipped from No. 2 to No. 4. Katy Perry's "Hot N Cold" was down one rung to No. 5, Kanye West's "Love Lockdown" rebounded from No. 9 to No. 6, and Lady GaGa's "Just Dance" featuring Colby O'Donis soared from No. 16 to No. 7 on a 60 percent digital-sales uptick to 113,000. Pop singer Pink's "So What" dropped from No. 5 to No. 8, as Ne-Yo's "Miss Independent" moved up two notches to No. 9 and Akon's "Right Now (Na Na Na)" fell from No. 8 to No. 10 to round out the top tier of the singles chart. The Fray's "You Found Me" was the week's top debut at No. 28 after selling 62,000 downloads. The track premiered last week during a promo clip for the hit ABC show "Lost"; it's from the Denver band's self-titled sophomore album for Epic, due February 3.
In one of the year's more competitive sales weeks, Ms. Knowles' double-disc I Am...Sasha Fierce rolled past rockin' new albums by Nickelback and David Cook that would have topped the charts most any other week. Beyoncé scored her third No. 1 album in three tries by selling 483,000 copies, easily eclipsing Nickelback (No. 2, 327,000) and the reigning American Idol champ (No. 3, 289,000). Beyoncé did have a little help, though. In the spirit of Eminem-Slim Shady and T.I.-T.I.P., the singer introduced her more aggressive alter ego, Sasha Fierce, on the album's second disc. Up until this time, Sasha only appeared in live performances. I Am topped 2003's Dangerously in Love debut (317,000), but trailed 2006's B-Day (541,000). She also gets family bragging rights over Jay-Z, who sold 425,000 first-week copies of American Gangster last November. Beyoncé also dominated the Digital Tracks charts with "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" debuting at No. 1 on 204,000 downloads, dropping her single "If I Were a Boy" to No. 2 on 160,000 downloads. About the only thing Beyoncé didn't do is beat Taylor Swift for the year's biggest female debut (592,000 for Fearless, which fell to No. 4 this week). Nickelback's Dark Horse galloped in a strong second place. The Canadian rockers, who signed an all-inclusive deal with Live Nation earlier this year, just announced the launch of their North American tour in Nashville on Feb. 25. Cook, meanwhile, got plenty of cougars to shell out for his eponymous debut. In comparison to Idol's other recent stars, Cook sold nearly 100,000 more copies than rival David Archuleta and twice as many copies as season seven champ Jordin Sparks. (Archuleta, whose eponymous debut opened at No. 2 last week, dropped to No. 11 in its second week.) Cook's album also sold 59,000 digital copies, a new record for a debut artist. Il Divo's The Promise, which topped the U.K. charts last week, opened at No. 5 (162,000), ahead of the Twilight soundtrack (125,000), which actually sold 17 percent more than the previous week thanks to the film's blockbuster opening. Just missing the top 10, Dido's Safe Trip Home debuted at No. 13 (51,000). Other debuts making a Thanksgiving week cluck included Mudvayne's New Game at No. 15, Zac Brown Band's The Foundation at No. 17, Slim's Love's Crazy at No. 32 and Blake Shelton's Startin' Fires at No. 34. Overall, album sales were up 6 percent over last week but still down 32 percent relative to the same week in '07, when Josh Groban's Noël made its first chart-topping appearance. Fittingly, Noël currently tops the Catalog chart. Here's a recap of the top 10, based on figures from Nielsen SoundScan: • I Am…Sasha Fierce, Beyoncé • Dark Horse, Nickelback • David Cook, David Cook • Fearless, Taylor Swift • The Promise, Il Divo • Twilight soundtrack, various • Now That's What I Call Music! 29, various • High School Musical 3: Senior Year soundtrack, various • And Winter Came, Enya • Black Ice, AC/DC
The handpiece you mention—alternately known among fashion reporters as the roboglove, the gling or Anti-Rihanna Death Grip—actually was handcrafted by Beyoncé's longtime jeweler, New York-based Lorraine Schwartz. Despite Internet rumors that the piece was fashioned of pure gold—possibly in the legendary Elven forges at Rivendell—it's actually made of... ...titanium! And, according to sources close to the gling, it's also one of a kind and therefore close to priceless. More details on the roboglove? Sure. • Schwartz had her artisans working day and night on the piece, laboring 24 hours a day until it was complete. • It fits literally like a glove. Beyoncé's entire upper arm was cast in wax so that the titanium piece would wrap perfectly. • It's actually several pieces, including a ring, a glove and a separate component that covers the upper arm. It can be worn all together or separately. • It looks heavier than it is. Titanium is about 45 percent lighter than steel. • Beyoncé really, really doesn't want to take it off. She wore it on Saturday Night Live. She wore it in her "Single Ladies" video. She wore it in her cover spread for Gotham magazine. She wore it on the red carpet at the MTV Europe Awards. • The glove was Beyoncé's concept all the way, I am told—a "superpower" hand to complement the singer's new Sasha Fierce ego.
"I got to kiss my boss!" exclaimed Adrien Brody, who stars with Knowles in Cadillac Records. Knowles was also the executive producer for the film, which opens Dec. 5. Brody was one of several co-stars who hit the red carpet Monday night for the film's Los Angeles premiere. The movie chronicles the rise of Chess Records, a Chicago label that ultimately helped launch the sound of rock 'n' roll music. It tells the real-life stories of key figures of that era — Muddy Waters, Etta James, Little Walter and Chuck Berry. "Their stories are so important and need to be told, because it would be no Beyoncé or any of us out right now," said Knowles, who was dressed in Dolce & Gabbana. "They were the first African Americans to cross over on the radio before Motown and it's something that I didn't know. I didn't know that rock 'n' roll came from Chess Records. And I didn't know that the Rolling Stones and the Beatles and all these people copied their music. And it's great for them to finally get their due." Knowles, who also recently released an album, was getting her own due Monday night. Co-stars praised her work for her role as James. "I swear to God, after this, there will be no more questions about whether she's an actress or a singer. She is an actress," said British actor Eamonn Walker, who co-starred in the film. Gabrielle Union, who has known Knowles for years, agreed. "I like Beyoncé because the check cleared, and if it didn't, I'd know where to find her," joked Union, dressed in navy blue Reem Acra. "She's obviously incredibly talented. When you watch her transform into Etta James and really channel her and her pain and that journey, it's powerful. As a boss and as a fellow actress, she's the bomb." Jeffrey Wright, who portrays Waters, said she gave the cast an extraordinary lift. "She came and did wonderful work as a part of an ensemble that came to get down," he said. "And she deflects a lot of the tremendous amount of light that shined on her toward this music and these lives, and that's a great gift for the film." Brody added: "She came with it. She was just so strong and allowed herself to be vulnerable. It made me really happy. She brought truth to the role." And now that she has tackled James, is there another legend she'd love to take on? "I'd love to play Eartha Kitt," said Knowles. "She's amazing. Her story is really interesting, all the things that she went through. Wow."
In an interview in the latest issue of Giant, the 27-year-old singer talks about getting hitched to Jay-Z. She says she doesn't have a fantasy view of marriage. That's because she's seen her parents, Matthew and Tina Knowles, struggle but stick through it. Says Beyonce: "My parents are tighter now than ever, but they've been through it all. There were times when they were together, times when they were apart. I learned that it's a lot of hard work, that it's more than a dress." Beyonce and Jay-Z married in a private ceremony earlier this year.
"One day, maybe," the singer – who wed rapper Jay-Z in a super-secret ceremony last April – tells Ellen DeGeneres during Tuesday's show. What's holding her back? Watching her sister, Solange, give birth in 2004. "I was there in the delivery room and it kind of traumatized me," Beyoncé admits. "I said please don't have me in the room. And she said, 'You have to. I'm your sister. Stop being so silly.' Well, I was right!" Still, the Cadillac Records star says she definitely will have kids someday. "A couple, maybe." Married Life Beyoncé has been notoriously tight-lipped about her marriage – refusing for months to even confirm the union. But she chatted happily with fellow newlywed DeGeneres – who gave the singer towels and a coffee maker as belated wedding gifts. "It feels great," Beyoncé says of married life. "Oh gosh, listen to me about to start yapping. We've been together a long time – it's been about seven years." Why did they wait so long to tie the knot? "I'm only 27 so I was really young [when we started dating]," she explains. "And I feel like it's important for woman and men to have their goals and their own life before they can complete someone else. So we took our time." Not that Jay-Z was putting on the pressure. "He's a great guy," she gushes. "He's a cool guy. He's patient." The hip-hop star knows when to give up on a lost cause, though – like Beyoncé learning to cook. "He actually, after me cooking a couple of times, he said, 'Just don't do it,'" she recalls. "It's ok."
Then again, one could argue that it's always Beyonce season. Two years ago, it was all about the release of her second CD, "B'Day" and her starring role in the movie "Dreamgirls." Last year, her "Irreplaceable" was up for a top Grammy and she was on a world tour. And this year, besides a high-profile Grammy performance with Tina Turner, her hush-hush marriage to Jay-Z and appearances on hit remixes with Justin Timberlake and Usher generated headlines. Though it may have been hard to tell, she actually did take a yearlong hiatus from recording music. "I think I did need to take a break. I honestly did," she says, sitting on a sleek chair in an even sleeker hotel room during a recent interview. "I needed to take a break even personally so I could relax and appreciate all the things that I worked for." Of course, Beyonce being Beyonce, her hiatus wasn't a complete vacation: She spent part of that "break" filming her upcoming movie, "Cadillac Records," in which she peels off the glamour to play R&B great Etta James during her drug-addled years. Beyonce says not only did the role propel an acting breakthrough, it provided a musical one, too. "I felt like after I played Etta James, and I sang these beautiful, emotional, deep, honest songs, I really learned a lot about myself. And I wanted to make classic music ... to grow and make that transition into legendary," she says. Her bid at musical immortality comes this week with the release of "I AM ... SASHA FIERCE," her third solo CD, something of a departure from the frenetic funk of her previous two multiplatinum albums, "Dangerously in Love" and "B'Day." While the new album certainly has its share of club anthems — one of its first singles is the bouncy jam "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)" — it is a double-CD with two personalities. The upbeat side is dubbed "SASHA FIERCE" (the namesake of her onstage, divalicious alter ego); the "I AM ..." portion is a ballad-centric pop album that features Beyonce at what her father and manager, Matthew Knowles, calls her most revealing. "She shows more vulnerability on this record," says Knowles, who with Beyonce acts as executive producer. "That's a natural growth of her age and life experiences." Though Beyonce is an established veteran after more than a decade in the spotlight (she made her debut along with the rest of the members of Destiny's Child in 1997), the 27-year-old has always been among the more guarded celebrities, staying on message about her music and movies while giving up little about her life outside the spotlight. She still refuses to divulge much about her private life (other than confirming her marriage to Jay-Z — a breakthrough itself — she declined to speak much about the relationship). But she seems more at ease during interviews, more willing to let the Sasha side of her personality come through. The day after the election of Barack Obama, the giddy singer was in good spirits, wearing a suit in honor of the candidate she supported and laughing often as she talked about politics, music, and her future. "I'm learning the importance of balance, which is one of the biggest (concerns) of all working women — when is it enough, when is it time to relax, and to take care of yourself? But I'm very proud of my progress," she adds with a laugh, "and I'm growing." Songwriter Makeba Riddick, who co-wrote songs on "B'Day" and was part of a team of writers on the ballad "Ave Maria" with Beyonce, says that growth was apparent during the creation of "I AM ... SASHA FIERCE." "The energy, it was different," says Riddick. "'B'Day' was a bunch of dance tracks and it was a lot of fun records, party records, and this is more reflective and personal. (She's) just showing a more mature side of her and music." That's partly because of where her head was at after filming "Cadillac Records," which she executive produced. The movie, which also stars Oscar-winner Adrian Brody and Jeffrey Wright, documents the heyday of the Chess R&B label. To depict James in the harrowing throes of addiction, Beyonce spent time at a Brooklyn rehab center in to better understand something she says she's never done: drugs. The experience, she said, took its toll. "I don't go around focusing on negative things, so it was really a difficult thing for me to be in that much pain for that amount of time, crying all day, all night, even when I left I was in a funk. I was a different person." Beyonce also takes a dramatic turn in the upcoming thriller "Obsessed," due out next year. "She's played two roles that really have helped change and mold her growth," says her father. To that end, Beyonce appears to be taking a more streamlined approach to her music. "I just wanted to do things that makes people feel, make people think. Even with the uptempos, with 'Sasha Fierce,' I wanted it to be simple and classic."
"I know I'll definitely be there [at the swearing in]," she told reporters at a Gotham magazine event in New York Tuesday night. "I want to be there to witness it." As for performing, she added, "Of course I'd love to. Who wouldn't?" The singer also opened up about dancing with Justin Timberlake and Andy Samberg in a hilarious Saturday Night Live send-up of her hit "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)." "Justin Timberlake came by SNL, and I just happened to be in town," she said of the already-classic skit. "I said, 'I'm not sure I want to do it.' ... But when they told me [he] would be a part of it, I said, 'I have to do this!' " So how does she rate his skills as a (leotard wearing!) backup dancer? "He's so hilarious!" she said. "He has the best timing."
The singer likes to relive her shows to work out what she can do better next time. She says, "I have my YouTube days when I watch every performance. I listen to my music and I watch my videos to figure out what I need to do, what I need to fix and how to become a better singer."
"I still can't believe he did that. He was incredible," Beyoncé, 27, said on Power 105.1's The Ed Lover Show. "We rehearsed it two times. He picked up the choreography. He has this photographic memory. He could probably kill it if he wanted to." Timberlake, in a black leotard and high heels, danced to "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)," one of the tracks off Beyoncé's new album, I Am … Sasha Fierce. The singer said she is ready for people to see her through the album. "With this project, I went with simplicity, because I've done everything," Beyoncé said. "Half of the album is my album that I love, called I Am, and half is for the fans, called Sasha Fierce." Her Alter Ego Sasha Fierce is the singer's sensual, aggressive alter ego, but don't expect her to surface anywhere but the stage. "Sasha Fierce was born when I did 'Crazy in Love.' People, when they meet me, expect that all the time, but that person is strictly for the stage." Maybe Sasha caused that fall at her concert last year. Either way, Beyoncé is still feeling that pain. "I had to get right up or I would be laid out. I have a permanent scar and permanent bruising on my leg from that fall."
On I Am … Sasha Fierce, Beyoncé, like David Bowie and Mariah Carey before her, unleashes an alter ego, and uses it to both open her heart and maintain her dignity. Available in standard and deluxe editions, the album is divided into two discs.The first is gentler and more patently vulnerable, while Ms. Fierce is a vehicle for the confidence and sass that the singer summons onstage. But as that title, with its sly ellipsis, suggests, Beyoncé and Sasha are bound by more than a creative concept. There are strength and defiance in I Am's tender ballads, and unfulfilled yearning in Sasha Fierce's funkier, more flamboyant fare. The overall portrait is one of a young woman grateful for her blessings in art and life, and eager to protect them as her journey continues. -Download: If I Were a Boy, Ave Maria, Sweet Dreams "I AM . . . SASHA FIERCE" is her attempt at a concept album, with the disc split into two. There's the swoony, ballad heavy "I AM . . .," which Beyonce says reveals her true self "underneath all the exciting star drama." Then there's the more modern, hip-hop-influenced "SASHA FIERCE," which Beyonce calls "more sensual, more aggressive." The cover for "I AM . . ." has Beyonce scrubbed free of makeup, a cross dangling from her hand. "SASHA FIERCE" is all glamazon armour: dark eyebrows, gilded eyelids, puckered mouth - all oozing sex. Does the split-personality attempt work? As a total package, not quite. Individual songs such as the role-reversal jam "If I Were A Boy" and saucy "Video Phone" shine, while other tunes just don't produce enough oomph. Vulnerability is nothing new for Beyonce, who touched on her sensitive yearnings on 2003's solo debut "Dangerously in Love." But she came roaring back in 2006 with "B'Day," the kind of woman-in-control hit album that scorched club roofs with its rapid-fire grooves. Executively produced by Beyonce and her dad-manager Matthew Knowles, "I AM . . . SASHA FIERCE wants it naughty and nice. Still, with only 11 songs on the full album's standard version, splitting the two sides is unnecessary. Each disc isn't strong enough to maintain the momentum "B'Day" did, even with five extra songs on the album's deluxe version. "I AM . . ." starts off promisingly, with "If I Were A Boy" building on a soft rock acoustic guitar riff and handclaps. "If I were a boy, I think I could understand, how it feels to love a girl, swear I'd be a better man," Beyonce emotes. Written by BC Jean and Fergie collaborator Toby Gad, the tune - the only one Beyonce didn't have a hand in writing - is one of the strongest she has ever done. Then things start getting generic. Slow burner "Halo" could be a love letter to her new hubby, Jay-Z, but it has such a conventional feel, with cliche heart-tugging lyrics lacking spark. Other songs, from the sadly cooing "Disappear" to piano-based "Broken-Hearted Girl," recall U.K. songstress Leona Lewis (Indeed, OneRepublic's Ryan Tedder, who penned Lewis' hit "Bleeding Love," co-wrote "Halo"). While B's voice sounds great, the mushy content - all ballads - doesn't leave you inspired. Thankfully, when "SASHA FIERCE" begins with "Single Ladies (Put A Ring on It)," the album comes back to life with the hip-moving sassiness that Beyonce delivers so well. The chant - "If you like it then you should've been a ring on it" - is all diva strut and a clap-beat rhythm with "oh-ohs" thrown in. "Video Phone," a dirty ditty dotted with electro bleeps and groans, is guilty good. Beyonce - oops, make that Sasha - lets her inner freak fly: "You want me naked. If you likin' this position you can tape it," she slurs over finger snaps. "Diva," a sparse play off Lil Wayne's "A Milli," funnels Beyonce's strong voice into low-key rap posturing. Call her Sasha or Beyonce, there is no doubt it is fiercely funky - and the kind of attitude we want from Beyonce, instead of meekness. Beyonce, for all her big-haired, big-voiced fabulousness, apparently has some identity issues like the rest of us. But if other worthy one-named divas have successfully straddled that divide between vulnerability and powerhouse sexuality without an alter-ego as a buffer, so can Beyonce. Check out this track: Extra tune "Ego" is worthy of Beyonce's role as Etta James in the upcoming film "Cadillac Records." A shout-out to her man, and herself, Beyonce taps into James' boldness, singing, "He love my big ego. It's too much. I walk like this cuz I can back it up." Go B!
"I was 18 when we first met, 19 when we first started dating. There was no rush," the singer tells Seventeen in its December/January issue, due out Nov. 18. "I really don't believe that you will love the same thing when you're 20 as you do at 30." The singer, whose new album I Am … Shasha Fierce arrives Monday, says she wanted to have a strong sense of self before making a lifelong commitment to anyone. "Before the age of 25, I would never get married," says the 27-year-old singer. "I feel like you have to get to know yourself, know what you want, spend some time by yourself, and be proud of who you are before you can share that with someone else." Still, she has learned a lot from her music mogul husband – and not just about showbiz. Asked what lessons Jay-Z has taught her, she says, "I guess probably that we're all human." "I don't care if you're picture-perfect on every magazine cover, and you're the most handsome, successful, coolest guy," says Beyoncé. "You still get sad, and you still get your feelings hurt, and you still get confused and vulnerable and nervous and scared. You have to find a person you can make it through the tough times with." Beyoncé also shows her fiercely ambitious side in the interview, saying that she often studies her own past performances looking for ways to improve. "I have my YouTube days, when I watch every performance," she says. "I listen to my music, and I watch my videos to figure out what I need to do, what I need to fix, and how to become a better singer."
"I am happy that my fans will get to listen to my new album first at MySpace," Beyoncé says in a statement. "I have put my heart and soul into I Am … Sasha Fierce and cannot wait to hear the feedback from the fans." Named for the singer's spicy alter-ego, the double album – and the singer's third solo disc – finds her broadening her sound. As Beyoncé tells it, the disc "allows me to take more risks and really step out of myself, or shall I say, step more into myself, and reveal a side of me that people [who] only know me see." Among the innovative sonic moments on the album, "Diva" presents an aggressive, hip-hop flavored sound with its chirpy, repetitive verse: "Diva is a female version of a hustler." Other songs like "Sweet Dreams" and "Halo" position Beyoncé's voice over synthesizer-flecked melodies. And "Radio" takes her into full-on dance-music territory with a club-ready rush of a beat.
FAVORITE STAR 35 & UNDER "Now, they offer crazy money that's just ridiculous," she said in a recent interview, laughing. "But in the end, absolutely not. It's so not worth it. If anything, if you wanna put something out, then put it out, not for (money)." Beyonce and Jay-Z were married in April in an intimate ceremony in New York City. "We worked really hard at keeping it private," she said. "I've always been this way, and he's always been this way, so that's why we complement each other. We always knew that it would be private and quiet, for all the right reasons." Though Beyonce declined to talk about specific details, she's been more open to acknowledging her relationship in recent interviews after years of silence about it. She's due to release her new CD, "I AM ... SASHA FIERCE," on Nov. 18. MySpace Music is giving listeners a free preview of the CD on its Web site starting 3 a.m. Tuesday. The 27-year-old singer joins the list of other musicians who provide fans with an online preview of the CD in the days before its release.
"She'd get us little jackets and we'd go to an art supply store and we'd get stones and glitter and we'd personalize a lot of our clothes," Beyoncé, 27, said in an interview in the premiere issue of The New York Observer Style. "She taught me the importance of looking good and feeling good but also that beauty comes from within, because it fades." Now the singer, who is set to release her new album Nov. 18, wears vintage Caroline Herrera and collects Chanel jewelry. "I'm an accessories queen. I collect a lot of vintage jewelry. I love it because you know no one else has it. Sometimes I don't even wear it – I just like to look at it." Behind it all, though, is Tina. Beyoncé said she has looked up to her mother since she was little. "I looked at her like a therapist and a makeover queen – the perfect glamorous smart woman. People would walk in, talk to her and tell her their issues and they'd walk out feeling and looking like a new woman."
"What would be better than Wonder Woman?" she tells the Los Angeles Times. "It would be great. And it would be a very bold choice. A black Wonder Woman would be a powerful thing. It's time for that, right?" The singer-actress, 27, has met with representatives at DC Comics and Warner Bros. to discuss donning the red, white and blue bathing suit on screen, she says. "After doing these roles that were so emotional I was thinking to myself, 'OK, I need to be a superhero,'" Beyoncé tells the Times. "Although, when you think about the psychology of the heroes in the films these days, they are still a lot of work, of course, and emotional. But there's also an action element that I would enjoy." Her interest in the role was strengthened earlier this year when she went to New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art and saw on display Lynda Carter's iconic costume. "I would definitely have to keep it right for that costume," she says. "But I love Wonder Woman and it'd be a dream come true to be that character. It sure would be handy to have that lasso."
She says, "It was definitely difficult because I was so young and my father was my manager and the group was like family. I felt like, what are we gonna do? We weren't making any money yet. "I was the lead singer, so I got the blame. That was the first time I had to deal with rumours and people attacking me. I was an 18-year-old kid, so I didn't understand it was just a part of this life and it wasn't personal. I didn't have a thick skin yet. I was so embarrassed and wanted to defend myself and please everybody." The Destiny's Child trio eventually parted ways in 2005.
Knowles went blonde to portray the singer (best known for the 1961 classic "At Last") in the film Cadillac Records, hitting theaters Dec. 5. See the trailer here. The musical drama, which centers on the influential sound developed by Chess Records, also stars Oscar-winner Adrien Brody as the label's co-founder Leonard Chess (known for rewarding his top acts with a shiny new Cadillac) and Jeffrey Wright as blues legend Muddy Waters. Seven-time Grammy-winner Knowles is generating Oscar buzz for her portrayal of James, now 70, who battled a heroin addiction.
"I'm there. I can't wait. I feel like all of us, we're ready to do whatever we have to do. Whatever they want — if they need me to volunteer, they need me to sing, I'm there, and I'm ready," a giddy Beyonce said in an interview the day after Barack Obama made history in becoming the nation's first elected black president. The singer couldn't stop beaming after Obama's win over Republican John McCain on Tuesday. In fact, she was so inspired, she wore a blue suit and tie in honor of Obama — with stiletto heels that were red, white and blue. "I've never been so patriotic!" she laughed. "I'm just beyond excited." Beyonce was supposed to be in Japan on Election Night to promote her upcoming album, "I Am ... Sasha Fierce," but decided to postpone it at the last minute. "I said, 'What am I doing? I'm completely making a bad decision. I have to go home, I'm gonna kill myself if I'm not home in America,'" she said. "I knew I needed to be here." After going with hubby Jay-Z, Diddy, Mary J. Blige and others to states like Pennsylvania, Florida, and Ohio just before the election, she watched the returns Tuesday night with family and friends in her home. She was not only inspired by Obama, but McCain's concession as well: "McCain's speech was so classy." The 27-year-old said the win was particularly important for the inspiration it gave to African-Americans. "My nephew, who is 4, when we say, 'You can do whatever, you can be whatever,' it's not cliche. You have no doubt that it's not true," she said. The election even brought Beyonce to tears, though she says it was the good kind: "I fell asleep crying and smiling at the same time," she laughed. I woke up with mascara running and a smile on my face!"
She says, "Even now I sometimes fly economy if I need to. We had a storm in Miami (Florida) and there was a hurricane coming so we just got out." She adds, "You know the airlines where if you're fifth in line, you sit in seat five? And then they throw a peanut at you with your drink? I don't care about those kind of things. It's just that people don't give me peace, that's the hardest thing."
She tells Gotham magazine, "We were together for a really long time before we got married; we were in no rush. We don't have a normal relationship because of our careers. But celebrity or not, you go through the exact same things. We're not perfect." But Knowles admits she loves life as Mrs. Shawn Carter. She adds, "This is like my first relationship. I'm very private and, of course, I don't talk about it, but I'm very, very happy. That's all I'll say."
The pop superstar is far from happy with the Gotham magazine piece, in which she reportedly stated she was headed towards a collapse two years ago. Knowles now says, "I wouldn't say I was on the verge of a breakdown. That's a very strong thing to say." So was she misquoted? She adds, "Maybe. I have been before."
T.I.'s "Whatever You Like" was No. 1 for a seventh non-consecutive week, while "Live You Life" featuring Rihanna was No. 2 for a second consecutive week. Beyonce's "If I Were a Boy" bounced 65 places to No. 3. She was last in the chart's upper tier with "Beautiful Liar," her duet with Shakira, in the spring of 2007. Pink was No. 4 with "So What," Britney Spears at No. 5 with "Womanizer," and Katy Perry at No. 6 with "Hot N Cold." Each was down one place. Kevin Rudolf's "Let It Rock" featuring Lil Wayne and Ne-Yo's "Miss Independent" held at Nos. 7 and 8, respectively. Rihanna's "Disturbia" dropped three to No. 9, and Jason Mraz's "I'm Yours" rose three to No. 10. British singer Adele's "Chasing Pavements" was the top debut at No. 82. On Billboard's airplay-based rock charts, Metallica's "The Day That Never Comes" was No. 1 at Mainstream Rock for a fifth week, while the Offspring's "You're Gonna Go Far, Kid" led Modern Rock for a sixth. Guns N' Roses' "Chinese Democracy" debuted at No. 12 on the former. Carrie Underwood earned her seventh No. 1 hit on Hot Country Songs as "Just a Dream" jumped two places.
The R&B singer has christened herself "Sasha Fierce" for her new double album, "I Am ... Sasha Fierce," due in U.S. stores on November 18, and has released a lengthy justification for the comical moniker. "I have someone else that takes over when it's time for me to work and when I'm on stage, this alter ego that I've created that kind of protects me and who I really am," the former Destiny's Child frontwoman said in a statement. "Sasha Fierce is the fun, more sensual, more aggressive, more outspoken side and more glamorous side that comes out when I'm working and when I'm on the stage." Additionally, she has set up a cryptic MySpace page (http://www.myspace.com/sashafierce) that gives a "lucky person" the opportunity to receive a personal message and a gift bag valued at $500. As George found out, nicknames usually do not work when they are self-bestowed. His colleagues thought he should be called Koko the monkey. In real life, rapper Eminem had better luck with his alter ego "Slim Shady," which he said came to him while he was on the toilet. Beyonce released her previous solo album, "B'Day," to coincide with her 25th birthday in September 2006. It debuted at No. 1 on the U.S. pop chart and yielded the No. 1 single "Irreplaceable." "I Am ... Sasha Fierce" will be distributed by Columbia Records, a unit of Sony Corp's Sony Music Entertainment.
"Celebrities have the power to motivate civic engagement regardless of their own grasp of the issues at hand," according to a study by Washington State University published in the Mass Communication and Society journal. The study, based on a survey of 305 students at the university, contrasted with a number of other polls which indicated celebrity endorsements of presidential candidates were unlikely to sway votes, It said: "Celebrity endorsed campaigns successfully lowered complacency and helped young people believe in their own impact on the political system. Young people got involved at higher levels and became increasingly aware of societal issues." The study, led by Erica Austin, researched the influence of "get out the vote" campaigns in 2004 involving Knowles, Aguilera, Combs and other celebrities. It quoted a Pace University poll in 2004 which showed 44 percent of newly registered voters were ages 18 to 25. The study found that "the cause of this dramatic increase in voter participation of young people in 2004 can largely be attributed to celebrity get-out-the-vote promotions." About 44 million people aged 18 to 29 are eligible to vote in the November 4 presidential election. If young voter turnout exceeded 50 percent, it would be only the third time since the voting age was lowered to 18 in 1972. Turnout among young voters peaked at 55 percent in 1972 and dropped to 40 percent in 1996 and 2000, but it rebounded to 49 percent in 2004. Celebrities including Jessica Alba, Leonardo DiCaprio, Halle Berry, Jennifer Aniston, Ashton Kutcher, Eva Longoria and Dustin Hoffman have been involved in campaigns this year to encourage people to vote.
"I gained almost 15 pounds to play the role," Beyoncé, 27, says in the November issue of In Style. "It was way easier – and tastier – than having to lose so much weight for Dreamgirls." Her legendary role didn't only affect her figure, but it also rubbed off on her music. "Lyrically, it's deeper than what I've done before," the singer, who recently debuted two singles, says of her album due Nov. 18. "I wasn't mature enough or old". Beyoncé reclaimed her bootylicious curves (and then some!) to play soul singer Etta James in the upcoming film Cadillac Records. "I gained almost 15 pounds to play the role," Beyoncé, 27, says in the November issue of In Style. "It was way easier – and tastier – than having to lose so much weight for Dreamgirls." Her legendary role didn't only affect her figure, but it also rubbed off on her music. "Lyrically, it's deeper than what I've done before," the singer, who recently debuted two singles, says of her album due Nov. 18. "I wasn't mature enough or old enough, or in touch with myself enough, to do this type of album before. I didn't have the guts." It was only last week that the stealth newlywed opened up about her secret wedding to longtime love Jay-Z. "This is a new chapter for me," she says. "I'm terrified, but excited. It's like I'm a new woman."
The singer, 27, told Billboard the video for "If I Were a Boy," where she dresses up as a police officer, is "kind of like Freaky Friday." "In the beginning of the video, my husband makes me breakfast and he's excited about it, and I kind of don't have time to eat," she says. "As a police officer, I have a male partner and the video goes through our days. My husband's at work and has attractive girls flirting with him but he declines their advances. I have a guy flirting with me, and I flirt back." So where does the Freaky Friday part come in? "At the end of the clip, you realize that I was acting out his life, and it all starts over again. He was a cop and everything that happened was really him doing the same thing to me," Beyoncé says. "It's about all of the little things that mean so much in a relationship." "Single Ladies," meanwhile, comes from a different perspective: Beyoncé's onstage persona Sasha. The dance track features lyrics like, "We just broke up/I'm doin' my own lil' thing/And you decided to dip/ Now you wanna trip/Cuz another brutha noticed me/I’m up on him/He up on me." The Sasha persona is one of the risks Beyonce said she is taking on the new album. The singer wrote a letter to fans about the album, saying, "I am in a different place right now and I wanted people to see the many sides of me." Both singles, which debuted last week, will appear on her new album, out Nov. 18.
"What Jay and I have is real. It's not about interviews or getting the right photo op. It's real," the singer, 27, tells Essence magazine in its November issue. Notoriously tight-lipped about her relationship with the hip-hop mogul, Beyoncé does share a little about her wedding day, but only after groaning, "You're gonna get me in trouble." Beyoncé tells the magazine she didn't want an engagement ring because, "People put too much emphasis on that," she says. "It's just material and it's just silly to me." Instead, the magazine reports, she wears a band on her ring finger over a tattoo of the Roman numeral IV (Beyoncé was born on Sept. 4; Jay-Z on Dec. 4; they were married on April 4). Jay-Z, 38, has a matching tattoo on his left-hand ring finger. (Beyoncé has not commented on the significance of a $5 million, 18-carat flawless diamond ring by Lorraine Schwartz she has been photographed wearing since September.) Their wedding was small and intimate because Beyoncé is not a "traditional woman," she says, and didn't want the drama. "It's been my day so many days already," she told Essence. Beyoncé, who just debuted two singles off her new album due Nov. 18, was certain she and Jay-Z would end up as husband and wife. "We've been together a long time," she says. "We always knew it would happen."
In the ballad, If I Were a Boy, Beyoncé, 27, sings how she'd "chase after the girls" and "put myself first," and belts out in the chorus how she'd "be a better man" because she knows "how it hurts when you lose the one you wanted/cause he's taken you for granted." Beyoncé's second single, "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" aired on Z100's sister station Power 105.1. In the song, the secretly married performer croons, "We just broke up/I'm doin' my own lil' thing/And you decided to dip/ Now you wanna trip/Cuz another brutha noticed me/I’m up on him/He up on me." Check 'em out for yourself!
"I have recorded over 70 songs and have created a sound that reveals all of me," the singer, 27, writes about her upcoming album – due Nov. 18 – in a post on her official Web site. "I am in a different place right now and I wanted people to see the many sides of me." Knowles will likely pare down her bounty of songs for the album, though she has not yet confirmed a title or track listing for the set. She did announce that the disc will be preceded by two singles, "If I Were a Boy" and "Single Ladies," which be released on Oct. 7. Most importantly, the singer says her new music reflects who she is now – personally and sonically. "I have worked on this album for close to one year," she writes. "I have taken the time so I can create my sound. Something that says who I am at this stage in my life. I have poured my heart and soul into it. It is my baby. It is the most time I have spent on any project since my first records as a member of Destiny's Child," her posting says. As for the sound, "The music is upbeat for the dance, fun side and it is reflective, passionate and serious for the personal side," Knowles writes. "I have taken risks here. I am not afraid and my music will explain it all."
Ultimate Urban Beyoncé has finally set a release date for her as-yet-untitled third studio album: The wannabe icon will unleash her new tunes on Nov. 18. While she probably doesn't need to worry too much about hyping the hotly anticipated release, she'll still be amping things up on Oct. 7, when she simultaneously releases the first two singles from the album, "If I Were A Boy" and "Single Ladies." The new album—her first as a (quietly) married woman—follows up 2006's B'Day and, according to her Columbia record label is the Grammy winner's "most personal, reflective and revelatory collection to date." The 27-year-old cowrote and coproduced every track on the album.
All eyes were on Beyoncé Friday night, when, for the first time, the singer publicly displayed her engagement ring on the red carpet for Fashion Rocks at Radio City Music Hall in N.Y.C. The singer, 27, who secretly married rapper Jay-Z in April, flashed an 18 carat flawless diamond by Lorraine Schwartz, valued at more than $5 million dollars, according to the jeweler. Neither Beyoncé nor Jay-Z have publicly confirmed their marriage but in recent weeks, Beyoncé’s younger sister Solange referred to Jay-Z as her brother-in-law during a television interview. Later in the evening, Beyoncé took off the ring for a performance where she donned a short, blonde wig in tribute to blues singer Etta James whom she portrays in an upcoming movie. The star-studded event included appearances by Miley Cyrus, Rihanna, Mary J. Blige, Tommy Hilfiger, Hayden Panettiere, Paula Abdul, Fergie, Ciara, Natasha Bedingfield, Chris Brown, Terrance Howard, Justin Timberlake and Chace Crawford.
"There is a time limit on being a pop star, yes," the Grammy-winning singer tells the October issue of Marie Claire's U.K. edition. "Being a legend, an icon? Absolutely not." "I'm over being a pop star," Beyoncé, 26, adds. "I don't wanna be a hot girl – I wanna be iconic." Still, she admits to being frustrated with the demands of her career: "There are responsibilities that come along with this life ... trying to have a romantic meal without someone sneaking in to film the whole thing," says Beyoncé, who married Jay-Z in April. "I have to work really hard and it's fine because I like it, I love it, but it's a lot of sacrifice." Acknowledging the challenges of being a minority in Hollywood, Beyoncé gives a nod to her own role models: "I think I'm opening doors for more black women, just like Halle Berry and Diana Ross opened doors for me." The singer also expressed a sense of excitement for the political future. Regarding Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, she says, "I'm really proud. I think we're making a bit of progress, it's an exciting time. We all feel part of our country now."
That's when "Just Stand Up" hits airwaves and iTunes. The song features Mariah Carey, Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna, Fergie, Sheryl Crow, Miley Cyrus, Melissa Etheridge, Ashanti, Natasha Bedingfield, Keyshia Cole, Ciara, Leona Lewis, LeAnn Rimes and Carrie Underwood. All sales of the star-studded single will benefit cancer research. The charity tune was conceived by Antonio "L.A." Reid, who produced it with longtime creative colleague Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds. All 15 singers will share the stage to perform the song live on Sept. 5 during the "Stand Up to Cancer" television special, set to air simultaneously on ABC, NBC and CBS. Other stars expected to turn out for the hourlong fund- and awareness-raising program include Jennifer Aniston, Lance Armstrong, Katie Couric, Sally Field, Salma Hayek, Meryl Streep, Forest Whitaker and Reese Witherspoon. Founded in 2007, Stand Up to Cancer is a program of the Entertainment Industry Foundation that calls on entertainment-industry people and platforms to help fight cancer.
"We highly value our relationship with Ms. Knowles. It is categorically untrue that L'Oréal Paris altered Ms. Knowles' features or skin tone in the campaign for Feria hair color," the Paris-based company said in a statement sent to the Associated Press through the singer's representative. The ad is in the current edition of Elle magazine. L'Oreal, the maker of Garnier hair care and Lancome cosmetics, is the world's largest cosmetics maker. A representative for Beyonce said the singer would have no comment beyond L'Oreal's statement. Beyonce has been a spokeswoman for L'Oréal since 2001.
For the sequel to his 2007 hit album Shock Value, the musician-producer, 37, is bringing in heavy-hitting collaborators from across the music world, including Beyoncé, Rihanna and the Jonas Brothers. "Right now, I have a song with Madonna that I didn't put on her album. I saved [it] in case I wanna do one for me," he told MTV News. "Of course I'mma do one with Beyoncé. Of course I'mma do one with Jordin Sparks, Rihanna. It's a lot of people. I'mma do one with Jonas Brothers. I'mma try to have 10 major ones." He'll also incorporate rappers into his lineup, he says. T. Pain has signed on, while T.I. and Jay-Z may also make appearances. "Jay was really on the last one, but he wanted to change [the song]," he said. "I said, 'Look, man, I gotta put out an album. You're killing me.' "
These are just a few of the superstars set to perform at the upcoming Fashion Rocks, the big music and fashion shebang put on in New York by the Condé Nast Media Group. Who else is on the lineup? Rihanna, Chris Brown, Duffy, Keith Urban, Kid Rock and Lil Wayne. The fifth annual Fashion Rocks happens at Radio City Music Hall on Sept. 5 and airs on CBS on Sept. 9. It coincides with New York's Fashion Week and the publication of Condé Nast's annual Fashion Rocks magazine.
But Rowland is convinced that the group will reunite within the next 12 months - as she misses working with her former bandmates. She says, "Me and the girls never split up - we are as close as we always were, like sisters, and we may do some projects next year."
The American government has launched an investigation into claims that many famous U.S. stars have fallen victim to illegitimate snooping, with the internal state department declaring that 127 celebrities have had their personal details illegally accessed. Other victims include model Anna Nicole Smith and presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama. Investigators took a sample list of 150 stars and found that 127 of them had suffered an invasion of privacy, with Knowles' passport file said to have been accessed more than 100 times. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has issued an apology over the security breaches.
Guests danced to tracks like Prince's "Kiss" and Bob Marley's "Could You Be Loved" spun by Lindsay Lohan pal DJ Samantha Ronson, as the birthday girl grabbed a microphone and called people to the floor. Lohan sat close to the deejay booth early on, but left before most guests arrived at the Hollywood Hills mansion at 11 p.m. On Solange's request, Ronson kept the tunes in the family, playing nearly every hit in Beyoncé and husband Jay-Z's catalogs including "Big Pimpin'" (as Solange played a tambourine and Beyoncé showed off her best moves) and "Dirt Off Your Shoulder." When Beyoncé's "Get Me Bodied" played, revelers circled around the Knowles sisters as they reenacted dance moves from the song's video. Champagne flowed as guests noshed on barbecue chicken, cornbread, greens and mac and cheese (served buffet-style). Rock band Chester French took the stage playing an instrumental version of "What About Dre," and finished their set with a rocked out version of "Happy Birthday." Cupcakes with large white candles were passed through the crowd as everyone sang to Solange, who blew out the candles and banged on her tambourine.
Choice Music: R&B Artist "I told them to go home and make babies," he told reporters at the Dodge Celebrity Event in Rosamond, Calif. "They should, that's the next step as far as marriage, having kids ... add on to the family, so hopefully that's what they'll do." When asked if he'd be planning on adding to his already full nest, he shook his head, grinning. "No. I'm good." Snoop's key to lasting marriage? "Communication, and being able to fight and get back up," he says. "To have misunderstanding and [then] get some understanding."
Rehab hitmaker Winehouse was rumoured to have been dropped as the film's official musical muse after DJ Mark Ronson told reporters he had scrapped his 007 collaboration with the singer, because she was not "ready" to work on music after a recent return to her erratic ways. But on Saturday, Winehouse confirmed that she has completed the song although she is unsure whether movie bosses will choose to green-light the track for use in the film. Now industry insiders claim Knowles has become the favourite to record the title track - although her representatives have yet to comment on the rumours.
The newlyweds exchanged vows in a private ceremony at a chapel in Scarsdale Village in Westchester County on 4 April, before holding a reception at the rapper's luxury penthouse apartment in the TriBeCa area of New York City. And the stars have now decided to call Scarsdale home, after purchasing a modern colonial property measuring 15,000 square-feet in the quiet community, according to website TMZ.com.
A source in the Knowles camp tells MediaTakeOut.com, "They've already agreed to give Beyonce a cameo appearance. But we're hoping that she could be written in for a recurring role, or possibly even a permanent one."
After Jay-Z's Madison Square Garden concert, the couple – dressed to match in black and white – separately walked the red carpet leading into the rap mogul's 40/40 club. Jay-Z jokingly cat-called to his wife as she strutted her stuff in front of cameras and ignored wedding queries, instead telling PEOPLE his fans can expect "more great things" from him: "I've got a couple more albums to give you." Inside the club – a 12,000 square foot lounge co-owned by Jay-Z – the newlyweds (neither of whom were wearing wedding rings) danced together to New Edition's "Cool It Now". Later in the evening, Jay-Z and actress Joy Bryant broke out into the robot dance and Beyoncé boogied with a fellow clubgoer to Timbaland's "The Way I Are." To cap off the evening, Jay-Z did two rounds of Patron shots with Rodriguez (currently on the disabled list for a muscle strain), whose team lost to Cleveland Tuesday night.
As part of Jay-Z's regular solo set during his tour with Mary J. Blige, the rapper sits in a DJ booth and plays classics such as "Money Ain't a Thang," and "Hard Knock Life." Every time he plays a song, he cuts it off with an expletive. During the Friday show, he included his wife's hit "Crazy in Love," which he often does. But this time, after he cut it off, Beyoncé joined Jay-Z on stage and danced to the tune as the crowd cheered. Among those at the sold-out show at at Madison Square Garden were Justin Timberlake, Jodie Foster and Naomi Campbell, reports MTVnews.com. Before leaving the stage, Beyoncé walked over to her husband, swirled and gave him a smile. Jay-Z responded by doubling over laughing. The Hearts of the City Tour next hits Atlantic City, New Jersey on Monday night and returns to New York on May 6 and 7. http://www.youtube.com
The newlywed, 26, is working in N.Y.C. with production duo Chris "Tricky" Stewart and Kuk Harrell. "She's a professional," Tricky tells PEOPLE. "She loves what she does and works her [butt] off. Right now she's basically doing three to four songs a day and that's unheard of." Tricky, who worked with Rihanna and Jay-Z on "Umbrella" and Mariah Carey on "Touch My Body,” said the newly-minted husband hasn't visited the studio, but don't count out a collaboration between the newlyweds. "It’s always a possibility," Tricky said of a future Beyoncé and Jay-Z musical pairing. "They worked together before, so it may be just a matter of getting the right record." So has Tricky, a newlywed himself, offered any marital advice to Beyoncé? "No, we haven't talked about it at all, but I will probably ask her for advice at some point!"
The singer – a founding member of Destiny's Child – was in London Wednesday night promoting her remix album, Miss Kelly: Diva Deluxe. But she could not be tempted to discuss her BFF's April 4 wedding, which she attended. "I just spoke to Beyoncé last night, and she is very happy," said Rowland, who is already hard at work on her third solo album. So married life is treating Knowles well? "How do you know there's been a wedding?" she replied playfully. "This is something you need to ask Beyoncé and Jay."
So you’d think they’d start wearing wedding rings by now. But no, they’re still ringless. My spies spotted the newlyweds at last night’s wrap party for Beyoncé’s upcoming flick, Cadillac Records, at New York’s Angels and Kings. (Others at the p.i.n.k. vodka-sponsored bash included Beyoncé’s costars Jeffrey Wright, Adrien Brody and Mos Def.) And while I'm told the couple was lovey-dovey and holding hands, there wasn’t a bejeweled finger in sight—which seems to be in keeping with a Jay-Z sighting earlier this week at a Kanye West party in L.A., again not wearing a ring. What gives you two?
After the rapper's sold-out show at the Hollywood Bowl in L.A. Wednesday night, the inseparable duo headed to his private dinner and after-party at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel's Tropicana Bar. Neither wore a wedding ring, but in all other ways they were the picture of wedded bliss. Knowles, 26, arrived just after 11 p.m. with Destiny's Child member Michelle Williams by her side – and her groom just a few steps behind, letting her lead the way. They headed upstairs to the "bridge" above the Tropicana Bar where they held their private dinner for 40 friends and family catered by the hotel's upscale steakhouse, Dakota. Jay-Z, 38, stayed by Knowles's side all night – only slipping away for a few minutes to change from his concert clothes into a dapper dark suit When he returned, Beyoncé – who, sources say, was joined by her mom Tina and sister Solange – cuddled up next to her man at one of the many large long tables set up for the private dinner. At several points during the dinner, Knowles wrapped her arms around the rapper and rubbed his back. At other times, she would lean her head against his shoulder and hold him tightly. "She looked as if she never wanted to let him go," said an onlooker. Guests including Christina Aguilera and Mary J. Blige – who swung by after hitting her own bash at Hollywood's Ritual Supper – all feasted on a four-course menu from Dakota, including options like tuna carpaccio, Maine lobster, braised short rib cannelloni, diver scallops, lamb and filet. The group also partied their way through many bottles of tequila and red wine. The large party relaxed to tunes by DJ Samantha Ronson, who was accompanied by BFF Lindsay Lohan. (At one point, the actress came by to pay her respects to the happy couple.) As the night wore on, the whole crew chilled by the Roosevelt pool until just past 2 a.m.
"I didn't know!" Rihanna told PEOPLE at the Escada Moon Sparkle/Island Def Jam benefit for her Believe Foundation and DKMS, the world's largest bone marrow donor center. "No one knew!" (Although the wedding has not been officially confirmed, sources tell PEOPLE the ceremony did take place April 4 and Knowles has been spotted wearing a huge ring.) Among those in the audience at Manhattan's Highland Ballroom were L.A. Reid and Rihanna's "friend" Chris Brown. "Chris said it was a good show," the 20-year-old said of her rumored beau. "He really enjoyed it." After the show, Rihanna met with several young bone marrow transplant patients. "You are so beautiful," she told 15-year-old Camila Mera.
"Whenever Beyoncé decides to have a child, I definitely think she'll be banging on my door," younger sister Solange Knowles tells PEOPLE. In fact, when it comes to kids, Solange – single mom to 3-year-old Daniel Julez – claims Beyoncé has a lot to learn. "She's kept my son over the weekend," says the 21 year-old singer and actress. "She'll call me like, 'How do you get this stroller out? And what about the car seat? I don't know how you do this!' And I'm like, 'People do it every day.' " Knowles spoke with PEOPLE about life and her new album – SoL-AngeL and the Hadley St. Dreams – and her latest single, the '60s-inspired "I Decided." (Listen to the track on her MySpace page.) While admitting that she's the more outspoken of the Knowles sisters, Solange managed to keep mum about Beyoncé's extravagant wedding to Jay-Z which, sources tells PEOPLE, happened April 4 in New York City. "I don't know anything about [a wedding]," she insisted four days later, adding coyly, "You'll have to ask her yourself." And while she may be happy to share parenting tips, don't expect Solange to dole out any marriage advice. "I got married at 17 and divorced at 20," she says. "So I don't know if anyone would look to me for advice about that!"
"Beyoncé happily flashed a whopping hunk of diamond on her left-hand ring finger Tuesday night at her new husband's concert with Mary J. Blige at Atlanta's Phillips Arena. Wearing a short black dress and big hoop earrings, the newlywed singer" sat in a VIP area with buddy Usher. The two leapt to their feet to groove hard when Jay-Z launched into his hit "PSA," with its lyrics, "I got the hottest chick in the game wearing my chain." Usher threw up the diamond Roc sign, while Beyoncé showed off a telltale diamond rock of her own and waved her arms to the beat. During the show, Beyoncé also relaxed backstage on a plush red couch, sporting shades and singing along to Blige’s songs as Jay-Z made last minute costume changes. On Monday night, Jay-Z celebrated without his wife – or a wedding ring – at his 40/40 club in Manhattan, where he cheered for Memphis during the NCAA men’s basketball championship game with friends like rapper Tru Life. An unlit cigar dangling from his mouth, Jay-Z was in a really good mood as he snacked on spicy French fries and coyly evaded wedding questions. "I don't know what you’re talking about!" he said with a laugh when congratulated by patrons.
Several other music husband-and-wife teams that preceded the rap/R&B mainstays to the altar have seen mixed post-marriage sales numbers. Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony both saw a decrease in album sales after they exchanged vows on June 5, 2004. Prior to their union, Lopez released three albums, which have sold a combined 8.1 million in the United States, according to Nielsen Soundscan. Lopez's post-wedding 2005 album, "Rebirth," has sold 731,000 copies, while a pair of 2007 albums, "Como Ama Una Mujer" and "Brave," fell to 200,000 and 154,000, respectively. Anthony released seven albums between 1994 and early 2004, with combined sales of 2.5 million. His biggest selling album to date is his 2002 crossover set "Mended," which has moved 680,000 units. His first post-wedding album, "Sigo Siendo Yo," released in 2006, has moved 151,000 copies to date, while his 2007 album, "El Cantante," has sold 183,000. Rapper Nas and R&B singer Kelis have also seen a sales decline since their January 8, 2005, wedding. Nas' eight pre-marriage releases have sold a combined 11.3 million copies, while Kelis' two albums released before 2005 add up to 785,000. Post marriage, Nas has sold 755,000 of 2006's "Hip Hop Is Dead," while Kelis has moved 157,000 with "Kelis Was Here," released in 2006 as well. But country stars Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, whose joint tour was the 8th highest grossing trek of 2007, have seen steady sales, and in some areas even a boost since they married on October 6, 1996. Hill's two albums released prior to marrying McGraw have sold a combined 3.6 million copies. McGraw's three pre-marriage albums have sold 9.3 million. Still, while McGraw's biggest selling album is his 1994 release, "Not a Moment Too Soon," with 6 million copies sold, Hill's top seller is "Breathe," with 6.5 million copies, which was released three years after her marriage to McGraw. Like Hill and McGraw, Beyonce and Jay-Z have achieved success working together. The pair have collaborated on the songs "03 Bonnie and Clyde," which reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, and on "Crazy in Love," which topped the chart.
But co-headliner Mary J. Blige on the "Heart of the City" tour couldn't maintain the same level of silence, shouting to the sold-out Greensboro audience: "Congratulations to my man, Jay-Z, and my girl B," before starting her set with "You're All I Need." Otherwise, it was musical business as usual for Jay-Z, who stuck to the concert script, performing on his own and doing duets with Blige. Beyoncé was nowhere to be seen, and his only reference to her came when he played a few notes of "Crazy in Love," then cut it off, saying, "Sorry, B." But this is something he does at every show. A couple since 2002, Jay-Z, 38, and Beyonce, 26, have long kept quiet about their relationship, and their reps are still not comfirming a wedding. But a friend tells PEOPLE: "It happened earlier (Friday) evening. Jay wanted it to be a really private affair – close friends and family." The ceremony was followed by a lavish party at the rapper's Tribeca apartment that drew Beyoncé's mother Tina Knowles, her father/manager Mathew, her sister Solange, her Destiny's Child mates Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams, and the couple's friend Gwyneth Paltrow.
Beyoncé Knowles and Jay-Z, a match made in musical heaven, tied the knot in New York Friday, just three days after setting tongues wagging by taking out a marriage license—and hours after what appeared to be the signs of lavish (and possibly nuptial) party preparations compelled dozens of reporters and photogs to gather outside Jay-Z's Tribeca loft. "Yes, it's a wedding," a source at the scene told E! News. However, it was unclear whether the vow-swap took place earlier at another location or at the penthouse apartment. Amy Vongpitaka, owner of Thailand-based Amy's Orchids, confirmed her flowers were for Beyoncé's wedding, telling E! News, "The designer called us a week ago, and we had to move quickly. We used a total of 200 workers to cut and process 100,000 Dendrobium White orchids, and then we hand -chose the best 60,000." There has been no official confirmation yet, although all signs point toward holy secret matrimony. Alan Nierob, Beyoncé's publicist, said he had "no comment" on the matter. The intimate affair was attended by about two dozen friends and family members. Among those present: the parents of the bride and groom; Knowles' kid sis, Solange; Jay-Z's mother, Gloria Carter; former Destiny's Child mates Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams; and Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin, who has collaborated with Jigga. Most were dressed in white. Also present: the Knowles' family minister from Houston, who presumably officiated. (George Clooney happened to be photographed at the scene in a natty suit, but it turns out he was taping Charlie Rose. His timing was impeccable, anyway.) The previously subdued festivities finally got raging at 2:30 a.m. ET when the Jackson 5 tune "I Want You Back" started blaring from the penthouse, followed by a steady stream of hip-hop music. The tunes were still blasting at 4 a.m. with no sign of the bash slowing down. Earlier in the day, crates of cream-colored orchids and oversize silver candelabras were spotted being delivered to the hip-hop superstar's penthouse. A white tent was also erected atop the building, presumably to keep out raindrops...and telephoto lenses. According to various media reports, the Roman numeral IV was also prevalent throughout the party, in honor not only of the wedding month and day (4/4/08), but because the number holds special significance for the couple, each of whom was born on the fourth of the month—September for Knowles, December for the man born Shawn Carter. (For what it's worth, In Touch Weekly reports that the duo, who have matching "IV" tattoos on their ring fingers, are planning a second ceremony in France on May 4, exactly one month from today. However, Jay-Z is on a North American tour with Mary J. Blige that's not scheduled to wrap until May 8.) The duo's well-seasoned wedding rumors picked up speed on Tuesday, when People reported the superstars obtained a marriage license in Scarsdale Village, New York. Adding to the deafening wedding buzz leading up to the vow swap was the descending of likely wedding guests on New York, chief among them Rowland and Williams. The particularly giddy twosome posted a video online Thursday evening from what they teasingly referred to as an "undisclosed location," later revealing it to be the Four Seasons. Knowles, 26, and Jay-Z, 38, have been together for nearly six years. Don't expect much of a honeymoon, though. The rapper, on the verge of signing a whopping $150 million music deal with Live Nation, has concerts scheduled for Saturday in Greensboro, N.C., and Sunday in Washington, D.C.
Throngs of photographers, TV crews and onlookers crowded around the garage entrance to the apartment building in Manhattan's Tribeca district where the wedding ceremony was thought to be taking place. A parade of sport utility vehicles with tinted windows was seen coming and going from the garage late in the afternoon, one of them carrying two people dressed in chef's uniforms carrying large, square, white boxes on their laps. And men dressed in tuxedos were spotted on the roof of the building, where a white tent was erected. As night fell on the scene, word spread through the crowd that several celebrity guests had been spotted arriving by car, including Beyonce's former Destiny's Child cohort Kelly Rowland and actress Gwyneth Paltrow. People magazine touched off the celebrity wedding watch this week when it reported the couple, who have been dating for several years, had taken out a wedding license in Scarsdale Village, New York, that is valid for 60 days. Gossip blogger Perez Hilton fanned the flames when he reported the wedding would take place on Friday, then followed up by posting the address of Jay-Z's apartment house as the location for the nuptials. Representatives for the pair have declined to comment on the reports, and the Internet buzzed with skepticism. A HOAX? One celebrity Web site, TMZ.com, questioned whether the apparent wedding preparations might be for another couple in the building. Another site, eVIPlist.com, suggested the whole frenzy was part of a hoax perpetrated by actor and TV prankster Ashton Kutcher. The camera crews at the scene were undeterred, however. "I can't believe all the paparazzi. It's really exciting," said Sydnee White, 17, one several fans mingling with members of the media hoping to catch a glimpse of the stars. Matrimonial union between Jay-Z, 37, whose real name is Shawn Carter, and Beyonce, 26, also known by her full name Beyonce Knowles, would mark one of the highest-profile celebrity unions in recent years. The two have been romantically linked since September 2002, and they performed together in music videos for two of her hit singles, "Crazy in Love" and "Deja Vu." Beyonce rose to fame as a member of the glittery R&B act Destiny's Child but emerged as a superstar in her own right with her big-screen turn as Foxxy Cleopatra in the 2002 film comedy "Austin Powers in Goldmember." The following year Beyonce scored a hit with her debut solo album, "Dangerously in Love," collecting five Grammys along the way. The Houston native earned a Golden Globe nomination in 2006 for her role as a Diana Ross-like character in "Dreamgirls," a big-screen adaptation of the Broadway hit musical. Her marriage to Jay-Z comes as the hip-hop artist and record executive is in talks with concert promoter Live Nation for a deal reported to be worth about $150 million, rivaling the biggest music contracts ever. The onetime street hustler from Brooklyn ran the landmark rap label Def Jam Records as president for several years, but stepped down from that post in December.
The wedding buzz began when the couple went to get a marriage license at a village hall in Scarsdale, N.Y., on Tuesday. "It's [happening] tonight," says a source. "A lot of their friends are booking hotel rooms." Early Friday morning, workers erected a white tent atop the building, where Jay-Z owns a penthouse apartment. Not long after, an SUV carrying what seemed to be AV equipment arrived, followed by deliveries of flowers and party rentals. More evidence of an impending wedding? Likely guests have been gathering in New York. Producer Rodney Jerkins, who is working on Beyoncée's new album and is a friend of Jay-Z's, zipped into town a couple of days ago. Beyoncé's former Destiny's Child bandmates, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams, are also here, coyly divulging in a YouTube video that they are camped out at a Manhattan hotel, giggling about "sisters" getting together. And of course, there's Jay-Z, who reportedly hopped a flight from Boston, where he performed last night, to New York this morning. Friends of the couple say they are very eager for the nuptials to happen. "It's about time," says producer Dallas Austin. "I think it's great that they're getting married."
"We're ... out of town," jokes Rowland, to which Williams chimes in, "At an undisclosed location," before Rowland admits that they're at the Four Seasons in New York – just a cab ride away from Scarsdale, where Beyoncé and Jay-Z got a marriage license on Tuesday. Fresh off a plane from London, Rowland talks about performing at the Choice FM 18th Anniversary Party along with Mariah Carey and Ciara, and giggles while getting chased around the suite by Williams, who was in NYC for a listening session for her new album, Unexpected. "This is what happens when sisters get together!" says Rowland. So where's Beyoncé? "B's in the studio tonight," says Rowland, adding that she's headed to Denver this weekend "to go see some friends" before heading to New Orleans for a show. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Vt7CMylH50
Could their happiness be because the longtime couple is finally putting the constant wedding and split rumors to rest? Although a rep for Beyoncé, 26, had no comment and a rep for Jay-Z, 38, could not be reached, the courthouse trip is the first real indication that the pair – who first started dating in 2002 – will walk down the aisle. Rumors of a wedding have long followed the couple, and Beyoncé has admitted to thinking about how it would happen. "I don't know when I'll want to get married," she told Cosmopolitan in January 2006. "I never pictured myself as a bride, but after my sister's wedding, I did start thinking about what kind of wedding I'd want. I don't think I want a big one." A year later, she told InStyle, "Maybe me and my man will go away to an island; maybe we'll go to a church. I have no idea."
The longtime couple obtained a New York wedding license Tuesday morning, according to People. A Knowles rep refused to comment on the singer's betrothed status or her seemingly pending nuptials, but People quoted an unnamed source saying the license, obtained in Scarsdale Village, a suburb of Westchester County, is good for 60 days. (A quick glance at the calendar shows that the "I dos" would go down by June 1, if the report is true.) With the news of the possibly very big next step in their relationship coming after business hours on the East Coast, the county clerk's office couldn't immediately be reached for confirmation. Knowles, 26, and her 38-year-old beau, whose real name is Shawn Carter, have been dating for more than five years and, despite the inevitable breakup rumors and stepping-out speculation that has dogged them at times, the duo is apparently still going strong. And this isn't the first time it's been suspected that wedding bells were going to chime for the power couple; although, what with the purported paperwork and all, this could be the first time the stories ring true. In December 2006, the New York Post had them planning to tie the knot on the island of Anguilla while out of town to ostensibly celebrate Jay-Z's 37th birthday. The rival Daily News immediately quashed the item with a report that the "03 Bonnie & Clyde" pair had already returned from their Caribbean getaway, so the party had already occurred—and no one returned to these shores newly married.
In addition to starring, Knowles will also executive produce along with her father Matthew Knowles, according to Variety. Steve Shill is directing from the script by David Loughery. The plot revolves around an asset manager (Elba) whose perfect job and perfect home life (with a wife played by Beyonce) is put in jeopardy by the scary affections of a temporary office worker (Larter). Shooting on "Obsessed" will begin this summer. In addition to her ongoing run as Niki on NBC's "Heroes," Larter's credits include the features "Resident Evil: Extinction," "Final Destination" (and its first sequel) and a memorable turn in "Varsity Blues." Although she's still best known for her music, Knowles picked up a Golden Globe nomination for her performance in the Oscar-winning "Dreamgirls." She's also acted in "Austin Powers in Goldmember," "The Fighting Temptations" and "The Pink Panther." Elba, critically adored as Stringer Bell on HBO's "The Wire," has been busy on the big screen with recent turns in "American Gangster," "This Christmas" and "The Reaping." He has "Prom Night" and "RocknRolla" set for release later this year.
The 10-time Grammy winner joins a cast that includes Adrien Brody as Chess Records founder Leonard Chess, Jeffrey Wright as Muddy Waters, Cedric the Entertainer as Willie Dixon, and Columbus Short as Little Walter. Darnell Martin ("Their Eyes Were Watching God") will direct the Sony BMG Films project from his own screenplay. Knowles will also serve as an executive producer. Knowles earned a Golden Globe nomination for her role as girl-group member Deena Jones in the 2006 musical "Dreamgirls." Her other feature credits include "Austin Powers in Goldmember" and "The Fighting Temptations."
Beyoncé's father/manager, Mathew Knowles, has now lashed out against Aretha Franklin in defense of his daughter over a remark she made at the Grammys. "Something this ridiculous – it's childish, it's unprofessional," Mathew Knowles said in a statement Thursday. "And it's a sad day when egos get bruised because somebody used the word king, queen, prince or princess." Franklin – known as the Queen of Soul – was offended after Beyoncé introduced Tina Turner as "the queen" during the duo's Grammy performance.
The singer was given a generous three-song spotlight on Sunday's Grammy Awards, introduced by current hitmaker Beyonce, who joined her for "Proud Mary." Turner sang two songs central to her 1980s comeback, "What's Love Got to Do With It" and "Better Be Good to Me." She resembled James Brown on stage in his later years — several steps slower, but capable of moves that suggest, if not replicate, a formerly energetic stage routine. The high heels and skintight, low-cut outfit also necessitated some careful steps. Beyonce, 26, preceded Turner with a tribute that recalled heroes from Mahalia Jackson to Whitney Houston. The divas were introduced by third, Cher, who poked fun at being a relic in a youthful business: "As many of you know, I first started singing when Lincoln was president, and I know a star when I see one."
Favorite Movie: Alvin and the Chipmunks, Are We Done Yet?, The Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, Transformers Favorite Movie Actor: Ice Cube, Are We Done Yet?, Johnny Depp, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, The Game Plan, Eddie Murphy, Norbit Favorite Movie Actress: Jessica Alba, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, Drew Barrymore, Music and Lyrics, Kirsten Dunst, Spiderman 3, Keira Knightley, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End Favorite Animated Movie: Bee Movie, Ratatouille, Shrek the Third, The Simpsons Movie Favorite Voice from an Animated Feature: Cameron Diaz, Shrek the Third, Mike Myers, Shrek the Third, Eddie Murphy, Shrek the Third, Jerry Seinfeld, Bee Movie Favorite Song: "Beautiful Girls," Sean Kingston, "Big Girls Don't Cry," Fergie, "Don't Matter," Akon, "Girlfriend," Avril Lavigne Favorite Male Singer: Bow Wow, Chris Brown, Soulja Boy, Justin Timberlake Favorite Female Singer: Beyoncé, Fergie, Miley Cyrus, Alicia Keys Favorite Music Group: Boys Like Girls, Fall Out Boy, Jonas Brothers, Linkin Park Favorite Television Show: Drake & Josh, Hannah Montana, iCarly, The Suite Life of Zack and Cody Favorite Television Actor: Drake Bell, Drake & Josh, Josh Peck, Drake & Josh, Dylan Sprouse, The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, Cole Sprouse, The Suite Life of Zack and Cody Favorite Television Actress: Miley Cyrus, Hannah Montana, Emma Roberts, Unfabulous, Jamie Lynn Spears, Zoey 101, Raven-Symone, That's So Raven Favorite Cartoon: Avatar: The Last Airbender, Ed, Edd and Eddy, The Simpsons, SpongeBob SquarePants Favorite Male Athlete: Tony Hawk, Shaquille O'Neal, Alex Rodriguez, Tiger Woods Favorite Female Athlete: Cheryl Ford, Danica Patrick, Serena Williams, Venus Williams Favorite Videogame: Dance Dance Revolution, Guitar Hero, High School Musical: Sing It!, Madden NFL '08 Favorite Book: Buffy the Vampier Slayer Season Eight, Volume One: The Long Way Home, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Harry Potter series, How to Eat Fried Worms
Not many stars came to last year's fashion shows, leaving the front row to D-listers. But this year, the A-list has flown in for seats in the Bryant Park tents and the chance to be swarmed by paparazzi. "The Golden Globes were canceled, along with other awards shows - and possibly the Oscars - and the stars are going through red-carpet withdrawal," one fashionista laughed. "They've got movies and TV shows to promote, and they need to get their faces into the magazines." Lisette Sand-Freeman, of Shadow P.R., put it more kindly: "With the strike, celebrities' schedules are more open." Kate Bosworth, Jessica Simpson, Beyoncé Knowles, Claire Danes, Rumer Willis and Courtney Love have all flown into town. Fashion Week kicks off today in the park with the Red Dress show to benefit heart-disease research. First Lady Laura Bush will be front row as Molly Sims (in Daniel Swarovski), Heidi Klum (in Marc Jacobs), Jenna Fisher (in Oscar de la Renta) and Emma Roberts (in Ralph Lauren) catwalk on the runway. Later today, Anne Hathaway and Emma Roberts are due at the Erin Fetherston show. Tomorrow, Jamie King and Julia Restoin-Roitfeld have seats at Alexander Wang's show at I-Beam on West 21st, while Sophia Bush and Joss Stone are expected at Rock & Republic. The most star-studded event comes Wednesday, when Madonna hosts a gala - totally underwritten by the new Gucci store in Trump Tower - on the lawn of the UN to benefit UNICEF and her Raising Malawi charity. Madge's guest list includes Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony, Sean Combs, Lenny Kravitz, Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher, Lindsay Lohan, Drew Barrymore, Gwyneth Paltrow, Alex Rodriguez, Martha Stewart and Uma Thurman, with Alicia Keys and Rhianna performing. But some boldfaces still think they can make demands. Alison Brod told WWD, "Some are saying they will come to a show if they can be in an ad campaign . . . They want to make money." Stacey Bendet, whose alice+olivia will present at her West 40th Street store on Thursday, said she'd had demands from reality-show losers for $20,000 to attend. She said she told them where to go.
The 49-year-old entertainer leads Forbes.com's list of the top 20 "Cash Queens of Music," earning $72 million between June 2006 and June 2007. The pop star's "Confessions" world tour pulled in $260 million, Forbes said. She also made money from album sales, her fashion line with H&M and a deal with NBC to broadcast her concert performance at London's Wembley Stadium. Forbes.com said it compiled the list by examining concert grosses, merchandising revenue, album sales and other revenue from clothing lines, fragrance deals and endorsements. Barbra Streisand is No. 2 with $60 million, thanks to her comeback tour of North America and Europe. Celine Dion ranks third with $45 million, largely from her successful "A New Day" show in Las Vegas, which she wrapped up in December after a five-year engagement at Caesars Palace. Shakira is fourth with $38 million, followed by Beyonce ($27 million), Gwen Stefani ($26 million), Christina Aguilera ($20 million), Faith Hill ($19 million), the Dixie Chicks ($18 million) and Mariah Carey ($13 million). Hilary Duff, Avril Lavigne and Martina McBride each banked $12 million. Britney Spears ranked 14th on the list, earning $8 million from music royalties and sales of her fragrances with Elizabeth Arden. Spears is followed by Carrie Underwood and Nelly Furtado ($7 million each); Fergie, Jennifer Lopez and Sheryl Crow ($6 million each); and Norah Jones ($5.5 million).
Actor Matt Dillon has been replaced by Oscar-winning Brody in the role of Leonard Chess, the founder of legendary blues label Chess Records, after scheduling conflicts forced him to pull out of the project. Filming is due to take place later this year in New Jersey and Mississippi.
"The work of The Recording Academy is vital to the music industry, and we have every intention of being with the entire music community to celebrate," said Mathew Knowles, manager/father of Beyoncé, who's nominated for record of the year. "Beyoncé has been asked to participate and will do so. We have an incredible performance that will be announced soon. We wish the Grammys the best." Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters, who are nominated for album and record of the year, said he and his band are still planning on participating in the second installment of My Grammy Moment, a competition on YouTube in which unsigned musicians vie to perform with the Foo Fighters on the telecast. "We're participating in My Grammy Moment because it creates opportunities...to write, compose, play and study music – skills that absolutely need to be passed on to generations to come," said Grohl. The Writers Guild of America has said it will picket the awards ceremony and ask Screen Actors Guild members to boycott the show as well. (Like Justin Timberlake and Beyoncé, many music stars are also actors.)
The annual ceremony is under threat of cancellation after celebrities from the music industry pledged their allegiance to the Writers Guild of America union members. Prince, Alicia Keys, Fantasia, Nelly Furtado, Tim McGraw, Kelly Clarkson, The White Stripes, Fergie and Usher are also threatening to boycott the event. But a spokesman for the WGA says, "As of now, the Guild has not taken a position on the Grammys."
The rapper, who's up for eight Grammys next month, said he took up the '70s family game in Europe, where he continued touring after the shocking death of his mother last November. "I would play this game for hours and hours ... It helped me zone out," West, 30, wrote on his blog Wednesday. "But every now and then people would speak of this legendary Connect 4 champion ... BEYONCE!!!" "I had 2 play her," he continued, noting that he finally got the chance on New Year's Eve at Jay-Z's brand new 40/40 Club in Las Vegas. "[She] beat me 9 times in a row!" It was not all humiliation for West, who added that the club is "crazy big" and boasts the "best turkey burgers I've ever had in my life." He did beat Knowles at a single game – and posted a photo to prove it.
That's what more than 150 celebrities did — decorate lunchboxes for charity to benefit two hunger relief organizations. The lunchboxes, designed by luminaries in the entertainment, fashion, art, music, literary and culinary worlds — were to be sold in an online auction beginning at 12:01 a.m. Friday and ending at midnight Dec. 21. Elton John designed a white lunchbox covered in colorful images of trolls. Eva Mendes offered a psychedelic creation. Julia Stiles did one that shows a photo of the Brooklyn Bridge on one side and of trees on the other. Kevin Smith sketched Bullwinkle on his. Other celebrities who contributed designs included Michael Stipe, Richie Rich, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Darryl "DMC" McDaniels, Lisa Marie Presley and Beyonce. The auction, which hopes to raise upward of $200,000, will benefit Food Bank for New York City, which feeds 1.3 million New Yorkers annually, and The Lunchbox Fund, which provides lunch to impoverished schoolchildren in South Africa. The Lunchbox Fund says 25 cents fills one child's lunchbox. Kicking off the event Thursday night was a star-studded live auction featuring several of the personalized boxes at the Saatchi & Saatchi advertising agency. Okay, Okay ... There was a chorus of strip-tease artists tossed in for spice. One year after the duo celebrated Jay-Z's big day by inviting 20 friends to a three-day Caribbean party in St. Martin, they turned down the volume and turned up the romance to celebrate his 38th. After Jay-Z's surprise duet with Kanye West in England on Dec. 2, sources tell PEOPLE he headed to Paris and checked quietly into the Hotel Meurice on Monday. Knowles arrived the next day, jetting in (on a commercial flight!) following Sunday's performance at "Movies Rock." The two spent a leisurely day inside their hotel suite (which overlooks the famed Tuileries garden) and, at one point, Knowles hit the hotel's luxurious spa. As evening fell, the couple took a Maybach limo for a romantic drive around the City of Light before settling down to an intimate dinner upstairs at popular restaurant L'Avenue. Afterward, they pulled up for the late show at the Crazy Horse cabaret, where they sipped champagne and watched the cast run through the club's new "Forever Crazy" revue.
Country Soul/R&B Rap/Hip-Hop Miscellaneous: Even Ne-Yo was impressed. "The bluegrass version," the R&B star said backstage while watching a monitor of Beyonce's performance of her hit "Irreplaceable" with Sugarland. "It ain't bad." Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles said the idea was hatched by the country duo's publicist because they perform the song in their act. "A good thing about a good song is it can be played in any genre," she said. "I'm up for anything. I love it." Nettles said backstage that she was nervous going note-for-note with Beyonce. "We were face to face, and there were a couple times when she was looking at me and I was blushing because I thought I was going to turn to stone in her beauty," Nettles said. "She is so talented and so grounded." Nettles' musical partner Kristian Bush was witness to it all. "I was the luckiest man," he said.
The film was shot at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on September 2. The concert featured a guest spot from boyfriend Jay-Z and a reunion of Destiny's Child, the group that propelled Beyonce to worldwide stardom.
The offending advert is for the city's radio station, KWNZ. Resident Pamela Keeney has said: "It's obscene. I have my two little grandkids coming over here, and they don't need to be seeing that. You can change the channel on the TV but you can't change that." Scott Seidenstricker, manager of KWNZ, said: "The billboards were taken from publicity shots and this is the way those people perform. So to show them in a jogging suit probably wouldn't be the right thing." Ward Ryan, another resident, has collected 100 signatures on a petition protesting the billboards, saying he was upset that Clear Channel installed it without permission. City spokesman Chris Good told local paper Las Vegas Sun: "It complies with all the locational criteria that are set out in our code."
The nominees are: 1. Favorite Movie: The Bourne Ultimatum; Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End; Transformers 2. Favorite Family Movie: Evan Almighty, Ratatouille, Shrek the Third 3. Favorite Action Movie: 300; The Bourne Ultimatum; Transformers 4. Favorite Movie Comedy: Knocked Up; The Simpsons Movie; Wild Hogs 5. Favorite Movie Drama: Disturbia; Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix; Premonition 6. Favorite Threequel: The Bourne Ultimatum; Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End; Spider-Man 3 7. Favorite Independent Movie: Becoming Jane; A Mighty Heart; Sicko 8. Favorite Female Movie Star: Halle Berry; Sandra Bullock; Reese Witherspoon 9. Favorite Leading Lady: Jessica Alba; Drew Barrymore; Queen Latifah 10. Favorite Female Action Star: Jessica Alba; Jodie Foster; Keira Knightley 11. Favorite Male Movie Star: Johnny Depp; Denzel Washington; Bruce Willis 12. Favorite Leading Man: Jamie Foxx; Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson; Joaquin Phoenix 13. Favorite Male Action Star: Matt Damon; Johnny Depp; Bruce Willis 14. Favorite On Screen Match Up: Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker in Rush Hour 3; George Clooney and Brad Pitt in Ocean's Thirteen; Kirsten Dunst and Tobey Maguire in Spider-Man 3 15. Favorite TV Drama: "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation;" "House;" "Law and Order: SVU" 16. Favorite TV Comedy: "The King of Queens;" "My Name is Earl;" "Two and a Half Men" 17. Favorite Animated TV Comedy: "Family Guy;" "King of the Hill;" "The Simpsons" 18. Favorite Sci-Fi Show: "Battlestar Galactica;" "Doctor Who;" "Stargate Atlantis" 19. Favorite Competition/Reality Show: "American Idol;" "Dancing with the Stars;" "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" 20. Favorite Game Show: "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?;" "Deal or No Deal;" "Jeopardy" 21. Favorite Female TV Star: Sally Field; Katherine Heigl; Jennifer Love Hewitt 22. Favorite Male TV Star: Patrick Dempsey; Charlie Sheen; Kiefer Sutherland 23. Favorite Scene Stealing Star: Richard Belzer from "Law & Order: SVU;" Neil Patrick Harris from "How I Met Your Mother;" Chandra Wilson from "Grey's Anatomy" 24. Favorite Funny Female Star: Ellen DeGeneres; Whoopi Goldberg; Wanda Sykes 25. Favorite Funny Male Star: Will Ferrell; Adam Sandler; Robin Williams 26. Favorite Talk Show Host: Ellen DeGeneres; Jay Leno; Oprah Winfrey 27. Favorite Female Singer: Beyonce; Fergie; Gwen Stefani 28. Favorite Male Singer: John Mayer; Tim McGraw; Justin Timberlake 29. Favorite Group: Daughtry; Maroon 5; Rascal Flatts 30. Favorite Rock Song: "Hey There Delilah" by Plain White T's; "Home" by Daughtry; "Makes Me Wonder" by Maroon 5 31. Favorite R&B Song: "Beautiful Liar" by Beyonce with Shakira; "Because of You" by Ne-Yo; "Shut up and Drive" by Rihanna 32. Favorite Country Song: "I Need You" by Tim McGraw with Faith Hill; "Never Wanted Nothing More" by Kenny Chesney; "Stand" by Rascal Flatts 33. Favorite Hip-Hop Song: "Give It to Me" by Timbaland feat. Justin Timberlake and Nelly Furtado; "Party Like a Rock Star" by Shop Boyz; "Stronger" by Kanye West 34. Favorite Pop Song: "Big Girls Don't Cry" by Fergie; "Irreplaceable" by Beyonce; "What Goes Around...Comes Around" by Justin Timberlake 35. Favorite Song from a Soundtrack: "Read My Mind" by The Killers from "Friday Night Lights;" "What I've Done" by Linkin Park from Transformers; "You Can't Stop the Beat" by the Cast of Hairspray from Hairspray 36. Favorite Reunion Tour: Genesis; The Police; Van Halen 37. Favorite New TV Comedy: Aliens in America; Back to You; The Big Bang Theory; Carpoolers; Cavemen; Chuck; Reaper; Samantha Who? 38. Favorite New TV Drama: Big Shots; Bionic Woman; Cane; Dirty Sexy Money; Gossip Girl; Journeyman; K-Ville; Life; Life Is Wild; Moonlight; Private Practice; Pushing Daisies; Women's Murder Club
The Crazy In Love beauty was awarded the gong for R&B Artist of the Year, while her distinctive fashion sense was recognised with the VStyle Award. Other winners include Timbaland (Producer of the Year), Robin Thicke (Breakthrough Artist of the Year), and Lil' Wayne, who was awarded Hip-Hop Artist of the Year, beating off stiff competition from Jay-Z and T.I.
The 26-year-old singer met with the Ethiopian patriarch, Abune Paulos, before performing in skimpy sequined outfits as part of celebrations of the country's millennium, which fell in September, according to the church's calendar. Daniel Techale, a 28-year-old Theological College of the Holy Trinity alumnus who lives at the college, said about 30 of his friends had been hospitalized after a hunger strike they began Sunday. He said students were upset by the closeness of the church to the ruling party and restrictions on their speech, but were also upset over the Beyonce-Paulos meeting. "She provoked the whole situation," he said, accusing the patriarch of "practically a nonreligious act. It's unacceptable, or inappropriate, to say the least." Authorities were trying to persuade the students to end their hunger strike, he said. The college has 196 students training to work at the church, although not as clergymen. The Orthodox Church is Ethiopia's largest, claiming 45 million out of 77 million citizens as members. It is considered to be very close to the government. College official Bedilu Assefa confirmed that students had complained, but said: "What they have done is they have raised some administrative issues regarding food and clinical facilities. Nobody has protested against Beyonce. Never." Not all the protesters were concerned with the singer, or even politics. Student Kinetibebeu Assefa, 25, said that he had joined the protest to demand an improvement in cafeteria food and the firing of some college officials. "There is no problem with Beyonce," he said. "But the (cafeteria) food is poisoned."
The British music producers say Knowles is desperate to trade her heavy R&B sound in favour of a more dancefloor-friendly pop production. Freemasons star James Wiltshire says, "The album is going to be huge. It will rival anything the likes of Britney and Rihanna have done recently. They want to go for a more international sound this time. She wants to hit as many audiences as possible."
The singer's latest stop on her world tour was supposed to be a Wednesday performance in Istanbul, but organizers have now called off the show out of respect for 12 soldiers who were killed in a Kurdish rebel attack. Soccer club Fenerbahce, which had set up the performance in celebration of its 100th anniversary, said it would be inappropriate for the concert to take place in the atmosphere of mourning. "We share our nation's grief," the club said in a statement on its Website. "We are canceling our 100th anniversary concert." The singer is next slated to perform in Mumbai, India, on Saturday. Her tour wraps up Nov. 12 in Taiwan. Last weekend, Knowles joined the millennium celebrations in Ethiopia, wowing the 5,000 fawning fans who turned out to watch her perform. "I want to thank you," the R&B star told the crowd during her two-hour concert. "You have been one of the best audiences of my lifetime." Fans who missed out on the Beyoncé tour experience this time around will soon be able to watch the chanteuse perform from the privacy of their own homes. The singer will release The Beyoncé Experience Live! on DVD Nov. 20, featuring footage from her Sept. 2 Los Angeles concert, where the other members of Destiny's Child joined her onstage for a reunion.
Some 5,000 adoring fans in Ethiopia — a country normally unimpressed by Western music — turned out to see Beyonce. In this country, even teens tend to be loyal to music in the national language, Amharic. But Beyonce got a hysterical welcome when she came onstage. "I want to thank you," the R&B star told the screaming crowd Saturday evening in return. "You have been one of the best audiences of my lifetime." In a country where many women wear simple white, cotton dresses, Beyonce wore costumes covered in sequins or shiny, space-age material, from a modern interpretation of a hula girl with shiny black tendrils replacing the grass skirt to a high-necked Victorian-style top paired with sequined hotpants. Beyonce's concert was part of Ethiopia's yearlong celebration of its 2,000th birthday according to its ancient calendar. In September, at the start of the year 2000, Addis Ababa hosted Los Angeles-based hip-hop group Black Eyed Peas in a new, multimillion-dollar but temporary concert hall. But the reception for the internationally popular group was tepid, if respectful. Beyonce's opening act, rapper Ludacris, also got a lukewarm reception Saturday. "Rap music doesn't suit Ethiopia," said local music promoter Michael Melake. "Ethiopians need a melody. "Rap music is all about the message and we don't identify with that," he said. "It's all about the black American experience, and we don't relate to that." But the crowd appeared to genuinely enjoy the 26-year-old Beyonce, who sang many of the ballads on her latest album, "B'Day." "She's hot," said local nightclub owner Enoch Nicano. "She's more than hot." Concert organizers had another reason for why Ethiopians are so fond of the American singer. "Because she loves Ethiopia," said Mulugeta Aserate, a member of Ethiopia's millennium secretariat. Beyonce, who opened her world tour in Moscow last week, continues on to Romania, Turkey, India, Thailand, Indonesia and China.
The 26-year-old singer will perform Nov. 3 at the Grand Stage in Shanghai, according to a schedule posted on her Web site. Several weeks ago, Beyonce scrapped a Nov. 1 date in Kuala Lumpur amid speculation that she objected to a strict dress code banning sexy attire in Muslim-majority Malaysia. She replaced that stop with a performance in Jakarta on Oct. 30. Indonesia is also Muslim but has less stringent rules governing how performers dress and behave. Chinese officials are also sensitive about the propriety of Western acts. They told the Rolling Stones not to sing some of their racier hits and canceled a performance by Beyonce's boyfriend, Jay-Z, after deeming his lyrics "vulgar." Stops on her tour also include Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Cluj, Romania; Istanbul, Turkey; Mumbai, India; Bangkok, Thailand; and the southern Chinese enclave of Macau, where she will appear at the new Venetian casino-resort.
Pop or Rock Favorite Male Artist: Favorite Female Artist: Favorite Band, Duo or Group: Favorite Album: Country Favorite Male Artist: Favorite Female Artist: Favorite Album: Favorite Band, Duo or Group: Soul/Rhythm & Blues Favorite Male Artist: Favorite Female Artist: Favorite Album: Rap/Hip-Hop Favorite Band, Duo or Group: Favorite Male Artist: Favorite Album: Adult Contemporary Music Favorite Artist: Latin Music Favorite Artist: Alternative Rock Music Favorite Artist: Contemporary Inspirational Favorite Artist: Soundtracks Favorite Album: Favorite Breakthrough Artist: Beyonce, known for her skimpy stage outfits, cancelled her debut concert in Malaysia in protest against the nation's ultra-strict dress code, an industry source said this week. She has chosen instead to perform in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, on November 1. "I expect Indonesians to see this in a positive light. She is a great singer and her stage act is entertaining. Why should we say no to the way she dresses?" said Nia Zulkarnaen, a spokeswoman for the concert promoter. She said there had been no request from the authorities or from any Muslim group requiring Beyonce to cover up. "Praise be to God, there has been no such demand. They realize it's positive entertainment for the youth," she said. Tickets for the show cost between 2.5 million rupiah ($274) and 750,000 rupiah. Some Indonesian singers wear skimpy clothes in their videos and on stage. More than 85 percent of Indonesia's 226 million population are Muslim and most are moderate.
Jennifer Armour of Shakopee, Minn., claims Knowles, 26, took the lyrics from her song, "Got a Little Bit of Love for You." Her lawyer argued that the copyright infringement lawsuit — dismissed by a Houston judge's summary judgment in favor of Knowles last year — should be heard by a jury. Knowles didn't attend the hearing before a three-judge panel from the New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which was convening in Lubbock for three days of hearings. The panel didn't rule Wednesday. Armour's attorney, Dana Kirk, told the judges that an expert analyzed Armour's slow and melodic version alongside Knowles' hip-hop song and that the two are substantially similar. But Cynthia Arato, representing Knowles, said the standard for copyright cases is what an ordinary person hears, not an expert's analysis. The judge who heard the case in Houston last year had ruled the two songs were "substantially dissimilar." Armour's lawsuit claims she heard Beyonce performing "Baby Boy" in 2003 "and recognized the hook and some of the lyrics from her song." "I do believe it was the heart of my song," she said after Wednesday's hearing. "When I first heard it, it hit me."
"I don't want to get that far," the 21-year-old, with a laugh, tells Essence.com in a newly posted interview. "I feel really bad for my sister. I'm always like, 'Oh, let's go to the mall,' or 'Let's go here,' and she can't. I enjoy having that." Similarly, the singer-actress feels no sense of competition with her famous sister who is older by five years. "I think that as artists we're totally different, and when my record comes out it will express that," she says, referring to her new album, Solange & The Hadley Street Dreams. "But I admire my sister so much," adds Solange. "She's one of my role models in that she is successful and classy. She's very diplomatic and lives her life true to self." Rumor Control: Solange also shoots down some rumors, including the one that she left Daniel Smith, her husband – and father of her nearly 3-year-old son, Daniel Julez – for rapper Lil Wayne. "That's absolutely not true," she replies. "Yes, we know each other but I absolutely did not leave my husband for him." Defining her current marital status, Knowles says, "I am no longer married, but I think it's very important not to dish details. We are friends and we co-parent our son. When he gets older I don't want him to read anything about me saying anything about his father or vice versa." Little Daniel Julez, says his proud mom, is "more than talking and has a smart mouth already." He even has showbiz aspirations. "Unfortunately, it seems like something he's interested in," frets Knowles. "He really likes the limelight." As for the rumor that she's undergone surgery for a new nose, Solange laughs and says, "Not true. I've heard that one, too. That one actually cracked me up. I mean if I got some surgery, I would wait until I’m older and pop out a couple more kids."
The announcement followed recent speculation that Knowles — who is famous for her sexy image and skimpy outfits — was reluctant to fulfill the Malaysian government's demand for female performers to cover up from the top of their chests to their knees, including their shoulders. International Creative Management, her Los Angeles-based talent agency, said Knowles' Nov. 1 date in Kuala Lumpur was canceled "due to a scheduling conflict." "It is with regret that we announce the cancellation of The Beyonce Experience World Tour in Kuala Lumpur," said the statement, which was made available Monday by Malaysian entertainment organizers Pineapple Concerts. "It was to mark the very first time the performer would bring her show to Malaysia." Knowles, 26, will perform in Jakarta on Nov. 1. Pineapple Concerts Chairman Razlan Ahmad Razali said his company, which has brought Western acts such as Kanye West and Earth, Wind and Fire to Malaysia, was "disappointed and frustrated." "Though Indonesia is also a Muslim country, it doesn't have all these issues that we have," Razlan told The Associated Press. "She can perform as she likes there." Concert promoters have said Western performers face mounting pressure in Malaysia to keep skimpy clothes and steamy dance moves off the stage amid protests by conservative Muslims who believe liberal Western performances can corrupt young people. Gwen Stefani made what she called "a major sacrifice" in August by wearing clothes that revealed little skin at a Kuala Lumpur stadium concert after Muslim students and activists called for the performance to be canceled due to the singer's sultry reputation.
People magazine's annual best- and worst-dressed issue hits newsstands on Friday featuring numerous Hollywood stars, all given a nickname to describe their taste in couture. Beyonce, 26, was dubbed "The Showstopper," while actress Cameron Diaz walked into the top 10 as "The Legs," and actress Katie Holmes, who is married to Tom Cruise, graced the list as "The Classic." "Beyonce just looks amazing every time she goes out," assistant managing editor Cynthia Sanz told Reuters. "She likes to show off her curves and she is very glamorous." Beyonce has her own fashion line, "House of Dereon," that mixes hip hop influences with feminine touches like lace and ruffles that she launched with her mother, stylist Tina Knowles, in 2004. Last year, former "Friends" star Jennifer Aniston topped the list after a reader's vote, but this year the magazine did not seek readers' input. Instead, the magazine's editors drew up the list without giving the 10 winners rankings. Other women in the top 10 included Penelope Cruz, Jessica Biel, Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Lopez, Reese Witherspoon, Gwen Stefani and Ali Larter. For the men last year, singer Justin Timberlake was named "Trendiest," and praise went to British soccer star David Beckham, who recently moved with wife Victoria to Los Angeles. This year Beckham again made the list, alongside Terrence Howard, Johnny Depp, Brad Pitt and George Clooney. BECKHAMS WIN STYLE PRAISE But there were also the worst fashions of the year as People's editors took issue with celebrities' sense of style. Spears' decision to shave her head after a spree of partying and stints in rehab following her collapsed marriage put her at the top of the list of worst style moments. The award comes just days after the former pop princess, who is trying to stage a comeback, drew howls from critics for her performance at the MTV Video Music Awards where her outfit resembled that of a stripper and she barely danced. "She's had a bad year with shaving her head and all her bad fashion choices that followed that -- the wigs, the hats," said Sanz. "She really seems to be having a meltdown." Also among the worst styles were "American Idol" contestant Sanjaya piling his hair high for the hit TV talent show, and Cameron Diaz offending Peruvians with her handbag that had a political slogan of Chinese Communist leader Mao Zedong. In a special "British Accent" section, People paid tribute to British celebrities taking America by storm, recognizing Victoria Beckham, model Kate Moss, singer Lily Allen, Prince William's girlfriend Kate Middleton and actress Emma Watson. "It has been a big year for the Brits with a lot of influence coming over here," said Sanz. "You can't help but look at what the Beckhams are doing and wearing, but you are not really sure why."
The couple started dating in late 2002 after recording duet '03 Bonnie & Clyde, but remain furiously private over their relationship. The rapper, real name Shawn Carter, was asked by reporters at a press conference in Las Vegas on Thursday if he planned to make 26-year-old Knowles his bride in the future. The 37-year-old said, "One day, soon - let's leave it at that." When asked if he would consider marrying in Vegas, Carter replied, "I don't know. It's kind of comfortable here." Carter is planning to open his third 40/40 nightclub in the Palazzo Hotel in Vegas in December.
Male Artist of the Year: Justin Timberlake Female Artist of the Year: Fergie Quadruple Threat of the Year: Justin Timberlake Best Group: Fallout Boy, "This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arms Race" Monster Single of the Year: Rihanna, "Umbrella" Most Earthshattering Collaboration: Beyonce and Shakira, "Beautiful Liar" Best Editing: Ken Mowe for Gnarls Barkley's "Smiley Faces" Best Director: Samuel Bayer for Justin Timberlake's "What Goes Around ... Comes Around" Best Choreography: Marty Kudelka for Justin Timberlake's "Let Me Talk to You/My Love" Best New Artist: Gym Class Heroes
The Houston, Texas singer has teamed up with her hometown minister and friend, Pastor Rudy Rasmus, for the food drive before her concert at the city's Staples Center on Sunday. Knowles' food drive has so far travelled to Houston, Atlanta, Chicago and Washington, D.C. and has collected 4,610 kilograms of food and cash donations totaling US$3,800 which is enough to buy 16,000 meals.
Video footage posted on the internet of the singer's recent performance in Toronto showed her top fly up to reveal a blur of flesh, prompting reports Knowles had flashed her chest. However, the Deja Vu hitmaker insists she kept her modesty. Her publicist tells MTV, "She's wearing a flesh-tone bra! Do you really think Beyonce would go onstage like that?"
In a video apparently taken by a fan in the crowd, the singer, 25, flashed the audience when her top came up while she was bouncing to the beat during an elaborate dance number. The exposure lasted all of a split second, but the clip is once again making the celeb blog and YouTube rounds – just like last month, when Knowles suffered a different kind of stage mishap and fell face first down a flight of stairs during an Orlando concert. She quickly recovered and completed her number nearly without missing a beat – before saying to the crowd good-naturedly, "Don't put it on YouTube." Both times, the crowd failed to listen.
Tons, and she means tons, of very expensive clothes, gratis. "Now that I'm doing these appearances, they bring me racks of clothes — and I get to keep them," she says with a giggle. "All of them. Even the ones I don't wear that day. I have storage here and in Houston — I have to ship a lot of the clothes. It's too many great clothes. I've got no complaints. It's so cool." How many Armani gowns does she own? Knowles is stumped. "A hundred. A lot? It's very cool." So is being the first celebrity face of an Armani scent for Knowles, who loves smelling good. "I feel the sexiest after I take a shower, and I have on my lotion and perfume and my pajamas," says the singer, 25, who is dating rapper Jay-Z. "I feel comfortable, and I feel like I smell good. I love it." But if Knowles could bottle up any aroma in the world, "it would be my mom's food," she says. "When I walk into her house in Houston, it's the most comforting smell. It makes me feel like a kid again. I can't cook. My mom makes really good gumbo — we're Creole. And she makes really good soul food. Yams, they smell so good." Earlier Thursday, Knowles was mobbed by lines of fans at a meet-and-greet in the Macy's beauty department. She treated each fan, middle-aged women to tween girls, like a long-lost best friend. It's a lesson she learned from Will Smith during a signing with him for the Men in Black soundtrack when she was 15. "He was so nice to every person. I watched him. I knew he had to be tired, and I couldn't believe how nice he was," she says. "We were the last people he met. I said, 'I don't care if I ever get that famous: I will always be like him.' I always try to be as nice to the first person as to the last person and will make eye contact." Knowles, who's in the middle of her Beyoncé Experience world tour, just earned seven MTV Video Music Awards nominations. And she's still dancing in stilettos after falling down the stairs at her Orlando show while performing Ring the Alarm. Videos of the spectacular accident made the rounds on the Internet after being posted on YouTube.com, even though the star playfully asked the audience not to post it. "Yeah!" she says of her high heels. "I have blisters and my feet are turning into crazy-looking feet, but it's worth it. I guess." She plans on releasing a new album next summer, and then she will throw herself back into a movie role, preferably "something a little darker, but still a musical." Adds the Dreamgirls star: "That's my niche. I'm able to connect the drama with the music."
The 25-year-old pop singer — and new star of the Emporio Armani Diamonds fragrance ad campaign — said she's learned to be photo ready at all times. She carries three pairs of sunglasses (black, gold and brown) in her purse and a pair of nude-colored or gold shoes, in case she has to elevate her outfit at a moment's notice. Many "Beyonce sightings" happen while she's shopping, but the superstar said she loves the pastime too much to give it up because of the risk of an unflattering photo. "I enjoy shopping but I hate trying on clothes," she told The Associated Press in a recent interview. One of her latest purchases: an 18-karat gold ring with a "hear-no-evil" monkey made of 5 carats' worth of yellow diamonds surrounded by white ones. "I hear so many crazy things about myself that I'd rather not," she joked.
The 25-year-old pop singer — and new star of the Emporio Armani Diamonds fragrance ad campaign — said she's learned to be photo ready at all times. She carries three pairs of sunglasses (black, gold and brown) in her purse and a pair of nude-colored or gold Christian Louboutin shoes, in case she has to elevate her outfit at a moment's notice. Many "Beyonce sightings" happen while she's shopping, but the superstar said she loves the pastime too much to give it up because of the risk of an unflattering photo. "I enjoy shopping but I hate trying on clothes," she told The Associated Press in a recent interview. One of her latest purchases: an 18-karat gold ring from Lorraine Schwartz's monkey collection. Beyonce's is a hear-no-evil monkey made of 5 carats' worth of yellow diamonds surrounded by white ones. "I hear so many crazy things about myself that I'd rather not," she joked. Beyonce, who recalls wearing her first Armani suit at 14, said diamonds often are a sign of a woman's strength these days. "Now women can buy their own diamonds," she said. The Emporio Armani Diamonds fragrance will be in stores next month.
The singer - who already endorses products by Pepsi, L'Oreal and McDonald's among others - will front the new advertising campaign for the financial giants, joining the likes of actors Robert De Niro and Kate Winslet, and sports stars Tiger Woods and Venus Williams. A source tells, "She's a role model for so many young people. She has tremendous cross-over appeal the same way Tiger (Woods) does. She's an inspiration for lots of people. She's a great fit for American Express."
Beyonce's "Irreplaceable" was nominated for video of the year, as was Timberlake's ambitiously cinematic "What Goes Around ... Comes Around," which co-starred Scarlett Johansson. Also competing in the category are Amy Winehouse's "Rehab," Kanye West's "Stronger," Rihanna's "Umbrella" (featuring Jay-Z) and Justice's "D.A.N.C.E." Timberlake was also nominated for male artist of the year and "most earth shattering collaboration" for pairing with Timbaland for "Sexy Back." Beyonce was nominated for female artist of the year and for her collaboration with Shakira on "Beautiful Liar." West landed five nominations, including male artist of the year. He has often appeared prickly about losing awards, and on Tuesday he was still sore over being snubbed last year for his Evel Knievel spoof video "Touch the Sky." (In 2005, he did win best male video for "Jesus Walks.") "I come to win. I don't come to lose," West told MTV Tuesday on "TRL," where the awards were announced. "I think there's some really strong competition this year." Rihanna also received five nominations, propelled by her hit single, "Umbrella," which is up for "monster single of the year." Also nominated for male artist of the year was Akon, T.I. and Robin Thicke. Rounding out the nominees for female artist of the year were Fergie and Nelly Furtado. Amy Winehouse, whose album "Back to Black" was her second disc but her first released in the U.S., was nominated for best new artist. She received three nods, including female artist of the year. In the best new artist category, Winehouse will compete with her compatriot Lily Allen, as well as Carrie Underwood, Gym Class Heroes and Peter Bjorn & John. Up for best group are Fall Out Boy, Gym Class Heroes, Linkin Park, Maroon 5 and the White Stripes. The 24th annual VMAs will be handed out during a live two-hour show on Sept. 9 in Las Vegas at the Palms Hotel and Casino. Only eight categories will be awarded on the broadcast. Performers will include Kanye West, Fall Out Boy, Amy Winehouse, Chris Brown, the Foo Fighters and Rihanna. Timbaland will be the "maestro" of the award show, serving essentially as the evening's DJ. Last year, the Raconteurs played a similar role. "By me being maestro," said Timbaland, "I am the show."
From the diva-style opening, when she rises from beneath the stage amidst a blinding sparkler display, to the final audience sing-along on the female-empowering hit "Irreplaceable," the star delivers a crowd-pleasing spectacle that offers as much visual as musical stimulation. Regarding the former, to say that Beyonce looks terrific is probably redundant. Her fashion parade of form-fitting, eye-catching costumes -- most notably a belly dancer's get-up in which she demonstrated some hip-shaking moves that indicated Shakira better watch her back -- provided ample opportunities for shameless leering. Fortunately, the star has much more to offer than just eye candy. Even in the midst of her strenuous dance numbers she sounded amazing, only occasionally lapsing into vocal histrionics on a few of the ballads. It was a brilliant stroke to employ an all-female band, dubbed Suga Mama after the "B-Day" cut. They were given plenty of chances to shine on lengthy solos delivered during the star's numerous costume changes. The stage picture was completed by a plus-size female backup trio, some male dancers providing the necessary testosterone, and a large dance corps delivering routines inspired by "Chicago" and "Sweet Charity," among other things. The largely uptempo show featured some surprising arrangements that gave the material freshness, such as the singer's interpolation of Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy" into her smash "Crazy in Love" and an injection of "Love to Love You Baby" into "Naughty Girl." The evening's highlights included a fast-paced medley of Destiny's Child hits, a pulse-raising version of "Get Me Bodied" and a "Dreamgirls" segment that included the title song and her Oscar-nominated hit "Listen." The show included a generous opening set by blue-eyed soul crooner Robin Thicke, whose falsetto voice and suggestive dance moves clearly struck a romantic chord with the largely female crowd.
"I grew up in a house with so many women," the singer, 25, tells the Associated Press. "I love being around women, I love being around talented women and supportive women." Asked about her decision to audition and hire only females for her current world tour, Knowles says she has no regrets: "Everyone is so supportive of each other. We do things together, like yesterday we went skating; I rented out a roller skating rink for all of us and everybody's families to come." However, the headliner does admit to having had some reservations about creating such an estrogen-fueled tour, and wondering if everyone would get along. "I was afraid of that in the beginning when I had the idea," she says. "I was like, this will never work ... [but] I found focused and incredible musicians that are just as good or better than any guy. And then I was like, well, even if I do find it, after a while, there will be some problems." After a laugh, she adds, "But it hasn't been any problems, and everyone is just talented and secure and excited." In a roundabout way, Knowles also addresses the spill she took last week, when she fell face first down a flight of stairs during an Orlando concert, only to recover and complete her number nearly without missing a beat. "The easiest part is dancing in the heels," she says. "I don't even think about it anymore; it's just second nature. But it is difficult to dance, to sing at the same time. I have to make sure I'm in shape and I'm hydrated ... I don't want to wear myself out and get exhausted." She also discusses what she doesn't do in her spare time: surf the Internet for gossip about herself. Says Knowles, "Sometimes I'll run across certain things, usually in the paper, because I read the paper more so than the Web. There's one or two sites that I can go to. But if I go on the Internet and try to see what people are saying, I'll probably want to crawl under a rock." Again, she laughed, then added, "Because I'm still human and certain things, it just hurts, so I try not to read the Internet too much."
In the past year and a half, the pop superstar has put out the multiplatinum album "B'Day," starred in the Oscar-nominated musical "Dreamgirls," launched her Dereon clothing line, put out an expanded edition of "B'Day" featuring the hit "Beautiful Liar" with Shakira, released a DVD featuring a video for each song off her album, and now she's in the middle of a worldwide tour. Just before one of her concert stops, Beyonce took time out to talk to The Associated Press about her jam-packed year, working with an all-female musical troupe, dealing with haters and why you won't find her reading any Internet gossip sites. AP: Does it ever get easy to dance on stage in high heels? Beyonce: The easiest part is dancing in the heels. I don't even think about it anymore; it's just second nature. But it is difficult to dance, to sing at the same time. I have to make sure I'm in shape and I'm hydrated ... I don't want to wear myself out and get exhausted. AP: You've had quite a hectic year — what has been the hardest part of it? Beyonce: The most difficult thing was probably filming the movie, even though I had the time of my life. Usually anything worth anything is going to take sacrifice and it took a lot of sacrifice but it was probably the highlight of my year ... That was just an amazing experience and I feel like it was one of those iconic films that years from now I'm going to be so proud to say I was a part of (it) ... I'm very comfortable with performing and singing. I know how to do that. ... But acting is something that I'm still learning and it still makes me nervous. AP: When you released "B'Day," although it got critical acclaim, there was also a lot of criticism. How did you handle that? Beyonce: Since Destiny's Child first came out, we've always had criticism ... ('B'Day') is nothing compared to some of the criticism that we've gotten. I'm pretty strong and I'm very confident in what I do. ... I had had a lot of people love the record, it was very successful. I had a lot of fans and a lot of people loved everything, the videos and the songs, and then of course, everyone's different, there were people who didn't like it. There were people who didn't like my first album, there will be people who won't like my next album. And that's just human nature, I can't expect everyone to love everything that I do. Some of the criticisms was constructive and I listened to that and grew from it. AP: Were you surprised by the success of 'Irreplaceable?' Beyonce: I always knew it was more of a commercial crossover pop record, and it's always someone ... who needs to hear those lyrics to have that anthem so they can be strong and get out of bad situations, get out of negative relationships. It doesn't matter if you're a woman or a man. The song is so powerful, every night, I don't even have to sing it, I can put the mic out and they know every single word. AP: You auditioned and hired an all-female band for the tour. What has it been like? Beyonce: I'm used to all females. I grew up in a house with so many women. I love being around women, I love being around talented women and supportive women. Everyone is so supportive of each other. We do things together, like yesterday we went skating; I rented out a roller skating rink for all of us and everybody's families to come. Also, I have eight female dancers and four males ... they are the only men on the tour, I feel bad for them being around all us women! AP: So it's not true that women can't get along? Beyonce: I was afraid of that in the beginning when I had the idea. I was like, this will never work ... (but) I found focused and incredible musicians that are just as good or better than any guy. And then I was like, well, even if I do find it, after a while, there will be some problems. (Laughs.) But it hasn't been any problems, and everyone is just talented and secure and excited. AP: I've been reading you're going to do another musical — Elton John's 'Aida.' Beyonce: Oh yeah, I read that too. The 'Aida' thing? I mean, I would love that, it sounds like a good idea. But I haven't had any meetings about it. AP: The gossip sites are always running something about you. Do you troll them? Do you ever feel like posting an anonymous comment? AP: Sometimes I'll run across certain things, usually in the paper, because I read the paper more so than the Web. There's one or two sites that I can go to. But if I go on the Internet and try to see what people are saying, I'll probably want to crawl under a rock. (Laughs.) Because I'm still human and certain things, it just hurts, so I try not to read the Internet too much.
Onstage, wearing a trench coat and high heels, Knowles, 25, was singing her hit "Ring the Alarm" while descending a staircase. As she flipped her hair around, the headliner lost her balance and slid down about a dozen steps. Knowles's microphone fell out of her hands and slid across the stage. She quickly grabbed the mic and jumped up, picking up her song practically where she had left off. A rep for the singer tells PEOPLE the incident was "a mere spot" in her show. "Beyoncé's fall on stage last night in Orlando, Fl. during her performance of 'Ring The Alarm' was a mere spot on an otherwise sensational, flawless show," the rep said Wednesday. "It was a case of her coat's hem getting caught in her shoes, but Miss Knowles picked herself right up, without missing a beat, showing to all that she is the best." Indeed, a concertgoer Anette Nelson tells PEOPLE, "Everyone gasped. But she got up right away and acted like nothing happened. I don't even think she missed a word of the song! Everyone started cheering her on, because she recovered like a real professional." The singer's rep says Knowles did not sustain any injuries as a result of the fall. During the show Knowles wrapped up the song and then rushed off stage. Sitting on a stool for her next number, she jokingly asked the crowd not to circulate video of her fall. "Don't put it on YouTube," Knowles requested good-naturedly. But her plea fell on deaf ears. As of Wednesday morning, video of the incident is all over the Web, and can be found several video websites – including YouTube.
The accident happened Sunday night, just as the R&B star's concert began. A spokeswoman for Scottrade Center didn't return phone calls seeking comment, but broadcast reports said pyrotechnics meant for the stage accidentally spilled into the front row. Two concertgoers were taken to Barnes-Jewish Hospital. Spokeswoman Kathy Holleman wouldn't release their names but said the injuries were minor. Both were expected to make a full recovery. Soon after the concert, Knowles arrived at the hospital, said head nurse Darryl Williams. "She was just very concerned about the people injured in the audience," Williams said. "It was unannounced and we kept it very low-key so that she could spend time with them." Knowles, 25, met with the fans for about 45 minutes. "I just thought it was a great thing for someone of her stature to do," Williams said. A spokesman for Houston-based Music World Entertainment, which represents Knowles, declined comment. Knowles' world tour opened in April in Tokyo and runs through early September. Other stops include New Orleans, Dallas, New York City, Washington, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Las Vegas and Los Angeles. She won a Grammy Award in February for contemporary R&B album for "B'Day," her second solo album. Knowles won five Grammys for her solo debut, 2003's "Dangerously in Love." She previously fronted R&B girl group Destiny's Child. Knowles starred in the 2006 movie "Dreamgirls."
The list of 19 famous faces, which appears in the magazine's latest issue, on newsstands Friday, was separated by editors into six categories: beauty queens, style setters, entertainers, newsmakers, survivors and body shapers. OK! named Holmes, the 28-year-old wife of Tom Cruise and mother of their 1-year-old daughter, Suri, a beauty queen because of her "refreshing girl-next-door look" and sporty cropped haircut. Beyonce and Jennifer Lopez also made the cut. O'Donnell, who brought ratings and controversy during her tumultuous tenure on ABC's "The View," made the list of newsmakers, as did Hollywood supercouple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, and "Grey's Anatomy" star T.R. Knight. Knight announced he was gay after it surfaced that Isaiah Washington had used an anti-gay slur against him during an on-set clash with a co-star. The youngest celebrity on the list: 10-month-old Dannielynn Hope, who was recognized as a survivor because she has been "at the center of Hollywood's most controversial tragedies," the magazine said. Her mother, Anna Nicole Smith, died in Florida in February. A bitter paternity dispute between Howard K. Stern and Larry Birkhead was put to rest months later when Birkhead showed he was Dannielynn's father. The top three entertainers — the "people who decide what we watch and listen to," according to OK! — were "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell, Carrie Underwood and model-TV host Heidi Klum. Tyra Banks was among the "body shapers" who influence notions of body image. Banks, who was dubbed fat after she was photographed on the beach, later appeared on her syndicated TV talk show in a bathing suit. Sarah Jessica Parker, Justin Timberlake and Kate Moss were named the most prominent trendsetters in fashion.
Though Hudson won a best supporting actress Academy Award for her role as Effie in the movie "Dreamgirls," it was Holliday who originated the role on Broadway and made the song "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" one of the most memorable performances in music. The two Jennifers united to sing what is now both women's signature song — particularly noteworthy, given Holliday's complaints about being ignored for her contributions to "Dreamgirls." The night's most touching performance was O'Jays singer Eddie Levert's tribute to his late son, singer Gerald Levert, who died in November 2006. The elder Levert was joined by Gladys Knight, Patti LaBelle and Yolanda Adams for a heart-wrenching rendition of "Wind Beneath My Wings," which Gerald Levert often performed. Introducing the number, LaBelle got teary-eyed as she described Gerald Levert as "one of the best voices around." "His life was embodied with soul music," she said. Ne-Yo, who won best male R&B artist, dedicated his award to Levert, also nominated in the category. Another stand-out performance was Erykah Badu's cover of "Love Hangover" during a tribute to lifetime-achievement honoree Diana Ross. She emerged in a floor-length dress and huge Afro. She stripped off the dress as the song's tempo increased to reveal a skintight gold bodysuit beneath (Others paying tribute to Ross included fellow Motown legend Stevie Wonder and R&B queen Chaka Khan). Beyonce also went gold. She took the stage — after winning the night's first award, video of the year for "Irreplaceable" — in gold robot gear, which she whittled down to sleek gold lame' pants and a matching bra top for a rousing rendition of her dance anthem, "Get Me Bodied." Her fellow Destiny Child alumni appeared moments later to perform her solo hit "Like This" with Eve. Hudson was a double winner, snagging a best new artist and best actress award. "I can't believe I'm still winning awards!" she said as she won her first of the night. Another winner was rapper T.I, who not only offered thanks, but apologies after getting involved in a scuffle with members of Ludacris' camp earlier in the week. "They say its a fine line between brilliance and insanity," he said, half-joking. Ludacris won best collaboration for "Runaway Love," his song about wayward girls in trouble, with Mary J. Blige. Though he's know for songs about partying and wild behavior, he got serious as he talked about the impact of "Runaway Love." "This was much more than a song, this was a movement," the rapper-actor said. "People say there's no content in hip hop. This song is proof that there's content in hip-hop." That wasn't as evident when 50 Cent took the stage to perform his new hit, "Amusement Park," which was bleeped several times and ended with a shout-out to his sponsor, Vitamin Water. Perhaps with that performance in mind, Ross, as she accepted her lifetime achievement award, implored performers to keep it clean. "I have tried to keep the standards high," she said. "We do not have to say the F-word, we do not have to pump and grind, we do not have to some of these things to have longevity in our career. ... I will do the diva master class for you!" Show host Mo'Nique made a splashy entrance of her own. Introduced by boxing announcer Michael Buffer, who shouted, "Are you ready to jiggle?," she was joined by a bevy of plus-sized dancers in matching silver minidresses as they performed Beyonce's song "Deja Vu" music-video style. The comedian, who has hosted the show twice before, previously opened the show with a booty-shaking rendition of Beyonce's "Crazy in Love." Other performances punctuating the three-hour ceremony were T.I., followed by R&B crooner Ne-Yo, wearing a white suit and matching fedora, singing his hit "Because of You" before being joined by the rapper Fabolous on their current hit, "Make Me Better." And Lil' Kim made a surprise appearance as Diddy and Keyshia Cole dueted on the hit, "Last Night." Nominees and winners were chosen by a panel of media and entertainment-industry executives.
The 25-year-old singer-actress had a leading six nominations — twice as many as any other nominee, including female R&B artist, collaboration, video of the year and the viewers' choice award. Jennifer Hudson, Ciara, Gnarls Barkley and Akon were all triple nominees, while a host of others — Ludacris, Diddy, Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg, Robin Thicke, Mary Mary, Lil Wayne, Ne-Yo, Corrine Bailey Rae and the late Gerald Levert — scored two nominations each. But that wasn't all the star power expected at the Black Entertainment Television Awards at the Shrine Auditorium. Other celebrities on the guest list were Al Sharpton, Alicia Keys, Terrence Howard, Queen Latifah, D.L. Hugely and Rihanna. Comedian Mo'Nique was picked for the third time to preside over a ceremony that includes planned performances by Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, 50 Cent, Diddy, Ciara and Usher. "We bring together different eras and different genres of music," said Stephen Hill, executive producer of the BET Awards. "It feels like a family reunion." Besides honors for artists and athletes in 14 categories, the BET show intended to pay tribute to Diana Ross with a lifetime achievement award and name Don Cheadle the year's humanitarian award winner. Nominees and winners were chosen by a panel of media and entertainment-industry executives. Now in its seventh year, the BET show — unlike most of today's televised awards ceremonies — continues to grow in both audience and star power. "If you want authentic black culture, which is now pop culture, we've become the destination," Hill said.
Though Hudson won a best supporting actress Academy Award for her role as Effie in the movie "Dreamgirls," it was Holliday who originated the role on Broadway and made the song "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" one of the most memorable performances in music. As the awards kicked off on Tuesday, both Jennifers united to sing what is now both women's signature song — particularly noteworthy, given Holliday's complaints about being ignored for her contributions to "Dreamgirls." But it was not the show's only splashy entrance. Show host Mo'Nique once again used Beyonce as her muse. Introduced by boxing announcer Michael Buffer, who shouted, "Are you ready to jiggle?," she was joined by a bevy of plus-sized dancers in matching silver minidresses as they performed Beyonce's song "Deja Vu" music-video style. The comedian, who has hosted the show twice before, previously opened the show with a booty-shaking rendition of Beyonce's "Crazy in Love." Not to be outdone, Beyonce provided a show-stopper of her own with her dance anthem "Get Me Bodied" — appearing onstage in robot gear, then dancing with the precision of one as she shimmied and shaked her way through the song. Her fellow Destiny Child alumni appeared moments later to perform her solo hit "Like This" with Eve. Beyonce was the night's first winner, capturing the video of the year award for "Irreplaceable." The 25-year-old singer-actress came into the Black Entertainment Television Awards with a leading six nominations — twice as many as any other nominee, including female R&B artist, collaboration and the viewers' choice award. Another winner was rapper T.I, who not only offered thanks, but apologies after getting involved in a scuffle with members of Ludacris' camp earlier in the week. "They say its a fine line between brilliance and insanity," he said, half-joking. Other early winners were best group Gnarls Barkley and best actor Forest Whitaker. Neither was on hand to accept their awards. "Forest isn't here so the award goes to Michael Clarke Duncan," joked Duncan, who presented the best-actor prize with the newest "American Idol," Jordin Sparks. The three-hour ceremony was punctuated by performances. First up was T.I., followed by R&B crooner Ne-Yo, wearing a white suit and matching fedora, singing his hit "Because of You" before being joined by the rapper Fabolous on their current hit, "Make Me Better." And Lil' Kim made a surprise appearance as Diddy and Keyshia Cole dueted on the hit, "Last Night." The BET Awards are known for delivering stellar performances, filmmaker John Singleton said on the red carpet before the show. "Everybody who's anybody is here," he said. "All the performances here kind of outshine the performances on other shows. Everybody just comes here really relaxed, ready to have a good time. It's like a big party." Multiple nominees dominated the roster. Hudson, Ciara, Gnarls Barkley and Akon were each triple-nominated, while a host of others — Ludacris, Diddy, Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg, Robin Thicke, Mary Mary, Lil Wayne, Ne-Yo, Corrine Bailey Rae and the late Gerald Levert — scored two nominations each. But that wasn't the star power at the BET Awards. Other celebrities on the guest list were Al Sharpton, Alicia Keys, Terrence Howard, D.L. Hugely and Rihanna. Nominees and winners were chosen by a panel of media and entertainment-industry executives.
The 25-year-old singer-actress had a leading six nominations — twice as many as any other nominee, including female R&B artist, collaboration, video of the year and the viewers' choice award. Jennifer Hudson, Ciara, Gnarls Barkley and Akon were all triple nominees, while a host of others — Ludacris, Diddy, Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg, Robin Thicke, Mary Mary, Lil Wayne, Ne-Yo, Corrine Bailey Rae and the late Gerald Levert — scored two nominations each. But that wasn't all the star power expected at the Black Entertainment Television Awards at the Shrine Auditorium. Other celebrities on the guest list were Al Sharpton, Alicia Keys, Terrence Howard, Queen Latifah, D.L. Hugely and Rihanna. Comedian Mo'Nique was picked for the third time to preside over a ceremony that includes planned performances by Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, 50 Cent, Diddy, Ciara and Usher. "We bring together different eras and different genres of music," said Stephen Hill, executive producer of the BET Awards. "It feels like a family reunion." Besides honors for artists and athletes in 14 categories, the BET show intended to pay tribute to Diana Ross with a lifetime achievement award and name Don Cheadle the year's humanitarian award winner. Nominees and winners were chosen by a panel of media and entertainment-industry executives. Now in its seventh year, the BET show — unlike most of today's televised awards ceremonies — continues to grow in both audience and star power. "If you want authentic black culture, which is now pop culture, we've become the destination," Hill said.
According to British media reports, Carter cancelled several U.S. promotional appearances for his Roc-A-Fella empire and flew out to France last week to surprise the Bootylicious beauty with a romantic break in Cannes, where he allegedly popped the question. The couple are said to be planning to marry in Hawaii later this year.
In a new interview, the Arctic Monkeys star revealed he thinks the former Destiny's Child star has "a bit up there." Turner has also said he is "very impressed" with Amelle Berrabah, who replaced Mutya Buena in British pop grouo the Sugababes. Discussing Beyonce, Alex said: "I've always been a fan of Beyonce. I love her. She's got a bit up there, I reckon." Meanwhile, speaking about Berrabah, he revealed: "I quite like the newest one. Very impressed. In that Comic Relief song, the Run-DMC thing, she raised the bar in that." However, he then admitted to Q magazine: "We met them a couple of times but never chatted. We're dead shy." Arctic Monkeys release a new single, "Flourescent Adolescent," in the U.K. on July 9, backed with new tracks "The Bakery," "Plastic Tramp," and "Too Much To Ask."
Asked in the June issue of France's Questions de femmes magazine if she wants kids, she says: "Yes, in 10 years! For the moment, there are still so many things I need to accomplish." The singer, 25, and boyfriend Jay-Z have long shot down wedding rumors, and in January Beyoncé told InStyle: "You can't rush a man into anything – whether it's a relationship, marriage or having children. When he's ready, he'll let you know." But the couple are still going strong: They were spotted on May 22 at the Naomi Campbell's de Grisogono-sponsored birthday party at the exclusive Hotel du Cap near Cannes (Beyoncé kicks off a British tour on Friday). Questions de femmes also asks what she likes to do when she isn't working. "I used to do some painting but I don't have time anymore – I have to start again," she says. "I like to watch the Discovery Channel and from time to time DVDs. It depends on how I feel." She also insists that, although she always looks immaculate when she goes out, she's really low-maintenance. "I actually don't like wearing make-up, I'd rather be natural," she says. "My hair is natural and when I go out I don't need to spend hours deciding what I will wear or which make-up to put on. I know exactly what I want."
The nominations were announced Wednesday (May 16) by rappers T.I. and 50 Cent, R&B newcomer Robin Thicke and "Everybody Loves Chris" cast member Tichina Arnold during a press conference at Hollywood's Renaissance Hotel. This year's ceremony will be televised live June 26 from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. Propelled by the success of her second album, "B-Day," and the award-winning film "Dreamgirls," Beyonce is up for best female R&B artist, best collaboration (with Jay-Z on both "Deja Vu" and "Upgrade U"), video of the year (for "Irrreplaceable" and her duet with Shakira on "Beautiful Liar") and the viewer's choice award. Earning three nods each are Jennifer Hudson, who won an Academy Award for her "Dreamgirls" role, Ciara, Akon and Gnarls Barkley. Among those netting two nominations are first-time nominee Thicke, the late Gerald Levert, Ludacris, Diddy, Ne-Yo and Mary J. Blige. In addition to saluting the achievements of artists, actors and athletes in 14 categories, the BET Awards will present two special trophies. This year's lifetime achievement award will go to Diana Ross, while actor Don Cheadle will be presented with BET's humanitarian award. For the first time in the show's seven-year history, fans will vote on which song they want to hear by one of the show's featured performers. Inaugurating this interactive element will be 50 Cent, whose "Curtis" album hits stores on the same day as the telecast. After the rapper's videos for "Straight to the Bank" and "Amusement Park" debut Thursday (May 17) on BET's "106 & Park," viewers can begin to cast their votes. T.I. will also perform on the show, with additional acts to be announced in the coming weeks. Returning as host for the third time is comedienne/actress Mo'Nique.
The 20-year-old starlet tops the magazine's eight annual "Hot 100" list, which features the 29th-ranking Sarah Silverman on the cover. "There is no other star in the world [who] causes more of a stir in the public eye than Lindsay," says Maxim Editor in Chief Jimmy Jellinek in a statement. "Her every move is watched and reported on." Online, the magazine says that Lindsay, an "unbelievably beautiful, untamable Golden Age throwback with a nonstop social calendar and acclaimed acting chops is Ann-Margret, Meryl Streep, and Sophia Loren rolled into one." Lohan has moved past her Disney remake ("Parent Trap," "Freaky Friday") roots and has moved on to adult fare such as "A Prairie Home Companion," "Bobby," "Georgia Rule" and the upcoming "Chapter 27." The other ladies that made the cut, from No. 2 to No. 15 include: Jessica Alba, Scarlett Johansson, Christina Aguilera, Jessica Biel, Ali Larter, Eva Mendes, Rihanna, Eva Longoria, Fergie, Sienna Miller, Angelina Jolie, Beyonce Knowles, Katherine Heigl and Avril Lavigne. Other highlights include celebrity sisters Hilary and Haylie Duff (23, 89) and Ashlee and Jessica Simpson (16, 41), tennis hottie Maria Sharapova (17), Pussycat Dolls lead singer Nicole Scherzinger (22), Ashley Olsen (37), "Veronica Mars" star Kristen Bell (46), "Heroes" reality bender Missy Peregrym (53), "Battlestar Galactica" cylon Tricia Helfer (57), "Lost's" Evangeline Lilly (68) and the 3-D animated Second Life Girl (95). The full list can be found at Maximonline.com or on newstands, beginning Saturday, May 18.
Studio sources said the acclaimed DreamWorks musical starring Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson generated $32 million in consumer spending its first week in stores, a figure that includes both sales and rentals. On tracking firm Nielsen VideoScan's sales chart for the week ending May 6, "Dreamgirls" bumped "Night at the Museum" to No. 2. "Happily N'Ever After," with just $15.5 million in theatrical earnings, made a strong debut at No. 4. Two other new releases captured the No. 6 and No. 7 slots: the crime thriller "Alpha Dog" (which earned $15.2 million in theaters) and the horror remake "The Hitcher" ($16.2 million), respectively. On trade publication Home Media Magazine's rental chart, "Dreamgirls" was the highest-debuting new releasek, entering at No. 3 with estimated rental earnings of $6.7 million. "Night at the Museum" ($9 million) and "Deja Vu" ($7 million) remained at No. 1 and No. 2, respectively. "Alpha Dog" bowed at No. 5, right behind "The Queen," which slipped one place to No. 4 in its second week.
He tells British radio station X-FM. "I think its gonna be called 'The Mix-Up'. It's a little too sensible almost huh? I was a big fan of the title "Thick Like Beyonce's Leg" but that didn't make the final cut for some reason."
BEST MOVIE BEST PERFORMANCE BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMANCE BEST COMEDIC PERFORMANCE BEST KISS BEST VILLAIN BEST FIGHT BEST SUMMER MOVIE YOU HAVEN'T SEEN YET As previously reported, the singer is in the process of being sued by singer Des'Ree following allegations that she did not get permission to cover a song called "I'm Kissing You" on B Day - Deluxe Edition. Allegedly a deal to use the song did not come to fruition, but Beyonce re-recorded the song as "Still in Love (Kissing You)" and made a video. Beyonce's legal team state that it was only a month before B Day - Deluxe Edition's release--on March 3--that they had a "confirmation letter and license request." However, the Royalty Network's lawyers answered her request by submitting a counter proposal in which they granted permission to use the song within certain limits. These included the specification that they could not use the song in video form and that the title of the song would not be changed, reports MTV News. The Royalty Network's lawyers said that "despite follow-ups" they didn't hear back from Beyonce's team. They alleged that on March 27, despite their protests, they discovered that the singer planned to proceed with their plans to include a video of the song with a different title on her album anyway. In a letter to Beyonce's lawyer, the Royalty Network called the move "completely unacceptable." The Royalty Network came to an agreement with the singer on April 16 that her record company would "engage in no further distribution" of the album or video anthology until at least a preliminary injunction hearing on May 4. They are also seeking $150,000 in damages. Speaking about Des'Ree's song earlier this year, Beyonce said: "It was one of my all-time favorite songs. It gives you this emotion--I don't care who you are, you just feel it. So I just did it for myself--a lot of songs, I do like that--and I let people hear it and they were like, 'You are crazy, you have to put it on the album.' So I did. It was a last-minute decision."
The Sheffield indie rockers had to be content with second place for "Brianstorm," taken from their much anticipated second album "Favourite Worst Nightmare," to be released on Monday. The Arctic Monkeys' first album "Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not" sold 1.2 million copies in Britain, 364,000 of them in the first week. "Give It To Me," last week's number one from hip hop producer Timbaland, Justin Timberlake and Nelly Furtado, fell to third place. Also climbing into the top ten were R&B artist Ne-Yo with "Because Of You" at number six and London pop singer Natasha Bedingfield at seven with "I Wanna Have Your Babies." In the album chart Canadian rock singer Avril Lavigne shot to the top slot with her new release "The Best Damn Thing." Lavigne, who is reported to have recently paid 4.25 million pounds for an eight-bedroom house in Los Angeles, was also riding high in the singles charts at number four with a track from the album, "Girlfriend." New York based producer Mark Ronson's new album "Version," took second place, while last week's number one "Because Of The Times" from Tennessee rock band Kings of Leon slipped to number three. Also new in the album chart was "Year Zero" at number six from American alternative rock band Nine Inch Nails.
The list of sexy entertainers and athletes was announced Thursday. It was compiled by a team of Victoria's Secret executives, designers and supermodel spokeswomen, including Heidi Klum and Karolina Kurkova. Klum and Kurkova were to host a party in Las Vegas on Thursday to celebrate the list-makers. "I still think my husband (Seal) is the sexiest dad for our children, but (that's) beside the point," Klum, 33, told The Associated Press. Matthew McConaughey was honored for his "beach body." "You know, he has his shirt off a lot lately," said Klum, host of Bravo's "Project Runway." Other sexy celebs: Eric Dane (actor), Carrie Underwood (female musician), speed racer Danica Patrick (female athlete), Yankee Derek Jeter (male athlete), Kate Hudson (mom), and Jay-Z and Beyonce (couple). Sienna Miller won props for her trendsetting style, Josh Duhamel for his smile and Adrian Grenier for his eyes. Cameron Diaz has the sexiest legs, while Jennifer Hudson was singled out in the lips category. The ABC medical drama "Grey's Anatomy" — surprise, surprise — has the sexiest cast.
The former Destiny's Child star faces a demand for damages over the use of the song "I'm Kissing You," which was originally recorded by the '90s British soul diva. A different version featured on Beyonce's B'Day album last year, with a new title of "Still In Love (I'm Kissing You)." In the case, which was filed at Manhattan's Federal Court yesterday, Des'ree demanded $150,000 in damages and an immediate end to the distribution of the song. She also claims the two parties originally discussed the possibility of agreeing a cover before Knowles decided to go ahead without reaching any terms.
"I always wanted to do a video album," Beyonce said in a recent interview, noting that her fans "can watch it whenever they want and not have to go to YouTube." The 25-year-old singer told AP Television News she was able to pull it off because everyone was well-rehearsed and prepared. "I knew all the choreography before I started filming the videos. I knew what every hairstyle was going to be before I did it. I knew what every look (was going to be); as far as the makeup and the wardrobe, we already had the fittings," she said. "B'Day Anthology Video Album," released Tuesday, features songs from her Grammy-winning "B'Day" album. The DVD coincides with the release of a deluxe edition of the disc, with seven tracks in Spanish. Beyonce, who rides a giant black cat in one glammed-up video for the song "Kitty Kat," said she got a kick out of reinventing her look. "I didn't want them to look the same," she said. "Some are in black and white. Some are Super8. Some are very bright, vivid colors. Some are, you know, they look a little retro." "I wore my hair black in some. I wore '80s makeup in one of the videos. Sixties Mod makeup. It was so exciting 'cause I love fashion, I love dressing up, so definitely it was like playing different characters." She added: "I can't believe I did it. But I had a lot of help and a lot of support." Beyonce's world tour, set to open Tuesday in Tokyo, will run through September, Music World-Columbia Records announced Wednesday. North American stops include New Orleans, Dallas, New York City, Washington, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Las Vegas and Los Angeles.
"I just feel like I have to learn Spanish because I can sing it – I just can't speak it," she says in the new issue of PEOPLE En Español. On April 3 she'll release a new version of her CD B-Day, which originally came out in September. This time, she's added six new songs – all sung in Spanish, including "Amor Gitano," the theme to the Telemundo telenovela Zorro, which she delivers as a duet with Alejandro Fernandez. "A lot of my fans are Hispanic," she says, "and they've always told me, 'You should sing something in Spanish,' but I don't speak Spanish at all. I took it in school [so] I thought, let me give this a try." And trying it was. "I did these songs phonetically, sentence by sentence, and I spent a lot of time ... making sure it was perfect, because I didn't want to disrespect the language, because it's so beautiful," says the Texas-born singer, 25, who brought help with her to the recording session. "One of my best friends in the world is Cuban, so she was the test. I brought her to the studio and told her, 'Be honest. You have to tell me if anything is wrong.' So when she approved it, I knew everything was right." Would she ever do an entire album in Spanish? "I would love to," she says. "I wanted to see how people would respond to me singing in Spanish and I'm so grateful that people have opened up their hearts to what I've done." For the complete PEOPLE En Español interview with Beyoncé, click here.
For three weeks each year, about 1.7 million people and 37,000 cows, horses, goats and pigs converge on the city's Reliant Park for what is billed as the world's largest rodeo and livestock show. This year's rodeo began February 27 and ends March 18. But it is also a huge party that reflects the changes in a city where suburbanites have replaced ranchers and oil, not cattle, is king. There, Texans dressed in boots and cowboy hats feast on fried candy bars and funnel cakes, sip chardonnay from local wineries, ride the Ferris wheel, try their luck on a mechanical bull and watch professional cowboys ride bucking broncos. The rodeo began as an exposition of farm animals in 1932, meant to celebrate a time when cattle outnumbered people in Houston by about 5-to-1. But as attendance flattened, early organizers added a parade, a rodeo and singing cowboys like Gene Autry and Roy Rogers. Those events still exist, but rodeo organizers, who now rely on sophisticated market data to monitor public opinion, have had to change with the times to attract crowds increasingly out of touch with the rural past. "We're using entertainment to bring the masses here to be educated, just like they did in 1942," said Leroy Shafer, who is chief operating officer of the rodeo. "We continually do new things to attract a new audience to the show." HANNAH TOPS REBA? Country music stalwarts like Reba McEntire and George Strait drew capacity crowds at this year's rodeo, but the top draw has been 14-year-old singing sensation Miley Cyrus as Hannah Montana, a character on a popular Disney Channel television show. About 73,000 tickets were sold to the Hannah Montana concert and she likely will draw a bigger crowd than Beyonce, another pop sensation who is slated to perform. "When we bring in somebody like Hannah Montana or Hilary Duff, we are looking to bring in audiences from all walks of life," Shafer said. "The entertainment package is the single most important thing we do." But not all rodeo goers like the big concerts. "Don't get me started on Beyonce," Michael Morris, a student from Houston said after his friend snapped a photograph of him posing in front of a giant John Deere tractor. "I wouldn't come here for the singing," said Morris, who was dressed in boots, a bolo tie and a black cowboy hat. "I like the big farm equipment and I like the livestock." And the animals are a big draw for breeders, buyers and city dwellers who come to gawk. In a section aimed at children, a very pregnant dairy cow occupies a pen in front of a row of bleachers where people stare intently at her hindquarters, waiting for birth. The livestock show draws cattle, turkeys and pigs from all over the country to compete for the title of "Grand Champion," an honor than can fetch a six-figure auction price. In the ring on a day when black Angus cattle were shown, Brad McCurry, the event's judge, made it clear to the audience that size does size matter for young bulls. "There's a lot of circumference in testicle on this bull," McCurry said after peering at the massive animal's underside. That bull won the first-place blue ribbon in his class.
She also was set to compete during the Saturday night award show for best female single for "Irreplaceable" and for the Michael Jackson Award for best music video. Mary J. Blige had two nominations, one for best single for "Take Me As I Am," and the other for best female album for "The Breakthrough." On the male side, John Legend, Chris Brown, Ne-Yo and Yung Joc each were nominated for two awards. Legend, who won Soul Train Awards last year for best male album and single, was set to compete in those categories. "Once Again" was up for the best male album award, while "Save Room" was nominated for best male single. Brown also was hoping to take best male single for "Yo (Excuse Me Miss)" and best male album for "Chris Brown." The teenager, who last year joked about fitting in studio time between basketball practice, was Soul Train's best new rap artist in 2006. One of this year's newcomers, Ne-Yo, was competing for best male single for "Sexy Love" and as best new artist. Yung Joc also was nominated for best new artist and best dance cut for "It's Goin' Down." The Isley Brothers Featuring Ronald Isley had nominations in both group categories, getting a nod for the single "Just Came Here to Chill" and "Baby Makin' Music" for best album. So did Gnarls Barkley, nominated for "Crazy" for single and "St. Elsewhere" for album. Omarion and LeToya were slated to co-host the awards ceremony at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. LeToya also was competing for best female single for "Torn." The show will air in syndication between March 17-24. The Soul Train Music Awards are sponsored by the syndicated music show "Soul Train" and celebrate artists in R&B, hip-hop and gospel music. Winners are determined by a group of radio-station professionals, talent managers and performers.
Australian organisation Quit recently sent letters to the country's government seeking the ad's removal from billboards and newspapers. Action on Smoking and Health director John Banzhaf also slams the star, telling American publication Us Weekly, "The objection is to the association of glamour and sexiness with smoking. I hope Beyonce realises it's wrong and condemns it." Meanwhile, the 'Ring The Alarm' singer is also under fire from animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) because of another publicity shot that shows her alongside live alligators. A PETA spokesperson adds, "Beyonce is so beautiful that she doesn't need to drag terrified alligators into a picture to get attention."
"Thank goodness, neither one of us ate. According to the health department, she wasn't at risk," said publicist Alan Nierob. The Feb. 14 bash in West Hollywood was to celebrate the magazine's latest swimsuit issue. Knowles, who was featured on the cover, and many other models in the magazine were there. The party was one of 13 catered events where people may have been exposed to hepatitis A by an infected cook working for Wolfgang Puck Catering, authorities said. The cook has been placed on medical leave. As many as 3,500 people may have been exposed to the contagious but rarely fatal illness between Feb. 3 and Feb. 20, but "if they didn't touch the food, they're not going to have a problem," Dr. Jonathan Fielding, director of public health for Los Angeles County, said Wednesday. Health officials and party organizers were working to notify everyone on the 13 party guest lists, Fielding said. No illnesses had been reported by Wednesday afternoon. "I think the risk is low for everybody" of contracting the illness, Fielding said. However, it can take up to seven weeks for symptoms to show, he said. There is a 14-day window during which immune globulin can be administered to prevent illness and that window was still open for many people, Fielding said. Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver that can cause jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and fever. The virus most often is spread through fecal-oral contact, such as touching hand to mouth after using the bathroom or shaking the hands of infected people who did not wash properly. It also can spread when an infected worker touches food, even cooked food, without taking proper precautions. The county reported more than 400 cases of acute hepatitis A in each of the past two years.
The Los Angeles County health department recommended on Tuesday that anyone who ate uncooked food at the U.S. sports magazine's party on February 14 get treatment by Wednesday to avoid developing the serious liver disease. Health officials said the risk was "quite low" and that no Wolfgang Puck pre-packaged foods or restaurants were affected. Hepatitis A is caused by a virus spread by ingesting something contaminated with the feces of an infected person. Symptoms can include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain and jaundice. Carl Shuster, president of Wolfgang Puck Catering, said the company was working closely with health officials to contact anyone who ate food prepared in its Hollywood kitchen between February 1 and 20. Shuster said the worker was placed on medical leave and the company has "applied exceptional procedures" to disinfect the kitchens and food processing areas. "Our catering efforts continue and we remain confident that our guests will receive the highest standards of excellence for which Wolfgang Puck is known," the statement said. This year's swimsuit issue features singer-actress Beyonce Knowles as the cover model, with rapper Kanye West, country star Kenny Chesney and members of the bands Aerosmith and Gnarls Barkley posing with scantily clad models.
Beyonce, Celine Dion, James Taylor, Randy Newman and Melissa Etheridge were among those who stepped onto the Kodak Theatre stage on Friday evening to rehearse for Sunday's 79th Academy Awards ceremony. Taylor and Newman performed "Our Town" from the movie "Cars," which earned Newman his 17th Oscar nomination. Sitting on a stool in front of Newman's grand piano, Taylor chewed gum as he sang and played acoustic guitar. Both were accompanied by the Oscar orchestra. After several rehearsals, though, Newman still wasn't satisfied. "I guess we can lower our standards and take a risk," he said to conductor Bill Ross. They ran through the tune one more time. The "Dreamgirls" — Beyonce, Jennifer Hudson and Anika Noni Rose — reunited to rehearse the film's three nominated songs. "Dreamgirls" director Bill Condon was on hand to oversee their performances. Beyonce didn't bring an entourage, but she still sparkled like a superstar in towering stilettos, tight blue jeans and a bedazzled jacket. Rose also sported high heels. Hudson, considered the favorite for the supporting-actress Oscar, dressed down, pairing ballet flats with her casual miniskirt, leggings and T-shirt combo. Halfway through the rehearsal, she slipped into heels. Dion practiced her new song, "I Knew I Loved You" — part of a tribute to Italian composer Ennio Morricone, who orchestrated the music for the 1984 film "Once Upon a Time in America." Dion's new song was written to that score. Etheridge, accompanied by a three-piece band, filled the mostly empty theater with her big voice, singing the nominated song "I Need to Wake Up" from the Al Gore documentary "An Inconvenient Truth." "Just rock 'n' roll," she told the band, "because I'll be nervous up here looking at Meryl Streep." While the stars took the stage, the musical backbone of the show — the orchestra — remained ensconced beneath it. "It would be fun to be seen," said harpist Gayle Levant, who is playing her 13th Academy Awards this year. "It would be fun to have a camera come around here so we could wave and say `We're here, it's live, we're doing it.'" The Hollywood native typically plays on movie and television scores. She called the Oscar gig "the biggest honor in the world." Principal cellist Stephen Erdody, who's on his fourth Oscar show this year, agreed. "It's a prestigious thing," he said. "It's fun to do this. I just wish they could see us."
"It takes a lot of guts. I'm really a shy person," the singer tells the magazine. "But in my everyday world, as a musical performer, I'm playing a character. I had to tap that same character." Making the SI cover for the annual top-selling issue propels the singer into an elite class of model whose ranks include Christie Brinkley, Elle Macpherson, Rachel Hunter, Heidi Klum and Tyra Banks. "It's fascinating how many careers it's made, or how many have been made of it," says Beyoncé of the swimsuit issue. "They're always so beautiful." Though the 25-year-old singer has been asked to pose in a swimsuit before, her mother says she wanted to wait for the right time. "At every shoot," Tina Knowles says of her much-photographed daughter, "they always bring some swimsuits and ask, 'Can we shoot in this?' It's always been 'No! When it's time to do swimsuits, it's going to be something big." It doesn't get bigger than the coveted cover of SI. To physically prepare for the shoot, the "Bootylicious" singer says she had to watch what she ate – which was especially tough because it was scheduled right after Thanksgiving. "At dinner, I kept thinking: this extra piece of pie will show up," she says. "I always make sure I celebrate it up, but I was so terrified with every little thing I ate this year." Before the photo session, the singer relaxed by listening to some of her favorite music. "I listened to John Legend's new album. It's soothing, sexy and old school. It got me in the mood." And once it got started, Beyoncé had a little help from her friends – and most of her family. "Kelly Rowland (of Destiny's Child) showed up. My mom was there; my nephew," she says. "Dad was going to come, but he said, 'Well, I'll, um, meet you in Orlando after the shoot. I'm not so sure that I want to see this. All my blessings; you're a big girl. But I'm not so sure I want to see it.' " But dad had nothing to worry about. Beyoncé says she's proud of the pictures. "These are photos I can show my kids some day," she says, "so I can say, 'See, momma was beautiful. Look how good I looked!' " To see all the Beyoncé pics and more, go to SI.com.
Fall Out Boy's "This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arms Race" slipped one to No. 3, but topped the Hot Digital Songs chart for a third week. Daughtry's "It's Not Over" held tight at No. 4 for a second week on the Hot 100, while Gwen Stefani's "The Sweet Escape" featuring Akon rose one to a new high of No. 5. Ludacris' "Runaway Love" featuring Mary J. Blige rose one to No. 6 in its 12th week, and ruled Hot Rap Tracks for a second. Akon's "I Wanna Love You" featuring Snoop Dogg fell two to No. 7 on the Hot 100, while Jim Jones' "We Fly High" was unchanged at No. 8. Lloyd's "You" featuring Lil' Wayne rose two to No. 9, and Unk's "Walk It Out" rocketed seven to No. 10. The Jonas Brothers' "Year 3000" was the chart's top debut, at No. 40. The track comes from the young group's debut "It's About Time," released last August. After landing at No. 2 on the albums chart Wednesday with her self-titled debut, "American Idol" finalist Katharine McPhee opened at No. 48 on the Hot 100 with "Over It." Other big debuts included Modest Mouse at No. 59 with "Dashboard," Vanessa Hudgens' "Say OK" at No. 67, Jack Ingram's cover of Hinder's "Lips of an Angel" at No. 77, London-by-way-of-Lebanon songwriter Mika's "Grace Kelly" at No. 81, albums chart queen Norah Jones' "Thinking About You" at No. 82 and the Naked Brothers Band's "Crazy Car" at No. 83. Hector "El Father" topped Hot Latin Songs with "Sola" for a third week and Rodney Atkins' "Watching You" remained No. 1 for a fourth on Hot Country Songs. The Red Hot Chili Peppers began a fourth week at No. 1 on the Modern Rock chart with "Snow (Hey Oh)," while Three Days Grace led Mainstream Rock for a ninth with "Pain."
Two of Beyonce's three nominations were for her hit single "Irreplaceable," earning nods for best R&B/soul single and for best R&B/soul or rap music video. Her sophomore album, "B'Day," is up for best female R&B/soul album. Beyonce, who burst on the recording scene as a member of the chart-topping R&B group Destiny's Child, earned a Golden Globe nomination for her role as the Diana Ross-like character in "Dreamgirls," a big-screen adaptation of the Broadway hit musical. But she lost out to Meryl Streep for "The Devil Wears Prada" in the race for best actress in a musical or comedy, and failed to land an Oscar nomination for her "Dreamgirls" performance. Competing against Beyonce in the Soul Train R&B single and album categories is double nominee Mary J. Blige. Others receiving two nods each were Chris Brown, John Legend, Ne-Yo, Gnarls Barkley, Yung Joc and the Isley Brothers featuring Ronald Isley. The awards, determined by a panel of radio programmers, artists and retailers, will be handed out March 10 in Pasadena, California, at a ceremony co-hosted by singers LeToya and Omarion. The show will be televised in national syndication the week of March 17-24. Recipients of this year's special honors will be announced separately in the coming weeks. Those honors include the Quincy Jones Award for outstanding career achievements and the Sammy Davis Jr. Award for entertainer of the year.
"This Ain't a Scene" sits at No. 2 for a second week. Nelly Furtado's "Say It Right" keeps the No. 3 spot warm on the big chart for a second week but becomes her second hit to reach the summit on the Pop 100, sliding up from No. 3. Daughtry's "It's Not Over" achieves a new peak on the Hot 100, moving from No. 6 to No. 4, while Akon's "I Wanna Love You" featuring Snoop Dogg slips from No. 4 to No. 5. Akon is also featured on Gwen Stefani's "The Sweet Escape," this week's greatest digital sales gainer, which ascends 19-6. It's Stefani's second top 10 hit from the album "The Sweet Escape," following "Wind It Up," which peaked at No. 6. "Runaway Love" by Ludacris featuring Mary J. Blige rises 11-7 and is this week's greatest airplay gainer. Jim Jones' "We Fly Hight" falls 5-8 as Fergie's "Fergalicious" dips 7-9. Justin Timberlake scores his third top 10 hit in a row with "What Goes Around ... Comes Around," moving 13-10; the singer previously topped the chart with "SexyBack" and "My Love" featuring T.I. British pop singer Lily Allen's "Smile," which topped the singles chart in her homeland, bows at No. 83 to earn this week's top debut honors. Her Capitol debut, "Alright, Still," arrived Tuesday in the United States. The Shins continue to have a big week, as the group scores its first Billboard Hot 100 single with "Phantom Limb," bowing at No. 86. The rock troupe's "Wincing the Night Away" (Sub Pop) debuted at a career-best No. 2 this week on the Billboard 200. Pretty Ricky, who scored the No. 1 spot on the chart with "Late Night Special" (Atlantic), leaps 72-12 on the Hot 100 with "On the Hotline" after its release to digital retailers. Other debuts include Brooks & Dunn's "Hillybilly Deluxe" at No. 92, My Chemical Romance's "Famous Last Words" at No. 93, Good Charlotte's "The River" featuring M. Shadows and Synyster Gates at No. 97, Kenny Chesney's "Beer in Mexico" at No. 98 and Musiq Soulchild's "Buddy" at No. 100.
The 25-year-old singer-actress tops the Web site's list ranking the "most alluring" female celebrities as determined by its readers and staff. Voters were asked to consider qualities beyond sex appeal and beauty, such as "intelligence, humor, charisma and ambition," according to the site. More than 8.5 million votes were cast, the Web site says. Knowles, currently co-starring in "Dreamgirls," was followed by screen sirens Scarlett Johansson and Jessica Alba, supermodel Adriana Lima and actress Jessica Biel. Rounding out the top 10 were model Alessandra Ambrosio, singer Shakira, TV host Maria Menounos and actresses Angelina Jolie and Elisha Cuthbert.
"People were calling and saying, 'Who is that? It sounds like Beyonce,"' recalls Ruben S., the afternoon drive DJ at KVIB (95.1 Latino Vibe). "People were pretty surprised to hear it was Beyonce." Since then, the track, whose title translates as "Irreemplazable," has consistently ranked among KVIB's top five requested songs. Taken together, spins of the Spanish and English versions on Latin radio nationwide have placed the tune at No. 8 on Billboard's latest Hot Latin Songs chart. That is well in advance of simultaneous English and Spanish rereleases of "B'Day" scheduled for April, says Mathew Knowles, Beyonce's father and manager. The Spanish version will have five bonus tracks, including duets with Shakira and Alejandro Fernandez. A major platform for English, Spanish and Spanglish songs to coexist is Latin urban radio, a format that developed after the reggaeton explosion a few years ago. The latest Latin Rhythm chart features 10 songs released primarily in English. Los Angeles' bilingual KXOL (Latino 96.3) is playing a remix of Akon's "I Wanna Love You" with Tego Calderon, as well as the English and Spanish versions of "Irreplaceable." "The people that Beyonce made that song for -- we're bilingual, and we don't want to be put in a box," says Pio Ferro, senior VP of programming at KXOL's parent, Spanish Broadcasting System. "When you see the people that go out to the clubs and show up at our events, it's a very urban look: the way they dress, the way they act, the way they talk," adds Jerry Pulles, KXOL's music director/assistant program director. "It's the hip-hop lifestyle." A reshot Spanish version of the "Irreplaceable" video premiered last week on "MiTRL," the video countdown show on bilingual channel MTV Tr3s. Pulles says, "It kind of comes off a little bit as a novelty, but I think the listeners take it as, 'she's validating us, and we speak Spanish, and we have a young urban movement and it's cool to speak Spanish."'
The pop punk band's "This Ain't a Scene, It's An Arms Race" debuted at No. 2 thanks to 162,000 digital downloads, according to Nielsen SoundScan. This is the highest bow for a band since radio-only titles joined the chart in December 1998. The last group to start as well or better was Aerosmith, who debuted at No. 1 under prior Hot 100 rules with "I Don't Want To Miss a Thing" in September 1998. In addition, the download totals for "This Ain't a Scene" are the largest opening-week tally for a group since Nielsen SoundScan began tracking digital sales in 2003. The song is drawn from Fall Out Boy's new album, "Infinity on High," which arrives February 6 via Island Def Jam. "Irreplaceable," meanwhile, becomes the longest-running chart-topper that advanced to pole position in 2006. It is also the third Beyonce single to remain No. 1 for eight weeks or longer, after "Crazy in Love" (eight weeks) and "Baby Boy" (nine weeks). As a member of Destiny's Child, Beyonce also had a No. 1 song that remained at the summit for 11 weeks: "Independent Women Part I." Elsewhere, Nelly Furtado's "Say It Right" climbed one to a new high of No. 3, while R&B singer Akon's "I Wanna Love You" featuring Snoop Dogg dropped two to No. 4. Jim Jones' "We Fly High" was up one to No. 5, followed by albums chart-topperDaughtry's "It's Not Over," which rocketed 15 to No. 6. Fergie's "Fergalicious" fell four to No. 7, and Akon's "Smack That" featuring Eminem was down three to No. 8. The Fray's "How To Save a Life" (down two to No. 9) and My Chemical Romance's "Welcome to the Black Parade" (down one to No. 10) rounded out the Hot 100's upper echelon. At No. 14, Corbin Bleu debuted with "Push It to the Limit" from the soundtrack to the Disney Channel's "Jump In!" TV movie. The next highest debut on the Hot 100 was Nickelback's "If Everyone Cared" at No. 50. On the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, Ciara's "Promise" replaced "Irreplaceable" at the top. Hector "El Father" led Hot Latin Songs with "Sola," Rodney Atkins' "Watching You" ruled Hot Country Songs, while Rihanna's "We Ride" topped the Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart. The Red Hot Chili Peppers began a second week at No. 1 on the Modern Rock chart with "Snow (Hey Oh)," while Three Days Grace led Mainstream Rock for a seventh with "Pain."
"Irreplaceable" ties Justin Timberlake's "SexyBack" as the longest running No. 1 among the songs that moved into first place in 2006. It also means that the first new No. 1 of 2007 won't arrive until at least February. That's late, going by the last two years. The first new No. 1 of 2006 was D4L's "Laffy Taffy," which hit the apex the week of January 14. The year 2005 began with the earliest possible arrival of a new chart-topper: Mario's "Let Me Love You" hit the highest mark on January 1. Meanwhile, Timberlake has become the first lead artist since 50 Cent in May 2005 to boast three songs within the top 20. "What Goes Around ... Comes Around" jumped nine places to join the prior No. 1 hits "My Love" (No. 8) and "Sexyback" (No. 16) in the chart's upper fifth. Nelly Furtado's "Say It Right" inched up one to No. 4, switching places with Akon's "Smack That" featuring Eminem. Jim Jones' "We Fly High" jumped two places to No. 6, and the Fray's "How To Save a Life" held at No. 7. Also unchanged: My Chemical Romance's "Welcome to the Black Parade" at No. 9, and the All-American Rejects' "It Ends Tonight" at No. 10. Teen vocalist Jordan Pruitt boasted the top debut with "Jump to the Rhythm" at No. 69. The cut is featured on the soundtrack to the Disney Channel's recently-premiered TV movie "Jump In!" and it will also appear on her debut album, due February 6. Another Disney-reared star, Ashley Tisdale of "High School Musical," opened at No. 77 with "He Said, She Said," from her Warner Bros. debut, "Headstrong." That set also arrives February 6. Additional Hot 100 debuts included Mike Jones' "Mr. Jones" at No. 92, the Wreckers' "My, Oh My" at No. 94 and Fergie's "Glamorous" featuring Ludacris at No. 98. Elsewhere, Rodney Atkins' "Watching You" overthrew Brad Paisley's "She's Everything" on Hot Country Songs, his second No. 1 on this chart. Keith Urban's "Stupid Boy" climbed three places to No. 9, his 14th top 10 hit on the tally. Mana's "Bendita Tu Luz" was No. 1 on the Hot Latin Songs chart for a third straight week, while Altar's "Party People" featuring Jeanie Tracy leapfrogged Rihanna's "We Ride" to claim the top position on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play tally. By ascending to No. 1 on the Modern Rock chart with "Snow (Hey Oh)," the Red Hot Chili Peppers join Green Day as the only acts to top this tally twice with three songs from an album. On the Mainstream Rock chart, Three Days Grace started a sixth week at No. 1 with "Pain."
It took five weeks to get to number one, and the Dreamgirls soundtrack isn't ready to relinquish the spot just yet. Although the album sold just 60,000 copies for the week ended Sunday, according to today's Nielsen SoundScan numbers, but it was enough to top the Billboard 200 album sales chart for the second straight week. That total was down 6,000 from the previous week, and the lowest total ever for a number one album in SoundScan era, but due to the traditionally sluggish post-holiday sales, no other album came close. Overall sales were down 14 from the previous chart and the same percentage down from the same period last year. (The only bright spot: Downloads were up 80 percent over 2006.) The Dreamgirls disc is expected to get a bump on next week's charts after Monday night's Golden Globe wins for Best Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical, and supporting acting trophies for Jennifer Hudson and Eddie Murphy. As one soundtrack topped the chart, another landed the week's biggest bow. The Jump In! soundtrack—stemming from yet another hit Disney Channel TV movie—sold 49,000 copies to debut at number five. Clearly on a roll, Mickey's network had the biggest album of last year with the High School Musical soundtrack, which initially opened towards the bottom of the Billboard 200 in January of '06. With the Dreamgirls on top, Akon logged another week at number two, with Konvicted, selling 55,000 copies to push it total to 1.3 million. Justin Timberlake's FutureSex/LoveSounds climbed a spot to number three on 51,000 discs sold. A pair of albums reentered the chart's upper echelon this week: Beyoncé's B'Day climbed five to number six, while Nickelback's All the Right Reasons jumped eight to the ten spot. The rest of the Top 10 holdovers included Daughtry's self-titled at four, Now That's What I Call Music! Vol. 23 at seven, the Beatles' Love at eight and Young Jeezy's The Inspiration at nine. Further down the chart, a trio of new albums made their debuts: Yo-Yo Ma's Appassionato at 79, Tucanes De Tijuana's El Papa De Los Pollitos at 118 and Crunk Hits, Vol. 3 at 120. Here's a recap of the week's Top 10 albums: 1. Dreamgirls soundtrack, various The would-be performers took turns Saturday moving through choreographed routines to such Beyonce hits as "Deja Vu," while cameras recorded their footwork and choreographer Frank Gaston studied their style. Houston was the third location in the cross-country search, following auditions in Atlanta and Los Angeles. After two more stops, in New York and Chicago, Gaston and Beyonce will review the tapes. There will be 30 finalists from each city. The finalists get a trip to either New York or Los Angeles, where the numbers will be pared to the final 40. The selected dancers will earn $1,500 to $3,000 a week and get extensive exposure at Beyonce's performances, said Gaston, who choreographs Beyonce's videos and has worked with En Vogue and Toni Braxton.
Academy Awards rules stipulate only three people can be officially nominated for each Best Song - and judges are forced to pick the trio who contributed most to the tune. That means Beyonce misses out because she merely added a few finishing touches to the hit song 'Listen' from the 'Dreamgirls' soundtrack. According to the Academy, Henry Krieger, Anne Preven and Scott Cutler will be recognised as the songwriters. But Beyonce's publicist Alan Nierob insists his client always knew she'd miss out on a Best Song Oscar nod. He says, "Beyonce is aware of the Oscar rule that says only three songwriters can be nominated. It's all about percentages how much each person contributed to the song. Beyonce contributed greatly to Listen, but her percentage is lower, so she didn't expect to be eligible for nomination. She's very happy that her co-writers may be recognised."
The R&B starlet said in an interview with univision.com -- and sources confirm -- that she will rerelease her "B'Day" album with four Spanish tracks. The Columbia release debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart 17 weeks ago; it is currently at No. 12. One of the additional tracks, "Beautiful Liar," will be a duet with Shakira. "Irreplaceable" is also No. 12, on Billboard's airplay-based Hot Latin Songs chart. Beyonce is currently featured on univision.com, which is sponsoring a contest where fans can download a free ringtone and enter to win a trip to her July 21 concert in Mexico.
Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture: 1 (1) Night at the Museum ........... $ 37.8 million NOTE: Last weekend's rankings in parentheses.TOTALS TO DATE "Irreplaceable" ruled a relatively static top tier of the Hot 100, which saw Akon's "I Wanna Love You" featuring Snoop Dogg holding at No. 2, and Fergie's "Fergalicious" inching up one place to No. 3. That track swapped places with Akon's "Smack That" featuring Eminem. Justin Timberlake's "My Love" featuring T.I. was No. 5 for a fourth week, and Nelly Furtado's "Say It Right" was No. 6 for a third. The Fray's "How To Save a Life" rose one place to No. 7, followed by Bow Wow's "Shortie Like Mine" featuring Chris Brown and Johnta Austin steady at No. 9, and Hinder's "Lips of an Angel" unchanged at No. 10. Besides "Listen," the only other debut on the Hot 100 was Pretty Ricky's "On the Hotline," at No. 97. Grammy nominee KT Tunstall's "Suddenly I See" re-entered at No. 43 thanks to digital sales; the track peaked at No. 45 earlier this month. Big gainers included the All-American Rejects' "It Ends Tonight," up seven to No. 11 due to digital downloads; and Ludacris' "Runaway Love" featuring Mary J. Blige, up nine to No. 22 due to radio airplay. On the Hot Latin Songs chart, Ricky Martin's "Tu Recuerdo" featuring La Mari began a third week at the top. Brad Paisley's "She's Everything" swapped places with Sugarland's "Want To" on Hot Country Songs, climbing three places to No. 1. Billboard's rock charts did not change, as Incubus's "Anna Molly" and Three Days Grace's "Pain" moved into their third weeks atop the Modern and Mainstream Rock tallies, respectively.
The film, starring Eddie Murphy and Beyonce Knowles, earned $8.7 million on Christmas Day according to studio estimates as it expanded from three locations to 852 theaters nationwide. That was good enough to push it into the top-10 grossing films for the four-day holiday weekend, knocking the religious-themed "The Nativity Story" to 11th place. "The response to the movie has been spectacular," Rob Moore, president and chief operating officer at Paramount, a unit of Viacom Inc., said Tuesday. The studio will release the film to about 2,000 theaters in a few weeks, giving the musical a good financial head start, Moore said. The film, which also stars Jamie Foxx and Jennifer Hudson, also has dreams of Oscar. "Dreamgirls is an Oscar contender if ever there was one," said Paul Dergarabedian, president of box-office tracker Media By Numbers. "It's a crowd pleaser." The Ben Stiller comedy "Night at the Museum" retained its No. 1 standing, pulling in $42.2 million over the holiday weekend, including $12.4 million on Christmas Day. The horror flick "Black Christmas" from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer earned a respectable one-day total of $3.3 million on its debut Monday. "There's always an audience that wants to be counter to the norm," Dergarabedian said. Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Monday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Media By Numbers LLC. Final figures will be released Wednesday. 1. "Night at the Museum," $42.2 million. The 'Deja Vu' singer shed 20 pounds to play Deena Jones in the acclaimed film - and is planning on getting bootylicious over Christmas. She tells British newspaper the Daily Star, "People are obsessed with skinny girls at the moment. OK, I lost a whole lot of weight for this movie but I sure am enjoying putting it back on. I'm going to be eating for America over Christmas to get some more junk in my trunk."
ANNETTE BENING- RUNNING WITH SCISSORS "You can't rush a man into anything – whether it's a relationship, marriage or having children," the singer, 25, says. "When he's ready, he'll let you know." As for herself, she says, "I was never one of those girls who dreamed of a big wedding. Maybe me and my man will go away to an island; maybe we'll go to a church. I have no idea." Checking out a report that she and her rapper beau were to have a $3 million ceremony in Anguilla, she tells InStyle: "It looks like a nice wedding – and very expensive. Unfortunately it's not true." She wants to get married, though, she says in Sunday's issue of Parade. "My parents have been married for 27 years, and they're still in love. That's a great example for me. I know it's possible." The most important thing in a relationship? "It's wonderful to understand and want the same things, but the friendship is most important," she tells Parade. "You know someone loves you by the way he treats you and respects you. You know it by how you both feel when you're together."
Based loosely on the ascent of The Supremes, Dreamgirls comes to the screen Friday, 25 years after its debut on Broadway. The musical, which won six Tony Awards, is a scorching tale about love, fame and betrayal. The film adaptation stars Beyoncé Knowles (Deena), Anika Non-i Rose (Lorrell) and Jennifer Hudson (Effie) as members of The Dreams singing group. Jamie Foxx plays their ruthless manager, and Eddie Murphy is a soul-rock singing star. Foxx attended the premiere, as did Murphy, who arrived with new girlfriend Tracey Edmonds. Murphy walked swiftly, only pausing long enough outside the theater to wave to fans. Other stars who turned out included Snoop Dogg, Paula Abdul and original Supreme Mary Wilson, who avoided the red-carpet press line and walked on a parallel strip of sidewalk beside the theater. On the red carpet, Hudson, a Season 3 American Idol finalist who lost to Fantasia Barrino, reveled in the high-decibel talk that her first film performance has already sparked. "I'm living my dream," said Hudson. "It gave me chills when I watched the movie for the first time and saw 'Introducing Jennifer Hudson' up on the screen. It still gives me chills whenever I see it. I think, 'Oh, my God. This is unbelievable!' " Dreamgirls writer/director Bill Condon lauded Hudson as "a great natural actress. It was all about being in touch with emotion. That's the critical thing for Effie, and Jennifer was in touch." Two of Broadway's Dreamgirls attended: Loretta Devine, who originated Lorrell, the youngest Dream, and who has a cameo as a jazz singer in the film, and Sheryl Lee Ralph. She created the role of Deena. The film's Deena, Beyoncé, made a grand entrance as the last star to stride down the red carpet and was rushed to the theater entrance. In recording her songs for the movie, "Beyoncé was great," said Damon Thomas, who with partner Harvey Mason Jr. — aka The Underdogs — produced all the songs and the soundtrack. "She's a total pro. She came into the studio a very understated vocal performer, just like her character." Biggest challenge in producing the music? "Trying not to (upset) all the people who loved the original," Mason said. "It's classic material."
Big wigs, fancy gowns, torrid romances, groundbreaking triumph, clashing egos and heartbreaking loss. She went through it all. Mary Wilson of The Supremes recently caught a private screening of the movie version of the Broadway musical, opening Friday in limited release, about a Detroit girl group inspired by her own Motown trio. The movie was an emotional triple whammy for the smoky alto, 62, who with childhood pals Florence Ballard and Diana Ross made history as the most successful black musical act of the '60s, to the tune of 12 No. 1 hits between 1964 and '69. "I totally enjoyed it," she says of the behind-the-scenes tale starring Beyoncé Knowles, Jamie Foxx, Eddie Murphy and newcomer Jennifer Hudson. "But I saw it from three perspectives: The original Broadway play, which I saw. The story that is supposedly loosely based on The Supremes. And the film itself. My mind was racing." When she attended the stage production, "It took me right back to when we started as The Primettes, as three little black girls from the Brewster Projects in the '50s. I began crying, it was so much like us." As for Dreamgirls on the big screen, "I think director Bill Condon captured the essence in a beautiful way." She especially appreciates the depiction of how difficult it was for black artists to cross the color barrier. "Now these kids are on the cover of all the magazines. We only had Ebony back then. They are making a heck of a lot of money compared to what we made." But what drew her tears this time was Jennifer Hudson's portrayal of Effie, pushed out of the lead to make way for the easier-on-the-eyes Deena, played by Knowles. Similarly, Ballard, a gutsy R&B belter, was forced into the background when Motown mogul Berry Gordy anointed Ross the queen Supreme. A problem drinker, Ballard was kicked out of the group in 1967 and died from coronary thrombosis in 1976 at age 32. "She was Etta James and Aretha Franklin in one great voice," says Wilson, who remains close to Ballard's three daughters. "Effie got a chance to show her talent. Florence never did." But her favorite was Eddie Murphy as strutting soul man James "Thunder" Early. "He stole the whole thing," Wilson says. "I grew up with these guys, and he was that person." As for her own counterpart, Lorrell, played by Anika Non-i Rose, "She made it clear she was in the middle position, just trying to talk common sense. I'm not saying it's me, but I loved her." Her one gripe is that Knowles as Deena, the stand-in for Ross, is more of a puppet in the hands of Foxx's manager than a force on her own. "She seemed naive. She's not the over-the-top, backstabbing diva that people might expect." Wilson wishes that Dreamgirls acknowledged the debt owed to The Supremes. "Not giving you credit — that hurts. But I am the kind of person who can rise above that." In fact, she continues to sing the musical's I Am Changing in her solo act and was inspired to title her 1986 best-selling memoir Dreamgirl: My Life as a Supreme. Those who flipped through the pages to find the gossipy nuggets about Ross' behavior dubbed the tome "Diana Dearest." And the last time they talked? Says Wilson, "I don't remember." Still, she savored memories stirred by the film: "It was like my scrapbook."
Best R&B Song Best Contemporary R&B Album Best Rap/Sung Collaboration The solo chart-toppers have actually all been collaborations until now. Boyfriend Jay-Z was featured on "Crazy in Love," Sean Paul was the guest star on "Baby Boy" and Slim Thug had second billing on "Check On It." Beyonce also had four No. 1 hits with her group Destiny's Child. Beyonce is the second artist to have two No. 1 hits in 2006. Justin Timberlake did it first with "SexyBack" and "My Love." "Check On It" ruled for five weeks in February-March. "I Wanna Love You" featuring Snoop Dogg slipped to No. 2, while another Akon song, "Smack That" featuring Eminem, kept the No. 3 spot warm. Fergie's "Fergalicious" rocketed six places to No. 4, though it previously peaked at No. 3. "My Love" by Justin Timberlake featuring T.I. slipped one to No. 5, while Gwen Stefani's "Wind It Up" rose one to No. 6. The Fray's "How To Save a Life" fell two to No. 7, and Hinder's "Lips of an Angel" followed suit, down two to No. 8. Bow Wow's "Shortie Like Mine" featuring Chris Brown and Johnta Austin rose two to a new high of No. 9. Jim Jones' "We Fly High" made a similar move, climbing two to No. 10. Elsewhere on the chart, Avril Lavigne's "Keep Holding On" was the top debut at No. 22. Other debuts included albums chart-topper Incubus' "Anna-Molly" (No. 66), Lil' Boosie's "Zoom" featuring Yung Joc (No. 78), Omarion's "Ice Box" (No. 81) Chris Brown's "Poppin"' featuring Jay Biz (No. 82), RBD's "Ser O Parecer" (No. 84), Ying Yang Twins' "Dangerous" featuring Wyclef (No. 85), Ricky Martin's "Tu Recuerdo" featuring La Mari (No. 96), Three Days Grace's "Pain" (No. 98) and Craig Morgan's "Little Bit of Life" (No. 100). On the Hot Latin Songs chart, Mana's "Bendita Tu Luz" replaced RBD's "Ser O Parecer" at No. 1, moving from No. 2. After 17 weeks on the chart, Rascal Flatts' "My Wish" climbed one to No. 1 on Hot Country Songs. Rascal Flatts also enjoyed a third week at No. 1 on the Adult Contemporary chart with "What Hurts the Most." The Fray's "How To Save a Life" starts a seventh at the top of Hot Adult Top 40 tracks. Billboard's rock charts held firm, with Tool's "The Pot" at No. 1 on Mainstream Rock for a fourth week and My Chemical Romance's "Welcome to the Black Parade" atop Modern Rock for a seventh.
A spokesman for the R&B songstress on Thursday denied reports surfacing in gossip columns and the Internet this week that she and her rap star-turned-music executive boyfriend planned to quietly tie the knot this coming weekend. A spokeswoman for Jay-Z told Reuters she had no knowledge of impending nuptials for the couple. Beyonce, 25, who rose to fame as a charter member of the R&B group Destiny's Child, said recently that she and friends were merely planning a birthday party for Jay-Z, who turned 37 on Monday. Nevertheless, paparazzi were placed on high alert in the Caribbean after the New York Post reported on Wednesday that a planned four-day birthday bash was an elaborate ruse designed as a cover for a secret wedding. According to the Post, guests were invited to a party aboard a yacht anchored off St. Barts, from where they would be ferried to the nearby island of Anguilla for a wedding ceremony to be held at a luxury resort called Cap Juluca. If such an event were in the works this weekend, Beyonce would have little time for a honeymoon. She is scheduled to appear on Monday night for the Beverly Hills premiere of her latest film, "Dreamgirls," a musical loosely based on the story of Diana Ross and the Supremes. Beyonce, also credited by her full name Beyonce Knowles, has been dating Jay-Z for about three years, and they performed together in the music videos for two of her hit singles, "Crazy in Love" and "Deja Vu." The Brooklyn-born rapper, whose real name is Shawn Carter, also serves as president of the seminal rap label Def Jam Records.
"I knew that the character that I played wasn't the star," Knowles, 25, told reporters on Saturday about knowing full well that her Diana Ross-esque role of Deena Jones was less meaty than Hudson's part as Effie White – a part that is already getting Hudson Oscar buzz. "She wasn't the underdog. She didn't have the struggle and the pain and the dramatic scenes that Effie had, and I was fine with that." Taking the role was about proving herself as an actress. "I'm already a star. I already have nine Grammys. Everyone knows I can sing," Knowles said. "I did this because I wanted people to know that I can act and I can play someone so different from myself." So, what about the rumors of jealousy towards Hudson? "It's really unfortunate that everyone is saying I'm jealous of Jennifer. It hurts my heart because it's so clichéd. … They're saying that I'm mad when I knew going into this that I was playing Deena," said Knowles. "Because I'm a star they just automatically assume that I'm not humble enough to sit down and take a back seat, which I am." But the R&B star did admit that she would have liked to have sung Effie's song, "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going," a showstopper that, in large part, helped get Jennifer Holliday a Tony Award for best actress for the original 1981 Broadway version of Dreamgirls. "I mean," said Knowles, "I wish I could've gained 20 pounds and played Effie." Asked if she'd really have packed on the weight for the part, Knowles said, "Yes. I absolutely would have, but Bill (Condon, the movie's writer-director) didn't even believe that I could be Deena. So imagine if I would've said, 'Bill, I want to be Effie.' " And Knowles has high praise for Hudson's portrayal of Effie. "Jennifer Hudson had such a pressure, first of all, never being in a film and never have done an album and still having to live up to those expectations," said Knowles. "She did incredible."
"I got to work with the best actors. They are so polished and so supportive. Usually, when you have Oscar-winning actors, sometimes they are not so supportive. But I could just watch and learn," she said in an interview published in the December issue of Prestige Hong Kong magazine. Foxx won the best-actor Oscar for his performance in "Ray," and Condon won an Oscar for adapting the screenplay of "Gods and Monsters." "It was a great vibe," Knowles said. "Everyone was just happy to be involved in the movie." Knowles, whose movie credits also include "The Pink Panther" and "Austin Powers in Goldmember," said she looks forward to acting more. "It's exciting to do something new and put myself out of my comfort zone. I hope there will be more roles, and deeper roles, and this one will help prepare me for the future," she said. "Dreamgirls," adapted from a Broadway musical, features Foxx as a car salesman who worms his way into the Detroit music scene and becomes an impresario, orchestrating the crossover of black music to white mainstream culture. Eddie Murphy co-stars as a flashy R&B singer. Knowles, "American Idol" finalist Jennifer Hudson and Anika Noni Rose play the Dreamettes, who start out as Murphy's backup singers but become a sensation on their own under Foxx's character's management. Knowles said one similarity between her real life and her character is that when she was part of the singing group Destiny's Child, like the Dreamettes, the trio once lost at a talent show. "Dreamgirls" is due to be released in the U.S. on Dec. 25.
The pop star has gone head-to-head with the former Destiny's Child icon, who regularly courts controversy with animal rights campaigners over her choice of clothes. Speaking as she continues her current U.K. tour, Pink demanded Beyonce take some responsibility for what she wears. She said: "Some of the practices are so cruel and as a celebrity you have a responsibility to think about the message you're sending out by wearing fur. People will think it's OK or cool, but it's not. I only hope she gets bit on the ass by whatever animal she wears."
The marketing wiz kids over at DreamWorks are campaigning old school for their booty bids, announcing plans to launch a Dreamgirls roadshow in advance of the film's release in order to build buzz for the flick. According to Variety, the roadshow will simultaneously launch in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco on Dec. 15, a good 10 days before middle America will be privy to the musical stylings of Beyoncé, Eddie Murphy, Jennifer Hudson and Jamie Foxx. The Bill Condon-directed musical will be screened at just one theater per city, one time per day during its exclusive engagements—emphasis on exclusive. Each screening will feature reserved seating for the audience and tickets will cost $25 per head. Of course, moviegoers will get more bang for their considerable buck: Each theater's lobby will be decked out with exhibits chronicling the making of the film, and, much like live theater venues, will have sales booths where insta-fans can buy movie merchandise and the film soundtrack. Patrons will also receive a limited-edition program of the flick, and, arguably most enticing of all, those who shell out the extra cash for a screening will get to watch the film sans pre-movie commercials, trailers or previews of any kind so as not to detract from the cinematic experience. "We wanted to bring it to audiences in a special way, and we think this roadshow does the film justice," Jim Tharp, Paramount's president of distribution, told Variety. The idea behind the roadshow, an admittedly old-fashioned tactic, is to make the moviegoing experience into more of a live theater event for the audience, the ultimate goal being word-of-mouth hype, bigger box office and, hopefully, awards show glory. The last time movie to engage in such a blatant, though apparently successful, approach was the 1972 musical Man of La Mancha, which went on to snare both Oscar and Golden Globe nominations. Dreamgirls, based on the Broadway musical of the same name, follows a trio of female soul singers who cross over to the pop charts in the 1960s. It opens in wide release Dec. 25.
"Even though I'm very happy and I don't have any drama in my life, I didn't want to do another album full of love songs. I did that last time. It's boring," the 25-year-old singer tells Elle in its December issue. The album includes several songs about a cheating boyfriend. One song, "Resentment," includes the lines, "I've been crying for too long/ What did you do to me?/ You lied, you lied, you lied." But Beyoncé insists the songs aren't about her longtime boyfriend, Jay-Z. "I'm sure people will read into that," she tells Elle, "but there's nothing to read into. Sorry to disappoint you!"
The hip-hop star/producer and R&B beauty arrived at the check-in desk in New York City laden with luggage, but were told by airline staff there was not enough room on the Johannesburg-bound flight. The couple then had to charter another plane to cope with their "almighty collection of suitcases". An airport insider says, "The trip only lasts two weeks but it looked like they were emigrating. The airline were accommodating with their allowance but the check-in desk said that regardless of how much they could afford, there simply wasn't enough room. Luckily, Jay-Z and Beyonce aren't poor and paid up enough to charter a separate plane."
Jennifer Armour sued the R&B star last year, claiming that the 2003 hit song "Baby Boy," from Beyonce Knowles' Grammy-winning album "Dangerously in Love," took lyrics from her own song, "Got a Little Bit of Love For You." Armour said her former manager submitted demo recordings of her song to various studios including Columbia Records and Atlantic Recording Corporations, record labels for Knowles and Sean Paul, who is featured in the song. However, the court did a side-by-side comparison of the two songs to look for substantial similarity - a key component of copyright infringement - and found they were "substantially dissimilar." "It's unfortunate that lawsuits such as this one occur, but I am grateful and relieved to have this behind me and I am eager to move on," Knowles, a Houston native, said in a statement issued by Music World Entertainment, the music management company her manager father founded. Armour could not be reached for comment.
Beyonce, the former Destiny's Child star, is nominated in four categories for the 10th anniversary awards, to be held at the Royal Albert Hall and televised live for the first time, on BBC3. She is nominated for Best International Female -- along with Janet Jackson, Nelly Furtado, Alicia Keys and Mary J. Blige -- as well as for Best Song, Best Video and Best R&B Act. Four new categories have been added this year, including Best UK Female and Best UK Male in recognition of Britain's growing challenge to the U.S. domination of black music. The 27-year-old Leeds singer Bailey Rae is in the running for Best UK Female, along with Best UK Newcomer and Best Song, nominations which come just six months after the release of her debut album. Also up for Best UK Female are Jamelia, Alesha Dixon, Beverley Knight and Keisha White. Former "Fame Academy" finalist Lemar, who won two Music of Black Origin (MOBO) awards last year, is nominated for Best UK Male this time. The other contenders in that group are London artist Kano, hip-hoppers Sway and Plan B, along with soul singer Nate James. Miss Dynamite's little brother Akala is up for Best Hip-Hop Act. Best Group will be a fight between the Black Eyed Peas, Gnarls Barkley, Outkast, Pussycat Dolls and The Streets. Gnarls Barkley's chart-topping "Crazy" is a contender in the Best Song category.
"Canada is memorable to me because my very first tour with Destiny's Child was in Canada with Wyclef (Jean) and at the time we were in a little minivan ... and we were the happiest kids in the world," she said, reminiscing in her posh hotel room, her jeans-clad legs curled up on the couch. Then she smiled, remembering the group that she formed when she was just nine also performed their very last concert together in Vancouver just last September. "I never realized that until right now," she said with a laugh. "It's weird." The "bootylicious" pop diva with the honey vocals and honey-coloured hair, who goes by just Beyonce, was in the city to promote her sophomore solo album, "B'Day." The record, released Sept. 5 (a day after her 25th birthday) just hit No. 1 on the Billboard charts in its debut week, selling just over 541,000 units, according to Sony. The success brought the Houston-born, New York-based singer "relief," she said, because she was nervous about how her fans would embrace the new, forceful sound. "This record is different and I wasn't sure if everybody would understand it," said Beyonce, sniffing from a cold that she was trying to control before her appearance on MuchMusic that evening. (She was also scheduled to perform a free concert to promote the Best Buy retail outlet in the city's downtown the next day.) The R-and-B vocalist co-produced, co-wrote and arranged the 11-track disc, which has harder beats than her five-time Grammy-winning debut album, "Dangerously In Love," in 2003. The first single, "Deja Vu," features her boyfriend, rap mogul Jay-Z, as a guest artist. Her father, Mathew Knowles, executive produced the project and her sister, Solange Knowles, helped produce. "At the time, I just loved it, so I didn't care (about reaction)," she said of the month-long record- making process this past spring. "But, you know, when it's time for the record to come out, you're like, 'Oh God, did I make a mistake?' But everybody is allowing me to grow, so it feels good." Indeed, Beyonce has grown quite a bit since she performed her final concert with Destiny's Child members Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams last September at Vancouver's GM Place. In that year, the nine-time Grammy-winner has starred in "The Pink Panther" and worked on campaigns for L'Oreal and Tommy Hilfiger's perfume, True Star Gold. She also made People magazine's "100 Most Beautiful People" list in April, put together a record and maintained her clothing line, House of Dereon, which she oversees with her mom. "There are certain artists that have the responsibility of setting the trends and being innovative and I feel like I'm one of those artists," said Beyonce, who's now learning to play acoustic guitar with 10 female musicians who will soon tour with her. "This year has been fascinating for me because I've learned a lot about myself ... and it's just beginning." Next up on her long list of goals is her role in the film "Dreamgirls," an adaptation of the stage musical co-starring Jamie Foxx, Eddie Murphy and "American Idol" finalist Jennifer Hudson. Directed by Bill Condon ("Gods and Monsters"), the movie stars Beyonce as Deena Jones, a member of a budding soul singing trio in the 1960s and '70s. The curvy singer with the powerful pipes said playing such a demure character is likely what led to her harder sound on her new disc. "She was held back, held in and contrived and everything was whispery," said Beyonce, who also starred in "Austin Powers: Goldmember" in 2002. "It was so watered down and ... doing that for six months I kind of just wanted to scream and unleash. So I did, and it was my release. I just felt really strong and that's just what came out of the studio."
Beyonce Knowles' B'Day celebrated its berth in stores by debuting atop the album charts, selling a massive 541,000 copies, per Nielsen SoundScan figures released Wednesday. The album, appropriately released worldwide on Sept. 4, Knowles' 25th birthday (it was released a day later in the U.S.), shunted aside last week's chart champ Bob Dylan and fended off Audioslave's latest to record the third-largest sales week of the year. Rascal Flatts' Me & My Gang leads the 2006 weekly list with 722,000 copies, followed by Tool's 10,000 Days with 564,000 copies. B'Day's lead radio single, the Rodney Jerkins-produced "Deja Vu," which once again pairs her with boyfriend Jay-Z (who apparently forgot about his retirement and also cameos on the track "Upgrade U"), actually slipped a spot to number two behind the Janet Jackson-Nelly collaboration, "Call on Me." Beyonce and Jay-Z previously teamed up on her first solo single, "Crazy in Love," and on the Kanye West-produced " '03 Bonnie & Clyde" from Jay's The Blueprint 2. This marks the second straight solo chart-topper for Knowles, following her 2003 post-Destiny's Child smash, Dangerously in Love. That album went on to win five Grammys, tying a record for most in a single year by a female artist. Knowles will have another shot at the top of the charts in December, as part of the cast album for the big-screen adaptation of the Tony-winning Dreamgirls. Audioslave's Revelations didn't put up much competition for the number one slot, but still sold a respectable 142,000 copies at number two. The Grammy-nominated group is currently in FM rotation with "Original Fire," which has burned up rock radio and even crept onto the pop-driven Hot 100 chart. In 2002, Audioslave opened at number two with their self-titled debut, while their sophomore disc, Out of Exile, topped the charts with a more impressive 263,000 first-week copies. With new entries taking over the top spots, Dylan's Modern Times dropped to number three in its second week. The disc, which made Dylan the only living artist with a 30-year span between number one albums, sold another 128,000 copies. Cracking the Top 10 for the first time in its three-decade career, Iron Maiden debuted at nine with A Matter of Life and Death, which sold 56,000 copies. The album topped the charts in nine different European countries. After 31 weeks of release, Hinder's Extreme Behavior entered the Top 10 at 10, selling more than 53,000 copies last week for a total of 609,000. The Oklahoma hard rock band benefits from its pop ballad hit, "Lips of an Angel." The remaining Top 10, all holdovers, included Danity Kane's self-titled at four, Cheetah Girls 2 soundtrack at five, Christina Aguilera's Back to Basics at six, Jessica Simpson's A Public Affair at seven and Nickelback's All the Right Reasons at eight. Panic! At the Disco, who got a bounce from a Video of the Year win at the MTV Music Awards, climbed six spots to 15 with A Fever You Can't Sweat Out. In its 39th week, the disc sold another 37,000 copies, bringing its total to 1.17 million. Other noteworthy debuts included Jars of Clay's Good Monsters at 58, The Essential Alice in Chains at 139 and Aaron Tippin: Now & Then at 162. Here's a recap of the Top 10 albums for the week ended Sunday: 1. B'Day, Beyonce The fiercest diva on the planet dominated 2003 with her Grammy-winning, multi-platinum solo debut, "Dangerously in Love," then continued her reign by reuniting with the Destiny's Child gals in 2005. And didn't she JUST have a smash with "Check On It" earlier this year? Actually, she hasn't taken much of a break since Destiny's Child came on the scene in 1997. Give us a chance to miss you, B. Not likely. Just in time for her 25th birthday, Jay-Z's main squeeze pops out "B'Day," her second solo release, comprised of ten songs and a bonus track. Featuring overused hitmakers like The Neptunes, Swizz Beatz, Rich Harrison and Rodney Jerkins, to name a few, the album threatens to be a slick but superficial attempt to get Beyonce yet another hit. But you know what? As Beyonce-weary as the world may be, only a true hater could find fault with "B'Day," a scorcher from start to finish. Beyonce macks her way through sexy come-ons, blowout jams, bump-and-grind numbers and throwback grooves, coming at you with the volume blaring away at 10. Whereas "Dangerously In Love" portrayed Beyonce as the hopelessly romantic, sometimes vulnerable girlfriend, on "B'Day," Beyonce is in complete control of everything — from her sexuality to her bank account. "Take my credit cards, the key to my house, take my car — long as you give mama some sugar," says Beyonce, singing like she's in a backwater juke joint on the sizzling, retro R&B track "Suga Mama." And on the sexy pillow groove "Kitty Kat," she vows to lock up her most precious asset when her man fails to truly appreciate it — "you don't want don't want my body? ... You would rather go and party? Somehow, somewhere I'll be naughty" she sniffs, adding the zinger — "your sex ain't all that." Ouch. And while Beyonce has never dished the dirt on her relationship with Jay-Z, it's hard not to wonder if there is trouble in paradise on songs like "Ring the Alarm," which has Beyonce frantically trying to hold onto her man — not for what he is, but all that he has. "She'll be rockin' chinchilla coats if I let you go ... she'll be rocking everything I own if I let you go" she pleads on the musically daring track, which intersperses blaring horns in between handclaps and heavy percussion. She sounds hyper, confused, paranoid — like she's about to throw some hot grits on someone in a second. But it's the only track that features a Beyonce so mentally unglued by the prospect of losing a man. On the acoustic pop song "Irreplaceable," she reminds her soon-to-be ex that she's the mack daddy of that relationship, and she can quite easily find another man to step into the role of Beyonce's boo. The best track on the CD — which features her real-life boo, Jay-Z — shows how just being graced with a touch of B can boost a man's entire profile. "I can do for you what Martin did for the people," she brags on "Upgrade U," with a cockiness and bravado that she previously kept under wraps. Maybe that's why blogs are on fire with anti-Beyonce postings, why we're growing weary. She's just too good. Maybe we just can't handle it. Even Beyonce seems to acknowledge this with one of the great lines from "Upgrade U." "This ain't a shoulder with a chip or an ego — but what you think they all mad at me for?" Sure, she's a bit full of herself. But she's Beyonce. Wouldn't you be? Beyonce, "B'Day" (Columbia)
Knowles and the hip-hop star, real name Shawn Carter, have recorded 'Crazy In Love', 'Bonnie & Clyde' and her latest track 'Deja Vu' together. But Knowles insists the duets aren't planned and Jay-Z just added his rap to Deja Vu after she recorded it. She says, "This record I had completed and I let him listen just to get his opinion and his lips started mumbling and his mind started thinking and he just thought of the 16 bars of the rap. So I said, 'OK, lets go to the studio,' and he laid it down. We never try to sit down and write a song together. It's never forced. I made it - finished it - and then he has an idea... or he has a record and I'll say can I sing on this record? I would be really nervous writing for another artist."
A veteran of many past editions, the superstar knows how big a showcase the annual ceremony is for new music, so she was among the first to sign up to perform on the 2006 VMAs. MTV televises the event Thursday, Aug. 31, from Radio City Music Hall in New York, with Jack Black as host. Other scheduled performers include Justin Timberlake, Ludacris, hip-hop star T.I., Panic! at the Disco (whose "I Write Sins Not Tragedies" is up for five VMAs) and the Killers. "The last time I performed at the VMAs, it helped tremendously with my record," Beyonce says. "'Baby Boy' was just coming out, and it took the album to another level. It was just as important, and just as memorable, as the video. It was a really significant moment in my career." Beyonce is hoping for a similar impact on "B'Day," to be released Sept. 5, and its debut single, "Deja Vu," which also features her beau, Jay-Z. The 2003 VMAs actually doubled as Beyonce's coming-out party as a solo act. "It was great," the Destiny's Child alumna recalls. "For one thing, there was the location; it was in New York, and the energy was much different from previous award shows I had been to. I have a great relationship with MTV. It feels like a partnership, like we're working together. They give artists a lot of love. They don't just put us on their shows; they care about our individual needs." Such concern means a lot to Beyonce as she reveals her newest music. "It's scary, but at the same time, you anticipate people hearing what you've been working on. When the time comes, you're like, 'Could you give me one more week?' It's great when people enjoy what you've been doing, but it's healthy for any artist to be a little afraid. "The hardest thing for me," adds the Houston native, "is to figure out what I'm going to do next, what my next video is going to look like." In getting ready for the VMAs, the singer feels compelled to top her last stint there. "I came in upside down, hung from my feet! I've had several ideas, but trying to figure out the perfect one is challenging. We're going to do it, though." Chances are good Beyonce will be a VMA nominee again next year, but she doesn't mind being only a performer this time. "Whenever I perform, that becomes the focus for me. It always feels great to be nominated and to be part of the show that way, but the biggest reward for me is being able to perform. Once that's over, I can relax, and whatever happens happens." Any and all relaxation is welcomed these days by Beyonce. After appearing in Steve Martin's remake of "The Pink Panther," she has spent much of the year making the movie version of the stage musical "Dreamgirls," due in U.S. theaters Christmas Day. She says while doing that, "I didn't allow myself to go into the recording studio. I wanted to live in the body and mind of my character, Deena, for that significant amount of time. "During my vacation, I snuck away and recorded this album in two weeks. I had so much to say, it felt good to have that pen in my hand and write these songs and be behind that mike. It's like starting over. I'm away from it long enough to appreciate it and still be excited about it." It's no coincidence Beyonce's second solo album is titled "B'Day." Just as MTV and "Dreamgirls" both turn 25 this year, so does she -- the day before the CD hits stores, in fact. "It's an important year for me," she says, "and I think this is the best record I've done. It's mostly up-tempo songs that feel like a big party. They're great concepts that are complicated but still simple enough to dance to and have fun to." While enjoying her creative freedom, Beyonce stays aware of the business side of music. "I'm fortunate that my father is my manager," she says. "I grew up hearing about reading the weekly stats and paying attention to all those details, but I don't let that take over my creativity. I'm in all the meetings, but I've been pretty consistent in picking the right singles, and I still make sure the songwriting comes first." The artist sometimes billed as Beyonce Knowles also keeps in touch with her Destiny's Child ex-partners. "Kelly [Rowland] helped me pick out my band, which is all-female," she says, "and we're with each other in our studio sessions. Michelle [Williams] just moved to L.A., and she's taking acting classes; she wants to do more movies and television. We're sisters, so who knows? Maybe we'll decide to do some other things together in the future." With international publicity for "Dreamgirls" -- which also stars Jamie Foxx, Eddie Murphy and third-season "American Idol" finalist Jennifer Hudson -- set to fill most of her fall schedule, Beyonce won't begin her next concert tour until April. And that suits her fine. "I wanted the record to have a chance to breathe a little bit," she says. "I don't like touring too close to the release, just because people haven't lived with the album long enough. I have October off, and that'll be nice. I haven't ever had a full month off."
After consulting with British reptile biology expert Clifford Warwick, PETA activists are snapping back at the pop star for allowing something so cruel to take place. Knowles upset the animal activists by telling September's Arena magazine that the taping incident was "my bright idea," adding the reptile was so distressed, "he peed on me." Warwick has now teamed up with PETA to make sure Knowles knows that what she did was both cruel and insensitive. In a letter to the pop star, he writes, "Humans and alligators are not natural bedfellows, and the two should not mix at events such as photo-shoots. In my view, doing so is arguably abusive to an animal. Humans have historically treated alligators badly. Skin and meat traders ranch them and slaughter them via slices through their spinal cords or bludgeon them with hammers. The alligator you handled probably faces this same end, after a life of confinement in captivity. It seems a great pity that this animal's problems should be added to in the course of promoting your own work."
Some reports had suggested Knowles wanted to delay the album's release to work on it some more. He also denied speculation of a conflict between his daughter and fellow R&B singer Rihanna, as well as reports that Beyonce released her single, "Deja Vu," to compete with former Destiny's Child bandmate LeToya Luckett's self-titled solo debut album, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 earlier this month. "It is apparent that there is a consistent plan by some to create chaos around Beyonce's 'B'Day album release," Knowles said in a statement. "Unfortunately what it shows is that anyone can go on the Internet and create rumors and the media in some cases will pick up these stories and run with them which influence the consumer's perception." "Deja Vu" peaked at No. 4 on Billboard's Hot 100 singles chart earlier this month. A second "B'Day" single, "Ring the Alarm," was sent to radio stations earlier this month. "Our plan is to have three singles on the charts together," Knowles said. "Rather than concern ourselves with purely chart positioning we are focusing on the combined audiences who are listening and are aware of the singles on the album."
As good as the $70 million showbiz saga opening Dec. 21 might sound, this early-bird Oscar contender also has the looks to go along with the music. USA TODAY's exclusive peek at the film's parade of updated garb from the '60s and the '70s suggests that Dreamgirls will be a dream come true for lovers of retro glitz. From bouffants to flips, the elaborate hairdos alone provide a well-lacquered time capsule. "This is a costume and wig festival," says producer Laurence Mark. "Even the boys are wearing wigs." The person in charge of that festival is costume designer Sharen Davis, Oscar-nominated for her work in 2004's Ray. "The whole approach that Sharen took visually was to get into the essence of the fashion, and not be too literal," says director/writer Bill Condon, who wrote 2002's Chicago. With the '70s, when much of the action unfolds, "it's a fine line between design and parody," he says. The goal? More Mahogany, less Brady Bunch. The outfits and hairstyles reflect the passage of time and the shift in a character's status. Hefty Effie (American Idol finalist Jennifer Hudson) is demoted from lead singer, and demure Deena (Knowles, doing her best Diana Ross with 40 costumes) instead fronts the trio known as The Dreams. "We get to put on a multi-era fashion show," says Condon. "It starts off sweet and girlish in the early '60s, then moves to Vegas glamorous in the '70s." When Effie goes solo, "she wears more ethnically flavored apparel, while The Dreams are showbizzy." Davis says her main challenge was to outfit very different body types, from 5-foot-9½ Hudson to 5-foot-2 Anika Non-i Rose (as comic relief Lorrell). "I wanted Jennifer to stay young, not matronly," Davis says. "She has really great legs and is not at all insecure." As for Rose, "Poor Anika had to wear 4-inch heels," she says. "But she looks great in high-end vintage pieces." Then there is Knowles. "She just walked into all the period clothes. Everything looked great. She told me, 'I never had such an easy fitting.' " For the 24-year-old queen of The Dreams, this is wish fulfillment. "I love dressing up in beautiful clothes and makeup," says Knowles, who knows about girl groups, having been in Destiny's Child, one of the most successful of all time. "Even though it is period, it is still very modern," she says from a Los Angeles soundstage. "Whenever you have a movie that is powerful, it influences the music industry and fashion. People are going to relate. I'm young, and I relate." Beyoncé Knowles: "Beyoncé didn't shy away from showing Deena's ambition and a little bit of cunning." —Dreamgirls director Bill Condon Talk about destiny fulfilled. Knowles has known she was born to portray Deena, the ambitious lead of The Dreams, since she was 15. That's when she first heard about the 1981 Tony winner Dreamgirls from her choreographer, Frank Gaston Jr. "He's been telling me about it forever. When I found they were doing it as a movie musical, I was like, 'OK, I have to take a deep breath. This is my movie. I'm Deena. I have to play this part.' " As an actress, Knowles, 24, has shone in comedies such as Austin Powers in Goldmember, but no one knew whether she could tackle drama. One look at her screen test and the filmmakers realized they found their Deena. Just because she has performed most of her life as a member of Destiny's Child, the most successful girl group in the world, don't assume that Knowles and Deena are one and the same. "I'm not worried about that. It's a character and we have parallels in our lives, but a lot of things are different." Creative strife led to the exodus of several members of the now-defunct Destiny's Child, but Knowles says she didn't need to draw on real-life experiences. "I lived some of these things, but I'm not using any of that in my acting. I've created Deena as Deena and not as me. I don't even want to recognize myself when I see the film." Knowles believes the story is still relevant. "It's really about the friendship. The women start off together with a lot of the same goals, they go through this journey and end up back together again. The great thing is, each woman individually realizes her dream." Just like Beyoncé and her castmates.
The 'Crazy In Love' star was shocked when Hill suddenly shaved her head and turned her back on the limelight, visiting tough Brooklyn schools with her guitar. And although she still respects the 'Ready Or Not' singer's work, Knowles believes she is far more grounded than Hill. She says, "Her story is the most tragic. I mean, her record was genius. But drama and demands and the pressure and all of the people giving you so much access to so many things can be too much. So couple that with everyone telling you you're so this and so that and so perfect and of course you can lose yourself. I don't know what's going to happen to me but I know I'm more than a singer and I have so many other things in my life to keep me focused. I hope and pray that I stay as comfortable in my own skin as I am right now."
British newspaper the Daily Express claims the former Destiny's Child beauty adopted a "maple syrup" diet to shed to pounds as she prepared for her role as Dina in 'Dreamgirls'. Knowles reportedly mixed the syrup with water, lemon juice and cayenne pepper - and it constituted her every meal over a period of days. Dietician Alison Chipperfield, who works with British group Weight Concern, says, "The problem is not what's in the diet but what's not. There are no fats, proteins, vitamins or minerals and the only carbohydrate is in the form of sugar... People would start to feel very lethargic and would be unable to concentrate... They will probably end up in hospital, especially people who try it for more than 10 days."
The 'Destiny's Child' star's younger sibling had to calm her son down yesterday at the New York MTV studios after he realised the aunt he loves wasn't actually in the building. Appearing on the show after her sister's 'Deja Vu' video appeared on the countdown, Solange said, "He thought that she was out here because the video was on... He's running TRL right now. If you hear any screams, that's Julez." Solange isn't surprised her young son is so attached to his aunt BB - she's a great babysitter. She adds, "She picked him up (on Tuesday) for three hours. I had some interviews and stuff to do... She took him to FAO Schwartz (toy store) and closed down the store and Julez was in heaven."
According to reports, Beyonce intentionally scheduled U.K. pre-sales for her upcoming second solo album, B'Day, to clash with the U.K. release of LeToya's self-titled debut. However, the pop superstar has released a statement denying the reports, which were published in the New York Daily News, and insisted there is no "controversy" between her and LeToya. "I have enormous respect and admiration for LeToya as an artist and as a businesswoman and I wish her incredible success," explained Beyonce. "LeToya and I have known each other since childhood and, because of all we've been through, I know that we both really care--and want what's best--for each other. It makes me sad that people are trying to stir up a controversy where there is none." Beyonce releases B'Day on September 4, while LeToya is out now in the U.S. and October 4 in the U.K.
The pop superstar has launched her solo comeback with "Déjà Vu," the first single from her new album B'Day, which also features her boyfriend Jay-Z. However, the video has not impressed many of her supporters, with over 2,000 apparently signing an online petition that demands it be reshot. In the petition, which is addressed to Beyonce's label, Columbia Records, the outraged fans list a string of grievances at the promo film, including what they consider the "unacceptable interactions" between her and Jay-Z. Citing an apparent lack of theme, poor editing, and unsuitable wardrobe, the petition insists "Déjà Vu" be redone. "This video is an underwhelming representation of the talent and quality of previous music-video projects of Ms. Knowles,'" the petition states.
Greg Walker, CEO of Icon Entertainment, filed the breach of contract lawsuit Wednesday in New York State's Supreme Court. He said the mother-daughter duo, who design the street-chic collection, hired him in August 2003 to help land endorsement and licensing opportunities. According to Walker, he brokered a $15 million deal for the 24-year-old singer and her mother to create the clothing line with Wear Me Apparel, Corp., a clothing manufacturer. So far, he claims he's collected only $25,000 from Knowles' mother. "Beyonce and Tina Knowles agreed on the terms of our business relationship, but have failed to properly compensate me for reasons unknown to me," Walker said in a statement. "I just want to receive my fair share and move on with my business." When contacted by The Associated Press, a spokesman for House of Dereon declined to comment on the lawsuit. Walker is also suing Wear Me Apparel for neglecting to pay the remainder of his fee. The company has paid him $85,000, he claims. Corey Silverstein, the Wear Me Apparel's executive vice president, declined to comment.
The singer is accused of breach of contract after failing to financially compensate businessman Greg Walker enough after he introduced her to bosses at Wear Me Apparel Inc. Walker alleges the clothing firm paid Knowles "approximately US$15 million" in a licensing deal, while his salary fell far shorter. The New York Daily News reports Walker received just US$25,000 while Wear Me paid him only US$85,000.
The Grammy-winning diva has chosen 10 lucky ladies, along with two almost-as-lucky alternates, to form the all-girl backup band for an upcoming solo tour in support of her second album, B'Day. The newly formed band was culled from a nationwide search by Knowles and her creative team, who auditioned more than 1,000 wannabes. Cattle calls for the high-profile gig were held earlier this month in Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles and Knowles' hometown of Houston, and 30 finalists were flown from their respective cities to a final audition in New York, where they competed against 10 other borough-dwelling musicians. The touring band, which will serve as musicians only, not background singers or dancers, were chosen by the "Crazy in Love" singer last Sunday. While the names of the independent women were not released, their instruments and hometowns were. Knowles will be joined on the road by a three-piece horn section, as well as drums, percussion, keyboards, bass and guitar players, hailing from everywhere from Saga, Japan (first keyboards), to Fredericksburg, Virginia (drums). The musicians had to fit a few criteria. They had to be over 18 years old, be able to perform Knowles' hit song "Work It Out," and possess enough genetic good fortune to have "the look." The newest addition will join the warbler this fall in support of B'Day, so named in honor of its worldwide release date, Sept. 4, which happens to fall on Knowles' 25th birthday. The album will be released in the States on Sept. 5 and marks the follow-up to the former Destiny's Child member's 2003 multiplatinum solo debut, Dangerously in Love, which won the songbird five Grammy Awards. While the band begins rehearsals for the autumn jaunt, the recent PETA target isn't waiting to jump back on stage. She's set to perform her first single off the new album, "Deja Vu," at the BET Awards June 27.
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment's "The Pink Panther" topped the national sales and rental charts for the week ending June 18, giving star Steve Martin his first double-whammy of the year. Martin's last movie to come out on DVD, "Cheaper by the Dozen 2," was the top renter three weeks ago but narrowly failed to take the No. 1 position on the VideoScan First Alert chart because of a strong challenge from Buena Vista's "High School Musical." Finishing second on the sales and rental charts for the latest week was "16 Blocks," a cop drama from director Richard Donner (1978's "Superman") that stars Bruce Willis and grossed $36.9 million in theaters. According to Home Media Retailing's market research department, "Pink Panther" generated $9.9 million in rental revenue its first week in stores, while "16 Blocks" earned $9.5 million. Also new on the First Alert top 20 are "Dave Chappelle's Block Party" at No. 4; teen comedy "Aquamarine" at No. 5; and concert video " Neil Young -- Heart of Gold" at No. 9. Magnolia Home Entertainment cracked the chart with "The World's Fastest Indian," a film festival favorite starring Anthony Hopkins that debuted at No. 12, while the film noir spoof "Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang" bowed at No. 18 and "Beavis and Butt-Head -- The Mike Judge Collection: Volume 2" came in at No. 19.
"Begin Album." "Next Movie." "First Single." "Take Vacation." "Start World Tour." "Shoot Video." Beyonce stared at these words, neatly printed on metal strips. It was the summer of 2004, and she sat in a room with her strategic team. Slowly she placed each project on a board. This would be her schedule for the next two years. Beyonce may be the most driven and organized 24-year-old in the music business. But she has learned to do things her way. Early this year, after wrapping a six-month shoot for the film "Dreamgirls," a big-screen adaptation of the Broadway musical loosely based on the Supremes, Beyonce's calendar gave her two options: "Take Vacation" or "Begin Album." She opted for the latter, but she did not tell anyone -- not her manager/father, Mathew Knowles, or her record label, Sony Urban/Columbia Records. And she kept quiet until the project was finished. "I called my dad, I called my label, and I said the record was done," Beyonce says. She says the film shoot itself was a vacation. "Just being in one place for six months was a break for me. It's different from being on tour and traveling nonstop. So when the film was over, I was ready to work on my music." The album, "B'Day," will be released September 4 (her 25th birthday) internationally and in the United States September 5. "We asked Beyonce to do her timeline for the next two years," Knowles says. "I think she realized that she really had to do this record now if she wanted to be able to shoot another movie next year. Beyonce has really stepped up to be the conductor of all aspects of her career." SMART MOVE Having been a performer since she was 7 years old, Beyonce has learned a few things about the music business. She booked her own time at Sony Studios in New York, paid for it herself and finished the album in three weeks -- a very smart move, considering that most artists have the label pay for studio time and then have to recoup it from album sales. "I'm conscious of budgets," she says. "This might be the cheapest record I've ever done. We were focused." Beyonce arranged, wrote and produced all the songs with her dream team -- Sean Garrett, Rich Harrison, Rodney Jerkins, the Neptunes and Swizz Beatz. She may have chosen the five hottest producers in the biz, each with a discography of hits that reads like the track listing to a "NOW" compilation. But it did not stop her from shrewdly playing each producer off the other. "I called up Sean, Rich and Rodney. I got them each a room at Sony Studios, and we went to work." Beyonce laughs at the memory. She says she would leave Harrison's room and go check on Garrett and say, "Wow, Rich has some great beats." "It was healthy competition," she says. Her last solo album, 2003's "Dangerously in Love," was about the joys of love. With "B'Day," Beyonce wanted to go back to the pain of love, more like her former group Destiny's Child's multiplatinum album "The Writing's on the Wall" (1999). Beyonce, who is in a long-term relationship with music mogul Jay-Z, says her love life is rather "boring," but she likes it that way -- "I'm happy in my life." So for this album, she channeled her acting chops by putting herself in a moment of pain, of passion, that feeling of being jilted by a lover, to write an album that "speaks for every woman." "This is about female empowerment," she says. "This album is different, it's conceptual, and I do things with my voice that I haven't done before." Thematically, "B'Day" is about the roadblocks and consequences of relationships. "Like you teach him everything, you take him to all your favorite clubs and then he gets another girl and takes her there." Beyonce says that's enough to make any woman mad. "Deja Vu," featuring Jay-Z and produced by Jerkins, went to radio June 14, only four weeks after she informed her label the album was done. When asked about the new album, Jay-Z beams. "This is all her. I bet it will sell a million" in the first week. COMPLEX BEATS Sitting in the New York recording studio, Beyonce plays what will probably be the next two singles: "Ring the Alarm," produced by Swizz Beatz, and "Freekum Dress," produced by Harrison. She bounces up and down in her seat and sings along. "Ring the Alarm" shows a harder side of Beyonce -- she goes from screaming mad through a megaphone to belting Aretha Franklin-like verses. "I love working with Swizz. He's challenging. His beats are so complex it's hard to find a melody. But this just clicked." One of her favorites is "Freekum Dress." Beyonce laughs and explains: "You know, when your man starts taking you for granted and you put on that one dress that makes him go, 'Wow,' and not want you to leave the house." Her work is just beginning. Beyonce will promote the album internationally during July, then prep for a worldwide digital and mobile album launch campaign for late summer. (Two mobile games, one centered on Beyonce and one on Destiny's Child, will also be released.) Also in September, Beyonce will showcase her House of Dereon line during Fashion Week in New York. To bring everything full circle, "B'Day" will also be sold at Macy's and Marshall Fields stores in the House of Dereon section. In October, she will gear up for "Dreamgirls," and plans to have simultaneous singles on radio -- one from "B'Day" and one from the movie's soundtrack. She will start doing press and media to promote "Dreamgirls" in November, to coincide with the release of the soundtrack. The film premieres December 5 and will be released nationwide December 22. Also expect a winter TV special. Then it's time to "Start World Tour," which Knowles says will kick off in spring 2007. "Hopefully she'll do a movie between now and her world tour," he adds. Knowles says that at some point Beyonce needs to return to those neatly printed metal strips, to log in "Vacation." "She's ignited, and she has a passion," he says. "Passion is a key word for Beyonce. But it's also important that she take some needed time off."
The album, dubbed "B-Day," is due September 5 via Sony Urban/Columbia. First single "Deja Vu" features Jay-Z. Beyonce arranged, wrote and produced all the songs with her dream team of Sean Garrett, Rich Harrison, Rodney Jerkins, the Neptunes and Swizz Beatz. She may have chosen the five hottest producers in the business, each with a discography of hits that reads like the track listing to a "NOW" compilation. But it did not stop her from shrewdly playing each producer off the other. "I called up Sean, Rich and Rodney. I got them each a room at Sony Studios, and we went to work." Beyonce laughed at the memory. She says she would leave Harrison's room and go check on Garrett and say, "Wow, Rich has some great beats. It was healthy competition," she told Billboard. Her last solo album, 2003's "Dangerously in Love," was about the joys of love, but with "B'Day," Beyonce wanted to focus on a different side of the emotion. The artist, who is in a long-term relationship with Jay-Z, said her love life is rather "boring," but she likes it that way -- "I'm happy in my life." So for this album, she channeled her acting chops and the feeling of being jilted by a lover to write an album that "speaks for every woman." "This is about female empowerment," she said. "This album is different, it's conceptual, and I do things with my voice that I haven't done before." Among the key tracks are potential singles "Ring the Alarm" and "Freekum Dress." The former, produced by Swizz Beatz, shows a harder edge to Beyonce's sound. Of the latter, Beyonce said, "You know, when your man starts taking you for granted and you put on that one dress that makes him go, 'Wow,' and not want you to leave the house." Beyonce is also gearing up for the December release of the film "Dreamgirls," in which she stars with Eddie Murphy and Jamie Foxx. A world tour is due to begin in spring 2007, during which she will be backed by an all-female band chosen via a nationwide audition.
Knowles showed up at the restaurant with her mother, Tina, and friend Heather Schindler, who heads her House of Dereon clothing line, to dine with two people she thought were fans. The meal had been sold off at a Save the Music benefit last year as part of the charity's silent auction, but Knowles had no idea she was being ambushed. After exchanging pleasantries and ordering their meals, the two animal-rights zealots suddenly pulled out a video camera and showed Beyoncé a tape of minks being killed. The PETA agents also used a hidden camera to secretly videotape Knowles and her reaction to their nasty questions. They were finally asked to leave 20 minutes later. Our infuriated spy said, "They paid thousands of dollars to have that dinner, and Beyoncé honored her commitment - this set-up was a long time coming." When she got to the table with Schindler, Beyoncé "immediately hugged the people and said, 'Thank you so much for paying so much money to have a meal with me. Save the Music is dear to my heart and does so much good. I can't tell you how much it means to me.' She was very gracious." Minutes later, after everyone ordered their meal, Beyoncé was ambushed. "This is how she is repaid?" cried our source. "She raises millions for Save the Music and music education in schools - and now she can never do something like that again. It is ridiculous. Those PETA people are nothing more than holier-than-thou bullies. What about the children - our children, you know, human beings? They don't care about them! They should be ashamed of themselves ambushing Beyoncé like that. She does so much good and all they can think about is fur trim." Thankfully, Beyoncé was not left alone with the rude activists, but had Schindler by her side. At one point, one of the PETA pests asked Beyoncé, "How do you kill your animals?" - to which Schindler coolly responded, "With a needle."
The Grammy-winning pop star has launched a nationwide search for an all-girl band to accompany Knowles on her upcoming solo tour. The estrogen-powered posse is not an attempt at a second coming of the late Destiny's Child, rather Knowles is searching for musicians only to form her touring band. Jay-Z's better half is on the lookout for percussion, keyboard, bass, guitar, and horn players with a "look"--that gloriously vague yet highly sought after appearance required of stars, and apparently of stars' touring bands, the world over. Auditions for the backup positions kick off nationwide next week, with cattle calls being held in New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Houston and Burbank. The would-be road warriors, who must be at least 18 years old, will be required to perform Knowles' hit song "Work It Out" for the warbler and her creative team, who will make the final cuts by June 20. Musicians that possess the right amount of talent and genetic good fortune will join Knowles on the road to support her second solo album, B'Day, dropping Sept. 5. The first single, "Deja Vu," features Jay-Z and will be released later this summer. The "Crazy in Love" songbird's sophomore record, so named in honor of its release date, which falls on Knowles' 25th birthday, marks the follow-up to her 2003 multiplatinum solo debut, Dangerously in Love, which nabbed her an impressive five Grammy Awards. In addition to her upcoming tour, the B'Day girl has a busy fall ahead of her. Knowles will log some time on the promotional circuit on behalf of her new film, Dreamgirls. The movie version of the hit Broadway musical costars Jamie Foxx, Eddie Murphy, Danny Glover and American Idol castoff Jennifer Hudson, and follows the rise of an all-girl trio, the Dreamettes, in the late 1960s. The film hits theaters December 21.
Knowles co-produced, wrote and arranged all the tracks on the Music World Music/Sony Urban Music/Columbia set. Co-producers include Rich Harrison, the Neptunes and Swizz Beatz. The first single is "Deja vu" featuring Jay-Z and co-produced by Rodney Jerkins. She completed the album after wrapping her role in the film "Dreamgirls," which recently premiered to much Oscar buzz at the Cannes Film Festival and is set for a December 22 release. Loosely based on Motown's Supremes, the movie co-stars Jamie Foxx, Eddie Murphy and Danny Glover. "B'Day" will be the follow-up to Knowles' 2003 solo debut "Dangerously In Love," which topped the Billboard 200 and has sold 4.3 million copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The disc won five Grammy Awards. Destiny's Child issued its final album "Destiny Fulfilled" last year. It sold 3 million copies and spawned the hit single "Check On It," which held the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for five straight weeks. Group member Kelly Rowland's own sophomore project, "My Story: Kelly Rowland," was recently bumped from July to the first quarter of 2007, reportedly to allow more time to work out a marketing strategy. Both are managed by Mathew Knowles, Beyonce's father.
Director Bill Condon (Gods and Monsters) introduced about 20 minutes of footage to reporters and movie professionals, including rollicking musical numbers from the saga of a 1960s girl group that rises to superstardom. Condon said he initially was uncomfortable with the idea of unveiling footage at the prestigious film festival until he recalled the Cannes tradition of showcasing great musicals. "We in making this movie, all of us inspired to be part of the tradition of classic Hollywood musicals, Stanley Donen movies, George Cukor movies and Vincente Minnelli movies, and those movies were first taken seriously in this country and at this festival," Condon said. "So suddenly it did feel right." Dreamgirls features Foxx as a car salesman who worms his way into the Detroit music scene and becomes an impresario, orchestrating the crossover of black music to white mainstream culture. Eddie Murphy co-stars as a flashy R&B singer that Condon describes as a cross between James Brown and Jackie Wilson. Knowles, American Idol finalist Jennifer Hudson and Anika Noni Rose play the Dreamettes, who start out as Murphy's backup singers but become a sensation on their own under Foxx's management. Musicals have been hit and miss in the movies, but Condon managed to mix the excitement of the song and dance with the emotion of the story, Foxx said. "He connected the drama to the music, so that when you are captivated by what Beyonce or Jennifer are going through, all of a sudden they open their mouths and they knock your wig off," Foxx said. An Academy Award winner for Ray, in which he lip-synched to Ray Charles' vocals, Foxx gets to sing on his own this time. With the movie debuting in December, the heart of Hollywood awards season, Foxx was not shy about speculating on the film's prospects. "They talk about the Oscar curse," Foxx said. "I don't feel it now."
The list of 100 most influential, in the issue on newsstands Monday, also includes world leaders Hugo Chavez of Venezuela and Ehud Olmert of Israel, director Ang Lee, plus entertainers Daddy Yankee, Ellen DeGeneres and Meryl Streep. There are 104 names on the list, with Tom Anderson and Chris DeWolfe, founders of the MySpace Internet sites, and former Presidents Clinton and George H.W. Bush sharing spots. The list includes 79 men and 25 women from 29 countries including Bhutan, Liberia and Luxembourg. Separately, Time named 15 power couples such as Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie and Jay-Z and Beyonce, plus five couples from history including Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.
"The 40-Year Old Virgin" and "Wedding Crashers" lead with five nominations each, MTV announced Monday. Both films will compete for best movie along with "Batman Begins," "King Kong" and "Sin City." "Virgin" star Steve Carell is up for three awards, including best performance, best comedic performance and best on-screen team with Paul Rudd, Seth Rogen and Romany Malco. Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn will also vie for best on-screen team for "Wedding Crashers." Both actors received nominations for best comedic performance. Nominees for best kiss include Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger for "Brokeback Mountain" and Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie for "Mr. & Mrs. Smith." "Crash," the Academy Awards best-picture winner, didn't receive a nomination. One of the more unlikely groups of nominees is for sexiest performance, a newly added category. Rob Schneider, star of "Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo," competes with Beyonce Knowles, Jessica Alba, Jessica Simpson and Ziyi Zhang. MTV has also added a category for best hero and will present an mtvU Student Filmmaker Award. For the first time, acting awards won't be divided by gender, and instead will be grouped under best performance. A host and performers will be announced later. The 2006 MTV Movie Awards will take place June 3 at Sony Picture Studios in Culver City, Calif. The show will air June 8 on MTV (9 p.m. EDT).
Beyonce Knowles, the lead singer of the Grammy Award-winning trio, joined former bandmates Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams at the installation of the walk's 2,035th star. "We started when we were 9 years old, and here we are getting a Hollywood star," said Knowles, who wore a gray off-the-shoulder suit with heels. "Dreams come true. So thank you all so much for supporting us." The R&B group disbanded last year to pursue solo careers. Knowles and Rowland, both from Houston, were founding members of the group, which scored instant success with its debut album, "Destiny's Child." "I want to thank ya'll for coming out here in this rain. We are humbled to be here," Rowland said to the umbrella-covered crowd. Among the group's biggest hits have been "Say My Name," "Survivor" and "Independent Women (Part I)."
Destiny's Child will release a concert DVD, called Live in Atlanta, Tuesday (March 28). It captures the trio's July 2005 concert at Atlanta's Phillips Arena, which featured performances of "Say My Name," "Bootylicious," "Soldier" and other hits. Destiny's Child officially split up at the end of its 2005 Destiny Fulfilled tour. Beyonce is set to star in the film Dreamgirls, which is due in theaters by Christmas. It also stars Eddie Murphy, Jamie Foxx, Anika Noni Rose, Jennifer Hudson and Danny Glover. Williams will sing "America The Beautiful" at WWE Wrestlemania 22 in her hometown of Chicago on April 2. Rowland plans to release her second solo album this year.
The remake of Blake Edwards' 1964 original, starring Steve Martin as Inspector Clouseau, added eight territories, notably Italy ($1.3 million) and Thailand, where it finished first. Its foreign total stands at $61 million from 53 markets. The bank-heist drama "Inside Man," the fifth pairing of actor Denzel Washington and director Spike Lee, opened in 18 territories, simultaneous to its domestic bow. It was No. 1 in seven of them: the U.K. ($3.2 million), Germany ($2.3 million), Austria, Greece, the Netherlands, German-speaking Switzerland and Brazil. In Mexico, it booked $820,000, the biggest opening for a Washington-Lee title. "V for Vendetta" grossed an estimated $5.5 million in its second weekend in 24 territories. The Andy and Larry Wachowski production, starring Natalie Portman as a terrorist, raised its international box office total to $17.7 million. The Oscar-pedigreed "Brokeback Mountain" continues to draw well overseas, logging an estimated $4 million during the weekend and raising its international total to $83 million. "Capote" yielded $1.4 million in 37 markets for an international total of $13.8 million. "Pride & Prejudice" moved up to $76.4 million, boosted by a $1.2 million weekend in South Korea, where it opened at No. 2 behind a local-language title. Other international totals: "Nanny McPhee," $61.2 million; "Date Movie," $21.7 million; "Hostel," $16.1 million; "Firewall," $14.7 million; "Failure To Launch," $9 million; "The Hills Have Eyes," $7.6 million.
James Blunt's "You're Beautiful" stays at No. 2, while Nelly's "Grillz" featuring Paul Wall and Ali & Gipp remains in third position. Sean Paul's "Temperature" rises from No. 8 to No. 4 on the Hot 100 and is the chart's greatest sales and airplay gainer. Mary J. Blige's "Be Without You" descends from No. 4 to No. 5. T-Pain's "I'm Sprung" falls 5-6, Chris Brown's "Yo (Excuse Me Miss)" ascends 9-7 and Ne-Yo's "So Sick" drops 7-8. Natasha Bedingfield's "Unwritten" jumps 11-9, while Eminem's "Shake That" featuring Nate Dogg dives 6-10 to round out the top tier. The chart's top debut belongs to Willie Nelson's "Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly (Fond of Each Other)" at No. 52. The country music icon premiered the gay-themed track on Valentine's Day on Howard Stern's Sirius Satellite Radio show and has made it available exclusively through iTunes. Nelson last made a Hot 100 appearance with his 2003 Toby Keith duet "Beer for My Horses." Before that, he hadn't charted on the main singles list since 1984's "To All the Girls I've Loved Before" with Julio Iglesias. Other tracks new to the Hot 100 are Chamillionaire's "Ridin"' featuring Krayzie Bone (No. 88), Three 6 Mafia's "Poppin' My Collar" (No. 91), Aly & AJ's "Rush' (No. 92) and E-40's "Tell Me When To Go" featuring Keak Da Sneak (No. 99). On the Hot Country Songs chart, Brad Paisley's "When I Get Where I'm Going" featuring Dolly Parton seizes the No. 1 position from Carrie Underwood's "Jesus Take The Wheel," which falls to No. 3 after leading the chart for six weeks. Daddy Yankee's "Rompe" remains atop the Hot Latin Songs chart for a 13th straight week, and Lifehouse's "You And Me" maintains the No. 1 spot on the Adult Contemporary chart for a sixth frame. Nine Inch Nails' "Every Day Is Exactly The Same" rises 3-1 on the Modern Rock chart, sending 10 Years' "Wasteland" to No. 2, and Nickelback's "Animals" leads the Mainstream Rock tally for a fourth week.
James Blunt's "You're Beautiful" stays put at No. 2 while Nelly's "Grillz" featuring Paul Wall and Ali & Gipp sticks to No. 3 on the Hot 100, Mary J. Blige's "Be Without You" holds fast at No. 4, and T-Pain's "I'm Sprung" keeps its No. 5 position. Ascending from No. 9 to the sixth slot is Eminem's "Shake That" featuring Nate Dogg, replacing Ne-Yo's "So Sick," which drops a notch to No. 7. The chart's greatest sales gainer, Sean Paul's "Temperature," rises 18-8. Chris Brown's "Yo (Excuse Me Miss)" drops 7-9, and Jamie Foxx's "Unpredictable" featuring Ludacris descends 8-10 to round out the Hot 100's top tier. Dem Franchize Boyz' "Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It" featuring Lil Peanut & Charlay jumps 23-12 and is the Hot 100's greatest airplay gainer, while Pink's "Stupid Girls" is the chart's top debut, at No. 24. Other tracks new to the Hot 100 include Daniel Powter's Bad Day (No. 55), Michael Stipe's "In the Sun" (No. 69), Rihanna's "SOS" (No. 81), Kanye West's "Touch The Sky" featuring Lupe Fiasco (No. 90) and Saving Jane's "Girl Next Door" (No. 91). Daddy Yankee's "Rompe" leads Billboard's Hot Latin Songs chart for a 12th straight week, and Carrie Underwood's "Jesus Take the Wheel" remains atop the Hot Country Songs chart for a sixth. Lifehouse's "You and Me" holds at No. 1 on the Adult Contemporary chart for a fifth frame. On the Modern Rock chart, 10 Years' "Wasteland" moves one rung to seize the No. 1 spot from Weezer's "Perfect Situation," which falls to No. 2. Nickelback's "Animals," new to the Hot 100 at No. 96, is No. 1 on the Mainstream Rock tally for a third week.
But the two are doing just fine, thank you. As they launch solo careers, Williams and Rowland, both 25, have booked multiple-episode gigs on two UPN sitcoms. They talked about their TV stints (and Valentine's Day plans) in a recent conference call. First up: Williams pops up on tonight's Half & Half (9:30 ET/PT) in the first of three appearances as a hard-edged record executive who turns out to be HIV-positive. Then it's Rowland's turn to sass up Girlfriends as a seemingly innocent intern who is not what she appears to be. The first of her three episodes airs Feb. 20 (9 p.m. ET/PT), before Half & Half. "Hi, Michelle — whattup, girl?" coos Rowland from Houston, where she's recording an album due in May, as Williams calls in from her home in Rockford, Ill. "I can't wait to see your show, Michelle. I know you did great." "Oh, thank you, Kelly," says Williams, who wrote a song for Rowland's album. "I feel the same about you." Though still best pals, the trio's separate paths have limited their time together. The three reunited on stage at last week's Grammys to present an award, and Rowland recently watched Knowles perform with Eddie Murphy on the Los Angeles set of Dreamgirls (due in December). "I believe this role was meant for her since the day she was born," Rowland says. "Even though we don't talk every day," Williams says, "we know we all still love each other." "And we got each other," Rowland adds. "Destiny's Child will never die." Rowland has tested the acting waters with appearances on The Hughleys, Eve and American Dreams. She also appeared in the 2003 slasher film Freddy vs. Jason. For Williams, who appeared on stage in Broadway's Aida, the Half & Half role is her first appearance in a sitcom. Rowland says Williams is a natural comic: "On our last tour, she was so funny. She has the gift of laughter." Though the future of UPN shows is in doubt with the recently announced merger of UPN and WB into the new CW network, Rowland is hoping her Girlfriends run (her last episode is scheduled for April 24) might spin her off into her own series. "We'll see. I would love that." Williams' episode tonight has a Valentine's Day theme. But in real life, both are cynical about the holiday. "Valentine's Day is for suckers!" Williams shouts. "That day is so overrated." "Yes, it is," echoes Rowland, whose engagement to Dallas Cowboy Roy Williams ended last year "around Valentine's Day." She'll be in L.A. on Tuesday shooting her final episode of Girlfriends. "My valentine is my album," she says. Williams plans to stay home with her Yorkshire terrier, Jacquard. She teases: "I have a friend. If he wants to do something, I'd consider it. Put that in the paper!"
The week's three other wide releases -- "Final Destination 3," "Curious George" and "Firewall" -- all fell in line for second, third and fourth place, with estimates ranging from $20.1 million to $13.8 million. Last week's winner, "When a Stranger Calls," lost 54 percent of its business and tumbled to fifth, adding $10 million to its total. Down from last week's fourth place ranking to No. 8, the lead Oscar contender "Brokeback Mountain" tacked on another $4.2 million to its take, bringing its total thus far to $60.1 million. Despite the lack of an opener in line with the Will Smith comedy "Hitch," which took in $43.1 million this weekend last year, overall the box office is up 3.02 percent with the Top 12 movies taking in an estimated $106.77 million to 2005's $103.64 million. Next week, three more wide releases will add to moviegoers choices, ranging from comedy spoof (Fox's "Date Movie"), to Antarctic animal adventure (Buena Vista's "Eight Below") to racial thriller (Sony's "Freedomland"). These are estimates by Exhibitor Relations, which tracks box-office receipts daily.
"He called and told me about Xania -- that she was an international superstar and singer -- and at first I thought, 'I don't want to play another part like that, because I don't have time to do the research,'" Knowles takes a long pause to make it clear that she's joking. "Then he told me Kevin Kline and Steve Martin were gonna be a part of it and I said, 'I gotta do it.'" Thanks to a delayed release, "The Pink Panther" is now positioned to kick off a transitional year for Knowles. It's year that will see her final live performance with Destiny's Child (at the NBA All-Star game in Houston) and that will she hopes will validate her acting ambitions as well, culminating with the release of "Dreamgirls." "I think it's very ambitious even for me to start acting, because I didn't have to, I didn't need to," she says. "I just wanted to challenge myself and learn and I admire people like Barbra Streisand and Diana Ross who took that risk and were really good at it." Knowles' "Panther" co-star Steve Martin, who admits he lives in a "insular world," was surprised and delighted by his less experienced colleague. "She was a little shy. But, you'll find a lot of people with enormous talent are really shy and that's how they got the enormous talent, this was 'I'm not going to sit here in this corner, I'm going to stand up and sing.' And she had a very simple operation going. There wasn't 84, y'know, members of an entourage or something. She was totally professional and a sweetheart." The respect was mutual. "[Steve] is so professional and so serious and he's been doing it for a long time and you can just see that in his mannerisms," Knowles explains. "When he's in between his takes, he goes from being this wacky, unbelievable character, to becoming Steve Martin and working with the director and changing things and writing the script. I'm a songwriter and a performer, so I respect that and hopefully one day I'll do that." Knowles takes minor exception, though, to Martin's contention that she's shy. She makes it clear that there's a large difference between the sex kitten she plans in concert and in her videos and the real Beyonce Knowles. "I don't say I'm shy anymore," she says. "I'm just kind of quiet and calm and I observe and I like to, when I'm not working, just blend in, but I guess I can kind of come out of my shell when I'm on the stage and now I'm learning in films I can do the same thing with different characters." "The Pink Panther" opens on Friday, Feb. 10.
Hatcher's plum-coloured dress with lace panels by Jean Paul Gaultier was sheer to the point that the boy-briefs she wore underneath the gown were clearly visible. Curly hair and strands of pearls completed her wild-girl look. "The Grammys always push the envelope with fashion and that's what I'm doing," Hatcher said as she went into the Los Angeles ceremony. Keys chose an Armani Prive black beaded gown with a plunging V-neck and a dramatic low back. It also had a front slit. "Giorgio Armani made it especially for me. I feel like a winner," Keys told E!'s Ryan Seacrest. Another sexy number was Christina Milian's silver halter-top Max Azria Atelier dress with a peek-a-boo bodice. Fashion plate Gwen Stefani's one-shoulder, animal-print gown had a beaded empire waist, a necessary detail to accommodate her pregnant belly. Beyonce was one of the many stars in strapless gowns. Hers was bronze with spider-web beading, which she wore with big, dangling earrings. Kelly Clarkson's black strapless gown by Max Azria Atelier had a tight bodice and full skirt completely covered in ruffles. Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas chose a cream-coloured chiffon strapless dress with a bow in the back by Max Azria Atelier and Fantasia jazzed up her black gown with a giant necklace. Actress Jenna Elfman was in a metallic patchwork strapless cocktail dress and dangling earrings, and Jennifer Love Hewitt wore almost no jewelry with her white dress. White was all over the green carpet. (Yes, sponsor Heineken changed the carpet colour from the traditional red.) Ciara had on a sleek white gown with metallic belt by Alberta Ferretti and Mary J. Blige had on a Cinderella-like white halter dress. The top of Sheryl Crow's black gown was covered with white embroidery. Many male stars wore white suits - which dominated the carpet at last year's Grammys, too. Common said his white suit made him feel "angelic." John Legend told E! that he chose a white tuxedo because it was his favourite colour. Ludacris also was in a white suit with a metallic tie. Kanye West paired his white jacket with a red shirt (worn almost completely unbuttoned), black pants and black leather gloves. It was one of seven outfits that Yves Saint Laurent designer Stefano Pilati suggested. The Game's "accessory" that he carried on his arm was his two-year-old son. They wore matching black suits, black ties and white shirts. LL Cool J, who was preparing to jet off to New York after the awards to debut his Todd Smith fashion line, complemented his white suit with a camel-coloured tie and fedora hat. The Ying Yang Twins had on reverse black-white outfits. The English-style grey windowpane suit that Jay Z wore was an attempt "to channel rich businessman," he explained. He wore it with a handkerchief in his pocket and smoky sunglasses. Rapper TI was going for "a modern-day Hugh Hefner" in his light grey pinstripe suit. Meanwhile, India.Arie said she bought the gold rings she was wearing with her mostly white halter gown that had a spray of brown down the front, when she was in Kenya. "They were 10 cents apiece." Joss Stone added some colour and a playful spirit with her purple print slip gown and a flower in her hair. She wore a lot of mascara and pale lipgloss. "Chunky lashes with slightly smudgy eyes is sexy because it looks spontaneous without being too perfect. It's cooler that way," said her makeup artist Nick Barose. With so many different styles at the Grammys, Buddhist monk Lama Tashi, a nominee in the traditional world music album category, fit right in. He wore a red monastic robe that went over one shoulder.
That title would have been equally apropos of the current incarnation, simply titled "The Pink Panther," which finally arrives after being bounced around the release schedule numerous times, in part because of Sony's purchase of MGM/UA. Even with the inspired choice of Steve Martin in the Clouseau role, this "Panther" picture is more bumbling and fumbling than the blissfully oblivious, accident-prone Inspector. The painfully unfunny results -- a couple of exceptions, like the "hamburger" bit, have already begun to lose their comic luster thanks to all the advance advertising -- likely won't have audiences tickled pink. Even with the added enticement of the lovely Beyonce Knowles current No. 1 hit "Check on It" has been remixed with a little Mancini, there's a stale, warmed-over feel to the entire production that ultimately will keep ticket sales in check. There's slapstick and then there's the finely honed variety of physical comedy introduced by Sellers and director Blake Edwards in 1964's "The Pink Panther." Putting a broader stamp on a distinct style that paid homage to the likes of Chaplin, Keaton and Jacques Tati, the collaboration flourished over the course of a half-dozen pictures, all bearing Henry Mancini's immortal signature theme. But even though Martin (who shares screenplay credit with "Stripes" scribe Len Blum) and director Shawn Levy worked together before in the first "Cheaper by the Dozen" remake, they fail to generate the necessary comic sparks. Too many of the gags fall flat on their face long before the inspector does, and the entire pace feels like it's on some sort of three-second delay. The downbeat upshot strands a lot of usually reliable talent, also including Kevin Kline as Clouseau's pompous superior and Jean Reno as Clouseau's stoic assistant, as well as Emily Mortimer and Kristin Chenoweth, in a comedy vacuum, timing their performances to a nonexistent laugh track. Despite being filmed in New York, Paris and Prague, followed by some reshoots in Vancouver, the picture might as well have been shot on a studio backlot for all the excitement those backdrops manage to impart. Miraculously, Mancini's score is about the only thing that manages to emerge unscathed, even with composer Christophe Beck's attempts at a techno-tinged update. Cast: Director: Shawn Levy; Screenplay: Len Blum and Steve Martin; Story: Len Blum and Michael Saltzman; Based on characters created by: Maurice Richlin & Blake Edwards; Based on the Pink Panther films by: Blake Edwards; Producer: Robert Simonds; Executive producers: Tracey Trench, Ira Shuman; Director of photography: Jonathan Brown; Production designer: Lilly Kilvert; Editors: George Folsey Jr., Brad E. Wilhite; Costume designer: Joseph G. Aulisi; Music: Christophe Beck.
"Breaking Free," sung by "High School Musical" actors Zac Efron and Vanessa Anne Hudgens, recorded the biggest one-week jump ever on the Billboard 100, rocketing 82 places to No. 4, thanks solely to digital downloads; the song garnered no radio airplay. "Breaking Free," not surprisingly, leapt 56 places to No. 1 on the Hot Digital Songs chart, sending "Check on It" to No. 2. The previous one-week record was set in 1999, when Shanice jumped 75 places to No. 16 with "When I Close My Eyes." A week ago, Efron also made some chart history when he debuted on the Hot 100 with his first two entries, "Breaking Free" at No. 86 and "Get'cha Head in the Game," another "High School Musical" track, at No. 100. That made him the first debut artist to begin a chart career with two simultaneous debuts. This week, the feat has now been repeated by two other stars from "High School Musical." Lucas Gabriel and Ashley Tisdale debuted at No. 35 with "What I've Been Looking For" and at No. 62 with "Bop to the Top." The "High School Musical" soundtrack is turning out to be one of the most potent soundtracks of all time, with nine original songs on the Hot 100, and five in the top 40, another record. On Hot Digital Songs, the student bodies of "High School Musical" are occupying nine slots, with four songs in the top 10 and the other five all in the top 40. Nelly's "Grillz" featuring Paul Wall and Ali & Gipp held at No. 2 on the Hot 100 and seized the No. 1 spot on the Hot Ringtones chart, ending the 10-week run of the Black Eyed Peas' "My Humps." Mary J. Blige's "Be Without You" rose one place to No. 3 on the Hot 100 and led the R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for a sixth straight week. On the Hot 100, English balladeer James Blunt's "You're Beautiful" jumped three places to No. 5, Ne-Yo's "So Sick" ascended six to No. 6, and Chris Brown's "Run It!" dropped four Jamie Foxx's "Unpredictable" featuring Ludacris rocketed 10 places to No.8 on the Hot 100, followed by the Pussycat Dolls' "Stickwitu," which fell four to No. 9. Natasha Bedingfield's "Unwritten" rose four to No. 10. Daddy Yankee's "Rompe" led the Hot Latin Songs chart for a tenth straight week, while Carrie Underwood's "Jesus Take The Wheel" ruled the Hot Country Songs chart for a fourth frame. On the Adult Contemporary chart, Lifehouse's "You And Me" maintained the No. 1 spot for a third week. Weezer's "Perfect Situation" also held at No. 1 on the Modern Rock chart for a third week, while Nickelback's "Animals" rose three places to No. 1 on the Mainstream Rock tally, swapping places with Shinedown's "Save Me" to No. 4.
The Chicago-based singer, whose first name is Robert, picked up three nominations for the event, which will be taped on March 4 at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. Highlights will air in syndication from March 11 through March 19. Unlike Michael Jackson, Kelly's career has barely been affected by longstanding legal problems. In Illinois, he faces a 14-count indictment charging him with child pornography based on a videotape of him having sex with a person prosecutors allege was underage. He faced similar charges in Florida, but they were dropped on a legal technicality. Nine acts received two nominations each: the Black Eyed Peas, Mariah Carey, Keyshia Cole, John Legend, Missy Elliott, Gwen Stefani, Bobby Valentino, Kanye West and Charlie Wilson. Kelly was cited for best R&B/soul single (male), "Trapped in the Closet (Chapter 1)," best R&B/soul album, male, "TP.3 Reloaded," and best music video, "Trapped in the Closet (Chapter 1)." His album, "TP.3 Reloaded," which debuted at No. 1 on the U.S. pop charts last year, is crammed with steamy bedroom tunes, and boasts the unusual five-part saga "Trapped in the Closet," which revolves around a strange woman, her husband and his gay lover. Kelly will also receive the inaugural Stevie Wonder Award for achievement in songwriting, which the Motown legend will present. Other special awards include the Quincy Jones Award for career achievement, which will go to Jamie Foxx and Destiny's Child, and the Sammy Davis, Jr. Entertainer of the Year award to acclaimed newcomer John Legend. The awards are organized by Don Cornelius, the creator of the TV dance show "Soul Train," which has aired in syndication since 1971. Cornelius declined to identify any particular artists or songs last year that caught his fancy, but said there were no new releases that received heavy play on his CD player. "The really, really good music that Marvin (Gaye) and Otis Redding, and Lou (Rawls) and Luther (Vandross) and people like that (made) is really going on upstairs," Cornelius told Reuters. "I think the period of the '70s and '80s was the period when the very best music of the soul category was made. The very best."
Chatting with the press about "The Pink Panther," Knowles can't quite contain her "Dreamgirls" enthusiasm. "I am so excited about it I can't even talk, because my voice just starts shaking because I'm so happy," Knowles says. She isn't kidding. Her voice really does shake. "I've been hearing about 'Dreamgirls' since I was 15. I've never seen it, because I was born the year it was on Broadway, but I've seen the bootleg. I've been hearing about Deena and everything about her, because my choreographer's obsessed with her. And they told me they were doing this movie and I said, 'Oh my God, I have to have this movie.' And at first they weren't sure if I could play the part, because I haven't done anything like it on film and I knew I could do it, I just never had the chance to do it." For a certain fan base, "Dreamgirls" has long been the holy grail of musical adaptations, a fantasy project for producers, directors and stars alike. "Chicago" scribe Bill Condon was finally given the keys to the vehicle and attracted big-name stars including Knowles, Jamie Foxx and Eddie Murphy. Based loosely on the rise of The Supremes, "Dreamgirls" will feature Knowles in the Diana Ross role, the character of Deena. "I'm finding myself and I get to play a character with range," Knowles explains. "I'm 15 in the beginning and I grow up to be 36 and in the beginning the beginning there's nothing glamorous about Deena and she kind of butterflies into this diva and I have dramatic scenes and emotional scenes and very funny scenes and it's all these colors and I'm so excited because people are gonna get to see me act for the first time." Knowles has made a swift, but carefully plotted, transition from Destiny's Child featured performer to solo singer to burgeoning movie star. Her big screen progression has seen her put in the requisite time as a good-natured foil in comedies like "Austin Powers in Goldmember" and "The Pink Panther." She's sure she's ready for the big step that "Dreamgirls" represents. "Every movie I do, I learn a little bit more and after going on auditions and not getting some movies and getting some movies and having more life experiences and having a couple acting classes, I realized I am an actor and I can really do this right," she says. "Dreamgirls," already generating hopeful Oscar buzz, won't be out until the end of 2006, but "The Pink Panther" hits theaters on Friday, Feb. 10.
Destiny's Child's members are already busy with solo projects. Beyonce Knowles returns to theaters on February 10 in the long-delayed Steve Martin vehicle "The Pink Panther" and is hoping to begin work on a new album this summer. Kelly Rowland has penciled in a June 13 release for her sophomore solo set, while Michelle Williams' next project is expected sometime this summer.
The track swapped places with Nelly's "Grillz" featuring Paul Wall and Ali & Gipp, which fell to No. 2 after two weeks at No. 1. Knowles has now spent more time in pole position on Billboard's Hot 100 as a solo artist than she did as part of Destiny's Child. Until this week, the group and the solo performer were tied, with 17 weeks each at No. 1. Destiny's Child arrived at that total with four chart-toppers: "Bills, Bills, Bills" (one week), "Say My Name" (three weeks), "Independent Women Part I" (11 weeks) and "Bootylicious" (two weeks). Solo, she amassed 17 weeks at No. 1 with just two hits: "Crazy in Love" (eight weeks) and "Baby Boy" (nine weeks). The current chart week is her 18th frame at No. 1. "Check On It" is the first No. 1 hit for Houston rapper Slim Thug. His only other Hot 100 chart entry was "Still Tippin"' by Mike Jones, No. 60 in April 2005, but his album "Already Platinum" debuted and peaked at No. 2 in July 2005. Meanwhile, Chris Brown's "Run It!" held at No. 3 on the Hot 100, while Mary J. Blige's "Be Without You" jumped six places to No. 4, a day after its parent album, "The Breakthrough," dropped to No. 2 on The Billboard 200. The Pussycat Dolls "Stickwitu" and Juelz Santana's "There It Go! (The Whistle Song)" remained at No. 6 and No. 7, respectively. Mariah Carey's "Don't Forget About Us" fell three places to No. 7, while James Blunt's "You're Beautiful" surged seven places to No. 8. His debut album, "Back to Bedlam," reached a new Billboard 200 high of No. 9 this week. Rounding out the top tier, the All-American Rejects' "Dirty Little Secret" stayed at No. 9, while rap group D4L's former chart-topper "Laffy Taffy" fell three to No. 10. Bubbling under, English pop singer Natasha Bedingfield's "Unwritten" jumped 14 places to No. 14. The chart's top debut belonged to Yellowcard's "Lights and Sounds" at No. 76. Also new were Keyshia Cole's "Love" (No. 82); Zac Efron and Vanessa Anne Hudgens' "Breaking Free" (No. 86); Bubba Sparxxx' "Ms. New Booty" featuring Ying Yang Twins and Mr. ColliPark (No. 87); the Pussycat Dolls' "Beep" featuring will.i.am (No. 93); Hasidic rapper Matisyahu's "King Without a Crown" (No. 98); Zac Efron's "Get'cha Head in the Game" (No. 100). The Black Eyed Peas' "My Humps" remained No. 1 on the Hot Ringtones chart for a 10th week, and Daddy Yankee's "Rompe" sat atop the Hot Latin Songs chart for a ninth straight frame. On the Hot Country Songs chart, Carrie Underwood's "Jesus Take the Wheel" held on at No. 1 and Lifehouse's "You and Me" maintains the No. 1 spot on the Adult Contemporary chart, each for a third week. Weezer's "Perfect Situation" notched a second week at No. 1 on the Modern Rock chart, while Shinedown's "Save Me" led the Mainstream Rock tally for an 11th straight week.
"I'm not going to write for the album until I finish doing the movie," Beyonce told Billboard. "I've never been so excited about a movie in my life. I want to give one hundred percent to this film, because I know I was born for this role." Beyonce adds that Destiny's Child may do other projects in the future. "We haven't said that we'll never perform together," she said. "It's not 'the end' like we're never going to perform together or be on each other's records." Dreamgirls is the tale of fictional '60s vocal group The Dreams, loosely based on the Supremes. Beyonce is playing the role of the lead singer of the group. The film also stars Eddie Murphy, Jamie Foxx, Mos Def, Heavy D, Danny Glover, and American Idol contestant Jennifer Hudson. The film is slated for a Christmas 2006 release.
The story began in November 1997, when "No, No, No" was the third-highest of four new entries on The Billboard Hot 100. Hanson's "I Will Wait for You" opened at No. 15, Metallica's "The Memory Remains" bowed at No. 31, "No, No, No" was new at No. 64 and Twista's "Get It Wet" entered at No. 96. Of the four singles, the only one to reach the top five was "No, No No," which peaked at No. 3 in March. A little more than a year later, Destiny's Child achieved pole position for the first time with another repetitive title, "Bills, Bills, Bills." The song was co-written by someone who knew a lot about being in a "girl group." Kandi Burruss had been a member of Atlanta-based quartet Xscape. The producer of the single was Kevin Briggs, aka She'kspere, who had worked with TLC and Blaque when he was asked to produce Destiny's Child. "Bills, Bills, Bills" spent a week at No. 1 in July 1999. The follow-up, "Bug a Boo," was a rare misstep for the group. The single stalled at No. 33. The third release from the album "The Writing's on the Wall" returned the women to the top spot: "Say My Name" began a three-week reign in March 2000. Rodney Jerkins produced the single and wrote it with his brother Fred and members of Destiny's Child. A fourth single from "The Writing's on the Wall," titled "Jumpin, Jumpin," peaked at No. 3. Before the group's third album was released, a single from a soundtrack became its biggest hit on the Hot 100. The team behind "Charlie's Angels" liked Destiny's Child, and it didn't hurt that the act had sold 4 million albums by this time. Feeling the need to express her independence, group member Beyonce Knowles went in the studio by herself and came up with a song that, with help later on from producers Poke & Tone and Cory Rooney, became "Independent Women Part 1." The song moved into first place in November 2000, and remained there for 11 weeks. One of only 15 songs in the rock era to retain the top spot for 11 weeks or more, it made Destiny's Child one of only three girl groups to be No. 1 on the Hot 100 for more than five weeks -- in fact, it holds the record as the longest-running chart-topper by a female group. For a follow-up, Columbia Records released what would be the title track to the third Destiny's Child album. The song "Survivor" arrived before the album came out and spent seven weeks at No. 2 on the Hot 100. The next single began as a track written by Falonte Moore and Robert Fusari. They started with a drum groove on an MPC2000 sequencer, and Fusari suggested they sample Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger." It turned out he didn't have the song in his CD collection, so he temporarily substituted a song with a similar guitar part, knowing they would replace it later with "Eye of the Tiger." But the incessant beat of Stevie Nicks' "Edge of Seventeen" proved too alluring. "When I heard the Stevie Nicks sample, it made me want to dance," says Knowles, who listened to the track on a flight to London so she could write lyrics. It was during that flight that the title "Bootylicious" popped into her head. "Bootylicious" became the fourth Destiny's Child song to head up the Hot 100. That put the trio into a tie with TLC for second place among girl groups with the most No. 1s, behind the 12 No. 1 hits scored by Diana Ross & the Supremes. With "Bootylicious," the trio spent its 17th week on top, behind the Supremes' 22 and TLC's 18. The album "Survivor" was so hit-laden that it was a sure shot for No. 1 on The Billboard 200. The CD entered the chart in pole position the week in May 2001, and remained there for two weeks. Destiny's Child was only the sixth girl group to collect a No. 1 album in the rock era, following the Supremes, Go-Go's, Spice Girls, TLC and Dixie Chicks. In November 2005, Destiny's Child's hits collection "#1s" became the group's second No. 1 album. That made the trio only the third girl group in the rock era to have two or more No. 1 albums, after the Supremes (with three) and Dixie Chicks (also with two).
The women of Destiny's Child -- Beyonce Knowles, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams -- are very aware of the synergy that can exist between band and brand. In fact, during its successful run as a trio, Destiny's Child opened many people's eyes to the ins and outs of brand marketing. Along with their manager Mathew Knowles (Beyonce's father), they have shown that branded entertainment platforms can be embraced without selling out. And now that each member has a solo career, the branding will only continue. Knowles, who maintains multi-year deals with Tommy Hilfiger Toiletries/Estee Lauder (for True Star perfume) and L'Oreal, is expected to launch her own line of cosmetics through L'Oreal this year. In February, her movie career will continue with the arrival of Columbia Pictures' "The Pink Panther," where she stars opposite Steve Martin and Kevin Kline. Come December, she will be seen in the DreamWorks/Paramount film adaptation of the Broadway musical "Dreamgirls," which will surely involve a soundtrack. On the fashion front, Knowles created the clothing brand House of Dereon with her mother, Tina. It offers jeans and casual wear. HOD had a soft launch in November. Its hard launch will coincide with her second solo album and the release of "Dreamgirls." Meanwhile, Williams, who recently appeared in Gap's "Favorites" ad campaign, is taping episodes of the UPN TV show "Half and Half." Additionally, she is contemplating two offers from Broadway, which is still praising her leading role in "Aida." According to Williams, she will also open a beauty spa and launch her own line of bath and body products in the future. Rowland is keeping busy too. She has been filming several episodes of the UPN show "Girlfriends." Her second solo album is due in April, just as her new campaign for Soft Sheen's Dark & Lovely hair care products begins. (Soft Sheen is owned by L'Oreal.) This activity will be preceded, in February, by the DVD release of the film "Seat Fillers," which stars Rowland and Duane Martin. Expect the album, DVD and Dark & Lovely products to be available under one roof at big-box retailers like Wal-Mart. For Mathew Knowles and the girls' attorney Ken Hertz, each branding partner must be a strategic fit. Knowles depends on corporate relationships to drive the marketing, as well as film and TV. "We don't just go out there because somebody dangles a dollar," he says. "We've tried to make those decisions that were in the best interest of the ladies and their careers -- both collectively and individually." Throughout, music has been at the foundation of Destiny's Child. Brand analysts agree that Destiny's Child made its sound ubiquitous by partnering with the right brands. "The girls made it all seem so natural," says Morris Reid, managing director of Westin Rinehart, a Washington, D.C.-based company that specializes in brand-building partnerships. Musically, Destiny's Child was never pigeon-holed in a particular genre. This is important, because it gave the group more opportunities to extend into different brand categories. "There's a lot of leverage there, as well as a lot of believability," says Robert Passikoff, founder and president of Brand Keys, a brand and customer loyalty consulting firm in New York. Destiny's Child is a case of one plus one plus one equaling four, Passikoff adds. "For brands, that's a win-win. There is no barrier of disbelief. They have a high level of acceptance as entertainers and spokespersons." The branding of Destiny's Child was put into high gear with the 2000 Columbia Pictures film "Charlie's Angels." The film's accompanying soundtrack featured the group's "Independent Women Part 1," which spent 11 weeks in the pole position of The Billboard Hot 100. Consider this pairing a prime example of strategic partnership. The group, its management team and label, with the help of Columbia Pictures, created a major marketing campaign that delivered much awareness about the song's three voices. With the trio's third album, 2001's "Survivor," branding partnerships reached another peak. A tour supported an album, and vice versa. The album supported a then-new relationship with Pepsi, which in turn supported the album and tour. It's this type of strategic effort that "brings upon a win," Knowles says. The group was dealt its first branding deal in the late '90s when it partnered with Hasbro for its Hit Clips game, Knowles says. Around the same time, Beyonce Knowles connected with L'Oreal for the group's first "real corporate tie-in," her father says. Destiny's Child dolls from Mattel followed, and then came "Charlie's Angels." When looking at the many brand partners of Destiny's Child, it becomes very evident that the deals cover a wide demographic, ranging from toddlers to those 45 and up. So, what makes a postcard-perfect branding alliance for the group and its individual members? First and foremost, the demographic of the brand must be on point. "Does it align and match our demographics, and does it offer an opportunity to grow our demographic?" Mathew Knowles asks. Also, does it reach a domestic or international audience? "And what about timing?" Knowles looks for opportunities that can tie in with a tour or a new album. He eschews one-off deals for extended partnerships. To illustrate, Knowles points to the Pepsi deal. "From day one, we discussed how we could expand this into being global rather than just domestic," he says. What began initially as a one-off domestic deal with Beyonce evolved into a three-year global partnership for the group. While none of this strategic planning is lost on the women formerly known as Destiny's Child, Beyonce Knowles prefers to keep her eyes on her creative side. "It's my job to be creative, to be an artist, to perform and to work on my craft," she says. Still, she says, "we all decide what we want to do and what we want to be a part of." Williams goes one step further. "I look for what's right for me and my image," she says of her endorsement deals. "I don't want to do anything I would regret later." With Knowles and Hertz on their sides, this will not happen any time soon. In fact, it is each member's girl-next-door image that has served them well, and will continue to. "They've done a phenomenal job of playing the celebrity game without letting celebrity go to their heads," says Tina Wells, CEO of Buzz Marketing Group, which specializes in the youth market. "They have class, style and sophistication, the kind that is not threatening to anybody." Looking ahead, Reid believes Knowles needs to use her power like Oprah Winfrey to brand herself. "The House of Dereon is a great start," he says. Similarly, "Michelle and Kelly will succeed in their own niche, which they need to exploit," Reid says. "They have lots of chips -- relationships in the music industry -- that will be important for their futures. They can be powerful earners."
Not only did Destiny's Child realize its golden dream, but during the past decade, Beyonce, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams made history as one of the world's top-selling female acts. That history includes platinum plaudits and international acclaim -- selling 50 million records worldwide, according to Sony BMG -- as well as a host of Grammy Awards and other industry accolades. "Ever since we were little, we were so on fire for our dreams," Rowland says. "We never let anyone blow our flames out." And those flames are still burning, although now they smolder under the burgeoning solo endeavors of the group's members. Signing off as a trio last year in the wake of their successful "Destiny Fulfilled" farewell album and tour, the three ladies are busily pursuing their individual careers in music, theater, TV and film. This year will bring new solo albums from Rowland and Williams, as well as Knowles' anticipated co-starring roles in the feature films "The Pink Panther" and "Dreamgirls." In announcing its retirement, Destiny's Child did what few acts in any genre, of either gender, have been able to accomplish: bowing out while still on top. The group's current Sony Urban Music/Columbia album, the hit compilation "#1's," debuted at No. 1 on The Billboard 200 and the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. "Destiny Fulfilled," the group's final studio album issued in 2004, received a nomination for best contemporary R&B album for the upcoming 48th annual Grammy Awards. Two of the album's tracks, "Cater 2 U" and "Soldier," are up for best R&B song and best rap/sung collaboration, respectively. Ask those who have worked with the group for the reasons behind its phenomenal success, and the following factors are invariably ticked off: talent, passion and determination. Robert Waller, who co-wrote "Cater 2 U" and penned songs (including "Me, Myself and I") for Beyonce's solo album "Dangerously in Love," credits the group's strong work ethic and focus. "They are always trying to be better in addition to the initial talent they have and the strong people behind them," he says. "It wasn't a game, about trying to be cute or stepping on each other's toes. They were all committed to a common goal: success." Original group members Beyonce and her friend LaTavia Roberson were only nine years old when Destiny's Child was initially established in 1990. With Knowles' father, Mathew Knowles, as manager, the fledgling act sang and rapped. Knowles' cousin Kelendria "Kelly" Rowland signed on in 1992, after which the trio appeared on "Star Search." The threesome morphed into a quartet a year later with the addition of LeToya Luckett. The group underwent several name changes -- Girls Time, the Dolls and Cliche -- before sticking with Destiny's Child (a phrase that appears in the book of Isaiah in the Bible). But one thing didn't change: the youngsters' enthusiasm for this musical venture. "The key thing is this was always their passion," Mathew Knowles says. "This wasn't a parent or manager putting together a group to see about getting a record deal. This was young girls saying, 'This is what we want.' " Stoking that passion, Knowles booked them for everything from luncheons to fashion shows to church gigs. And practice became a way of life. In sessions he tagged as "boot camp," Knowles helped the preteens develop their choreography and vocal skills. Also on the agenda: stamina building and media training. "It was fun, but I wouldn't call it 'boot camp,' though," his daughter says during a rehearsal break on the "Dreamgirls" set. "That sounds a little crazy for kids. But all we wanted to do was sing and have somebody watch us. We'd go to my mother's hair salon and perform at times when I know they (the customers) didn't feel like watching us. But we would make them." "We were weird kids, performing and practicing all the time," Rowland adds. "We had childhoods, because we did get the chance to play outside and visit theme parks. But when all of our friends were in cheer squads, we were in rehearsal and loving it." All the practicing and performing paid off. Graduating from the Houston club scene, the group began opening for such acts as SWV, Dru Hill and Immature. The quartet had also caught the ear of Atlanta producer/songwriter Darryl Simmons of Silent Partner Productions, which eventually led to a record/production deal through Elektra Records. When that liaison ended after two years and no record, Knowles reapproached an earlier suitor, Columbia Records. The label signed Destiny's Child in 1997. Still in their mid-teens, the girls made their first recorded appearance on the 1997 "Men in Black" soundtrack with the song "Killing Time." A year later, the group's self-titled debut album arrived, featuring such guest producers as Wyclef Jean and Jermaine Dupri. Those early dreams of a gold record came true when the Jean-produced lead single "No, No, No" ascended to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Sony Urban Music president Lisa Ellis recalls that early on, the girls' talent and determination left a lasting impression. She witnessed both qualities during the group's first radio promo show for top 40 WJJS Roanoke, Va. "They were in a parking lot in front of a department store on a one-foot riser with a stage," she says. "Yet those girls came prepared like they were playing Madison Square Garden. They were doing their own hair and makeup, complete with costume changes. Tina (Beyonce's mother) literally sewed all the clothes back then. There were no lights or cameras. Just them and a crowd of people. And they killed it." Working with producer Kevin "She'kspere" Briggs, Destiny's Child scored its first No. 1 pop hit and second R&B chart-topper in 1999 with "Bills, Bills, Bills." It joined "Say My Name" and "Jumpin, Jumpin" as the three R&B/pop out-of-the-ballpark hits from the group's sophomore album, "The Writing's on the Wall." Despite the success, seeds of dissension were sprouting. In December 1999, Roberson and Luckett sought different management, questioning Knowles' share of profits and alleging preferential treatment for Beyonce and Rowland. When two new members, Michelle Williams and Farrah Franklin, appeared in the "Say My Name" video, Roberson and Luckett filed suit against the Knowles' and Rowland for breach of partnership, among other charges. By July 2002, the pair had settled their cases against their former group mates as well as a separate suit against Mathew Knowles. In the meantime, Franklin left Destiny's Child five months after joining, returning the group to a trio format. And the burden was on Williams to prove her singing talent could make the grade. "It was hard for me to come in," Williams remembers. "I was coming into an organization already in existence. I couldn't show myself weak, but it's hard when you know God has given you a talent and you want everybody to accept it. It turns out you can be stronger than what you think you are." Destiny's Child became a more potent musical force following the 2000 release of "Independent Women Part 1," the theme song for the film version of "Charlie's Angels." The single, which spent 11 weeks at No. 1, marked Beyonce Knowles' emergence as a writer. "Still to this day my father and I argue about him playing my songs for people," she says with a laugh. "I was so mad at my father then for sneaking off and playing 'Independent Women' for the Columbia executives. But I'm so happy he did." Knowles also added production credits to her resume with the release of the third Destiny's Child album, "Survivor," in 2001. Debuting at No. 1, the album featured two more R&B/pop hits, the title track and "Bootylicious." That same year, the trio issued a holiday record, "8 Days of Christmas." Three years would elapse before Destiny's Child released another group studio album. During this hiatus, they released their first solo albums. First up was Williams with the inspirational/gospel project "Heart to Yours" in April 2002. Rowland hit No. 1 in her own right with the single "Dilemma" featuring Nelly, which appeared on her solo album "Simply Deep." Beyonce Knowles -- going by her first name -- netted multiple Grammy Awards for the 2003 release "Dangerously in Love." Besides upcoming solo albums, the ladies' new goals include a variety of projects. Rowland, still a spokeswoman for hair care product maker Soft Sheen, has wrapped a guest stint on UPN's "Girlfriends" that is slated to air in February/March. Her romantic comedy "Seat Filler," also starring Duane Martin, arrives on DVD in February. Rowland's second solo album is due in April. Describing the project as "very personal," she is doing more writing in collaboration with Williams, Sean Garrett, Beyonce's sister Solange Knowles and Rich Harrison, among others. "I want a new sound," Rowland says of the album. "So I've got everybody thinking about clever lyrics, new beats and new instruments." Williams has completed taping episodes of the UPN series "Half & Half." After stepping into the role of "Aida" a couple of years ago, she is contemplating some new Broadway offers. This month, she's due to go back into the studio to record an album currently targeted for a summer release. "This album will still have an inspirational twist, but it will be R&B," Williams says. Knowles is concentrating on her "Dreamgirls" role right now. Discussions are under way about her possibly shifting back into recording mode in May, with an eye toward a September release date. That hinges, naturally, on when the "Dreamgirls" filming ends. "I'm not going to write for the album until I finish doing the movie," she says. "I've never been so excited about a movie in my life. I want to give 100% to this film, because I know I was born for this role." As for the chances of a Destiny's Child reunion down the road, the ladies aren't shutting that door. "We haven't said that we'll never perform together," Knowles points out. "It's not 'the end' like we're never going to perform together or be on each other's records."
"I have no wedding plans," she told AP Television News, smiling, then breaking out into her trademark huge laugh. "No, I'm not rushing." Then just where have all those reports been coming from — predicting a summer ceremony for Beyonce and superstar hip-hop artist and producer Jay-Z? "They've been saying it about every celebrity forever," she replied, shaking her head. "It's not personal. They just do it to everyone. "I'm 24 years old!" Beyonce added, laughing big again. Of course, not every 24-year-old attracts a crowd of 3,000 when she drops into a fragrance department. But such was the case Sunday at the Lakewood Robinsons-May store as Beyonce made a rare retail appearance to promote her second signature fragrance, Tommy Hilfiger's True Star Gold. "I had True Star originally," she said. "And it was a reflection of my true self, of Beyonce. It was really private, and not overbearing. And this is True Star Gold. Gold is my favorite color, and it, basically, is a reflection of 'Sasha,' who is my personality on the stage. You can see in all the ads: I have the hair blowin', the fierce makeup, the smoky eyes, the mic. It's more sexy. It's more outgoing. It's the type of fragrance you would wear if you had a hot date or you're going out, having a 'Sex and the City' night with your girlfriends." Speaking of, this period marks the beginning of a new chapter for Beyonce, who has officially gone solo after selling more than 40-million CDs as one-third of Destiny's Child. Beyonce said her current life doesn't feel much different from when she was with the group. In fact, Beyonce said she's regularly on the phone with bandmate Michelle Williams, and Kelly Rowland will be over for Christmas. "I don't think I'm going to feel it until I have an album coming out," Beyonce said. "Because when I go into the studio and I have to decide the singles and the videos and all of that by myself, when I have that pressure and I'm going to have to perform by myself — that's when it's gonna hit." In February, we'll see Beyonce back on the big screen in a remake of comedy classic "The Pink Panther," co-starring Steve Martin and Kevin Kline. Later in 2006, Beyonce will star in "Dreamgirls," a screen adaptation of the Broadway-musical smash. She'll play "Deena," the Diana Ross-like character in a musical inspired by the triumphs and tragedies of The Supremes. In the film, Deena will age from 16 to 30. "I get to really show a range and really get to act for the first time," Beyonce said. In the meantime, she's going home for the holidays. "My mother is cooking," Beyonce noted with a smile. "So, I'm trying to watch my weight because I know when I get home I'm gonna probably gain five pounds, because I'm gonna eat that food five days in a row. I always eat it for a week after she cooks it. I can't wait."
R&B Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals: "So Amazing," Beyonce & Stevie Wonder; "Cater 2 U," Destiny's Child; "If This World Were Mine," Alicia Keys featuring Jermaine Paul; "So High," John Legend featuring Lauryn Hill; "How Will I Know," Stevie Wonder featuring Aisha Morris. R&B Song: "Cater 2 U," Rodney Jerkins, Beyonce Knowles, Ricky Lewis, Kelly Rowland, Robert Waller & Michelle Williams, (Destiny's Child); "Free Yourself," Craig Brockman, Missy Elliott & Nisan Stewart, (Fantasia); "Ordinary People," W. Adams & J. Stephens, (John Legend); "Unbreakable," Garry Glenn, Alicia Keys, Harold Lily & Kanye West, (Alicia Keys); "We Belong Together," J. Austin, M. Carey, J. Dupri & M. Seal, (D. Bristol, K. Edmonds, S. Johnson, P. Moten, S. Sully & B. Womack, (Mariah Carey). Contemporary R&B Album: "Touch," Amerie; "The Emancipation of Mimi," Mariah Carey; "Destiny Fulfilled," Destiny's Child; "Turning Point," Mario; "O," Omarion. Rap/Sung Collaboration: "1,2 Step," Ciara featuring Missy Elliott; "They Say," Common featuring Kanye West & John Legend; "Soldier," Destiny's Child featuring T.I. & Lil Wayne; "Numb/Encore," Jay-Z featuring Linkin Park; "Rich Girl," Gwen Stefani featuring Eve.
"I know they have other plans, but I will do everything in my power to keep Destiny's Child together," said Jimmy Kimmel. "For the good of the world." "We are excited to do this special performance for our fans on "Jimmy Kimmel Live." We love the show and really appreciate Jimmy's sense of humor," said the members of Destiny's Child. One of the world's top-selling musical acts of the late '90s and early '00s, Destiny's Child -- Beyonci, Michelle and Kelly -- account for the sale of more than 50 million records worldwide. The members of Destiny's Child, individually and collectively, have earned a phenomenal 42 gold, platinum, and multi-platinum RIAA certifications since the group's recorded debut in November 1997. The group's most recent tour, "Destiny Fulfilled... And Lovin' It" World Tour, presented by McDonald's, included Destiny Child's first full-length concert appearances in North America in four years. During the group's performance in Barcelona on June 11, 2005, Beyonci Knowles, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams announced that they would be retiring as Destiny's Child and moving forward to pursue personal goals and individual careers in music, theater, television and film. Jimmy Kimmel and Duncan Gray serve as executive producers and Jason Schrift as co-executive producer. "Jimmy Kimmel Live" is shot live in front of a studio audience and produced by Jackhole Industries in association with Touchstone Television.
TELEVISION Favorite New Comedy "Everybody Hates Chris" (UPN) Favorite New Drama "Commander in Chief" (ABC) Favorite Comedy "Everybody Loves Raymond" (CBS) Favorite Drama "CSI" (CBS) Favorite Reality Show/Competition "American Idol" (FOX) Favorite Reality Show/Other "Extreme Makeover" (ABC) Favorite Late-Night Host Jay Leno Favorite Daytime Host Ellen DeGeneres Favorite Female Star Jennifer Garner Favorite Male Star Ray Romano MOVIES Favorite Female Star Sandra Bullock Favorite Male Star Nicolas Cage Favorite Leading Lady Cameron Diaz Favorite Leading Man Jamie Foxx Favorite Female Action Star Jennifer Garner Favorite Male Action Star Matthew McConaughey Favorite On-screen Matchup Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" MUSIC Favorite Female Artist Kelly Clarkson Favorite Male Artist Toby Keith Favorite Group Black Eyed Peas OTHER Favorite Funny Female Star Drew Barrymore Favorite Funny Male Star Chris Rock Artist of the Year/Urban and Rhythmic Radio According to Nielsen SoundScan, Destiny's Child sold a relatively modest 113,000 copies of its Sony Urban Music/Columbia swansong in the week ended October 30. The trio topped the chart one other time with 2001's "Survivor," which racked up first-week sales of 663,000 copies and has sold 4.3 million to date. Though not every song has topped a Billboard chart, the new 16-track collection does include four Hot 100 No. 1s: "Bills, Bills, Bills," "Say My Name," "Independent Women Part 1" and "Bootylicious." Previous champ Ashlee Simpson tumbled to No. 6 as her sophomore effort "I Am Me" (Geffen) sold 73,000 copies in its second week. Canadian rock band Nickelback's "All the Right Reasons" got a two-slot bump to No. 2 with 102,000 copies, while Martina McBride held steady at No. 3 as "Timeless" (RCA) sold 92,000 copies. That album also logs a second week at No. 1 on Billboard's Top Country Albums chart. Rod Stewart's "Thanks for the Memory... The Great American Songbook Vol. IV" (J Records) dropped two places to No. 4 with 91,000 copies. The Black Eyed Peas' "Monkey Business" (A&M/Interscope) rose three to No. 5 with 80,000 copies. Simpson's A No. 7 entry for Joe Nichols' third studio album, the aptly titled "III," gave the country artist his best placement on The Billboard 200. With sales of 57,000 copies, the Universal South set also landed at No. 2 on Top Country Albums. Nichols previous went as high as No. 3 on the country chart and No. 23 on the Billboard 200 with last year's "Revelation," which started with 43,000 units and has sold 273,000 to date. Kanye West's "Late Registration" (Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam) rose two to No. 8 with 56,000 copies, while Bun-B's "Trill" dropped three to No. 9 with 55,000. Rounding out the top tier was "Bette Midler Sings the Peggy Lee Songbook," the first top 10 title for the Divine Miss M in more than a decade. The Columbia set notched a rounded total of 55,000 copies, a few hundred short of Bun B's same rounded total. "Bette Midler Sings the Rosemary Clooney Songbook" gave the artist a higher first-week sales tally in 2003 (71,000), but a lower chart entry (No. 14); it has sold 724,000 copies to date. Midler last appeared in the top 10 in 1991 with the No. 6 peak of "Some People's Lives." The 21-track Hip-O career-spanning collection "The Legend of Johnny Cash" gave the late country legend his biggest sales week (50,000) since Nielsen SoundScan began tabulating data in 1991. The album, which boasts cuts from his early days at Sun Records to Rick Rubin collaborations in the sunset of his life, bowed at No. 11. "The Legend" is Cash's highest-charting release since "Hello, I'm Johnny Cash," went to No. 6 in 1970. His previous best Nielsen SoundScan sales week came in 2003 when "American IV" moved 45,000 copies during Christmas week. With the biopic "Walk the Line" due to open November 18 in U.S. theaters, the Cash catalog could see new sales records in the coming months. The Billboard 200's remaining top 50 debuts came from Aerosmith's "Rockin' the Joint: Live at the Hard Rock Hotel Las Vegas" (Columbia, No. 24), Il Divo's "The Christmas Collection" (Syco/Columbia, No. 32) and 'N Sync's "Greatest Hits" (Jive, No. 47). Overall U.S. album sales were down 12% from last week at 9.5 million units, about 9% lower than the same week last year. Sales for the year are behind those of 2004 by 10% at 456 million units.
Pop culture magazine Radar claims that the singer/actress' cover shot for the recent Vanity Fair appears to have been lightened, an allegation Knowles' spokesperson denies. "There are very fair-skinned black people in this world, and Beyonce is one of them," says Yvette Noel-Schure in an interview with "Access Hollywood." Vanity Fair also adds that the photo was "absolutely not" manipulated to whitewash the performer's skin tone. Generally, magazines use retouching to cover blemishes or enhance certain aspects of their photographed subjects. "Doom" star Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson also weighed in on the controversy. "If you lighten Beyonce's skin, at the end of the day it doesn't matter because she's still gorgeous and makes great records," he says. "It would be different if you just made her white." Knowles, 24, is a Grammy-winning artist that has starred in "Austin Powers in Goldmember" and "The Fighting Temptations" on the big screen. She's wrapped filming on the upcoming "The Pink Panther" with Steve Martin and has signed on to star in DreamWorks' adaptation of the Broadway musical "Dreamgirls."
Beyonce, flying high as a solo act since venturing from the hit trio Destiny's Child, told the magazine she and Jay-Z are not even engaged despite a long relationship that has often seen them pictured in gossip pages on exotic beach holidays. Asked if she was hitched, she said only, "No." Pressed further if she was engaged, she said, "I'm not." The sultry soul and hip hop vocalist, whose musical background is rooted in gospel singing, wears some revealing outfits in the magazine spread, but said she sees no conflict between her religious devotion and her sexy image. "When I go back to Houston and go to church and see those people, I feel like the same country girl," said the 24-year-old Texan, who becomes 'Sasha' on stage. "I always held back in Destiny's Child, because I was comfortable in a group and felt that I didn't have to do anything 100 percent, because there were other people on stage with me. I would not lose myself or go all the way," she said.
It is unknown what criteria the trio's Columbia Records label used in determining a "number one," as some of the tracks did not reach the top of any Billboard chart. The only No. 1 hits on Billboard's benchmark Hot 100 singles chart are "Independent Women Part 1," "Say My Name," "Bootylicious" and "Bills, Bills, Bills," while "No, No, No Part 2" reached the top of the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The set will include the new songs "Stand Up for Love" and "Feel the Same Way I Do," as well as a Beyonce Knowles/Slim Thug track, "Check on It," which is earmarked for the upcoming "Pink Panther" remake in which Knowles co-stars. "Stand Up for Love" is doubling as the anthem for the 2005 World Children's Day (November 20), a worldwide fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House Charities and local children's organizations. The track will be released Tuesday (September 27) as a seven-inch vinyl single. With Destiny's Child winding down, its members are already preparing new projects. Before the end of the year, Knowles will begin filming a new movie, "Dreamgirls," which co-stars Jamie Foxx and will be written and directed by Bill Condon ("Gods and Monsters," "Kinsey"). "Each artist goes through the next step in their career, and the soundtrack is the first joint venture Beyonce has with her own label," her father/manager Matthew Knowles told Billboard.com. Her next solo album is pegged to arrive in fall 2006. As for Michelle Williams' next album, Knowles said, "Don't be surprised if she comes out with an R&B record," as opposed to the gospel-leaning material found on her first two solo releases. Kelly Rowland is featured on the new Trina single "Here We Go," a pairing "that will surprise a lot of folks," Knowles said. Rowland is also at work on a new solo effort. Here is the track list for "#1's": Nominees were chosen on the basis of record sales. Winners will be selected by a survey of about 20,000 listeners. Soul/Rhythm & Blues: Band, duo or group: Destiny's Child, 112, Pretty Ricky Album: "The Emancipation Of Mimi" (Mariah Carey), "Destiny Fulfilled" (Destiny's Child), "Free Yourself" (Fantasia)
1. (1) Dave Matthews Band; $1,403,512; $44.82. The supergroup was not in attendance, but presenter and "America's Next Top Model" winner Eva Pigford accepted the award for the single "Soldier" on the group's behalf. The group bested nominees Nina Sky, the Pussycat Dolls and Xscape. Ciara, Amerie, Fantasia and Destiny's Child were up for multiple honors at the ceremony, with special honoree Aretha Franklin set to appear. Host and R&B star Toni Braxton started the night with a sexy performance, wearing a floor-sweeping white fur coat, which she dropped to reveal a slinky, white, one-piece bathing suit underneath. Teen crunk&B sensation Ciara, along with Braxton and singer Brian McKnight, hosted the ceremony, which will be syndicated for broadcast later this month. Winners were decided by 1,600 voters, including artists and radio station representatives. Soul diva Franklin was to receive the 2005 Lena Horne Award for outstanding career achievements — and join Stevie Wonder for a duet. Amerie, whose "1 Thing" was a summertime hit, was to receive the Aretha Franklin Award for entertainer of the year, to be presented by Franklin herself. Ciara, who lost out at last week's World Music Awards, was vying for best new artist along with "American Idol" chanteuse Fantasia. Ciara also collaborated with Missy Elliott on "Lose Control," a nominee in the dance cut and music video categories, competing against Destiny's Child, Amerie and Ciara's own "1,2 Step." Ciara's dance jam "Goodies" faced off with tunes by Amerie, Fantasia and Alicia Keys for song of the year. Destiny's Child, a big winner at the World Music Awards for "Destiny Fulfilled," was also up for best group album, with sister act Nina Sky as the soon-to-split-up trio's main competition. Before the show, celebs reflected on the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans and surrounding areas along the Gulf Coast. Wonder, in a patchwork blue jacket, touched his chest and said "my heart is heavy" for Katrina survivors. Amerie, in a gorgeous red and white Valentino gown, said, "The bottom line was that it took a long time" for aid to reach survivors.
How is this relationship mutually beneficial, you ask? Take a look at the special's list of scheduled performers: David Bowie (married a model), Destiny's Child (Beyonce just started her own clothing line), Duran Duran (married models), Billy Idol (has a song called "Eyes Without a Face," and models have faces), Alicia Keys and Shakira (could be models), Tim McGraw (his wife could be a model), Nelly (owns his own clothing line), Gwen Stefani (owns her own clothing line), Joss Stone (models for GAP), The Arcade Fire (wears clothes) and Rob Thomas (married a model). It's shocking once it's all laid out for you in black and white like that, isn't it? Whether you're wearing your clothes backward because you saw it on a music video or you're throwing panties at your favorite band member, fashion is inescapably tied to the music we love. (Wardrobe malfunction anyone?) "Fashion and music are two of the most exciting driving forces in pop culture today," says CBS Entertainment's senior vice president, Jack Sussman. "By combining the best elements of these genres in 'Fashion Rocks,' we look forward to creating a great television event with music's biggest acts and fashion's top stars." Hindsight disasters such as piano ties and anything Elton John wore in the '70s notwithstanding, Sussman's argument seems sound. Of course, we still have plaid flannel shirts in our closet thanks to Pearl Jam, circa 1991, so maybe we're not the best of judges. But when you think grunge, glam, Goth, punk or hip-hop, you think of the apparel associated with the genre before you think of a defining artist. So maybe there is something to be said for the relationship. "Music continues to be an incredible influence on fashion," says Richard Beckman, president of the Conde Nast Media Group, publishers of Vogue, GQ, Vanity Fair, Allure and Glamour "'Fashion Rocks' showcases that relationship and promises to be one of the most entertaining nights of the year." That's a pretty safe statement considering the trendsetters taking the stage. Stefani, a Grammy Award-winning soloist and lead singer for the group No Doubt, is perhaps the most logical choice for "Fashion Rocks." Since finding her way to stardom in the mid-'90s, she has become a style icon for anyone looking to combine the fashion sense of Japanese anime with Rastafarian and California valley girl chic. Yet somehow she makes it all work. Her love of fashion prompted her to start her own fashion house, L.A.M.B. -- the acronym for "Love, Angel, Music, Baby" and also the title of her first solo CD -- three years ago. Not only has the line been a pleasant success for such retailers as Saks Fifth Avenue and Barney's New York, its steady growth has earned Stefani's first collection the closing spot during New York's Fashion Week. Of course, it's become normal for musicians to cross over into the fashion world. Sean "Diddy" Combs and J.Lo have both been wildly successful entering the market, and Def Jam founder Russell Simmons has been selling his Phat Farm line of sportswear for 12 years. But some artists still prefer to just wear the clothes and look great doing it. Bowie, no stranger to makeup and glitter, is currently the face of "H Hilfiger" (along with his wife, Iman), Tommy Hilfiger's newest line of tailored and sophisticated clothes. Though Bowie was a fashion icon back in the late '60s and early '70s during his androgynous Ziggy Stardust phase, he weighs in far more on the side of manly -- albeit a very pretty man -- now. Adding buzz to the proceedings will be two-time Grammy Award winners Destiny's Child in what is reportedly the group's last televised appearance before literally disbanding. The trio plans to focus on solo careers. For Beyonce Knowles, that career includes the "House of Dereon," which she started with her mother Tina who has been designing the group's outfits since its inception. Their bootylicious fashions are also set to make an appearance on the catwalk during Fashion Week. No group did more to usher in the current loving relationship between music and fashion than Duran Duran. The group's ground-breaking videos in the early days of MTV made dating musicians a much more lucrative concept for models everywhere. Songs including "Girls on Film" and "Rio" solidified the position of its members as pop music's glamour boys. Billy Idol, he of black leather, bleach-blond spiky hair and universally recognized scowl, has been a household name since the early '80s. With such hits as "White Wedding" and "Cradle of Love," he epitomized the punk-glam movement long before the drawers drooped on hip hoppers and the Britneys of the world exposed their bare midriffs. Now, if someone would just bring back parachute pants. Hammer, can you hear us?
The diva supergroup, which also helped open the show, bested Gorillaz, Maroon 5, Il Divo and the Black Eyed Peas. Usher, 50 Cent, Mariah Carey and The Game were among the recording artists up for multiple honours at the awards show held at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood. It will be telecast Sept. 13. Co-hosts James Denton of "Desperate Housewives" and Carmen Electra started off the night with a sexy vibe as Electra stripped down to black bra, panties and a feather boa shortly after taking the stage. Three other scantily clad women then joined the hosts. "It's a little hot in here," Electra said. The slate of nominees at this year's show reflected some of the past year's best-selling albums, many straddling the hip-hop and pop categories. Usher, who won three awards at last year's show, was nominated along with rappers Nelly and 50 Cent for best pop male artist. Crooners Josh Groban and Michael Buble rounded out the list. Nelly and 50 Cent also were up for best rap/hip-hop artist, with Ludacris, Eminem and 50 Cent protege The Game. Competing for pop female honours: Carey, Jessica Simpson, Jennifer Lopez, Kelly Clarkson and Latin crossover star Shakira. Carey, who staged a huge comeback this year with "The Emancipation of Mimi," also was vying for best R&B artist, along with Alicia Keys, Usher, R. Kelly and newcomer Ciara. Ciara also was up for best new female artist with "American Idol" alum Fantasia, New Zealand native Natasha Bedingfield, MTV darling Ashlee Simpson and veteran No Doubt singer Gwen Stefani. Another veteran - Rob Thomas, who used to front the rock group matchbox twenty - was nominated for best new artist in the male category. The Game, John Legend, Akon and Lloyd Banks also received nods. Simpson was in the running for best pop-rock artist, with Eminem, Gavin DeGraw, John Mayer and Stefani. Green Day, which swept last week's MTV Music Video Awards, faced Coldplay, the Killers, Three Doors Down and Irish veterans U2 for best rock act.
Also set to appear are Alicia Keys, Rob Thomas, Shakira, Joss Stone, Billy Idol, and, improbably, indie rock sensation the Arcade Fire. CBS will broadcast the show the following evening. Fashion Rocks will mark the last televised appearance of Destiny's Child, who in June announced plans to disband after its ongoing Destiny Fulfilled ... And Loving It tour. Last year's event featured a reunion of Faces members Rod Stewart and Ron Wood, as well as performances by Usher, Mary J. Blige, Faith Hill, OutKast's Andre 3000 and the Goo Goo Dolls' Johnny Rzeznik with Avril Lavigne.
But member Kelly Rowland insists the dismantling of the sexy threesome, rounded out by Michelle Williams, wasn't prompted by Beyonce's flourishing career but rather because each wanted to pursue her own dreams. "Everybody is at the age where we're all coming into our own," she said. "We all have different ideas and different personal goals." Beginning Tuesday in Montreal, the Grammy-winning group makes the first of three Canadian stops on their final tour together. Their final concert is to take place in Vancouver on September 10. Now that fans know Destiny's Child is breaking up, Rowland said the pressure is off and she and her comrades have been acting, well, girlish. "We've just been having a great time onstage. We're cracking up laughing in the middle of different sentences, whether we're singing or cute little inside jokes that we have amongst each other. We have a great time onstage and I know that people get a sense of that when they come to our show," she said. Rowland says the band isn't getting too sentimental on its final road trip together, although the women may do something special for the Vancouver show. "We might decide to do a little something extra but not too much . . . I don't think we're gonna make it anything that sad. It's a beautiful thing. It's growth," she insists. The decision to call it quits came while recording the current album, the aptly titled Destiny Fulfilled. "Everybody knows that all good things must come to an end," said Rowland. "This process with Destiny's Child has been more than a good thing. It's been sweet. It's been beautiful." The band kicked off 15 years ago as a duo called GirlTyme with nine-year-old Knowles and a friend. Rowland, Knowles's cousin, came on board two years later. Destiny's Child has gone through more than a few bumpy times with various members. Williams joined Knowles and Rowland in 2000. The group's lengthy inventory of hits includes Bug-a-Boo, No, No, No, Say My Name, Bootylicious, Survivor and Independent Women (Part I). Next, the women will be turning their attention multiple projects. Knowles will begin shooting a film version of the stage play Dreamgirls with Jamie Foxx and Usher. She'll also be seen in The Pink Panther with Steve Martin and Kevin Kline. Williams, who has two solo gospel records and one Broadway play under her belt will be busy as the new face for Gap's fall campaign. Rowland has booked studio time to begin work on a new solo album. "We love each other so much; that's definitely something that is real," she said. "We'll always support each other no matter what." And devotees need not fret about a Destiny's Child void right away. Rowland says there's a DVD of the tour in the works, as well as a greatest hits CD. Mattel, meanwhile, is fashioning dolls of the bootylicious babes. And when asked whether they've be reuniting on stage in the future, Rowland left the door wide open, saying: "I'm sure we will, but we won't be doing any albums for a long while." "Everybody's older. We want to embrace growth. We want to embrace change."
Album: "The Massacre," 50 Cent "We've got a DVD planned -- it was actually (recorded July 15) at our great Atlanta show, and we're going to do a greatest hits album," Rowland told Billboard.com. "We're definitely going to record another song for our greatest hits album for our fans. We're still thinking about it because we want it to mean something." The fact that "Destiny Fulfilled" was even made surprised many observers, since Rowland, Beyonce Knowles and Michelle Williams had all recorded solo projects and dabbled in feature films. The members had already decided it would be Destiny's Child's final studio album, but a breakup announcement was not made until a June 11 show in Barcelona. "We knew before this last album and we embraced it," Rowland said. "We were like, 'You know what, we're getting older and we want to end on a high note.' We want to give our fans a great final record and we want to have a great tour and above everything, we're still going to be here (for each other). We even make jokes about having our babies on the same day." With fewer than 30 dates remaining on the trek, the finality of the decision to call it quits after 15 years and over 40 million albums sold worldwide is starting to hit home. "We're going to need a lot of Kleenex on that day," Rowland said. "It's going to be hard."
Of course, it's no shock that the group's members -- Kelly Rowland, Michelle Williams and Beyonce Knowles -- are finally, officially, going their separate ways. Knowles has been the de facto star since the beginning, and she graduated long ago to movies and solo chart stardom. But the other ladies are equally strong vocalists, if not better. All have had their own releases and deliver some genuinely fine moments alone in the spotlight on this tour, which kicked off this month. However, that is still not enough to really make the evening jell. As with last year's solo tour from Knowles, the chief problem is catalog, which was strong early on but has dipped in recent years. Onstage Sunday night in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., the women rushed through such better songs as "Bills, Bills, Bills" and "Jumpin' Jumpin,' " while giving over far too much time to such forgettable romps as "Naughty Girl" and a ridiculously drawn-out "Dangerously In Love" -- both little more than unmelodic riffs that never bloom into full-blown songs. They fared better on the buoyant set-closer "Survivor" -- a splashy number that also featured the show's 10 supple backup dancers. Individually, Rowland more than proved her worth on the catchy "Dilemma," while Williams' melodramatic "Do You Know" was reminiscent of a young Gladys Knight. Knowles was best with "Crazy In Love," during which she pranced and flipped her hair like the superstar she is. But the show's suggestive subtext -- lots of hip grinding, faux lap dances, even pants-unzipping and a simulated striptease performed for three men brought onstage from the audience -- is a troubling distraction. Why are these women diminishing themselves when they have so much going for them? Making it all the more squirm-inducing was the large number of young kids on hand; some looked to be no more than 6 or 7 years old. You have to wonder what promoter Clear Channel and some parents were thinking. As in previous tours, sound also was an issue. The volume is again set inexplicably high, often to the point of distortion. This also is a puzzle considering how well each of these women can sing and that children are a large part of the fan base. Dressed Supremes-style, each wearing variations of the same flowing gowns, miniskirts and other eye-popping ensembles, Destiny's Child does fill the stage with a colorful show. Too bad it never quite comes together as the fitting goodbye this trio deserves.
A Minneapolis musician has filed a copyright-infringement lawsuit, accusing the "Naughty Girl" diva of swiping a song, MTV reports. The suit, filed in Houston Tuesday by singer-songwriter Jennifer Armour, claims the Destiny's Child frontbabe ripped off lyrics and hooks from Armour's "Got a Little Bit of Love For You," for "Baby Boy," which featured dancehall reggae star Sean Paul and topped Billboard Hot 100 singles chart in the summer of 2003. Armour says her track was written months before the release of Knowles' solo album debut, Dangerously In Love, which contained "Baby Boy." The complaint alleges Knowles, 23, stumbled upon the tune after Armour shopped it around the music biz. A hearing in the case is scheduled for Oct. 28. Neither Armour nor her lawyer were immediately available for comment; there was no immediate response from the Knowles camp, either. This isn't the first time the bootylicious Grammy winner has been accused of song stealing. In October 2003, Beyonce, hermanager-father, Matthew Knowles, and Destiny's members Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams were slapped with a $200 million copyright-infringement suit by a Miami-based producer, who claimed they had pilfered one of his pieces for their 2001 mega-hit "Survivor." Terrence "T-Robb" Robinson said he sent in his song "Glorious" to the elder Knowles in June 2000; he said he didn't realize it had been taken until he heard it on a commercial. Legal woes aside, Beyoncé and her bandmates are keeping plenty busy on the road promoting what will likely be their final album together, Destiny Fulfilled. The trio, who announced in January that they planned to split and embark on solo careers, appeared at the Philly installment of Live 8 on July 2 and then kicked off the North American leg of their McDonald's-sponsored Destiny Fullfilled tour in St. Louis on July 9. The 34-city trek is scheduled to wrap up in Vancouver Sept. 10--just in time to get ready for that court date.
"Rockin' The Corps" was held on April 1 at Camp Pendleton, a U.S. military base near San Diego, for nearly 50,000 U.S. Marines and their families. The concert featured performances by DESTINY'S CHILD, KISS, RICHIE SAMBORA, HOOTIE AND THE BLOWFISH, TED NUGENT and GODSMACK. The evening was hosted by Cedric The Entertainer, with celebrities such as Sharon Stone, Randy Jackson, Heather Locklear, Cindy Crawford, Alyssa Milano and Carmen Electra, amongst many others on-hand to introduce the performers. On Memorial Day 2005, Yahoo! featured excerpts from the event on their site in a salute to U.S. armed forces around the world. The theatrical release of "Rockin' The Corps" premiered June 26 in Washington, D.C., at an event hosted by "Rockin' The Corps" founder Joseph E. Robert, Jr. On Monday, June 27, special screenings were held on 150 screens in 75 top markets throughout the United States at Regal, Edwards and United Artists theatres as part of their Big Screen Concert series through their national Cinemedia division. A one-year broadcast initiative began over the July 4th holiday weekend on the prominent HD Networks, iN Demand, with subsequent television broadcasts, both free and pay-per-view, which is expected to continue interest in this special enterprise. Image Entertainment will release the "Rockin' The Corps" DVD and audio CD on September 6, 2005. The DVD will feature performances from the concert, as well as backstage footage and other exclusive content. The CD will feature an exclusive bonus DVD with content from the show and behind the scenes footage. "There was a tremendous energy at this concert, with performances that brought down the house," said Barry Gordon, senior vice president of worldwide programming of Image Entertainment. "We're expecting a strong response to this DVD because it is a great show, and an even greater show of support for our troops." The show was organized by Support The Corps, a non-profit organization founded by Joseph E. Robert, Jr., CEO of the J.E. Robert Companies and a renowned Washington, D.C.-based businessman and philanthropist. Mr. Robert reached out to legendary media leader Quincy Jones and Kerzner International executive Jerry Inzerillo who brought in music and film producer Spencer Proffer and music manager Doc McGhee to produce the event. The show was shot with 12 cameras in high-definition and was also transmitted to U.S. military bases around the world on the American Forces Network. "Our team took an opportunity to put this together in order to support the continuing effort that our troops are making on all of our behalf," said producer Spencer Proffer. "The DVD and CD from Image Entertainment will let us share the magic, spirit and excitement of that evening with people all over the world." A portion of the proceeds will be used to support the event and residual amounts will go to the charities via Support The Corps, Inc., a tax exempt, non profit corporation. The recipients will be those entities listed on the STC website, www.SupportTheCorps.org, which are Marine Corps Community Services, The Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation, The Marine Corps Scholarship Fund/Foundation, Spirit of America's Marines Fund and the U.S. Marine Corps Heritage Foundation.
Legend was named best new artist, a trophy the man who discovered him, Kanye West, won at last year's awards. Destiny's Child was named best group and Usher took the male R&B artist trophy. Soul diva Alicia Keys hoisted her award for female R&B artist toward the audience and declared: "This is for all my people who are really trying to dream big dreams." "Let's do it," she said. "Let's think big. Let's think beyond what these people are trying to hold us down to. Doctors, lawyers, engineers, musicians." She also said backstage she was working on an "MTV Unplugged" live album to be released in October. The show kicked off with a surprise reunion of The Fugees, who haven't recorded an album together since 1996's "The Score." "If you want another Fugee album, let me see your hands in the air right now," Wyclef Jean said after climbing into the crowd. The group performed "Ready Or Not" and put a reggae twist on "Fu-Gee-La." Lauryn Hill, who had largely dropped out of public view since her 2002 live album, sounded weak at first, saying at one point, "We got a little overzealous in rehearsal." Her voice returned in time for a rendition of "Killing Me Softly With His Song." Hosts Mr. and Mrs. Smith — that's Will and Jada Pinkett — laid down the rules for the night's show at Hollywood's Kodak Theatre. They arrived on-stage in a horse-drawn carriage with spinning custom rims; Smith said they wanted to make the BET Awards on par with shows like "the Emmys, the Oscars, the Grammys, the Tonys." "The white ones," Pinkett Smith added. The first rule, according to Smith: "You don't need to come up here with all 15 people that you came with." "There is a three homeboy limit tonight, period," his wife added. Also, "No bright suits and no gold goblets," Jada Pinkett Smith said. "This is not the pimp of the year awards." And finally, "Do not thank God if you can't show or perform your work in church." Destiny's Child, Missy Elliott, The Game and Mary J. Blige were among the first performers. The Game carried his young son on stage and changed the lyrics to his song, "Hate It Or Love It," saying, "Got BET on the grill of my low-rider." The women of Destiny's Child wore slinky brown dresses in their performance and pulled Nelly, Terence Howard and NBA legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson onstage for a trio of lap dances. Jamie Foxx won the award for best actor, and though he wasn't on stage he had recorded an audio message to presenter Tom Cruise, saying: "I'm jumping up and down on the couch right now in my room." Legend competes with West's "Jesus Walks" in the video category, with a nomination for "Ordinary People." The melodic song features Legend accompanying himself on piano with no additional instrumentation. He also was nominated for male R&B artist. Other nominees in the video category — the night's final award — were Amerie for her catchy "1 Thing," Jay-Z's black-and-white "99 Problems" and Snoop Dogg and Pharrell's much-mimicked "Drop It Like It's Hot." Denzel Washington and wife Pauletta were being honored with a humanitarian award and Gladys Knight was getting a lifetime achievement honor. Winners of the fifth annual awards show were decided by a panel of executives from entertainment companies, record labels and the media, except the viewers' choice award in which fans voted online for their favorite video.
Artist - Certified Units (in Millions) 1. BEATLES, THE - 168.5 This chart was generated on 6/20/2005. To see the complete list visit here
True, Beyoncé Knowles, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams released a statement last week acknowledging that they would be "retiring as Destiny's Child and moving forward to pursue personal goals and individual careers in music, theater, television and film." That announcement came after Rowland told a concert audience in Barcelona that the group's current Destiny Fulfilled ... and Lovin' It tour would mark its last performances in Europe. The American leg of that trek, scheduled to kick off July 9 in St. Louis and wrap up Sept. 9 in Seattle (with a Vancouver date Sept. 10), also is being billed as a last-chance opportunity to see the trio as a live act. But while chatting in a midtown recording studio after a rare week off, Knowles and her bandmates are less committal. "We don't like the word 'farewell,' because we're still so young," says Knowles, 23, who began working with Rowland and Destiny's two other original members, LeToya Luckett and LaTavia Roberson, 14 years ago. (Williams joined in 2000, after the departures of Luckett and Roberson.) Knowles prefers to see Destiny's dissolution as "the end of a chapter in our lives." That chapter could have a sequel, too: Knowles says it's "possible" that the women could work together again in some capacity. "Maybe we could do a play together; we've talked about that. Who knows what's ahead? This isn't breaking up, what we're doing; it's growing up." Destiny's decision to dissolve for now wasn't impetuous. "It's not a coincidence," Knowles says, "that our latest (CD) is called Destiny Fullfilled. We had been talking about this, that it was important that we ended while we were still hot and still selling records - not because we had some big, catty argument or because one person wanted to go solo." In fact, all three members of the act have released solo albums. Knowles', predictably, was the biggest blockbuster. But Rowland also enjoyed commercial success, and Williams made a foray into theater when she starred in Broadway's Aida. "But we always have more fun on the road when we're together," Knowles says. "We still have one dressing room and stay next door to each other in the hotel. We have the same makeup artist and hair stylist. That's why this has worked for so long. "And there are little things about being in a group that you don't always think about. Like, if you have to perform at the Grammys and you're terrified, you have the other girls there. And if you forget a word or step, there are two other people you can look at." "Or," Williams quips, "two other people the audience can look at!" Rowland adds: "We made history as a female group. I can't think of another one that came out together, then branched out to do solo records, then came back together for another record. It's a blessing we've been able to do that, and our fans have remained loyal." Says Knowles: "Destiny's Child's legacy is friendship. We want to be known for that, and for talent - we wrote and produced our songs, and we've done record-breaking things. But if I never sell another record, and Destiny's Child never sells another record, these will still be my girls. Nothing will ever take that away from us."
"Destiny Fulfilled ... is not a coincidence," Beyonce told AP Radio in an interview. "This was something that we thought about. And it was really important for us to end this chapter when we were successful." Beyonce, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams recently announced plans to disband after their world tour ends in the fall. The Grammy Award-winning trio have had a string of hits, including Bootylicious, Survivor and Independent Women (Part I). "We don't like the word 'breakup,' " said Beyonce. "We'd like to say that it's the end of a chapter in our lives." Beyonce says the trio believes they're splitting up for the right reasons. "Not because one person wants to go solo. Or not because we don't like each other. Or because we're not selling records anymore. But because it has to end at a certain point," the 23-year-old singer said.
The additions were announced Thursday, one day after organizers announced that rapper 50 Cent would no longer be able to perform at the free show. The lineup also includes host Will Smith and Bon Jovi, the Dave Matthews Band, Jay-Z, Kaiser Chiefs, Keith Urban, Maroon 5, P. Diddy, Rob Thomas, Sarah McLachlan and Stevie Wonder. The Philadelphia show is one of five concerts aimed at raising awareness of poverty in developing countries, all taking place July 2, days before G-8 leaders meet in Scotland; the other concert sites are London, Paris, Berlin and Rome. Destiny's Child will launch the North American leg of the "Destiny Fulfilled ... And Lovin' It" tour in St. Louis on July 9. At a recent concert in Barcelona, Spain, the group announced their plans to disband after the tour.
The sports awards show will be taped July 13 at the Kodak Theatre and will air on the sports cable channel four days later. Actor Matthew Perry is the host. Earlier this week, Beyonce Knowles, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams announced they would split up when their world tour ends in September. Currently, they are performing across Europe and will launch the North American leg of the "Destiny Fulfilled...And Lovin' It" tour in St. Louis on July 9. Among the group's biggest hits have been "Bootylicious," "Survivor" and "Independent Women (Part I)." Nominations for the 13th annual ESPY Awards will be announced June 24. Fans vote for the winners in all categories recognizing major sports achievements, performers and moments of the past year.
In a statement released to MTV News, the trio of Beyonce, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams announced plans to disband after their world tour ends in the fall. "We have been working together as Destiny's Child since we were 9, and touring together since we were 14. After a lot of discussion and some deep soul-searching, we realized that our current tour has given us the opportunity to leave Destiny's Child on a high note, united in our friendship and filled with an overwhelming gratitude for our music, our fans, and each other," the statement said. The group was unavailable for comment Monday, but a representative said another statement would be released later in the day. The breakup of the girl group, which first debuted as a teenage R&B foursome in 1997, isn't much of a shocker. Many critics didn't expect the group to exist at all after the multiplatinum solo debut of Beyonce in 2003. Her album, "Dangerously In Love," won five Grammys and solidified her as a one-name superstar apart from the group. And the title of Destiny's Child's latest album — "Destiny Fulfilled" — appeared to signal the end was near. In an interview with The Associated Press in November, the women were noncommittal when asked about their future. "I think as far as Destiny's Child, our main focus is for us to maintain our friendship. And if in three years, five years, 10 years, whenever we decide we wanna do another Destiny's Child record, then we will do it," Beyonce said. "But I think our main goal was to do this next record, and I think we just wanna eventually have kids that play together." Beyonce and Rowland have been members of the group since it was formed in their hometown of Houston. They scored instant success with their debut, thanks to the hit "No No No (Part I)." Back then, the founding members also included LeToya Luckett and LaTavia Roberson. But after the release of their second album, 1999's "The Writing's On The Wall," Luckett and Roberson were booted from the group. (The duo later sued the group and Beyonce's manager-father, Matthew Knowles, and reached a settlement.) Michelle Williams and Farrah Franklin replaced Roberson and Luckett the same year, but Franklin was later dropped, making the group a trio. Among the group's biggest hits have been "Bootylicious," "Survivor" and "Independent Women (Part I)." All of their albums have sold at least 1 million copies; their latest has sold more than 2 million. Besides Beyonce, Rowland and Williams have released solo albums — with less fanfare. Despite the impending breakup, the women pledged to remain close friends. "After all these wonderful years working together, we realized that now is the time to pursue our personal goals and solo efforts in earnest," the statement said. "No matter what happens, we will always love each other as friends and sisters and will always support each other as artists. We want to thank all of our fans for their incredible love and support and hope to see you all again as we continue fulfilling our destinies."
The talks have been preliminary, no firm offer has been submitted and a deal is not imminent, the source added. Sanctuary, home to artists including Beyonce, KISS, Iron Maiden and Elton John, said on Friday it was in ongoing talks with several third parties that could lead to a partial or outright sale of the company. In addition to EMI and Warner, several private equity firms also have held talks with the company. Shares of Sanctuary, the world's biggest independent record label and a major player in artist management, touring and merchandising, are up more than 20 percent since May 31. Sanctuary, EMI and Warner all declined to comment. The company's shares closed at 43-1/2 pence on Friday, giving Sanctuary a market capitalization of 161 million pounds ($293 million).
HOTTIES Choice Hottie: Female A spectacular night of music and comedy to support the families of troops that have been wounded or have lost their lives in our defense, the live private military event drew over 44,000 attendees. Nationally acclaimed musical artists and a variety of celebrities provided the entertainment, including Cedric the Entertainer (Master of Ceremonies), DESTINY'S CHILD, HOOTIE AND THE BLOWFISH, Jay Mohr, Louie Anderson, and Richie Sambora. A portion of all net proceeds has been pledged to benefit the troops and their families through Support the Corps, Inc., a tax-exempt, non-profit charitable organization. Please visit www.supportthecorps.org to participate. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to www.BigScreenConcerts.com.
Other stars making the eighth annual installment of the list: Jessica Alba, Britney Spears, Jake Gyllenhaal, Elijah Wood, Lindsay Lohan, Natalie Portman, Destiny's Child, rapper T.I. and the cast of Fox's "The O.C." — minus Benjamin McKenzie, who is 26. The list is featured in the magazine's latest issue, on newsstands Friday. Timberlake, 24, has been on the list five times since 2000. What's keeping him hot? "Helping make Snoop Dogg's `Signs' a hit and his role in the film `Edison,'" the magazine said. As for Lohan, star of the upcoming movie "Herbie: Fully Loaded," Teen People said: "She's bounced back from controversy to remain one of the hottest stars around."
After exposing himself as Achilles in the Greek epic "Troy," Brad Pitt tops the list of best bottoms in a poll conducted by Oxygen magazine. His character may have been felled by his weak heel, but 34.4 percent of readers' votes judged that his posterior was his greatest strength. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson follows with 10.6 percent of the votes, while "The Pacifier" star Vin Diesel brings up the rear with 6.4 percent. It's no surprise that Jennifer Lopez leads the women in the poll (19.6 percent), with "Bootylicious" singer Beyonce Knowles seated at a close second (16.7 percent). Pitt and his "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" co-star Angelina Jolie will pose a double threat on screen, since she also made the list with an 8.8 percent vote for third place. The full results of the poll can be found in the June issue of the magazine, currently on newsstands. Moviegoers can ogle some of their favorite bottoms during the upcoming summer movie season. J. Lo's "Monster-in-Law" will hit theaters on Friday, May 13, with the spy romance "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" debuting a month later. "The Pink Panther" remake featuring Beyonce will steal into theaters in August.
The fashion label will provide exclusive wardrobe ranging from sporty to evening looks for the group's upcoming Destiny Fulfilled tour. Beyonce's mother, Tina Knowles, has been designing coordinating outfits for the girls since the group's early days. She and her design team collaborated on the 60 ensemble costumes for the trio along with 36 backup dancer outfits, which Beyonce helped inspire. "Performing is not only about sharing my musical passions, but it's also about expressing my individuality," says Beyonce. "By having Destiny's Child wearing House of Dereon on the tour, I am able to express my creativity and love of music and fashion." "This is the fun part of the job! To be able to design clothing with my daughter for her, Kelly and Michelle is a complete thrill on every level," adds the elder Knowles. "Through fashion, we are able to add an exciting visual component to the live performance of Destiny's Child ... this is one of the reasons we started House of Dereon." The outfits will use luxury fabrics such as imported leathers, stretch silk, silk charmeuse, crystal mesh, and iridescent and silk chiffon. In addition, intricate handwork, custom finishing and Swarovski crystal beading will be featured on the fully accessorized pieces. The upcoming tour -- for which dates are yet to be announced -- will hit an estimated 40 domestic and 35 international cities worldwide. Destiny's Child has won two Grammys: for the best R& B group vocal performance for 2000's "Say My Name" and 2001's "Survivor." Besides her musical career, Beyonce has been busy with films, including "Austin Powers in Goldmember," "The Fighting Temptations" and the upcoming "The Pink Panther" with Steve Martin.
The 23-year-old entertainer is in talks to star in DreamWorks' upcoming adaptation of the Broadway musical "Dreamgirls," report news sources. The stage hit -- which many accept as the thinly veiled story of Diana Ross and the Supremes -- centers on three friends who take their singing act as the Dreams from their amateur beginnings in Chicago to national stardom. In-fighting, jealousy and heartache create division in the ranks over time, leading to impassioned songs such as "I Meant You No Harm," "When I First Saw You" and "And I am Telling You I'm Not Going," which some may remember was sung by "American Idol" reject Tamyra Gray. "Dreamgirls," featuring music by Henry Krieger and a book and lyrics by Tom Eyen, hit Broadway in the early '80s. The original cast included Jennifer Holliday, Obba Babatunde, Cleavant Derricks, Loretta Devine, Ben Harney and Sheryl Lee Ralph. "Dreamgirls" also won the 1982 Grammy for the best cast show album. Oscar-winning "Gods and Monsters" writer Bill Condon will direct and adapt the project for the big screen. Condon last directed "Kinsey" and has experience with adapting musicals, having scripted 2002's "Chicago." Production is tentatively set to begin in the fall in Los Angeles. Beyonce and the other Destiny's Child members -- which have varied since the group's inception -- have won two Grammys: for the best R& B group vocal performance for 2000's "Say My Name" and 2001's "Survivor." She is currently spending time touring with the group. Besides her musical career, Beyonce has been busy with films, including "Austin Powers in Goldmember," "The Fighting Temptations" and the upcoming "The Pink Panther" with Steve Martin.
Outstanding Male Artist: Usher, Confessions The pop singer and her mother/designer Tina Knowles announced the deal on Thursday, March 10 and intend to collaborate on the design, marketing and distribution of a collection of outerwear. "We want to launch an extraordinary outerwear collection for the Holiday season ... the perfect coat to complement our fashion line," says Beyonce. "My daughter and I are enjoying every moment as we put together what we hope will be a truly incredible collection for the young women's contemporary fashion market," adds the elder Knowles. G-III Apparel Group, Ltd. is a leading manufacturer and distributor of outerwear and sportswear under licensed labels, including Kenneth Cole, Nine West, Cole Haan, Jones Apparel, Sean John, Izod, House of Dereon, Bill Blass, James Dean and several national sports leagues and universities. "Music and fashion have always gone hand in hand and we believe that this line will demonstrate once again that there is a significant audience for not only Beyonce's performances, but also her style," says Morris Goldfarb, G-III's Chief Executive Officer. The newly created line is expected to launch in time for the holiday delivery to better specialty and department stores nationwide. Tina Knolwes is known for creating the signature matching outfits for Destiny's Child and has continued to style her daughter for her solo appearances. Beyonce and the other Destiny's Child members -- which has varied since its inception -- have won two Grammys: for the best R& B group vocal performance for 2000's "Say My Name" and 2001's "Survivor." Besides her musical career, Beyonce has been busy with films, including "Austin Powers in Goldmember," "The Fighting Temptations" and the upcoming "The Pink Panther" with Steve Martin.
During the performance, Usher shot down rumors of a crazy lifestyle, saying that all he's addicted to is music and his fans. The superstar added that he's a businessman first, and said that this would be his last performance of the year so he can focus on his film career, his new record label, and his part-ownership in the Cleveland Cavaliers. Producer Jermaine Dupri made an appearance at the concert, and Beyonce came onstage to dance--but not sing--with Usher during his song Bad Girl. Usher really worked the Puerto Rico angle during one number, peppering his stage patter with shouts of "Puerto Rico!" and "Boricua!"--which is what Puerto Ricans proudly call themselves--while waving a huge Puerto Rican flag. Puerto Rican reggaeton star Daddy Yankee came out to sing a little of his hit "Gasolina," only to be followed immediately by Nuyorican rapper Fat Joe, who came out to sing "Lean Back. For the finale, Usher sang his super-hit "Yeah" with rapper Ludacris joining him on stage. During another song, the pop superstar came onstage wearing a Cleveland Cavaliers basketball jersey and cap and said, "So I guess you guys heard about the Cleveland Cavaliers deal right? We got the number one championship team in the world...we're going to take it to the top of the world, yeah." Then, to the delight of the audience he threw the cap and his sweaty jersey into the crowd. Usher joined a group of investors who purchased the NBA team recently. Usher ended the show by announcing this would be his last live performance for the year. He said, "This last year has been amazing, all of the awards, all of the recognition, but it does not go unnoticed. And it wasn't easy, and it's not easy as you continue to move forward in your career, knowing you have so many loved fans that you may possibly walk away from when you could go to the next step of your life...I get choked up...this is my last show this year, man. The superstar also addressed rumors of a wild lifestyle saying, "I know you hear a lot of hearsay about this and that. Some negativity, some postivity. I don't do drugs, but I'm addicted to music, I'm addicted to y'all. This is what I love." Usher wrapped up his farewell saying, "I'm a businessman before I'm a musician. I'll be doing movies. I got a record label, Ush records, I want you to trust me when I tell you I've got some amazing artists on my label. This is not a goodbye, this is not a farewell, this is a 'I'll see you later!'"
R&B/Soul Single, Female: "If I Ain't Got You," Alicia Keys Rockin' the Corps is a patriotic celebratory concert for an audience of more than 25,000 marines and their families. Executive producers Quincy Jones and Joseph E. Robert, Jr. have joined forces with producers Doc McGhee and Spencer Proffer to create a high energy, patriotic celebration for the dedicated men & women of the United States Marine Corps in a show of appreciation. Note: this concert is for the marines at Camp Pendleton and their families.... There will be no civilians allowed! More information will be available soon.
Beyonce was singing three nominated songs in an impressive and diverse quick-change act during the Oscars show. But she was far from the only music star invading Hollywood's big night. Counting Crows rocked their "Shrek 2" song "Accidentally In Love." Yo-Yo Ma's cello played an emotional soundtrack to the Academy's traditional tribute to deceased industry figures. P. Diddy was a presenter — and was caught on camera in the audience without a smile on his face when host Chris Rock joked about violence at the hip-hop Source Awards. Usher walked the red carpet with the same towering woman who was on his arm at the Grammy Awards. Prince was in the lineup to present an award. And before the show began, Beyonce's boyfriend, hip-hop star Jay-Z, strolled the backstage halls carrying a glass of champagne. The rapper's concert documentary last year, "Fade To Black," didn't get an Oscar nod. Hip-hop stars also got mentions in Rock's opening monologue. He denigrated movies starring Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube and Dr. Dre, who is not known for his acting talents. And Rock's rift on "If ya can't get a star, wait," included a throwaway line that might've sailed over the heads of those without hip-hop literacy: "'Alexander' is not 'Gladiator.' Ja Rule's not Tupac, ya got that?" Midway through the show, the audience half-expected Beyonce to pop up again when Penelope Cruz presented the nominated song "Al Otro Lado Del Rio." Cruz introduced guitar legend Carlos Santana and "the multi-talented ..." Out popped actor Antonio Banderas, who crooned his way through the Spanish tune from "The Motorcycle Diaries."
"Our 2005 tour is going to be amazing and will really entertain our fans across the globe," Beyonce Knowles said in a statement Thursday. After Japan, Destiny's Child will perform throughout Australia and Europe and eventually conclude in the United States and Canada this summer. Stops include Dubai in the United Arab Emirates; Stockholm, Sweden; Milan, Italy; Paris; and London. They will play 44 North America cities, finishing in Honolulu in September. A full schedule will be released later. Destiny's Child will be supporting its most recent album, "Destiny Fulfilled," featuring the single "Soldier."
Josh Groban and Beyonce will perform "Believe" at the 77th annual ceremony, set for Feb. 27 at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles. "Believe," written by Glen Ballard and Alan Silvestri, is from the film "The Polar Express." It was performed by Groban on the movie's soundtrack. Beyonce will step in for Minnie Driver to sing "Learn to Be Lonely," the Andrew Lloyd Webber/Charles Hart tune from "The Phantom of the Opera." Driver performed the song on the film's soundtrack. Accompanied by the American Boyschoir, Beyonce will also sing "Look to Your Path (Vois Sur Ton Chemin)" from "The Chorus (Les Choristes)." Counting Crows will do their song "Accidentally in Love" from "Shrek 2." Rounding out the nominations lineup, Carlos Santana and Enrique Iglesias will perform "Al Otro Lado del Rio" from "The Motorcycle Diaries."
Driver appears in the Phantom Of The Opera, but her singing was dubbed for the film. Driver did sing "Look To Your Path" which is played during the film's closing credits. Beyonce and Groban will sing "Believe" from Polar Express. Carlos Santana and Enrique Iglesias will do the Oscar-nominated song "Al Otro Lado Del Rio," which is from the Motorcycle Diaries. The 77th annual Academy Awards will be handed out February 27 at The Kodak Theatre in Hollywood and broadcast live on ABC at 8 p.m. ET. In related news, the ladies from Destiny's Child will be showing just how "bootylicious" they are in the music video for "Cater 2 U"--the third single from their double-platinum album Destiny Fulfilled. MTV.com reports that--according to a video treatment--the girls won't have to worry about a big costume budget because they'll be shown--tastefully--wearing absolutely nothing. Each singer will be shot in her own desert scene, with Beyonce on a diving board, Michelle in a lounge chair and Kelly on a deserted road. The video will be directed by Jake Nava, who lensed Beyonce's "Naughty Girl" and "Crazy In Love," and more recently Lindsay Lohan's "Over" and "Rumors." During the same week they filmed "Cater 2 U," Destiny's Child shot the video for their song "Girl," with a Sex And The City-inspired theme. The video is directed by Bryan Barber, whose credits include "Hey Ya," "Roses," and "Ghetto Music" for Outkast. Additionally, Destiny's Child will begin the overseas leg of their "Destiny Fulfilled...and Lovin' It" in April with stops in Asia, Australia and Europe. The tour is in support of their triple-platinum album Destiny Fulfilled, which is Number 14 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. The first concert will be in Hiroshima, Japan on April 9, and the tour will wind up in Dublin, Ireland on June 9.
ON THE ROAD She earned $19 million touring with Alicia Keys and Missy Elliott. ON CD Beyonce's solo debut, Dangerously in Love, sold 1.4 million copies, and her reunion with Destiny's Child, Destiny Fulfilled, sold 2 million. ON THE SIDE Beyonce signed on for a lead role in the upcoming film The Pink Panther and lined up endorsement deals with L'Oreal, Tommy Hilfiger and Pepsi worth about $3 million. Her clothing line brought in an eight-figure advance. Last year's rank: NA
"My lifelong passion for music inspired me to create a women's fragrance that captures the energy, talent and beauty of one of today's most recognizable faces, Beyoncé. My new fragrance, True Star, offers a glimpse of the rare, private moments of a celebrated superstar." -- Tommy Hilfiger NEW YORK, NY- Tommy Hilfiger Toiletries unveiled today a new women's fragrance collection inspired by global superstar Beyoncé, called True Star. The new fragrance collection captures the essence of a private performance by the American superstar and the alluring play of her gleaming radiance, confidence and modesty. "Tommy's new captivating fragrance celebrates all the dazzle, mystery and passion of a shining star. With her chart-topping talent, on-stage electricity, and stellar beauty, Beyoncé embodies the qualities of which so many of our female consumers aspire to. True Star is for every woman who wants to feel spectacular," said Fabrice Weber, President, Aramis and Designer Fragrances. Comfort and sensuality are at the essence of the True Star collection. The Eau de Parfum, body lotion, shower gel and fragrance satin shimmer, contain a blend of ingredients inspired by the appeal of Beyoncé's celebrity, while also portraying the essence of her more personal and private side. The scent contains contrasting florals as well as notes of toasted grains creating a caressing softness that is both warm and familiar. "Using a contrast of fine ingredients not typically infused in this manner, True Star empowers the voice of self expression," stated Raymond Matts, Vice President, Corporate Fragrance Development Worldwide, Aramis and Designer Fragrances. "From her fresh, glowing skin and feminine presence to her alluring sense of soul and unmatched talent, like Beyoncé, True Star evokes a universal radiance." In creating the fragrance, Beyoncé wanted to ensure that her personal spirit, sophistication and style were conveyed. "I am really conscious of people getting to know who I am. I always try to create a signature word in my lyrics and a signature move in my videos, and now I am proud to introduce a special signature scent. I hope True Star will be an inspiration to every woman. It's sexy and real," said Beyoncé. The True Star Eau de Parfum sculpted glass bottle and integrated pump is designed to resemble an award with a tall and slender tapered shape to fit comfortably in the palm of a woman's hand. The bottle is clear glass with a soft opalescent color that begins at the base and lightly gradates up the sides. The opalescence glistens gently in the light to reflect delicate shades of color. Beginning in September, the True Star collection will be available at department stores nationwide. To support the launch, an extensive television campaign directed by Laurent Chanez will feature Beyoncé singing an exclusive rendition of "Wishing on a Star," a song which is currently included as a bonus track on her new DVD entitled "Live at Wembley." Famed photographer Mario Testino shot the national print campaign showing Beyoncé in a way she's never been seen before. The Eau de Parfum will be offered in a 1.7oz/50ml (suggested retail price: $45) and 3.4oz/100ml (suggested retail price: $60); the body lotion in 6.7oz/200ml (suggested retail price: $29.50); shower gel in 6.7oz/200ml (suggested retail price: $26.50) and the fragrance satin shimmer in 1.7oz/50ml (suggested retail price: $25). Since 1995, Tommy Hilfiger Toiletries has produced fragrances and body products under license that reflect the all-American lifestyle themes of designer Tommy Hilfiger. It is part of The Aramis and Designer Fragrances division of The Estée Lauder Companies, which creates and markets fine and designer fragrances and skin care under the Aramis and Lab Series names. The Estée Lauder Companies is one of the world's leading manufacturers and marketers of quality skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care products. Tommy Hilfiger Corporation, through its subsidiaries, designs, sources and markets men's and women's sportswear, jeanswear and childrenswear under the Tommy Hilfiger trademarks. Through a range of strategic licensing agreements, the Company also offers a broad array of related apparel, accessories, footwear, fragrance and home furnishings. The Company's products can be found in leading department and specialty stores throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Mexico, Central and South America, Japan, Hong Kong, Australia and other countries in the Far East, as well as the Company's own network of outlet and specialty stores in the United States, Canada and Europe. Don forget to visit Tommy.com for Beyonce's True Star E-Card - with photos & exclusive backstage video
The 23-year-old entertainer will perform three of the five songs nominated in the original song category on Oscar night, the Academy announced Wednesday, Feb. 9. She will sing "Look to Your Path" from France's "Les Choristes," "Learn to Be Lonely" from "The Phantom of the Opera" and "The Polar Express'" "Believe" with Josh Groban. Counting Crows will perform their own song "Accidentally in Love" from the "Shrek 2" soundtrack. No information was given about who will perform the final nominated song, "Al Otro Lado Del Rio" from Walter Salles' "The Motorcycle Diaries." Besides numerous hits with Destiny's Child and solo, Beyonce has a growing film career. Her resume includes "Austin Powers in Goldmember," "The Fighting Temptations" and the upcoming "The Pink Panther" with Steve Martin. The Academy Awards ceremony will be televised live from the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood on Sunday, Feb. 27.
Usher, whose current album, "Confessions," was the biggest seller of 2004 with U.S. sales of almost eight million copies, will compete in five categories. Crunk newcomer Ciara and Beyonce Knowles landed four nominations each, though two of Knowles' nods were with her trio, Destiny's Child. Alicia Keys had three nominations. The awards will be taped on the Paramount Pictures lot in Hollywood on Feb. 28, and will air in syndication on March 12. Usher and Keys already have eight nominations each at the Grammy Awards, which take place on Feb. 13 in Los Angeles, second only to Kanye West with 10 mentions. Last November, Usher was the top winner at the American Music Awards, scoring in all four categories in which he was nominated. His Soul Train nominations include best R&B soul single and album (male), music video and dance cut. Additionally, his duet with Keys, "My Boo," was named in the R&B/soul single (group, band, duo) race, where its rivals include Destiny's Child's "Lose My Breath" and the Knowles/Luther Vandross duet "The Closer I Get To You." Destiny's Child was also nominated for R&B/album (group, band, duo), and Knowles for R&B/soul single (female), a category also including Ciara and Keys. These two will also compete against each other for R&B/soul album (female). Ciara's other two nods were for best new artist and dance cut.
Case in point: MTV in February is sending eight contest winners on a private island getaway with Columbia Records act Destiny's Child in a stunt it is billing as Destiny's Isle. The promotion -- which MTV has been plotting since last August and was aggressively promoting last fall -- will culminate with clips from an afternoon meeting between the R&B trio and the contest winners being aired on an upcoming episode of its daily video countdown show, "Total Request Live." In the eyes of MTV executives, larger-than-life, heavily hyped contests that allow music fans to interact with such superstar acts help give the network a compelling music brand no matter how few videos it is playing in prime time. "You can get a music video online at Yahoo or a million other places, but you can't get the full experience that you can get with an MTV off-air experience," says Joe Armenia, VP of music marketing and promotion at MTV. "Being able to put the viewer in touch with the artist is one of the advantages MTV brings to the table." Contests, tour sponsorships and special events are nothing new for MTV. But they are growing in number and scope as the network attempts to expand the slate of exposure opportunities it can offer artists and labels in lieu of video play. These opportunities are becoming increasingly important to MTV's music strategy, as the bulk of its on-air programming centers on shows like "The Osbournes," "The Real World" and "Newlyweds." In the last year, MTV and sister channels MTV2 and MTVU have increased the number of tours they sponsor to 16, up from 10 in 2003. The network also has stepped up the pace of its off-channel music specials, planning more parties and not-for-broadcast performances in 2004 around its own events, like the Video Music Awards, MTV Movie Awards and Spanking New Music Week, as well as other events like the Voodoo music festival and South by Southwest. On the contest side, MTV has honed its approach, reducing the number of giveaways on the flagship channel to a handful of mega-contests like Destiny's Isle, while pumping up to more than a dozen the number of smaller music-related ticket and merchandise giveaways on MTV2 and MTVU. MTV contests generated more than 2.5 million entries last year. MTV teamed with more than 100 major-market radio stations last year on promotions of MTV tours, programs and special events and worked with dozens of artist fan clubs on promoting awareness of MTV-sponsored artist appearances. Some music marketing efforts are even turning into new programming franchises for the network. MTV's $2 Bill concert series was born out of the marketing department in 2002 and has become a staple touring and programming opportunity for the network since its introduction. The network is staging $2 Bill events on a quarterly basis.
The first fashions will be in stores this fall, and the look will be "a mix of vintage things with contemporary things. It'll be fur with denim, classic with street," Beyonce said. The collection also will include party dresses, sweaters and even some tailored jackets. "I have pretty broad taste. I've been all over the world — thank God I've had the chance to do that," the 23-year-old told The Associated Press Wednesday. Beyonce will design the line with her mother, Tina Knowles, who along with her daughter formed Beyond Productions, a joint venture with Kids Headquarters. They'll work with co-creative director Heather Thomson Schindler. "I think my mother and I both have a good idea of what people who are fashionable like," the singer said. "I love clothes from my grandmother's generation, my mother's generation and contemporary stuff." Beyonce is already wearing some of the samples. She spoke to the AP by phone during a fitting for the dress she'll wear in the upcoming "Cater to You" video. "It's a takeoff of sparkle. ... It's sort of Supremes-era," she said. Tina Knowles, the stylist for Destiny's Child, said the mother-daughter design team broadens the audience for the clothing line. "It'll have a young feel but be practical, too," she said. Knowles also noted that some of the design and sewing techniques that her mother taught her, including smocking and hand-beading, are trendy again. Cory Silverstein, Beyond Production's executive vice president, said House of Dereon outerwear should be available by the holiday season. "And we're two more heartbeats away for shoes and handbags," he said, while lingerie, eyewear, jewelry, a fragrance and home products are on the timeline for the next three years.
"She's not sexy, she hasn't got a great body and she's not a great singer."= 'American Idol' judge SIMON COWELL, on singer BEYONCE KNOWLES, in Esquire magazine.
"My favorite gift was a karaoke machine that had a mike and you could speed up the music ... and it had this real ghetto reverb," she told The Associated Press in a recent interview. "I literally would tape songs and play with the speeds and sit for hours and make my own songs and harmonize and tape myself," she said. "I found some of those tapes. Oh, my God. They are so embarrassing!" All three members of Destiny's Child recalled their favorite yuletide presents. Michelle Williams remembered one Christmas gift. "One year, my mom got us our own TV and a Sega Playstation," she said, remembering a video game that featured "a little cute animal." All Kelly Rowland wanted for Christmas was her own rocking chair, after growing up with her great-uncle and -aunt. "When I got my red rocking chair, my momma said I sat in it the whole day. I wanted my Christmas dinner in there. I wanted to watch TV in my red rocking chair," she said. "I wish I knew where it was to this day."
"My favorite gift was a karaoke machine that had a mike and you could speed up the music ... and it had this real ghetto reverb," she told The Associated Press in a recent interview. However, chances are those recordings won't soon see the light of day. "I literally would tape songs and play with the speeds and sit for hours and make my own songs and harmonize and tape myself. I found some of those tapes. Oh, my God. They are so embarrassing!"
Kelly Rowland has emphasised the importance of a healthy diet and insists youngsters must focus on loving themselves before developing a taste for fashion, and concerns about their weight. She says, "We feel it's important to speak out on young girls being body conscious. Eat. Don't live to eat, eat to live. "You find so many cases where kids are obese or don't eat, and you never know what's going to happen. Love yourself. If you don't love yourself then how can you expect the rest of the world to see what's so beautiful about you? "Everybody on this earth is made differently."
Seventy-five percent of proceeds from the Caribbean Relief Auction will go to American Red Cross efforts in Haiti, Grenada and the Cayman Islands, according to MTV's Web site. The auction runs through Monday. Other items include a poster signed by Britney Spears , tickets to The Daily Show with John Stewart and a travel package to Grenada. "I think fans pay attention," Jean told The Associated Press. "They are aware of the situation and want to do what they can to contribute." The hip-hop star this week released a new music video, under the auspices of the U.N. World Food Program, to help Haitian victims of floods and rising political violence. He also has set up the charity Yele Haiti to help his impoverished homeland. The organization plans to help rebuild schools in slum areas and hold a free concert in Haiti in the spring. Floods killed at least 1,900 people and left another 900 missing and presumed dead when Tropical Storm Jeanne struck Haiti in September. Hurricane Ivan devastated Grenada in September, damaging 90 percent of buildings, wiping out much of the country's vital nutmeg crop and killing 39 people. Damage was estimated at more than US$900 million. Ivan also ruined two-thirds of buildings in Grand Cayman, the main Cayman Island, causing an estimated US$3 billion in damages in the British territory. Four Category 4 and 5 hurricanes capable of catastrophic damage smashed into the Caribbean this year, one of the worst storm seasons in the region's recent history. Other countries hit hard include Cuba, the Bahamas and Jamaica.
She is working with her son, producer Damon Elliott. "My Friends and Me" is the title of what Warwick says will be a double-CD. It will feature such acts as Elton John, George Benson, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, Stevie Wonder, Gloria Estefan, Mya, Destiny's Child (performing individually), and Pink. Warwick has collaborated to great effect before with the Spinners ("Then Came You"), Jeffrey Osborne ("Love Power") and Knight, Wonder and John ("That's What Friends Are For"). "This has been in the making since my 40th-anniversary celebration. Now I'm entering my 42nd year," Warwick said. She added that Elliott -- who has worked with Mya, Pink and others -- keeps her "up to snuff" on the contemporary front. The project is still shopping for a label. Meanwhile, Warwick is promoting her first holiday album, "My Favorite Time of the Year." The DMI Records set features guest turns by Knight, Dave Koz and Bebe Winans.
The trio is happy to prove the skeptics wrong. Though Beyonce's solo hits are still lingering on the charts and radio, Destiny's Child — Beyonce, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams — have reunited for "Destiny Fulfilled," their first album in three years. With their new hit single, the sexy dance track "Lose My Breath," the women are picking up where they left off: on top of the charts. "It feels wonderful being back. I know one thing that we really love is just the camaraderie all over again." says Rowland as she and her bandmates sprawl on oversized chairs in a hotel suite during a day of interviews and photo shoots. While the album is being billed as a reunion, the women say they never stopped working as a unit — even during Beyonce's breakout year. "People said that they broke up, but we appeared at the BET Awards together! Destiny's Child still had appearances together that we did, and people kept saying, 'They ain't together.' We we're like, 'Jerk, you just saw us,'" says Williams, as the group dissolves in laughter. "Well, if we broke up, we were still friends!" Friendship aside, critics are still pondering why the group decided to regroup, given the diverging interests of each member. Rowland has had moderate success with acting and her own solo debut, 2002's "Simply Deep"; Williams released two gospel albums and starred in Broadway's "Aida." So why release another Destiny's Child album? "Well, why not?" retorts Beyonce — pleasant, but still peeved at the suggestion. "I mean, Destiny's Child has sold millions of records, had so much success, and it goes far beyond the success we had as a group, we're friends. And we made a commitment to each other. We made a commitment to our fans. And we were all looking forward to it." There's no denying Destiny's Child's success. Since their 1997 debut, they became one of the best-selling girl groups of all time, racking up numerous hits from "Say My Name" to "Independent Women (Part II)" to "Bootylicous." They've had a multitude of mutations. The group started out as a foursome (minus Williams) of sweet-faced teenagers — then endured well-publicized personnel expulsions and replacements that reduced them to a trio. Although the lineup has been a stable three since 2000, they've continued to evolve. What's most clear now is their development into young women. On "Destiny Fulfilled," their earlier sexy-but-innocent tone has disappeared. The first single talks about a guy that can't keep up in bed, and other songs have a sexual, but not graphic, tone. "It touches on a more sensual side of Destiny's Child because we never talked about that. Now that we're older, we're more comfortable with it," says Beyonce. "I think they're more mature now," says Rodney Jerkins, who produced "Lose My Breath" along with some of their earlier material. "They feel like they can talk about stuff that before they were too young to talk about. I think that's the place that they're at. It's not raunchy, but sexy." Besides sex, there's also an emphasis this time around on group parity. Beyonce is no longer the focal point visually — she's rarely photographed now in the middle, like the old days. And while Beyonce's reputation as an emerging musical wunderkind continues — she was a writer-producer not only on her own album, but 2001's "Survivor" — she's brags that comrades are branching out musically as well. "Now, they're so much more comfortable, and they're not afraid to hum the melody that it's in their head, or say the lyrics or whatever is coming in their head, which before they were way more shy about it," says Beyonce, beaming like a mother hen. "They've just blossomed. It's almost like different people. It took us kind of being away from each other and having to really focus on ourselves individually to grow." Still, it's hard not to get the sense that somehow, the new album is a way to refocus attention on Rowland and Williams. But suggest that to the ladies, and you'll hear groans of aggravation. "It's kind of frustrating because we always sang lead on every song since 'Survivor,' but one of the reasons we wanted to do the solo records is for people to hear us all and know our voices," Beyonce says. "And now people are realizing that we're all singing, which we did on 'Bootylicious,' on 'Survivor,' 'Emotions,' it was all equal singing." "Plus, it ain't about who's in the middle, it's about who's outfit is coordinated," quips Williams, again breaking the trio into laughter. What is clear is the trio's strong friendship. Even if Beyonce's star has shone brightest, starring in several movies and dating rap superstar Jay-Z, one would be hard-pressed to detect any jealousy or dissension. Even Jerkins was struck by their closeness. "I've worked with so many different artists," he says, "(and) it just shows — their togetherness, their friendliness. As much as Beyonce is a superstar, it's still a group." But for how long? Although a spring tour is in the works, Rowland is planning a March wedding to Dallas Cowboys star Roy Williams; Beyonce is planning another feature film; and Williams has a third gospel album due out around Christmas. Even Beyonce hints that this may be their last album for a while: "We all have personal things that we want to do ... things that we want to do individually. I think after this record we're going to take some time to try and figure out what we're going to do." However, she makes it clear that even if the group doesn't record another record, it won't be the end of the trio. "I think as far as Destiny's Child, our main focus is for us to maintain our friendship. And if in three years, five years, 10 years, whenever we decide we want to do another Destiny's Child record, then we'll do it," Beyonce says. "We just want to eventually have kids that play together."
"Lose My Breath", the first single from the R&B trio's hotly anticipated album "Destiny Fulfilled," quickly marched its way to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Now industry observers are handicapping how the group's sales destiny will be fulfilled following the release of its first album since 2001's "Survivor". The album debuted this week at No. 19 on the Billboard 200, based on only three days of sales in the week ended November 14. It officially went on sale November 15. For Destiny's Child members Beyonce Knowles, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams, however, the issue is not about sales. It is about the group singing together again. During the three-year break, each member released a solo project. Knowles still remains on the pop and R&B charts with "Dangerously in Love" (2003), which has sold 3.7 million, copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan, and snared multiple Grammy Awards. "Obviously, it would feel good to be No. 1," Knowles says of the new album. "But we're not thinking competitively. We did this record for ourselves, not to sell a million the first week out. That doesn't mean as much to us as just the fact that three friends got back together to do another record. That was our destiny." "Destiny Fulfilled" finds the threesome making the transition into womanhood. With a decidedly more R&B stance, the album is a mature sequel to the act's 1999 album, "The Writing's on the Wall". Each song introduces a new chapter in that journey -- from love's exhilarating start ("Lose My Breath") to its sometimes disappointing end ("Through With Love"). The second single "Soldier", featuring rappers T.I. and Lil' Wayne, was co-produced by Rich Harrison, whose credits include Knowles' runaway hit "Crazy in Love." Among the other writer/producers the group worked with are Rodney Jerkins, Sean Garrett, 9th Wonder, Rockwilder and Mario Winans. The album's lyrical content was drawn in part from conversations the three women had upon reuniting in the studio. Given prior commitments on their busy solo schedules, the trio had only three weeks together to record. "For the first three days in the studio, we recorded our conversations," Rowland recalls. "We were running our mouths, catching up. It was non-stop energy. And that helped us out on the album, conceptually and creatively." "We're talking and singing about what we love and relate to," Williams adds. "There's no song on this album that we didn't experience." Serving as executive producers with manager Mathew Knowles (Beyonce's father), the trio also co-wrote all the songs. Beyonce Knowles is also credited as co-producer and vocal arranger. "I wanted to make sure Kelly and Michelle were heard," says Knowles, who alternates leads with both on the album. "I wanted people to hear how beautiful and strong their voices are, how much they've matured." "This album shows how they've all grown as women and businesspeople," Mathew Knowles says. "They were involved in every aspect of this album, from picking the songs to mixing and mastering." MARKETING MACHINE In the wake of performances at the Radio Music Awards in October and the National Football League's kickoff show on ABC in September, the act's marketing blitz has shifted into full throttle. Among the linchpins is the group's global partnership with McDonald's "I'm Lovin' It" campaign. The partnership officially launched in November with Destiny's Child serving as worldwide ambassadors and appearing in a special commercial on November 20 for World Children's Day. McDonald's is also sponsoring next year's Destiny Fulfilled and Lovin' It tour, which ramps up in April 2005 and stops in 70 cities. The promotional blitz is international: "Destiny Fulfilled" was released November 15 in most territories. Noting the group has "sold at least as many records outside the U.S. as it has inside," Columbia Records Group president Will Botwin says the act -- which recently returned from a London promotion -- will make more promo trips to the UK and Europe "where the opportunity for growth is very apparent". So how apparent is another Destiny's Child album? "Who knows what will happen in three, five or 10 years?" Beyonce Knowles says. "The main thing is that we maintain our friendship and that we do it because we want to -- not because it's a good business move."
"Destiny Fulfilled" will be issued off-cycle from a traditional Tuesday stateside release on Nov. 15, the same date that the disc will be available internationally. The company says the change is due to the "potential for Internet leaks and 'burned' CD counterfeits" that could "lead consumers to experience inferior and incomplete versions of the album." The move by follows Wednesday's (Nov. 3) announcement that Interscope Geffen A&M has moved up the release of new albums by Eminem and Snoop Dogg, in a similar effort to thwart pirates. Eminem's "Encore" was moved from Nov. 16 to Nov. 12, and Snoop's "R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece" shifted from Nov. 23 to Nov. 16. In other news, Destiny's Child has confirmed the first portion of a tour that will find the group visiting 16 countries over the course of five months. The European leg of the McDonald's-sponsored Destiny Fulfilled ... And Lovin' It outing will kick off May 14 in Copenhagen and close June 9 in Dublin. "We always said we'd come back together... it's more fun performing as a group," group member Beyonce Knowles says on the group's official fan club Web site (http://www.mydestinyschild.com). "We're planning to make this our biggest and most spectacular tour to date." Destiny's Child will be the focus of a Nov. 15 episode of syndicated daytime talk show "Oprah." The Houston-based group is also slated to perform during halftime of the U.S. Thanksgiving Day holiday National Football League game between the Chicago Bears and the Dallas Cowboys. The appearance will be broadcast live on Fox. The trio will perform Dec. 10 in New York as part of radio station WHTZ's (Z100) annual Jingle Ball concert, along with Maroon5, Hilary Duff and Good Charlotte. Here are Destiny's Child's tour dates: Nov. 25: Irving, Texas (Texas Stadium) Knowles, 18, gave birth in Los Angeles to Daniel Julez J. Smith on Oct. 18, said Marcus R. Harris of Music World-Sanctuary, which manages Knowles, Beyonce and other artists. "The whole family is very excited about their new gift of life," Harris said Tuesday. Knowles wed Daniel Smith, a college football player, in a ceremony in the Bahamas in February. She appeared in the movie "Johnson Family Vacation" and released her debut CD, "Solo Star," last year.
"We believe this appeals to kids, and when kids are happy Mom is happy," Larry Light, the hamburger chain's global chief marketing officer, said in an interview following a press conference to announce the endorsement. Oak Brook, Illinois-based McDonald's has improved sales trends in the United States with health-oriented items like entree-sized salads that are targeted toward women. The company's two-year-old "I'm Lovin' It" campaign, with its recognizable five-note jingle, has also struck a chord with consumers worldwide. Light declined to give the value of the Destiny's Child contract and could not say when television ads featuring the group would air. Destiny's Child, which will release an album next month, replaces singer Justin Timberlake, who will make his final appearance for the chain this week in Toronto, Light said. Variations on Timberlake's "I'm Lovin' It" song, however, will continue to figure prominently in McDonald's advertising.
The singer tore her right hamstring, one of the muscles at the back of the knee, while practicing Tuesday in Los Angeles for an upcoming TV special. "She overdid it," said Columbia Records spokeswoman Yvette Noel-Schure. "We're all keeping our fingers crossed that, because she's young and healthy, it heals fast. There are a lot of things in place that we may have to shift. Not the album, which is finished, but side (appearances). We'll know more after a week," Noel-Schure said. The new album from the trio, which also includes Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams, is titled "Destiny Fulfilled" and set for release Nov. 16. The performer was treated by a private sports-injury specialist. She is able to walk, but was advised to steer clear of dancing and other strenuous physical activity for about a week.
Beyonce and Stewart, along with Avril Lavigne , Mary J. Blige, Alicia Keys, the Black Eyed Peas, Andre 3000, Usher and Hoobastank, performed Wednesday night at a special style-themed concert at Radio City Music Hall. Held as part of New York Fashion Week, the event was sponsored by Conde Nast Media Group. It will air on Fox on Sept. 26. Music is a mix of sound and style, said host Denis Leary . "Rock stars dress up like beautiful women. My first crush was David Bowie ," he said in one of his milder quips to the stylish crowd that included several front rows filled with professional models. Shock rocker Marilyn Manson appeared in his signature gothic black when he introduced Lavigne, who, according to Manson, is someone who understands that style is about individuality since she wears ties with T-shirts. Blige, strutting the stage in a white fedora and all-white outfit, knocked the socks off the audience while singing covers of Elton John 's "Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word" and Janis Joplin 's "Piece of My Heart." She added a little bling with a few shakes of a jewel-encrusted tambourine. Meanwhile, Alicia Keys made the fringe of her ice-blue flapper-style dress dance when she performed "Heartburn." Two musical highlights of the concert came when unannounced guests appeared on stage: John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls joined Lavigne for a duet of Rzeznik's "Iris," and guitarist Ron Wood of the Rolling Stones reunited with Rod Stewart, who changed into jeans, for "Maggie May."
The singer and her mother, Tina Knowles, announced Wednesday the birth of their new clothing line, to be called "The House of Dereon." The line is named after Beyonce's grandmother, Agnes Dereon, whose work as a skilled seamstress inspired the two generations of stylish women. "To me, this is the greatest way to enter into the fashion world," Beyonce said in a statement. "Inspired by my grandmother, working with my mother and pursuing a dream we have all had for many years — establishing an important fashion company." The trademark for the line will be "Couture. Kick. Soul." It will be produced by the Knowles' company, Beyond Productions, and is expected to hit stores in fall 2005.
The album will feature songs by the group, as well as turns by the individual members. Flip it over, and you have a DVD. Knowles made the announcement during his keynote address at the fifth annual Billboard/American Urban Radio Networks R&B/Hip-Hop Conference. While Knowles did not elaborate on the DVD features nor on plans for daughter Beyonce's next solo outing, he did outline a four-year scenario for the Destiny's Child franchise. Propelling the new album will be a string of appearances, including a two-hour TV special on ABC. Meanwhile, group members Michelle Williams and Kelly Rowland are prepping new solo albums. Williams is slated for later this year, and Rowland's second set is due in 2005. Destiny's Child begins a world tour in April, and Beyonce will be making films in 2005 and 2006, Knowles said. The group will take a break in 2007 before releasing another Destiny's Child album in 2008.
Female Artist: Beyonce "It was more than just melodies and vocal expression," Marcus R. Harris of entertainment conglomerate Music World-Sanctuary told the Houston Chronicle in Tuesday's editions. "It was about the celebration of this new life." Knowles, 18, wed Daniel Smith, a college football player, in a ceremony in the Bahamas in February. More than 300 family and friends attended Sunday's shower, including Jay-Z, Beyonce, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams of Destiny's Child. Also attending the celebration were former Houston Rockets basketball player Cuttino Mobley, recently traded to Orlando, and University of Texas quarterback Vincent Young. "It was a phenomenal event, quite chic and very personable," Harris said. Knowles appeared in the movie Johnson Family Vacation. She released her debut CD, Solo Star, last year.
The rapper leads all the nominees for the 21st annual MTV Video Music Awards, picking up six nominations for "99 Problems," including best video of the year, best male video and best rap video. Jay-Z's girlfriend, Beyonce, earned five nominations, as did No Doubt, OutKast and Usher. The awards will be broadcast live (on the East Coast) Sunday, Aug. 29 from Miami's American Airlines Arena. Jet, Usher, Jessica Simpson, Kanye West, Yellowcard and Hoobastank are set to perform at the show. Along with "99 Problems," the nominees for video of the year are OutKast's "Hey Ya," Usher's "Yeah," Britney Spears' "Toxic" and D12's "My Band." Jet, Kanye West, JoJo, Yellowcard and Maroon 5 are up for best new artist, while West, Franz Ferdinand, Modest Mouse, New Found Glory and the White Stripes will compete for the breakthrough video award. Viewers will get to choose the winner in two categories -- the aptly named viewer's choice award and the MTV2 award. The viewer's choice voting is changing this year to something MTV is calling the "VMAyhem Viewer's Choice Playoffs." The NCAA tournament-style bracket will pair 40 videos in head-to-head matchups, with fans narrowing the field to five in three rounds of voting. They will then pick their favorite from the final five. The MTV2 award is more straightforward. Viewers will choose from "Maps" by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, "Pon De River" by Elephant Man, "Ocean Avenue" by Yellowcard, "Slow Jamz" by Twista and "Take Me Out" by Franz Ferdinand.
Beyonce was named best female R&B artist, and Jay-Z won the award to top male hip-hop artist. They both won for their collaboration on the hit "Crazy in Love." OutKast won multiple honors for video of the year and best group. Actress Mo'Nique hosted the awards ceremony at the Kodak Theatre. A lifetime achievement award was given to the Isley Brothers and humanitarian honors were accepted by Danny Glover. The categories and winners: Video of the year: OutKast, "Hey Ya!" All right, so that's not entirely accurate, although it's safe to assume that Beyonce Knowles, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams are well-compensated. It's a fact, though, that the platinum-selling group will be featured on ABC's "Play for a Billion" special in September. The Pepsi-sponsored special, in which contest winners will get a shot at a nine-zero grand prize, is set to air Sept. 12. The show will feature one of Destiny's Child's first gigs as a group in close to two years, performing a song from their new album. "We are really looking forward to getting back on stage and performing together as a group," Knowles says. "The Pepsi 'Play for a Billion' show is a great place to share our new music." "Play for a Billion" will give several hundred people who enter a Pepsi-run sweepstakes a chance to win $1 billion, the biggest prize ever awarded in a sweepstakes game. Chances are fairly slim that someone will walk away one of the richest people on the planet, but one finalist is guaranteed to win $1 million. Damon Wayans ("My Wife and Kids") will host the show, which is moving to ABC from The WB.
The singer and her boyfriend Jay-Z planned a 10 May party at the rapper's New York City hot-spot, 40/40 Club, under the guise of celebrating the first day of shooting anticipated movie The Pink Panther. At the appointed time, Beyonce had her mother Tina Knowles pretend to faint. When Kelly rushed to her side, Tina asked to be led to a private VIP room so she could sit down. But when Kelly opened the door, she found the room filled with rose petals and candles - and her boyfriend of about six months waiting inside, where he dropped to one knee and popped the big question. An eyewitness says, "Kelly was shocked." Jay-Z was also in on the plan. He helped pick the six-carat, round-cut engagement ring and even calmed Dallas Cowboys safety Williams before the proposal. The source tells US Weekly, "Roy's hands were shaking so badly! He doesn't drink, but Jay made him have three shots." The happy couple have yet to set a date for their nuptials.
The awards, announced Wednesday, are set to air on the black cable network June 29 from the Kodak Theatre. Multiple nominees included Beyonce, OutKast, Usher, Alicia Keys (news) and last year's "American Idol" winner, Ruben Studdard. Special honors will be doled out to the Isley Brothers, who will receive a lifetime achievement award, and Danny Glover, who will be honored for his humanitarian work. Actress Mo'Nique is the ceremony's host. The categories and nominees are: Video of the year: Beyonce with Jay-Z, "Crazy In Love"; Alicia Keys, "You Don't Know My Name"; OutKast, "Hey Ya!"; OutKast featuring Sleepy Brown, "The Way You Move"; Usher with Ludacris & Lil Jon, "Yeah." Group: Floetry; G-Unit; Jagged Edge; Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz; OutKast. Male R&B artist: Anthony Hamilton; R. Kelly; Ruben Studdard; Usher; Luther Vandross. Female R&B artist: Beyonce; Mary J. Blige; Janet Jackson; Alicia Keys; Monica. Male hip-hop artist: 50 Cent; Chingy; Jay-Z; Ludacris; Kanye West. Female hip-hop artist: Da Brat; Rah Digga; Missy Elliott; Jackie-O; M.C. Lyte. Collaboration: Beyonce with Jay-Z; OutKast with Sleepy Brown; Pharrell with Jay-Z; Twista with Kanye West & Jamie Foxx (news); Usher with Ludacris & Lil Jon. New artist: Chingy; Anthony Hamilton; Ruben Studdard; Pharrell Williams; Kanye West. Gospel artist: Yolanda Adams; Byron Cage; Donnie McClurkin; Smokie Norful; Vickie Winans. Actor: Laurence Fishburne; Samuel L. Jackson; Bernie Mac; Mos Def; Denzel Washington, Actress: Halle Berry Vivica A. Fox; Beyonce; Sanaa Lathan; Gabrielle Union. Male athlete of the year: Carmelo Anthony; Barry Bonds; LeBron James; Shaquille O'Neal; Tiger Woods. Female athlete of the year: Laila Ali; Cheryl Ford; Lisa Leslie; Serena Williams; Venus Williams. Viewer's choice: Beyonce, "Crazy In Love"; OutKast, "Hey Ya!"; Outkast featuring Sleepy Brown, "The Way You Move"; Kanye West, "All Falls Down"; Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz with Ying Yang Twins, "Get Low"; Usher, Ludacris and Lil Jon, "Yeah."
Beyonce said in a statement, quote, "My mother and I share a love of fashion and style, and with this brand we're going to be able to share our vision of what is truly beautiful. Our line will consist of fashions that I enjoy wearing and I want them to be appealing to my fans as well." Wear me Apparel/Kids Headquarters is one of the largest privately-held designers and marketers of apparel in the U.S., with sales exceeding $700 million. The company creates merchandise for Kenneth Cole, Timberland, Rocawear, Nickelodeon and The Walt Disney Company, among others.
Beyonce will play a pop star named Xania who is a possible suspect in a murder and theft of the Pink Panther diamond. The 21-year-old Houston native was joined at the Pink Panther launch event by several of her co-stars, including Steve Martin (who will play the bumbling French Inspector Clouseau) and Kevin Kline (who will portray Chief Inspector Dreyfus). Jean Reno, Kristin Chenowith and Emily Mortimer were also on hand. Beyonce told reporters that she is a Steve Martin fan, and she jumped at the chance to work with the comic-actor: "Well I think it was definitely a no-brainer. I'm absolutely a huge fan of Steve Martin's. And this has been a wonderful experience already just in the rehearsals. And I know he said we've been laughing and I know once again I don't know I'm going to say my lines because it's just hilarious. So I've been having a great time. I'm really excited to be here." In addition to starring in the Pink Panther movie, Beyonce said that she is co-writing two songs--one that is featured exclusively in the movie and another for the soundtrack: "I'm co-writing--producing the songs for the movie. Something for the soundtrack as well as a song in the film." The film--which is being billed as a prequel to the popular Peter Sellers series—recently began filming in New York City, and later on will move to Paris. Rebirth Of The Pink Panther is scheduled to hit theaters nationwide next summer.
That could open the door further for more urban concert series, they believe. Overall, urban talent has not had the same recent victories on the road as rock and pop acts. Last year, only one urban outing -- 50 Cent/Jay-Z's Roc the Mic tour -- cracked Billboard's top 25 grosses. That trek earned $23 million from 64 shows reported. At press time, Snoop Dogg -- as part of the upcoming Projekt Revolution tour -- is one of the few major urban acts confirmed for the summer. Still unconfirmed but expected is an arena outing from Usher this year. Although there were a few soft spots, Ladies First -- starring Beyonce, Alicia Keys and Missy Elliott -- earned more than $22 million from only 27 dates. The tour concluded April 21. "I hope this is the start of many more urban tours that can be successful," says Jeff Robinson, CEO of Keys' management company, MBK Entertainment. "You used to be able to take a girl to see the Temptations or Guy or Jodeci or New Edition. You usually had great R&B shows each summer." BROAD APPEAL Organizers agree that future urban tours must carry the same mainstream elements as Ladies First to enjoy similarly healthy grosses. "The key is to have a broad audience. It's no longer just R&B or just hip-hop or just pop. These artists appeal to many kinds of taste. That's where we're headed in music," says Al Haymon, CEO of Haymon Entertainment, which co-produced Ladies First with Clear Channel Entertainment. All three women can be heard on multiple R&B and top 40 radio formats, as well as on mainstream and urban TV outlets like MTV, VH1 and BET. Collectively winning 12 Grammy Awards and selling more than 6.5 million copies of their latest albums, according to Nielsen SoundScan, also boosted their profiles. Production pizzazz needs to be of central concern as well. "We really brought on the expertise of the rock industry through Sanctuary to really do the overall production of the tour," explains Mathew Knowles, president of Music World/Sanctuary Urban Holding Co. and Beyonce's father and manager. One of Knowles' goals since merging his company Music World with Sanctuary in October, he says, is to better translate urban album sales into touring achievements. There are conversations within Music World/Sanctuary about launching a booking division specifically to advance the urban live scene. Also a boon to any tour are significant sponsorships to defray costs. Knowles notes that funds from Ladies First's presenting sponsor, Verizon Wireless, and Beyonce's sponsors, Steve Madden and L'Oreal, covered 50% to 75% of Beyonce's production expenses. The artist package of Ladies First allowed organizers to set a higher price structure that would deliver bigger grosses, Knowles and Haymon say. In contrast to Rock the Mic's $33 ticket average, most Ladies First tickets ranged between $50 and $60. "This was a unique combination of superstars. People were willing to pay for that," Haymon says. Although there were a number of sellouts on the tour -- including the 12,310-seat Philips Arena in Atlanta March 28 and 12,571-seat Wachovia Center in Philadelphia March 23 -- some markets were soft. The American Airlines Center show March 15 in Dallas drew 6,624 people, about half of the venue's 12,096 capacity. The 14,123-seat Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis grabbed an audience of 6,883 March 30. Because of individual work commitments, including Beyonce's work on a new Destiny's Child album, it is doubtful Ladies First will be extended. But venue executives already are angling for dates for R&B artist Usher, who they believe will have the next pop/urban smash tour. Usher's trek has yet to be confirmed, but he is expected to play large venues starting in August. Like the talent for Ladies First, Usher has built a hefty fan base. His new album "Confessions" has sold 2.4 million copies.
Leading the way is Jennifer Lopez, who has two successful fragrance lines: Glow by J.Lo and Still Jennifer Lopez. Celine Dion, Thalia and Jessica Simpson are among the other stars who have attached their names to fragrance products. Britney Spears and Beyonce will enter the marketplace later this year. Celebrities who launch fragrance products almost always have an ownership stake in the business. "Even if the product line doesn't sell that well, it's a big moneymaker for the star because of the lucrative contract, which usually comes with a big-salary guarantee," says Gina Pia Bandini, editor-in-chief of fashionfinds.com. Five years ago, the market for celebrity fragrances was largely inactive, according to beauty-industry experts. That situation changed with the runaway success of Glow by J.Lo, which debuted in 2002. Lopez's fragrances are available mainly at specialty stores and department stores. "Jennifer Lopez has been wildly successful because she's a crossover star and she's ubiquitous," Didi Gluck, beauty director at Marie Claire magazine, observes. "A star like Jennifer Lopez doesn't come along every day," adds Catherine Walsh, senior VP of cosmetics and American licenses at Lancaster Group Worldwide. "People buy these fragrances because they like the celebrity's personality and lifestyle, and the fragrance helps them get a piece of that." According to Information Resources, which tracks retail sales of consumer goods at mass merchants, drug stores and supermarkets, U.S. sales of Glow by J.Lo jumped more than 4,000% at those outlets last year. Including sales of products sold separately and in gift packs, Glow by J.Lo earned more than $1.7 million in revenue in 2003. Information Resources does not track sales at department stores, where the majority of Lopez's fragrance products are sold. Those sales figures were unavailable. Dion launched her perfume line last year. Celine Dion Parfums is available at mass merchants, drug stores and such department stores as Sears, JC Penney, Ulta and Kohl's. Dion's line raked in sales of $11.7 million in 2003, making it the ninth-best-selling women's fragrance of 2003 at U.S. retailers tracked by Information Resources. It was the only debut fragrance line to make the top 10. Dion, who teamed with Coty for her fragrance venture, tells Billboard: "For years we were approached by a number of different fragrance and beauty companies, but it just didn't feel natural. When we were approached by Coty, we really liked the way they understood who I was as a woman, as well as a performer, and how I was perceived in the market." Despite the success of Dion's and Lopez's products, the stars entered the fragrance market at a risky time. Though fragrances remain the biggest category in the beauty industry, their sales have declined recently, according to NPD Beauty, a division of research firm NPD Group. Of the three main beauty categories -- skin care, makeup and fragrances -- only fragrances had a sales decrease in 2003, dipping 2% compared with the previous year, to $2.8 billion. During the same period, skin-care product sales jumped to $2 billion, up 6% from 2002, and makeup hit $2.6 billion, up 4%. Not surprisingly, Lopez, Spears and Simpson are among the celebrities extending their beauty brands to skin care or makeup. THE SCENT OF MUSIC Why are fragrance companies flocking to music stars more than actresses or other celebrities? "The beauty and the music industries are both used to dealing with consumers who are very fickle," notes Michael Solomon, human sciences professor of consumer behavior at Auburn University in Auburn, Ala. Both industries understand the value of "striking while the iron is hot," Solomon says, thereby making them a good fit. "It's all a matter of timing," Marie Claire's Gluck notes. "These companies want celebrities whose star is on the rise." Distribution is also a key factor. In that respect, Simpson's product line, Dessert, could be a wild card because of its selective retail launch. Simpson partnered with Dlish Fragrance to launch Dessert in April. Dlish founder and president Randi Shinder says the company is somewhat of an underdog. "It's much easier for a celebrity to go to one of the big beauty houses, but Jessica chose our independent company because she really believes in trying something new. She's believable for these products because she's also a target customer." BEYONCE VS. BRITNEY At least two more celebrities will enter the fragrance field later this year. Beyonce has teamed with Tommy Hilfiger Toiletries, a division of Estee Lauder, to launch a new fragrance this fall. Also due by year's end is Spears' line of fragrance, skin-care and cosmetics products, a partnership with Elizabeth Arden. Industry experts predict Beyonce's line will be the bigger hit. "Beyonce has more going on with crossover appeal," fashionfinds.com's Bandini says. "She's a fashion role model, and her experience for L'Oreal is a huge plus. From a fashion perspective, Britney hasn't morphed into anything beyond being a pop princess." Gluck also thinks Beyonce may have the edge. "Her star is rising faster than Britney's," she says. Solomon adds, "Elizabeth Arden and Britney Spears are a terrible match. Britney doesn't have the versatility to pull off being a fashion icon, like Madonna has. The feeling among a lot of young people is that Britney is over." Elizabeth Arden president Paul West says Spears' high profile, along with his company's track record (including the success of Elizabeth Taylor's White Diamonds fragrance line) will make the Spears line a hit. "We have a long-term plan and vision. Britney did a lot of homework for this fragrance. Her beauty products will be completely relevant to consumers."
Teen People's annual list of the "25 hottest stars under 25" is out today, underscoring a strong multimedia evolution in the entertainment industry. Savvy marketers and handlers are putting pressure on young stars to cross over creative mediums. "They need to move the needle on box office and SoundScan," says Amy Barnett, managing editor at Teen People. "If they can have success in music, can they leverage that existing audience and see if it works at the box office?" This year's list holds more than 25 names, with a rock group (Good Charlotte), TV ensemble (The O.C.) and set of twins (the Olsens) each counting as one hot entry. The group has tremendous range, from actress and singer Hilary Duff, 17, to a new MTV personality, Jackass' Bam Margera, 23. Among Teen People's hot stars: Justin Timberlake, 23. He has gone from boy band to solo artist to movies; he's now filming Edison with Kevin Spacey. Grammy-nominated R&B artist Beyoncé Knowles, 22. She also has made an impact as an actress in 2002's Austin Powers in Goldmember and next year's The Pink Panther. TV comedian Nick Cannon, 23. He's a top-selling rapper and has a role in the upcoming Jennifer Lopez film Shall We Dance? Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, 17. The twins' franchise extends from their TV run on Full House to New York Minute, in theaters this week. They also have ventures in video, fashion merchandising and publishing. Jessica Simpson, 23, is a huge success. She first appeared on Teen People's list in 2000, riding the pop wave with Mandy Moore, 20, and 2004's Christina Aguilera, 23, and Britney Spears, 22. Last year, Simpson's MTV reality hit, Newlyweds: Nick & Jessica, brought the little-known pop singer recognition. TV and movie offers are pouring in. "She has made an amazing transition," Barnett says. "She has parlayed her personality and values into something very different from that (pop music) pack." There are exceptions to the multi-talent rule, Barnett says. Don't expect singer and songwriter Norah Jones, 25, on a TV sitcom. And Hollywood's current It Girl, Lost In Translation's Scarlett Johansson, 19, isn't likely to venture far from film. "It's not necessary to prove talent in multiple areas," Barnett says. "But the increase in the number of hyphenates is definitely making an impact."
Beyonce, a singer and actor, drew plenty of stares from jurors and others when she appeared in the courtroom dressed in a white blouse and seersucker pants. She and Jay-Z giggled and chatted in a row of seats also occupied by Sigel's mother and fiance and Roc-A-Fella Records executive Damon Dash. After the jury was released for the weekend, Beyonce was swiftly escorted out a back door.
About 1,000 people will attend the event, which is expected to raise at least $4 million, said Couric, the co-host of NBC's "Today" show. It will take place on the Queen Mary 2, which arrived in Manhattan for the first time Friday. At 151,400 tons, the liner is three times larger than the Titanic. "Cunard (Line) approached some people at my organization about a year ago and very generously offered to host our next event," Couric said. "At that point I thought, 'What next event?' but given their offer I felt like I needed to plan another one." Couric partnered with the Entertainment Industry Foundation in 2000 to found the National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance after her husband died of colon cancer. The number of colonoscopy screenings has increased 20 percent since the center opened, according to the center. Nicole Kidman, Antonio Banderas, Glenn Close and Jon Bon Jovi also are expected to attend the dinner and performance of Richard Rodgers' works, which includes "Oklahoma!" and "The Sound of Music." Couric said she thought she'd interviewed all the performers at least once. "After 13 years on the 'Today' show, you've pretty much interviewed everyone," she said. "I personally reached out to them. I called them personally to see if I could twist their arms."
(Or No. 36, for that matter. That's where Britney Spears lands.) In its fifth year, the Hot 100 is a barometer of the hottest women in film, TV, music, sports and fashion. The criteria: beautiful women with careers that are on fire. Her star took off last year with MTV's reality hit Newlyweds: Nick & Jessica and multiplatinum CD In This Skin. Coming up this year: the special Nick & Jessica Variety Hour on ABC this Sunday at 9 p.m. ET/PT, a comedy pilot for ABC and the launch of her edible fragrance line, Dessert. The rest of Maxim's top 10: 2. Beyoncé Knowles The New York Daily News reports their father and manager Mathew Knowles wants to keep the news a secret until 17-year-old Solange's movie, "Johnson Family Vacation," opens next month. The paper quotes a source as saying Knowles is so determined to keep the baby hush-hush, he has offered exclusive access to big sister Beyonce to a celebrity news magazine if the magazine kept quiet about the baby. Solange was married last month in the Bahamas to college football player Daniel Smith. Beyonce, her parents and Destiny's Child member Kelly Rowland were in attendance. The Daily News says it recently asked Solange about the baby story, and while she said she wouldn't talk about her family life, she didn't deny that she was pregnant.
Winners: R&B/Soul Album, Female: "Dangerously In Love," Beyonce.
Drew Barrymore, 29, and Fabrizio Moretti, 23 The rumor: The rumor: This month, the tabs reported that Barrymore's boyfriend, Strokes drummer Moretti, was spotted smooching another gal in a downtown New York club. True or false: True or false? Totally false, says Barrymore's rep, who adds that "it was his bandmate, Albert Hammond, who was kissing his own girlfriend." And in the April issue of Harper's Bazaar, Barrymore professes her devotion to Moretti: "I'm so in love with Fabrizio," she says. "He is so beautiful." Beyoncé Knowles, 22, and Jay-Z, 34 The rumor: Last week, the Internet was abuzz with rumors that these two superstars have called it quits. True or false? We're guessing it's bogus, since the two were just spotted in Miami and still appeared to be crazy in love. But the ultra-secretive entertainers have never even confirmed that they're an item. Jay-Z's publicist did not return calls, while Knowles' rep didn't have "a clue" as to their status. "As she didn't comment on their relationship previously, I can't imagine that changing," he says. Cameron Diaz, 31, and Justin Timberlake, 23 The rumor: First, reports had Timberlake fuming when Diaz danced with other men at a club. Then came the story that Timberlake stood up his sweetheart at a Los Angeles restaurant in February. True or false? Tough to tell, since neither of their reps will comment. But this month they were spotted locking lips on the set of her movie In Her Shoes. Marc Anthony, 34, and Jennifer Lopez, 33 The rumor: The former flames were seen clubbing - and, supposedly, smooching - in Miami recently, igniting speculation that they have recoupled. True or false? Lopez's rep keeps mum, but Anthony's publicist insists that "as of right now" the Latin superstars are "just friends," collaborating on a salsa single for J. Lo's upcoming movie, Shall We Dance?
Rather, the Ladies First Tour, launched in Fort Lauderdale on Friday night, is a lumbering triple bill co-starring singer-songwriter Alicia Keys and hip-hop goddess Missy Elliott (with negligible opener Tamia) -- all of whom performed separate sets over a drawn-out evening that never quite fulfilled its musical promise. While the night did occasionally live up to the pretour hype about feminist empowerment, the message was mostly lost amid a rash of expletives, product plugs, deafening audio and interminable set changes that dragged the thing long past midnight. All that would have been fine if that's what the audience had signed up for. But considering the many very young children on hand to see their pop princess Beyonce, it's doubtful they (or their weary parents) were anticipating a five-hour-plus marathon spiced by some very adult material. Entering to chants of "where's the real bitch?" concert rookie Elliott ultimately proved the most inventive performer of the evening, as she often does, with her lightning-speed costume changes and rapid-fire dance troupe. Her amped-up versions of "Work It," "Get Ur Freak On" and other signature riffs proved the usual humorous, style-setting tour de force -- even if it did play more like video performance art than anything resembling music. After addressing her fans as "motherf's," she slipped in a promo for Janet Jackson's new record and was gone in a flash. Of course, Elliott has no business on a PG-pop bill that is sure to attract young kids, but tour promoter Clear Channel, lately intent on cleaning up radio, doesn't apply its new standards to the road, particularly when the broadening of box office appeal is needed. In stark contrast were the elegant songs of Keys -- a performer who continues to set herself apart with her knack for cooking up languid numbers evoking 1930s Harlem and such 1970s icons as Stevie Wonder. Not content to stay behind her grand piano, Keys broke form by gamely leading a few dance numbers and conducting a mock orchestra. Although her set ultimately lasted too long, such songs as "Rock Wit U," "A Woman's Worth" and her megahit "Fallin"' were all beautifully executed and greeted with rapturous ovations. Beyonce also draws inspiration from many great old R&B classics, but her over-reliance on sampling, freak dancing and meandering riffs that never bloom into full-fledged melodies has grown tiresome and is beginning to detract from all that is good. With her auburn hair, gold bikini top and gyrating fringed skirt, she was something of a whirling Tina Turner-meets-Charo incarnation, and like Turner, she really does have the vocal chops and choreography to go with it. But her songs, among them "Baby Boy," "Jumpin', Jumpin' " and "Survivor," were so brutally battered by a bass-heavy audio barrage, just about everything she did was unintelligible. Pop stars who can really sing don't need this kind of ear-splitting nonsense. Not that it really mattered. Ladies First is less a musical tour than it is an event to cross promote causes and products like cosmetics, Jay-Z, cell phones and track suits. On that note, the evening more than delivered.
"You know it just feels really good, and as you see, we're all here together with positive energy and that's the feeling that you're gonna get on this tour," Keys said. "I feel like there is no competition and there is no competitiveness because there is no comparison. We all stand alone, and we all are individuals, and when we come together it's just going to be a force that will not be denied." This marks Alicia Keys's first major U.S. tour since the release of her album, Songs In A Minor. Beyonce is touring the U.S. for the first time as a solo artist in support of her multi-platinum debut album, Dangerously In Love, and Elliott is out in support of her latest release, This Is Not A Test. Special guest Tamia joins the tour on the heels of her chart-topping hit, "Officially Missing You," and the smash R&B hit single, "Into You" with Fabolous. Her new album, More, will be released on April 6.
Between them, the co-headliners have stacked up close to 30 million albums sold, 16 Grammys and countless other awards, along with a playlist full of hit songs. With the sultry Tamia opening the tour, it's an unprecedented assemblage of urban female star power. "Hopefully we can do something historic," Beyoncé says. "Be some of the first R&B and hip-hop women to have a successful tour together." Beyoncé is riding high off five Grammys for her solo debut, Dangerously in Love. Keys has sold 2.3 million copies of her sophomore album, The Diary of Alicia Keys, since December. Elliott's current single, I'm Really Hot, is climbing the charts. The same can be said for Tamia's new hit, Questions, and her third album, More, is due in stores April 6. Ray Waddell of Billboard says ticket sales are brisk, particularly in the larger markets, and promoters are optimistic about its chances. Gary Bongiavanni, editor of the tour-tracking magazine and Web site Pollstar, says that even though hip-hop and R&B artists don't usually match their record sales on the road, this lineup goes way beyond just appealing to the urban market. Waddell adds that although the three co-headliners could have toured individually, together they can put more money into the production, play bigger venues and charge higher prices. And "it's just a safer way to go out in today's climate," he says.
Held at the Universal Amphitheatre, the awards honoring ethnic minorities in media named Paramount's "Temptations" for best motion picture over "Bad Boys II," "Bend It Like Beckham," "Deliver Us from Eva" and "Whale Rider," reports the AP. The films' stars also won big that evening, but not for their performances in the film. Cuba Gooding Jr. snagged the best actor award for his leading role in "Radio," while his "Temptations" co-star Beyonce Knowles won the Entertainer of the Year award. Queen Latifah reigned in the best actress category for her comedic turn in "Bringing Down the House," as did Morgan Freeman in the supporting role of God in "Bruce Almighty." Alfre Woodard joined Gooding with her win for supporting actress in "Radio." Musician Luther Vandross was the biggest winner of the evening, grabbing four awards for best male artist and best video, song and album for "Dance with My Father." He was not able to attend the ceremony, however, due to his stroke. Other musical awards went to the following: Alicia Keys for best female artist, "American Idol's" Ruben Studdard for best new artist and OutKast for best duo/group. "The Bernie Mac Show," won top honors for best comedy series, best comedy actor in a series for Bernie Mac and best supporting actress in a comedy for Camille Winbush. Showtime's "Soul Food" won for best drama series. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People will broadcast its awards on FOX on Thursday, March 11.
Police said Reynold Caleen, a great-grandfather of nine, tried to fight off a knife-wielding suspect when he grabbed the elderly man's wallet in the parking lot of a Walgreen's store Tuesday — knocking the suspect's knife out of his hands and kicking him several times as the pair wrestled to the ground. Lead guitarist Shaun Carrington, bass guitarist Kern Brantley and drummer Nisan Stewart, in town to rehearse for a tour with the singer, pulled in front of the suspected carjacker as he tried to drive the elderly man's car out of the parking lot — and chased him on foot when he got out and ran. A Walgreen's employee tackled the suspect; the bandmates held him down until police arrived. "Gotta protect society as much as we can, you know?" Stewart told WSVN-TV. Caleen's wife, Faye, confessed the couple never heard of Beyonce. "We're more of the John Wayne generation," she said. The suspect was charged with armed carjacking and battery of a person over 65, a felony in Florida. Beyonce's 22-city tour with Alicia Keys and Missy Elliott begins March 12.
"That's not me," the 22-year-old diva says. "That's a very different person. That is my best friend, Sasha. Beyonce Knowles is not all sexy, glamorous and hot. She's just a hard-working girl who likes to sing." Beyonce says it was a cousin of hers who first noticed that she became an entirely different person onstage. "She came up with the name 'Sasha' and it sort of stuck. Now, when I go onstage in one of my outfits, everyone around me calls me Sasha." Without Sasha, Beyonce notes, "you'd get a very different girl. There's no way I'd wear a short little dress [and] dance like that in front of all those people. Beyonce Knowles is really just a very quiet, shy little thing." All of this makes us wonder which gal her rapper beau Jay-Z gets to go out with. "Beyonce, definitely," she says. "But he thinks Sasha's cool. He's been on a couple of hot dates with her."
"I am excited about this new phase in my life," Solange said Monday in a statement. "I am very happy and feel truly blessed to have the unconditional love and support of my parents and my entire family." Solange released her debut CD, "Solo Star," last year. She'll make her feature film debut in "Johnson Family Vacation," due out later this year, her record label said. Smith, a college football player, and Solange are natives of Houston.
Jay-Z made the surprise announcement of his plans to marry Beyonce at a January 28 record company party, during a speech directed at the then-departing Def Jam boss Lyon Cohen, saying, quote, "You've been one of the best friends I could have had ... Apart from this woman beside me, who I love and who I will marry very soon."'
The frontwoman for superstar trio Destiny's Child picked up four nominations for the 18th annual Soul Train Music Awards, which honor recording artists in the R&B, hip-hop and gospel fields, organizers said at a news conference on Thursday. The 22-year-old singer led the field of nominees, which includes Luther Vandross with three nominations, and six acts with two nods each: Erykah Badu, B2K, Anthony Hamilton, the Isley Brothers featuring Ron Isley, R. Kelly and OutKast. The ceremony, to be hosted by singer-producers Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds and Alicia Keys, will take place on March 20 at the International Cultural Center Auditorium in Los Angeles and will be broadcast in syndication. Knowles' debut solo release, "Dangerously in Love," will vie for best R&B/soul album (female) and album of the year. The track "Crazy in Love" will compete for best R&B/soul single (female) and best video. She won a leading five Grammys on Feb. 8, including prizes for best R&B song and contemporary R&B album. "While three or four shows may all agree that Beyonce is the hottest artist in the game today, the purpose of the Soul Train Awards is to ensure that the celebration is specific and that the celebration lives up to what artists like Beyonce deserve, as opposed to some of the top black artists (who) are treated as an afterthought," the show's executive producer, Don Cornelius, told Reuters at the news conference. Vandross' album "Dance With My Father," received a Soul Train nomination for best R&B/soul album (male), and will compete with Knowles for album of the year. The title track was also cited for R&B/soul single (male). Vandross, who was afflicted by a near-fatal stroke last year, won four Grammys, including song of the year and best R&B album. Cornelius, a one-time radio DJ, created the influential "Soul Train" weekly TV show in 1970.
The Darkness were leading the field with four nominations -- best British group, best British breakthrough act, best British rock and best British album for "Permission To Land". Dido, Busted, Daniel Bedingfield and Mercury Music Prize winner Dizzee Rascal have three nominations apiece. Lined up to perform at the awards ceremony in Earls Court, west London, were Beyonce, Outkast, Black Eyed Peas, 50 Cent, Muse, Busted and Alicia Keys. And Duran Duran is to be honoured for "outstanding contribution to music". Dido, who is missing the ceremony because she is writing and rehearsing for a forthcoming tour, is favourite to win best British female vocal artist. She is up against Sophie Ellis Bextor, Jamielia, Annie Lennox and 20-year-old newcomer Amy Winehouse. Best British male will go to either Badly Drawn Boy, Daniel Bedingfield, David Bowie, Dizzee Rascal or Will Young. The Darkness, Busted, The Coral, Radiohead and Sugababes are up for best British group. Best breakthrough will go to either The Darkness, Jamie Cullum, Lemar, Busted or Dizzee Rascal. Vying for best pop award are Christina Aguilera, Daniel Bedingfield, Black Eyed Peas, Busted and Justin Timberlake.
While Beyonce sang her hit "Crazy in Love" in the halter dress that gave revealing side views of her breasts, the conservatively dressed Jackson sat courtside swaying to the music. Jackson's Super Bowl performance created a ruckus that prompted TNT to use a seven-second delay during the All-Star game. Beyonce descended from the ceiling on a platform above a glittering disco ball singing part of the old Donna Summer hit "Love to Love You Baby." "I'm feeling sexy when I hear you say my name," Beyonce sang while dancing in front of six female backup dancers. She made her way to a platform in the middle of the court and gyrated suggestively in front of a wind machine. Beyonce's vigorous dancing nearly caused her thin, brightly colored halter top to expose her breasts. Holding a small bouquet of red roses, Jackson sat quietly in her seat during the game. Aside from three burly security guards nearby, she kept a low profile in a furry, brown hat, sunglasses and a brown suede jacket with a white T-shirt underneath. Accompanied by a drummer, Christina Aguilera performed a backbeat-filled national anthem reminiscent of Marvin Gaye's rendition before the 1983 All-Star game in Los Angeles. Known for her album "Stripped" and penchant for skimpy clothing, Aguilera was downright conservative in jeans and an athletic jacket.
Her five wins and her two electrifying performances during the Feb. 8 Grammy Awards at the Staples Center here were the latest blasts in her rise as a multimedia star. Father/manager Mathew Knowles predicts that five years from now, Beyonce will be a "triple threat in music, movies and corporate endorsements." "'It girl' is overused," Essence Magazine arts and entertainment editor Cori Murray says. "But she has it: vocal talent, a gifted songwriter and performer, sexy and sassy, plus a humble spirit." With five Destiny's Child albums, her successful solo project, movie roles in "Austin Powers: Goldmember" and "The Fighting Temptations" and a slew of high-profile endorsement deals, she's clearly on her way to super-stardom. BACK TO THE BEGINNING Beyonce's story began more than a decade before the Grammys. She launched her singing career with Houston-based Destiny's Child when she and girlfriend LaTavia Roberson teamed up in 1990, taking the group's name from a passage in the Book of Isaiah. The duo became a trio in 1992 when Kelly Rowland (news) joined; a year later, LeToya Luckett signed on. In 1997, the group inked a deal with Columbia Records. Since the 1998 release of its self-titled debut, the group has enjoyed an enviable spate of chart and sales success, including its first No. 1 R&B hit, "No, No, No Part 2." In 2000, "Say My Name," spun off from the group's 1999, eight-times platinum sophomore set, "The Writing's on the Wall," captured two Grammys. Roberson and Luckett were replaced by Michelle Williams (news) and Farrah Franklin (news) after challenging Mathew Knowles' managerial control. They later sued their former bandmates and Knowles. Five months later, Franklin split, leaving Destiny's Child as the trio it is today. In October 2000, the group spent 11 weeks at No. 1 on The Billboard Hot 100 with the smash "Independent Women Part 1" from the "Charlie's Angels" soundtrack. In 2001, on the group's third album -- the four-times platinum "Survivor" -- Beyonce took a more hands-on approach in writing and producing the material on the set, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. The title track won Destiny's Child another Grammy. Destiny's Child's albums have sold 11.8 million copies in the U.S., according to Nielsen SoundScan. SOLO FLIGHT In July 2003, Beyonce released her debut solo album, "Dangerously in Love," which also debuted at No. 1. The album's first two singles took up residence in the penthouse of the Hot 100: "Crazy in Love," featuring Jay-Z, spent eight weeks at No. 1, while "Baby Boy," featuring Sean Paul, logged nine weeks in the top slot. Current single "Me, Myself & I" is now No. 4. In the United States, the album has sold 2.8 million units since its release, according to Nielsen SoundScan. It is at No. 23 on the Billboard 200. (The expected sales jump from the Grammys will be reflected in sales data issued next Wednesday.) While thrilled with the album's sales, Columbia Records Group president Will Botwin admits that piracy has stunted the project. "It's absolutely a factor for her and for any really popular artist." SOMETHING TO PROVE The first two singles verified her commercial viability as a solo artist, but Beyonce had something else she wanted to prove: that she could really sing. Therefore, Botwin says "a conscious decision" was made to showcase her vocals. The midtempo "Me, Myself & I" was chosen as the third single. Next came her critically acclaimed performance of the national anthem at the Super Bowl and the Grammy performances. "She felt she needed to show that side of herself," Botwin says. "Everyone knew she could move. With the choice of 'Me, Myself & I' and the TV appearances, we established the other side." The Grammy Awards for her solo album add artistic credibility to her resume. With the five wins, she tied Norah Jones (news) and Alicia Keys (news) for the second-largest number of Grammy victories in one evening by a female. (Lauryn Hill is tops, with six.) "The wins say she's a credible artist and that the album is validated," Botwin says. But he stresses that her performances, one in a show-opening medley with Prince and the other a big production number of the "Dangerously in Love" title track, have given her just as much of a boost. The exposure also has given the record -- which has sold close to 6 million worldwide, according to Sony -- an additional sales boost. "We've had huge reorders since the show," Botwin says. BEYONCE THE BRAND Another side of Beyonce is her role as a multimillion-dollar pitchwoman. "She's in a position to pick and choose some of the best deals out there," says Rick Fish, senior VP of Signature Networks, a merchandising and marketing company whose clients include Madonna and Jessica Simpson. "She's the entrance to the dance," says Jack Feuer, national news editor for Billboard sister publication AdWeek. "She has glamour, a youthful exuberance and a love of life. She's superbly talented and brings an enthusiasm to any line that would appeal to a younger buyer." Beyonce has been part of a number of product campaigns, including for L'Oreal. Matthew Knowles says tie-ins were part of the strategy he mapped out three years ago, when each member of Destiny's Child began work on a solo album. "We just don't depend on the record," Knowles says. "We also depend on a corporate relationship to drive the marketing, as well as film and TV." Beyonce is in the midst of a multi-year deal with Pepsi. She represents the soft drink in the United Kingdom, as well as being featured in Pepsi's iTunes 100 Million Song Giveaway. "You couldn't ask for a bigger multitalented artist right now," says Scott Parker, senior marketing manager for Pepsi's music group division. Pepsi and Knowles have also inked a new domestic endorsement deal for Destiny's Child. The campaign will be tied to the group's new album. In January, Beyonce announced a tie in with Estee Lauder-owned Tommy Hilfiger Toiletries (THT) to develop a perfume line. The licensing deal with THT is something that Knowles initially passed on. "We were trying to decide if she should do her own line or a licensing agreement," he says. "When we looked at the time and dollar amount of one versus the other and the Estee Lauder name, we decided to go with the license relationship." The fragrance debuts this summer. Beyonce and her mother, Tina, have also designed a clothing line, A Touch of Couture, that bows later this year. The line, which will have a charity tie-in, will run the gamut, from children's wear to big-ticket items. In considering deals for Beyonce or Destiny's Child, Knowles shies away from alcohol and cigarette endorsements. "From day one, our approach has been, 'Who's our customer?"' Knowles says. "For Destiny's Child, it's females 13-30, and we try to align ourselves with those products. "Beyonce has a much larger male customer base than Destiny's Child, 16-50," he says. "So she's a little more flexible in terms of products." SCANDAL-FREE Beyonce's image ensures the offers will keep coming. Although she has a bit of an edge through her secretive relationship with boyfriend rapper Jay-Z, she has been able to avoid scandalous headlines. Beyonce's positive image was key in the Hilfiger deal, according to THT executive director Robin Mason. "We absolutely love that she's scandal-free. Being part of Estee Lauder and Tommy Hilfiger, it's all about that good, clean, American fun. She's able to pull that off," he says. A slew of sponsors have signed on for Beyonce's upcoming Ladies First tour with Alicia Keys and Missy Elliott, including key sponsor Verizon. Beyonce is co-sponsored on the five-week tour, which starts March 12, by Steve Madden and L'Oreal. Clear Channel Entertainment VP of touring Brad Wavra thinks the tour's three-headliner concept is a slam-dunk. It will be Beyonce's first major U.S. tour as a solo artist. After the tour, Beyonce returns to the studio for a new Destiny's Child album that's slated for a September release. Knowles says that to keep each member's solo career thriving, he envisions releasing four singles from the project: one Destiny's Child uptempo club song and solo cuts from each of the members. Then will come a 100-city Destiny's Child tour. "After that, you probably won't see Destiny's Child for five years," Knowles says. "There will be heavy pursuit of TV and film careers and their solo record careers."
Speculation that the two twentysomething pop idols might leave the girl group and boy band that were their tickets to fame is hardly new. In particular, Destiny's Child, which is managed by Beyoncé's dad, Mathew Knowles, has long been perceived as a vehicle for the talents and charisma of its bootylicious frontwoman. But despite the acclaim garnered by her solo debut, Dangerously in Love, Beyoncé has insisted she has no plans to leave Child behind. Backstage at the Grammys, in fact, she noted that the group hopes to have a new CD ready by late summer or fall. A spokesman for the group's label, Columbia Records, confirmed that the trio will go back in the studio soon. Similarly, a spokesperson for Jive Records says that Timberlake plans to record both another solo album and a new CD with 'N Sync this year. But some industry insiders are skeptical. "I can't imagine why he would go back to 'N Sync now," says Rolling Stone contributing editor Anthony DeCurtis. "There might be a commercial motivation to do that eventually, but I think he's crossed an important line, and it would be an obvious step back." For Beyoncé, says DeCurtis, the solo vs. band issue "is less of an urgent matter. (The group) is sort of like 'Destiny's Child With Beyoncé' anyway."
Her five trophies tied a record set by Alicia Keys, Norah Jones and Lauryn Hill for the most Grammys won by a female artist. But how does she compare to past legends in the most important diva categories? The Associated Press measured Beyonce's divadom compared with Madonna, Janet Jackson and Whitney Houston, rating them from 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) on the diva scale: ATTITUDE Beyonce: Though she smokes a cigar and smacks a cheating boyfriend in her latest video, Me, Myself & I, Beyonce's still pretty tame - a God-fearing Southern belle whose album includes a tribute to her daddy. Divascale: 2. Janet: From the time she strutted on stage as a tyke-sized Mae West, Janet always had sass. And who could forget her admonishing the nasty boys? Divascale: 4. Madonna: Anyone who saw Truth or Dare knows Madonna is a true diva. Divascale: 5. Whitney Houston: Don't tussle with this girl - you're likely to get cussed out, as shock jock Wendy Williams learned last year. Divascale: 4. CONTROVERSY Beyonce: She's lived down early accusations that she unfairly dominated her group Destiny's Child. Divascale: 2. Janet: Just by being a Jackson, she's been born into controversy. Still, Janet seemed unscathed by scandal, even with a quickie teen marriage as a later secret one. But Nipplegate will go down in history. Divascale: 5. Madonna: She's done everything to shock us, from rolling around in a wedding dress in the mid-'80s to her Sex book to her affairs with men (and women). But recently, she's been writing children's books. Divascale: 4. Houston: Seemed like a goody-goody for years, until she wed bad-boy Bobby Brown and they became music's Bonnie & Clyde. Don't forget her admitted drug use - who can forget the "crack is wack" line? Divascale: 5. ACTING Beyonce - Was critically acclaimed for MTV's hip-hop Carmen and had a huge hit with the third Austin Powers movie. Less successful was The Fighting Temptations. Divascale: 3. Janet: The former sitcom actress' first movie, Poetic Justice, was a critical and commercial flop. She rebounded with Nutty Professor sequel. Divascale: 2. Madonna: The only blemish in Madonna's multimedia career. Some bright spots were her debut, Desperately Seeking Susan, before anyone knew she couldn't act, and Dick Tracy. Divascale: 0. Houston: One of music's rare acting successes, Houston has had hits with The Bodyguard and Waiting to Exhale and served as a producer with The Princess Diaries. Divascale: 5. LOVE LIFE: Beyonce - Dating Jay-Z could have vaulted her to J.Lo status, but her refusal even to confirm the relationship makes it blah. Divascale: 2. Janet: Though her love life has been pretty interesting - two divorces, a rumoured liaison with Justin Timberlake and current beau Jermaine Dupri - her romances have never been as interesting as other Jackson tabloid fare. Divascale: 3. Madonna: The champ, by far. She seems to have dated half the celebrity world, from Warren Beatty to Vanilla Ice to Dennis Rodman to, reportedly, Sandra Bernhard. Marrying Guy Ritchie took her off the market, though. Divascale: 5. Houston: Though Brown has been her only high-profile relationship, her willingness to stand by her man through jail stints and drug rehab has kept the pair in the headlines. Divascale: 4.
While the biggest night in music was marked by numerous references to Janet Jackson's Super Bowl peep show performance a week earlier, it still managed to highlight an electic year of brazen recordings. Destiny Child singer Beyonce netted five Grammy wins including one for her duet with the ailing Luther Vandross, who won a total of four Grammys - including song of the year for Dance With My Father. "It's amazing," Beyonce said backstage. "(After) I won I went to my dressing room and all my family was there. You should have heard it. We just yelled and screamed." Outkast closed the show with an energetic number and won album of the year for Speakerboxxx/The Love Below. There were also multiple wins by rock duo The White Stripes, pop star Justin Timberlake and bluegrass star Alison Krauss. The best new artist was Evanescence, which seemed to surprise audience members including nominee 50 Cent who walked on to the stage, apparantly thinking he'd won. "Oh, what did I do?" said the modern rock act's Amy Lee in reaction. Another surprise came when Coldplay took record of the year for Clocks, beating out Beyonce and Outkast. Frontman Chris Martin dedicated the trophy to the late Johnny Cash and presidential hopeful John Kerry. Canucks fared well with famed film composer Howard Shore, former SCTV comedian Eugene Levy and singer k.d. lang receiving Grammys at the 46th annual music celebration. Shore earned yet another accolade for his work on the Lord of the Rings trilogy. The Grammy was for best score for Two Towers. "It's a great honour to work on these movies," said the Toronto-born musician who won a Grammy last year and was honoured at the Golden Globes this year. "(I had) great inspirations from professor Tolkien's book and Peter Jackson's amazing imagery." Hamilton-born Levy took home his first gramophone trophy for writing the song A Mighty Wind for the film of the same title. "This is really a shock. The songs aren't real," said a startled Levy, who lives in Toronto with his wife and two children. He had to learn guitar in order to write the music for the film, which he co-wrote with Christopher Guest. Alberta-born lang and Tony Bennett's album A Wonderful World won the award for best traditional pop vocal album. And Nova Scotia-born Sarah McLachlan gave a stunning performance of her Grammy-nominated song Fallen accompanied by Krauss. McLachlan and Avril Lavigne lost to Christina Aguilera in the best pop female vocal performance. Jokes about the Super Bowl hoopla started early on, with the first coming during the two-hour ceremony before the televised awards. "I gotta think you have a Janet Jackson song ready. Try it out here," presenter David Foster urged Weird Al Yankovic when the comedian came to the stage to accept the award for best comedy album. Jackson and Timberlake's Super Bowl performance, which sparked outrage and a federal investigation, had far-reaching effects on CBS's Grammy telecast. The network instituted a five-minute tape delay of the event to make sure no lewd or potentially offensive behaviour made it on the air. Without Jackson at the show, Timberlake was left to fend for himself. "It's been a rough week on everybody. What occurred was unintentional, completely regrettable and I apologize if you guys were offended," he said, accepting his best pop vocal performance trophy. He also won best pop vocal album for Justified. But he managed to lighten the mood, holding up his Grammy and saying, "This is officially the greatest moment of my life." The tape delay nearly came in handy for the network when Aguilera partially fell out of her low-cut dress when she got up to collect her trophy for best female pop vocal performance. "But, uh, if I can keep it together," she mumbled as she tucked herself back into the front of her dress. Afterwards she said she couldn't define what would be too raunchy for TV. "Music in itself is an expression. It's a state of mind and whatever you think it should be," she said backstage. Off camera, Dave Matthews said the controversy cast a pall over the awards night. "I'm surprised that it's shocking that a boob might be seen somewhere unless it's National Geographic," he said, adding that it's amusing to him that such a big stink is being made of the affair. Even Yoko One commented about the controversy saying she and John Lennon went through something similar when they posed nude together in a magazine photo. The show was packed with performances including a Fab Four dedication featuring Vince Gill, Sting, Dave Matthews and Pharrell Williams. Ringo Star and Paul McCartney, and the widows of George Harrison and Lennon thanked the Academy for honouring their Ed Sullivan 40th anniversary. A musical tribute to Vandross by Celine Dion, who flew in from Las Vegas, got off to a rocky start when her microphone failed and had to be replaced on stage. Elephant, by The White Stripes, was named best alternative music album and its hit song Seven Nation Army won for best rock song. Krauss netted three trophies including best bluegrass album for Live. Alberta's Northern Cree lost out to Black Eagle in the best native American music album category. St. Catharines' polka king Walter Ostanek, who's had 16 nods over the years, lost in his category. Ontario musician Rob McConnell was shut out for the best instrumental arrangement award as was Winnipeg's rock gospel nominee Fresh I.E. and Toronto-based Latin jazz artist Jane Bunnett. Shania Twain and Nickelback, who weren't present, also lost in their categories. The Cash family walked away with three trophies: Johnny Cash's video for Hurt, which showed a frail but defiant Cash, and two for June Carter Cash. Another posthumous winner was Warren Zevon, who won best rock performance by a group and best contemporary folk album for The Wind, which he recorded while dying of lung cancer. The unusual team of former U.S. president Bill Clinton, former Soviet president Mikhail Gorbachev and Sophia Loren won best spoken word album for children for their reading on Prokofiev: Peter and the Wolf/Beintus: Wolf Tracks. Sean Paul won best reggae album and Livin', Lovin', Losin'- Songs of the Louvin Brothers snagged best country album. The majority of the awards were presented during a pre-telecast ceremony next door to the Staples Center. The Grammys are awarded by the U.S. Recording Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. About 15,000 members vote in 105 categories for recordings released between Oct. 1, 2002 and Sept. 30, 2003.
Beyonce Knowles and Luther Vandross took an early lead in the 46th Grammy Awards ceremony Sunday (February 8). Knowles, who received a total of six nominations, received honors for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration and Best R&B Song for "Crazy In Love" with Jay-Z and Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals for "The Closer I Get To You" with Luther Vandross. In addition to the Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals Grammy with Beyonce, Vandross also received the Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for "Dance With My Father" and Best R&B Album for "Dance With My Father." Though Vandross had hoped to attend the award, it was announced last week that he would not attend, as he is still recovering from the stroke he suffered last year. Additionally, the late Johnny Cash received the Best Short Form Music Video award, and cherished Beatle George Harrison's "Marwa Blues" was named Best Pop Instrumental Album. Sting, Vince Gill and Dave Matthews performed a tribute to the Beatles.
Keys said that the tour will benefit because the performers will each add their own unique flavor to the show. "The show in itself is going to be exciting for that fact that you're going to see three different styles of women who are strong, who produce their own music, write their own music--really are their voices behind the music. I personally want to say this is going to be the best tour of the summer." The ladies were, of course, asked by reporters about their thoughts on Janet Jackson's infamous Super Bowl halftime performance. All three artists said that they stand behind their friend and fellow musician. "I'm a big fan of Janet I must say," Missy said. Beyonce added, "All of us are." Alicia chimed in, "Definitely." Missy continued, "I'm not here to judge her performance, or what she's done. I think she's an incredible talent. I stand behind her always, so, that's all have to say about it." Beyonce will be touring in support of her album Dangerously In Love, while Keys will be out for her new set, The Diary Of Alicia Keys, and Elliot will perform songs from her latest effort, This Is Not A Test. All three women will take part in this Sunday's Grammy Awards telecast, live from the Staples Center in Los Angeles on CBS.
While attending a party in New York on Wednesday, January 28 for Lyor Cohen, who recently left his post at Island Def Jam to head up Warner Music Group, Jay-Z took the microphone to congratulate his friend and said, "You've been one of the best friends I could have had ... Apart from this woman beside me (Beyonce), who I love and who I will marry very soon." A source who was present at the event told the San Francisco Chronicle, "It was really unexpected. As soon as he said it everyone in the place starting whooping and cheering. Beyonce was standing next to him cooing and looking totally in love. It was a beautiful moment. If ever there were any doubts about how much they love each other, then this certainly blew those away." No official announcement of an engagement has been made by either camp and calls to Jay-Z's label, Roc-A-Fella Records were not returned at press time.
One of today's top female music stars -- make that one of today's top music stars, period -- she's in the running for six of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences' honors, to be handed out during an earlier-than-usual CBS telecast Sunday, Feb. 8, from Staples Center in Los Angeles. Also leading the pack with six nominations are Beyonce's partner on her brassy hit single "Crazy in Love," Jay-Z, as well as OutKast and Pharrell Williams. "Crazy in Love" is up for Record of the Year, competing against "Clocks" by Coldplay, "Hey Ya!" by OutKast, "Lose Yourself" by Eminem, and "Where Is the Love" by the Black Eyed Peas and Justin Timberlake. Beyonce's tune also earned her bids for Best R&B Song and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. She's also nominated for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for the song "Dangerously in Love" and Best Contemporary R&B Album for the entirety of the same-named release, her first solo effort apart from the group Destiny's Child, as well as for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals (in tandem with Luther Vandross for the album's cut "The Closer I Get to You"). Also factoring in her rendering of the national anthem at last weekend's Super Bowl, it has been an amazing year for Beyonce by any standard. She considers her presence in the Grammy categories the ultimate payoff. "I never imagined being nominated for so many," she says. "It feels really special because I worked so hard on the album, and being my first solo record, it was kind of like starting all over. It's just unbelievable to be so acknowledged for it." Beyonce particularly appreciates being considered for the Record of the Year award. "It's amazing, because I was so nervous about the song. I switched what the first single would be a couple of days before I turned in the album. I didn't know if people were going to quite get 'Crazy in Love'; I had let a couple of people hear it and got only mediocre reactions. I thought maybe I was a little off, because I loved it, but I went with my instincts. It just has this energy from the second it begins, and what happened with it was just huge." Indeed, Beyonce knew that the first time -- or, more to the point, times -- she heard it on the radio. "I heard it like 20 or 30 times," she marvels. "They just kept playing it over and over, and I was like, 'Are you serious? This is crazy.' I thought I must have made the right choice, and it felt good." Though her success has expanded her horizons into movies ("Austin Powers in Goldmember," "The Fighting Temptations"), cola ads and hair-care endorsements, Beyonce hasn't lost sight of what brought her fame. "I work really hard on my music," she says, "and that includes writing and producing it. For 'Dangerously in Love,' I went to Miami, away from any distractions. I stayed in a little hotel with a recording studio downstairs. I'd go to sleep, and whatever time I woke up, I'd go downstairs and record whatever ideas I had. It was a great experience, because I really challenged myself." The process allowed Beyonce more creative flexibility than she'd had in her earlier days with Destiny's Child, in which she remains teamed with Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams. "We'd do all our records in two weeks," she recalls, "so they were really rushed. On 'Dangerously in Love,' I really took my time and basically just played around with things." Beyonce anticipates taking the same approach when she gets around to making her second solo album, though "Dangerously in Love" still has a while to play out. "It's only been out about eight months," she notes, "even though it feels a lot longer. I'm on the third single, 'Me, Myself and I,' which is one of my favorite songs on it. The album just has so many different types of music. It really let me grow as a singer and a songwriter. I just did everything I've always loved." With a white-hot career that has made her instantly known even without her last name, Knowles, Beyonce says she has been able to keep her focus. "It took me a couple of years," she says. "The first single (with Destiny's Child) came out when I was 15, and back then, I didn't really understand about keeping balance. Now I know the importance of that. I make sure I have time for my family and for the things that make me happy, even though I'm happiest when I'm on the stage doing my music. You have to stay true to the other things that are important to you, so that you can remain humble and keep the quality of life you had before you became a celebrity." Beyonce is also keeping her ties to Destiny's Child. "We're going back into the studio together in May," she reports, "and my new challenge is to figure out our sound. We've all done solo albums that sound completely different from one another, so it's going to be exciting. It'll be a great experiment."
The Destiny's Child frontwoman and chart-topping solo artists has been tapped as the new face of Tommy Hilfiger perfume. The Knowles-fronted fragrance is slated for a global launch this fall. No word on how much the R&B diva was paid to sport the scent, part of a multiyear deal. Suffice to say, Beyonc is stinking rich. The independent woman is also a pitchperson for Pepsi, a move that seemingly bumped out Britney Spears as the soft drink giant's celebrity voice. But as it turns out, Pepsi flacks weren't lying when they said the soda maker foresaw a possible reunion with Spears in the future. The pop princess teamed up with Knowles and fellow songbird Pink to shoot Pepsi's "New Gladiator" ad, which premiered at the National Gallery in London's Trafalgar Square Monday. In the spot, shot in Rome, the bootylicious threesome play the best-looking gladiators you've ever seen (apologies Russell Crowe) while Latin stud Enrique Iglesias plays an evil Roman emperor. The skimpily-dressed divas overthrow the emperor to the sounds of the Queen hit We Will Rock You, which was specially recorded by Britney, Beyonc and Pink. Queen band members Brian May and Roger Taylor also attended the ad's screening. The ad is expected to play soon in international markets. But just in case you can't wait that long, Beyonc relief is close at hand. She's expected to perform her hit single "Crazy in Love" during the halftime show at the 2004 NBA All-Star game at Los Angeles' Staples Center on February 15. Beyonce will share the musical bill with OutKast, scheduled to perform before the game, Spears' nemesis Christina Aguilera, who'll sing the U.S. national anthem, and Canuck Nelly Furtado, who'll warble "Oh Canada." And if that's not soon enough, tune in to the Grammys February 8 to watch if Beyonc makes good on any of her six nominations. But Beyonce's solo run could soon come to an end. She intends to head back into the studio soon with Destiny bandmates Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams to begin work on their next album. All three women have benefited from the break--Rowland topped the singles chart with her Nelly duet "Dilemma," while Williams headlined Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida on Broadway--but nevertheless, the trio plans to begin recording a new album in March for a late summer or early fall release.
In other news, Beyonce says she will never propose to her rapper beau Jay-Z because she's a traditional woman who deems the romantic deed a man's job. Beyonce insists her boyfriend will have to drum up "the courage to act" if he hopes to exchange wedding vows with her, but admits she has great respect for women who have the confidence to propose. She says, "I'm old school, the kind of girl who'll wait for a guy to get down on one knee. It's not something I'm going to be doing but I admire any girl who's got the confidence, independence and strength to ask. Anyone who wants my hand has gotta have the courage to act."
The three singers are appearing at the world premiere of the latest multi-million pound television and cinema advertising campaign for soft drinks maker Pepsi at the National Gallery, the U.S. company said. The ad, which was filmed in the Italian capital Rome, features the pop stars as scantily clad gladiators. Members of the rock band Queen, whose classic hit "We Will Rock You" accompanies the ad, will also be at the event. The stars are expected to chat to crowds gathered outside the gallery before the event, set to kick off at 6 p.m. GMT. A large screen will be put up in Trafalgar Square to allow fans to watch the premiere. Pepsi is famed for hiring pop stars to promote its drinks. Past campaigns have featured Robbie Williams, Janet Jackson and the Spice Girls. The company's last major campaign starred England soccer captain David Beckham and his then Manchester United team mates squaring up to Real Madrid in a spoof western gunfight.
Set in a Roman amphitheater, the spot in the soft drink maker's "Dare for More" campaign will feature the female artists dressed in gladiator costumes, while Iglesias will appear as the emperor Caesar. Dubbed "Gladiators," the spot was directed by Tarsem Singh, who directed the 2000 feature film "The Cell," as well as such music videos as R.E.M.'s "Losing My Religion," En Vogue's "Hold On" and Deep Forest's "Sweet Lullaby." Judging from the coy promotion on Pepsi's U.K. Web site (http://www.pepsi.co.uk), the clip uses Queen's "We Will Rock You" as its theme. "I've never been in a commercial before, so just that in itself was pretty exciting," Pink said. "I never thought I would be taking a sip of a soft drink and going 'aaaah' for the cameras. But I am doing it now and it's pretty fun." "It's great to be in the presence of such great artists and entertainers, and I've been having the time of my life," Beyonce said. "I got to fly all the way to Rome, which is one of the most beautiful places in the world." In conjunction with the ad's upcoming premiere, Pepsi is staging a We Will Rock You performance at an undisclosed London theater on Monday (Jan. 26). Tickets are being distributed to fans through a contest on the Web site. In the fall, Iglesias signed a one-year worldwide sponsorship agreement with Pepsi, which includes sponsorship of the artist's 2004 tour. Spears has been involved with the company since 2001, while Beyonce signed on the following year. In December, Pink became the latest to join the soft drink manufacturer's stable of pop music spokespersons.
Knowles made occasional live appearances but did not tour in support of her solo debut, "Dangerously in Love." Destiny's Child grossed more than $2 million from 11 mid-sized arena dates in 2001. As headliner of the MTV TRL tour with Nelly, Eve, Dream and Jessica Simpson, the group hauled in $12.5 million at sheds and arenas that summer. Knowles will sing the National Anthem prior to Super Bowl XXXVIII on Feb. 1 in her Houston hometown. Keys' headlining tour in 2002 grossed $14.8 million from 89 shows reported, including European dates. Elliott has primarily been a key support act, including at two stadium sellouts with Eminem and 50 Cent last summer in Detroit.
Joining those two movies on the list of top picks were "Deliver Us From Eva," and two hits from the independent film arena, "Bend It Like Beckham" and "Whale Rider." The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People issued its first Image Award in 1962, and since then has picked favorite movies, television, music and literature and performances in those areas to spotlight the achievements of black Americans and other people of color. "To me, it is like an Emmy, but it comes from my peers and my community," said Kellita Smith, who was nominated for best actress in a TV comedy series for her starring role in "The Bernie Mac Show." The Emmys are the U.S. TV industry's top awards given out in September by the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. Since the start of the year in Hollywood is mostly devoted to movies and movie performances leading up to the Oscars -- the U.S. film industry's highest honors -- movies generally take the spotlight in January and February. The 35 NAACP Image Awards nominees for best film actor were Cuba Gooding, Jr. in "Radio," Denzel Washington in "Out of Time," Laurence Fishburne for "The Matrix Revolutions," Samuel L. Jackson in "S.W.A.T." and Will Smith in "Bad Boys II." Best film actress nominees were Beyonce Knowles "The Fighting Temptations," Gabrielle Union in "Deliver Us from Eva," Halle Berry for "Gothika," Keisha Castle-Hughes in "Whale Rider" and Queen Latifah for "Bringing Down the House." "The Bernie Mac Show" topped the list of favorite TV comedy series nominees and scored nominations for both Smith and show star Bernie Mac for best TV comedy actor. Joining "Bernie Mac" were "Girlfriends," "Half & Half," "My Wife and Kids" and "Whoopi." Best TV drama nominees were "24," "Boston Public," "CSI: Miami," "Soul Food," and "The Wire." In music, nominees for best album were "Chocolate Factory" by R. Kelly, "Dance With My Father" by Luther Vandross, "The Diary of Alicia Keys" from Alicia Keys, "Love & Life" by Mary J. Blige and "Speakerboxxx - The Love Below" from OutKast. The awards will be presented on March 8 in Los Angeles and broadcast on the Fox television network on March 10.
Super Bowl XXXVIII is scheduled for Feb. 1 at Reliant Stadium and will be televised on CBS. A week later, on Feb. 8, Knowles is up for six Grammy Awards, including record of the year for "Crazy in Love" featuring her boyfriend, Jay-Z. Her album, "Dangerously in Love," has sold 5 million copies. The 22-year-old Destiny's Child singer joins a wildly varied group of performers who've sung "The Star-Spangled Banner" before the Super Bowl, including Charlie Pride, Barry Manilow, Kathie Lee Gifford and the Backstreet Boys.
OutKast's "Speakerboxxx/The Love Below" (Arista) and 50 Cent's "Get Rich or Die Tryin"' (Shady/Aftermath/Interscope) both shipped six-times platinum last year-6 million copies for the latter set and 3 million for the former, a double-album. Evanescence had the best-selling rock debut of 2003, with the triple-platinum "Fallen" (Wind-Up). Beyonce Knowles earned double-platinum honors for "Dangerously in Love" (Columbia), tying "American Idol" star Kelly Clarkson's "Thankful" (RCA) for the best-selling debut by a female solo artist during the year. Clay Aiken also shipped 2 million with "Measure of a Man" (RCA), the best-selling debut by a male solo artist. Other women who shipped 2 million units last year were Hilary Duff, Britney Spears and Celine Dion, with "Metamorphosis" (Buena Vista/Hollywood), "In the Zone" (Jive) and "One Heart" (Epic), respectively. Meanwhile, Toby Keith's double-platinum "Shock 'N' Y'All" (DreamWorks Nashville) was the highest-certified country album of the year.
Knowles, 17, is the younger sister of pop/R&B superstar Beyonce Knowles. A backup dancer for her sister's group, Destiny's Child, Solange Knowles released her first album, "Solo Star," this year. She is set to make her feature debut in the upcoming comedy "Johnson Family Vacation" opposite Cedric the Entertainer and Steve Harvey.
Beyonce - who, PAGE SIX has learned, is performing tonight at the Roxy as a treat for her gay fans - approached HX magazine in a bid to shore up her reputation with New York's gay community, editor Trenton Straube tells us. If she wants to be in the pantheon of divas that gay men adore, it's a really smart move on her part," Straube said. "We had heard rumors about some homophobic comments that she might have made, and we wanted to talk to her about it. "Suddenly two weeks ago, her publicist called me and said, 'We realize there is a whole community we aren't giving due to.' We talked to her last weekend and we put her on the cover of our new issue." The bad blood stemmed from a London Sun story headlined, "God Let Me Strip on Stage but Not Kiss Girls," which accused Beyonce of turning up her nose at the publicity-stunt smooch between Britney Spears and Madonna at MTV's Video Music Awards. The Sun quoted Beyonce: "I have standards. There are things that I will not do." She now tells HX: "It hurt. The headline wasn't in quotation marks, but because it was a headline, people thought I said it. It never came out of my mouth - it was the writer's quote. "There were quotes in there from other magazines. 'I have standards' was a quote from an interview I did for Elle about relationships; I was talking about guys. And they took that and put it after another quote and made a whole new interview!" Beyonce, who says she is a big supporter of the fight against AIDS, also told HX: "My uncle passed away from AIDS seven years ago. He basically raised me, and he was my mother's best friend." The 22-year-old superstar also doled out advice for her drag impersonators: "Let's see . . . well, of course, the hair! The big Afro, or the hair I had at the MTV Awards! And stilettos - the higher, the better. And you absolutely gotta have the chandelier earrings!" Knowles said her favorite drag queen is Harmonica Sunbeam at Escuelita nightclub. "I saw a videotape of one of her performances - she had the hair, the routine, everything! It was unbelievable!"
The network bestows the award in a special on Monday at 9 p.m. ET. Justin Timberlake, Beyonce Knowles, Colin Farrell, Will Ferrell, Queen Latifah and Arnold Schwarzenegger are among the other celebrities that E! found particularly intriguing this year. Depp, 40, based his character, Capt. Jack Sparrow, on Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards. "I want my kids and my grandkids someday to be able to go, `Yeah, Pops, he really held it together and he did the right thing," Depp told E! "He didn't stray from the path, and he didn't sell out and go for the big dough early on or anything. I would be very, very proud if they felt that."
The singer was named country artist of the year and her album Up, which debuted at No.1 on the Billboard 200, was named country album and country albums of the year. The record, which includes the hit I'm Gonna Getcha Good, has remained on the Billboard country charts for more than a year. "It's been a terrific year for me. Fans have been so great," Twain said after performing She's Not Just a Pretty Face, surrounded by school children. "I'm always so grateful and humbled." Aside from Twain's winnings, R&B and hip-hop dominated the awards with sultry singer Beyonce and R. Kelly each earning four awards. Beyonce, who appeared at the ceremony in a sequined Versace dress, won new female artist of the year, new R&B artist, Hot 100 female artist and a special Hot 100 award for most weeks at No. 1. The singer, who is part of Destiny's Child and went solo this year with her album Dangerously in Love, told reporters before the show that she was nervous about the possibility of making an acceptance speech. "I don't know what to say. I completely blank out," she said. In the end, she told the crowd after winning the Hot 100 female artist award: "This is amazing. This has been an incredible year." R. Kelly, who was indicted on child pornography charges last year after a videotape allegedly showed him having sex with an underage girl, took home awards for Hot 100 producer, R&B producer, Hot 100 songwriter and R&B songwriter. Black Eyed Peas won mainstream Top 40 track for their hit Where Is The Love, beating out Avril Lavigne's I'm With You. No Doubt opened the nationally televised show, hosted by Ryan Seacrest of American Idol, with a performance of their hit single It's My Life. Rapper 50 Cent had a leading six nominations heading into the show at the MGM Grand hotel-casino. By the end of the night, he won three awards - for top artist, R&B artist and rap artist. Stevie Wonder presented Sting with the Century Award for creative achievement. The Grammy Award-winning singer has sold 100 million albums and singles with The Police and as a solo artist. "You can sing for millions of people in your career or maybe just one. You can sell millions of records or none at all . . . It doesn't really matter," Sting said. "If you play music with passion and love and honesty, then it will nourish your soul, heal your wounds and make your life worth living." For the first time, the Billboard Awards recognized the sales of legally downloaded music tracks, honoring Hey Ya! by OutKast as the digital track of the year. The Hilton sisters walked the red carpet, but did not speak with reporters. Paris Hilton, co-star of the hit show The Simple Life, wore a satin and lace Valentino two-piece dress. Among those drawing the loudest cheers from the hundreds of fans gathered to watch the arrivals was the cast of Fox's The O.C. The Billboard Awards honor the year's chart-topping artists. Winners are determined by the magazine's year-end chart listings, which are based on record sales and airplay. The 2003 Billboard Music Awards winners, announced in Las Vegas on Wednesday: Artist: 50 Cent Spears' three-song closing set was completely anticlimactic -- cold, detached and perfunctory. And although she wore a headset mic, it didn't even appear as if she was singing most of the time, her voice bolstered by multitracks in the background as she ran through the same old synchro-choreography and Sodom & Gomorrah writhing from past years with her coed troupe of dancers. All three numbers came from her latest album, "In the Zone" -- the first two fairly tuneless, rhythm-driven and directionless, then finishing with her single, "Me Against the Music," which abruptly ended. The house lights came up and that was it; no thank-yous, no goodnights. It was a terrible disservice to her fans who'd waited all evening the see her and to the entire audience filling the arena. At least second-billed Beyonce's segment was full of flash and glitz, though her opening with small video screens showing a montage of her magazine covers and other photos, along with her name spelled out in massive letters, was glaring egomaniacal conceit. While there's no denying that she's attractive, her voice is hardly remarkable, and her constant smiling, pouting and "ain't I wonderful" poses detracted from the actual hook appeal of her Grammy-nominated "Crazy in Love." An over-the-top version of "Silent Night" served vocal acrobatics, not the traditional song's sentiment, while a medley of sorts that found her singing to a DJ playing snippets of hits by her group Destiny's Child sounded like someone with a scan-happy finger, sorting randomly through CD tracks. The night worked as the usual excuse for lots of station promotion, with the hit acts pushing singles and even singing a few Christmas songs for a young teen and preteen audience of mostly girls -- KIIS' main demo -- with some families or parents accompanying their kids. The show was big on hip-hop and dance-laced pop, with the only rock representation coming from Canadian punkers Simple Plan who, despite being a junior Green Day knockoff, were still a blast of freshness and uncalculated energy amid the bloated arrangements and productions that preceded and followed them. Who'd have thought the most artistry would come from Jessica Simpson? The maybe-Gracie Allen of the 21st century, with faux Farrah Fawcett (news) '70s hair, turned in an acoustic set accompanied by just two guitar players and a percussionist, her vocals reined for some actual subtlety. Being subtle is something Kelly Clarkson still needs to work on. The over-hyped "American Idol" winner, now also a Grammy nominee, belts and belts and then belts some more on both her colorless soul-pop songs and ballads. Clarkson has a natural, girl-next-door charm and has the right attitude to grow, but she needs to work on style. Other performers included TV star Hilary Duff, backed by a scruffy-looking but still slick band playing girl-rock in the safety zone; cutesy Latin flavor of the moment Thalia; reggae-dancehall DJ/rapper Sean Paul, whose spot fell flat; and rap star Fabolous, who -- surprise, surprise -- didn't fall back on too many cliches and didn't even bring out the typical posse of pals. The night's hosts included KIIS' Rick Dees, "Idol" host Ryan Seacrest and a couple of cameos from Jennifer Lopez, who didn't sing, adding to critical suspicion about her abilities outside of a studio. The concert was taped for an edited TV special, "Jingle Bell Rock," slated to run Monday on Fox.
The move paid off today for Beyonc, Justin Timberlake and even OutKast, whose album is made up of two solo efforts, as the nominations for the 46th Annual Grammy Awards were announced. Grammy voters were crazy for the Destiny's Child frontwoman, who received a leading six nominations, including Record of the Year for her single "Crazy in Love" from her debut solo album Dangerously in Love. Also topping the list with half-dozen nods were OutKast's Andre and Big Boi who are up for Album of the Year with Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, Jay-Z for Blueprint 2: The Gift & the Curse and Pharrell Williams who received three noms alone for his production efforts with The Neptunes. As expected, Timberlake also fared well for his debut effort Justified, scoring five nominations including Album of the Year and Record of the Year. In all, nine artists scored five nods a piece, including sentimental faves Warren Zevon (news) and Luther Vandross (news); commercial powerhouse contenders 50 Cent, Eminem (news - web sites) and Missy Elliott, who's release Under Construction is up for Album of the Year. Rounding out the list are Chad Hugo, Ricky Skaggs and Evanescence, up for Album of the Year for the group's first album Fallen. Competing against Evanescence, Timberlake, Elliott and OutKast in the Album of the Year race is surprise contender The White Stripes for Elephant. The musical extravaganza is back in Los Angeles after a detour to the Big Apple last year. The awards will be handed out February 8 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles with the televised portion airing live on CBS beginning at 8 p.m. ET.
1. Record of the Year: "Crazy in Love," Beyonce featuring Jay-Z; "Where Is the Love?" Black Eyed Peas and Justin Timberlake ; "Clocks," Coldplay; "Lose Yourself," Eminem; "Hey Ya!," OutKast. 2. Album of the Year: "Under Construction," Missy Elliott; "Fallen," Evanescence; "Speakerboxxx/The Love Below," OutKast; "Justified," Justin Timberlake; "Elephant," The White Stripes. 3. Song of the Year: "Beautiful," Linda Perry (Christina Aguilera ); "Dance With My Father," Richard Marx and Luther Vandross (Luther Vandross); "I'm With You," Avril Lavigne and The Matrix (Avril Lavigne); "Keep Me in Your Heart," Jorge Calderon and Warren Zevon (Warren Zevon); "Lose Yourself," J. Bass, M. Mathers and L. Resto (Eminem ). New Artist: Evanescence; 50 Cent; Fountains of Wayne; Heather Headley ; Sean Paul. Pop Vocal Album: "Stripped," Christina Aguilera; "Brainwashed," George Harrison ; "Bare," Annie Lennox ; "Motown," Michael McDonald ; "Justified," Justin Timberlake. Rock Album: "Audioslave," Audioslave; "Fallen," Evanescence; "One by One," Foo Fighters; "More Than You Think You Are," matchbox twenty; "The Long Road," Nickelback. 7. Rap Album: "Under Construction," Missy Elliott; "Get Rich or Die Tryin'," 50 Cent; "The Blueprint 2: The Gift & the Curse," Jay-Z; "Speakerboxxx/The Love Below," OutKast; "Phrenology," The Roots. 8. Country Album: "Cry," Faith Hill ; "My Baby Don't Tolerate," Lyle Lovett ; "Run That by Me One More Time," Willie Nelson and Ray Price ; "Live and Kickin'," Willie Nelson; "Up!," Shania Twain ; "Livin', Lovin', Losin': Songs of the Louvin Brothers," Various Artists.
The hour-long show has the working title of "Jingle Ball Rock." A full lineup is expected soon. In other Fox news, the network will tap one of its biggest franchises for another special with the Jan. 1 broadcast of "American Idol: Life on the Road." The hour-long show will give an inside look of the U.S. concert tour undertaken earlier this year by the show's second-season finalists. It will be followed by the second part of the "World Idol" special competition launched on Christmas Day.
As opposed to most other awards shows, where nominees are determined by industry peers, the People's Choice Awards are determined by public polling by the Gallup Organization. The awards will be broadcast live on CBS on Jan. 11. Among the TV networks, NBC led with 11 nominations, including two each for "Friends" and "Will & Grace" in the categories of favorite comedy series and favorite female performer (Jennifer Aniston and Debra Messing, respectively). CBS came in second with eight nominations, including mentions for "Everybody Loves Raymond" and star Ray Romano. ABC garnered two nominations while Fox received just one. The music nominations leaned heavily toward country, with leading acts like Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Alabama and Brooks & Dunn among those on the list. Two of rap's hottest artists, Eminem and 50 Cent, also drew mentions, for favorite male musical performer.
The list of film honorees contained no surprises, with the likes of "Pirates of the Caribbean"'s Johnny Depp and "Gothika"'s Halle Berry receiving nominations. A list of the People's Choice Award nominees in the top 14 categories: FAVORITE MALE TELEVISION PERFORMER Kelsey Grammer Ray Romano Martin Sheen FAVORITE FEMALE TELEVISION PERFORMER Jennifer Aniston Debra Messing Oprah Winfrey FAVORITE NEW TELEVISION DRAMATIC SERIES "Cold Case" "Joan of Arcadia" "The O.C." FAVORITE NEW TELEVISION COMEDY SERIES "Hope & Faith" "Two and a Half Men" "Whoopi" FAVORITE TELEVISION DRAMATIC SERIES "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" "ER" "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" FAVORITE TELEVISION COMEDY SERIES "Everybody Loves Raymond" "Friends" "Will & Grace" FAVORITE REALITY-BASED PROGRAM "Fear Factor" "Survivor: Pearl Islands" "The Bachelor" FAVORITE TALK SHOW HOST "Jay Leno" "David Letterman" "Oprah Winfrey" FAVORITE MALE MUSICAL PERFORMER Eminem 50 Cent Tim McGraw FAVORITE FEMALE MUSICAL PERFORMER Faith Hill Beyonce Knowles Shania Twain FAVORITE MUSICAL GROUP OR BAND Alabama Brooks & Dunn Matchbox Twenty FAVORITE MOTION PICTURE ACTOR Johnny Depp Mel Gibson Denzel Washington FAVORITE MOTION PICTURE ACTRESS Halle Berry Sandra Bullock Julia Roberts FAVORITE ALL-TIME ENTERTAINER Bill Cosby Clint Eastwood Tom Hanks
The Eminem protege is a contender in six categories, including artist of the year, album of the year ("Get Rich or Die Tryin"'), R&B/Hip-Hop artist of the year and Hot 100 single of the year ("In Da Club"). R&B stars R. Kelly and Beyonce Knowles are each finalists in five categories, while Sean Paul and the Dixie Chicks (news - web sites) are contenders in four. Kelly is up for artist of the year, R&B/Hip-Hop artist of the year, Hot 100 male artist of the year, Hot 100 producer of the year and Hot 100 single of the year ("Ignition"). Knowles is a finalist in the new artist of the year, R&B/Hip-Hop new artist of the year, Hot 100 female artist of the year and Hot 100 single of the year ("Crazy in Love" featuring Jay-Z) categories. "Crazy in Love" also finds Knowles and Jay-Z as finalists in a new category: digital track of the year. Other finalists are Black Eyed Peas ("Where Is the Love?"), Coldplay ("Clocks") and OutKast ("Hey Ya!"). Dancehall star Sean Paul will vie for awards in the artist of the year, rap artist of the year, Hot 100 male artist of the year and Hot 100 single of the year ("Get Busy") categories. The Dixie Chicks are up for duo/group artist of the year, country artist of the year, Hot 100 duo/group artist of the year and album of the year ("Home"). Other multiple-category finalists include Chingy, Justin Timberlake and 3 Doors Down (three each) and matchbox twenty, Norah Jones (news), Shania twain, Aaliyah, Floetry, Linkin Park and Audioslave (two each). The awards show will be broadcast live on Fox at 8 p.m. ET (tape-delayed on the West Coast). The winners reflect the weekly charts published by Billboard from December 2002 and November 2003.
More than 30,000 people, among them Oprah Winfrey and other celebrities, filled Cape Town's Greenpoint Stadium for the show, part of Mandela's 46664 campaign to fight AIDS, named after his number when he was imprisoned for his fight against apartheid. With a massive bronzed image of his face as a backdrop, Mandela came on stage dressed in a black shirt with the number emblazoned across his chest. "For the 18 years that I was in prison on Robben Island I was supposed to be reduced to that number," Mandela said. "Millions infected with HIV (news - web sites)/AIDS are in danger of being reduced to mere numbers if we don't act now. They are serving a prison sentence for life." The concert — broadcast live by the South African Broadcasting Corporation's Africa channel and on the internet — is part of an appeal to governments to declare a global AIDS emergency. Between 34 million and 46 million people around the world are infected with HIV, including 5.3 million South Africans — more than in any other country. The pandemic killed more than 3 million people this year, according to U.N. figures. Bob Geldof, organizer of the Live Aid concerts that raised millions of dollars for famine victims in Ethiopia in the 1980s, said governments around the world need to make life-prolonging medicines available to all who need them. "The condition is medical, but the solution is political, and that is why we are here today," he said. Beyonce urged the world's youth to practice safe sex and use condoms. "There is nothing sexier than being confident and taking care of yourself," she said. "Protect yourself." The artists, who also included the Corrs, Anastacia, Yusuf Islam, formerly known as Cat Stevens, and Annie Lennox, performed free Saturday night. Gabriel and the Soweto Gospel Choir stilled the crowd when they performed "Biko," a tribute to slain anti-apartheid icon Steve Biko. Brian May from the group Queen performed the song "46664," featuring Mandela's voice saying: "The struggle is my life. I will continue to fight. Messages from former President Clinton and civil rights activist the Rev. Jesse Jackson were broadcast on a screen at the back of the stage. Earlier, Bono and Beyonce visited a maternity unit and a childrens' home caring for HIV sufferers in Cape Town's impoverished township, Khayelitsha. Bono said he was incensed by the suffering of hundreds of thousands of Africans who cannot afford treatment. "This is an obscenity," he said. "This is like watching the Jews being put on trains." The 46664 campaign, conceived by Dave Stewart, was put into place in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Foundation, as well as May and Roger Taylor of Queen. The concert will be screened globally by MTV on World Aids Day on Monday. Proceeds are going to the foundation, whose work includes funding research on HIV and AIDS in South Africa and supporting services for sufferers.
As has been the story for several weeks, the song is able to hold "Stand Up" from Ludacris and Shawnna to No. 2 as OutKast's "Hey Ya!" continues its march to the summit. Up two positions, "Hey Ya!" lands at a new peak of No. 3 in just seven weeks on the chart, which is calculated by both retail sales and radio airplay. Giving the track some added bounce is its dominance on MTV, where it's currently the seventh most-played video. Not far behind is another OutKast track, "The Way You Move" featuring Sleepy Brown, which is up three places to No. 5. It's been more than eight years since an act has posted two songs in the Hot 100's top-5: In April 1995, TLC's "Creep" was No. 3, while "Red Light Special" was No. 4. Yet if either OutKast song is to take over the chart, it will not only have to get past "Baby Boy," but the formidable "Stand Up" as well. The latter leads Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks roundup for the fifth week and the Hot Rap Tracks chart for the sixth. The Hot 100's fastest-growing track at radio is "Milkshake" from Kelis. Taken from her upcoming Arista album, "Tasty," the song moves 25-13 and marks the highest Kelis has been on the Hot 100, either on her own or as a guest on another artist's track. Her previous best was a No. 26 showing with Ol' Dirty Bastard's "Got Your Money" in January 2000. That same month, her own "Caught Out There" peaked at No. 54. The Hot 100's fastest-growing track at retail is G-Unit's "Stunt 101." The song hops 17-15 and is No. 9 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks tally. The Hot 100's top debut is Christina Aguilera (news)'s "The Voice Within" at No. 62. It's the fifth single from Aguilera's 2002 RCA set "Stripped" to reach the chart. Other notable entries include Mya's "Fallen" (No. 68), Tracy Byrd's "Drinkin' Bone" (No. 74), Three Days Grace's "(I Hate) Everything About You" (No. 75), Kanye West's "Through the Wire" (No. 94) and Smokie Norful's "I Need You Now" (No. 96). Alicia Keys is out to prove that the success of her J Records debut was no fluke. New single "You Don't Know My Name" jumps 12-8 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart, giving the singer her fourth top-10 hit on that chart. It also marks her quickest ascent to the top-10, reaching the No. 8 post in just five weeks. Keys' sophomore album, "The Diary of Alicia Keys," will arrive Dec. 2 in U.S. stores. On Billboard's rock airplay charts, A Perfect Circle (news)'s "Weak and Powerless" tops the Modern Rock Tracks chart for a fourth, non-consecutive week, while Linkin Park's "Numbs" is No. 1 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks tally for the second. Toby Keith's "I Love This Bar" drinks in the view from the No. 1 post Billboard's Hot Country Singles & Tracks roundup for the third week in a row. The song once again holds Rascal Flatts' "I Melt" to No. 2.
"It was something different for me to look as unglamorous as possible," said Knowles, wearing a black Versace corset and slinky skirt as she walked the red carpet at the film's premiere in London's Leicester Square. Knowles — the 22-year-old frontwoman for Destiny's Child — plays a single mother who joins a gospel choir run by Cuba Gooding Jr. The singer, who took a break from her British tour to attend the premiere, is often described as "Bootylicious," after the trio's hit song. "I hate that word at times," she joked. "But it's fine. It was a song that I never took seriously anyway."
The Dangerously in Love popster claims she was burned by Britain's Sun tabloid, saying she was misquoted in a manner "unbelievable" to her. In an interview published on October 15, Knowles reportedly commented on Britney Spears and Madonna's onstage lip-lock at the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards, decrying the girl-on-girl smooch as something she would never do, given her close and personal relationship with God. "I have standards. There are things I will not do," the devoutly Christian singer was quoted as saying. "I couldn't do what Britney and Madonna did at the MTV Awards. I knew it was going to happen from rehearsals, but it was still a shock when they did it." On Thursday, Beyonce got busy backsliding. In a televised statement, the bootylicious chanteuse claimed ignorance to the origins of the remarks. "I was absolutely misquoted, I never said anything close to the statement, [and] it really, really hurts me that people are saying that said anything like that," Knowles said. The Pepsi pusher went on to profess her love for her gay fans via a statement on her Website. "I have never judged anyone based on his or her sexual orientation and have no intention of starting now," Knowles said. "I have a lot of gay and lesbian fans and I love them no differently than my straight fans." It's been a busy fall for Beyonc. On October 14, Miami-based producer Terence "T-Robb" Robinson filed a $200 million suit against the singer, her father and fellow Destiny's Child members Kelly Rowland (news) and Michelle Williams (news), claiming they stole his music for use in the 2001 hit single "Survivor." Earlier in the month, Knowles announced her plan to launch her own fashion line, with her mother and stylist, Tina Knowles, acting as design collaborator. She expects to put out two collections in 2004, one "funky and hip-hop," and one for the swankier set.
Rowland had a hit movie debut in 'Freddy vs Jason', Knowles scored big with her solo album 'Dangerously In Love', and Williams, who shot to the top of the gospel album charts with her debut album, has signed up to star in 'Aida' on Broadway, New York. But the trio are determined to regroup to release a romantic Valentine's Day album and a new pop album later in 2004. The Valentine's Day album, which is as yet untitled, has already been recorded.
The song cruises to an eighth-straight week at the peak of the tally, once again fending off "Stand Up" from Ludacris and Shawnna, which remains No. 2. Narrowing the gap, however, is OutKast's "Hey Ya!" The song is the chart's fastest-growing track at radio for the second week in a row and enjoys an eight-slot leap to No. 5. "Hey Ya!" is one of two singles from OutKast's double-CD "Speakerboxxx/The Love Below" (Arista). "The Way You Move" featuring Sleepy Brown is also performing well, hanging in the top-10 with a one-slot dip to No. 8 this week. The top-10 welcomes a pair of new cuts this week. Baby Bash's "Suga Suga" featuring Frankie J skips 11-9, giving the act its first top-10 hit. Meanwhile, R. Kelly earns another top-10 single as "Step In the Name of Love" moves up two notches to No. 10. Elsewhere on the Hot 100, G-Unit and Jay-Z are shooting up the chart. G-Unit's "Stunt 101" bolts 28-17 and Jay-Z's "Change Clothes" rockets 54-31. Both G-Unit's "Beg for Mercy" (Shady/Interscope) and Jay-Z's "The Black Album" (Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam) will be released Nov. 14. The Hot 100's top debut comes from second-season "American Idol" runner-up Clay Aiken, whose "Invisible" arrives at No. 57. Aiken's last single, "This Is The Night," debuted at No. 1 in June. Other notable entries on the Hot 100 include Puddle Of Mudd's "Away From Me" at No. 74, Joe's "More & More" at No. 78, Too Short's "Shake That Monkey" featuring Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz at No. 97 and "I Can't Take You Anywhere" from Scotty Emerick and Toby Keith at No. 98. Keith also has the No. 1 song on Billboard's Hot Country Singles & Tracks roundup for the second week with "I Love This Bar," and the No. 1 album with "Shock'n Y'All" (DreamWorks). On Billboard's rock airplay charts, Staind's "So Far Away" is displaced by tracks from Linkin Park and A Perfect Circle. The latter returns to the top of the Modern Rock Tracks tally for a third week with "Weak and Powerless." Over on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, Linkin Park's "Numb" jumps 3-1 as "So Far Away" falls to No. 2. "So Far Away" logged seven, non-consecutive weeks at the top of the Modern Rock chart and 14 on top of the Mainstream Rock tally.
The latter jumps 4-2, a peak it reaches in its ninth week on the chart. "Stand Up" has slightly better luck in pure urban markets, swapping places with "Baby Boy" on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks tally with a 2-1 gain. On crossover and mainstream radio, however, Beyonce still reigns supreme, as "Baby Boy" leads the Rhythmic Top 40 chart, published by Billboard sister publication Airplay Monitor, for a sixth week in a row. The track has also had a hold on Billboard's Hot 100 Airplay chart for fifth-straight week. Also making gains on the Hot 100 is "Damn!" from YoungBloodZ featuring Lil Jon, which is up 5-4, and Chingy's "Holidae In," which scoots 9-7. "Holidae In," featuring Snoop Dogg and Ludacris, is the Hot 100's fastest-growing track at radio, while Chingy's other top-10 single, "Right Thurr," drops one to No. 8. OutKast's two-CD Arista set "Speakerboxxx/The Love Below" has spawned a pair of singles, and both are soaring up the Hot 100. While sold as a package, the new album collects a solo album each from the duo of Big Boi and Andre 3000. "The Way You Move," from Big Boi and Sleepy Brown, flies 21-12, while Andre 3000's "Hey Ya!" rockets 41-25. Other tracks on the rise include Murphy Lee's "Wat Da Hook Gon Be" featuring Jermaine Dupri (46-31), Marques Houston's "Clubbin" featuring Joe Budden & Pied Piper (51-39) and Britney Spears' "Me Against the Music" featuring Madonna (50-43). The Hot 100's top debut is No Doubt's Talk Talk cover "It's My Life," which arrives at No. 69. Other notable entries include Simple Plan's "Perfect" at No. 72, Chris Cagle's "Chicks Dig It" at No. 73, Montgomery Gentry's "Hell Yeah" at No. 74 and G-Unit's "Stunt 101" at No. 80. MercyMe's "I Can Only Imagine" is the Hot 100's fastest-growing track at retail, bringing it a 77-71 boost. The cut has been the top-selling single in the U.S. for three weeks in a row, according to Nielsen SoundScan. Over on Billboard's Modern Rock Tracks tally, A Perfect Circle snares its first No. 1 with "Weak and Powerless." The song moves 2-1, ending the 10-week run of Staind's "So Far Away." The latter, however, tops Billboard's Mainstream Rock Tracks chart for the 12th week in a row. Gary Allan leads Billboard's Hot Country Singles & Tracks roundup for second week, once again edging out Keith Urban's "Who Wouldn't Wannna Be Me."
The 46664 show will air live over the air and on the Internet. It will also be made available free of charge to all TV and radio outlets for broadcast on December 1, which is World Aids Day. Besides the concert, funds will be raised through a special telephone campaign. In the U.S., callers to the toll-free number 866-614-6664 will be asked to make a credit-card contribution after a brief statement from Mandela or another celebrity, which could be Knowles, Britney Spears, Pink, Shakira, 50 Cent, Paul McCartney, David Bowie, or actor Robert DeNiro. Callers will also be able to buy and listen to a new song called "46664 (Long Walk To Freedom)," which was written by Bono, Stewart, and the late Clash singer-guitarist Joe Strummer, and which was recorded by Bono, Stewart, Youssou N'Dour, and Abdel. The track is only available by phone for now, and it will also be sold eventually through the website 46664.com, where phone numbers for other countries can also be found. Mandela was joined in London yesterday (Tuesday, October 21st) by Queen's Brian May and Roger Taylor, Eurythmics guitarist Dave Stewart, and British hip-hop artist Ms. Dynamite to announce the campaign, which is subtitled "Give One Minute Of Your Life To Stop AIDS." The goal is to direct world attention to the effect AIDS has had and continues to have in Africa. Among the statistics noted in the launch is that there are currently 30 million Africans living and dealing with infection with the HIV virus, on top of the 17 million Africans who have already died. For years, Bono has been speaking out about the AIDS crisis in Africa. At a United Nations event in New York City two weeks ago (October 8), he said it's up to everyone to defeat the problem. "We have to act collectively to be effective here," Bono said. "The scale of the response has to match the scale of the problem. I've got this song that I am singing, and I keep thinking that if I sing it loud enough and insistent enough, well then, popes or presidents, bankers, bureaucrats, heads of extraordinary corporations, will join the growing chorus of the sane response to what is an insane situation."
The track once again fends off the advances of "Stand Up," the Ludacris and Shawnna cut which holds at No. 2. The latter remains the favorite in urban markets and is No. 1 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart for the second week in a row. If Ludacris isn't able to overtake "Baby Boy" in crossover and mainstream markets with "Stand Up," he'll have another chance as a guest on Chingy's "Holidae In." Also featuring Snoop Dogg, the cut jumps 7-3 on the Hot 100. This ties the mark reached by Chingy's first single, "Right Thurr," which is currently No. 13. Also reaching a new peak on the Hot 100 this week is 3 Doors Down's "Here Without You," up one to No. 5. This is the rock act's third top-5 single, following 2002's "Kyptonite" (No. 3) and this year's "When I'm Gone" (No. 4). New to the Hot 100's top-10 this week is OutKast's "The Way You Move" featuring Sleepy Brown, which scoots 12-10. Close behind with a 25-15 gain is the duo's "Hey Ya!" Both singles are from OutKast's two-CD set "Speakerboxxx/The Love Below" (Arista), which collects a solo album each from the duo of Big Boi and Andre 3000. The Hot 100's fastest-growing track at retail is Jagged Edge's "Walked Outta Heaven," up this week 17-14. But it's MercyMe's "I Can Only Imagine" that is the top-selling single in the U.S., according to Nielsen SoundScan, topping Billboard's Hot 100 Singles Sales chart for the fourth week in a row. G-Unit, which consists of rappers 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks, Young Buck and the incarcerated Tony Yayo, has the fastest-growing track at radio on both the Hot 100 and the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart. On the Hot 100, the group's "Stunt 101" bolts 80-47 in its second week on the chart, and moves 27-21 on the urban tally. G-Unit's debut album, "Beg for Mercy," will be released Nov. 18 in the U.S. via Interscope. Although not due until Nov. 28, Jay-Z's "The Black Album" (Def Jam), which he claims to be his last, already has two singles making noise on the R&B/Hip-Hop tally. "Change Clothes," produced by the Neptunes, debuts at No. 30, while "What More Can I Say" arrives at No. 48. Michelle Branch owns the Hot 100's top debut this week with "Breathe." The cut arrives at No. 63, giving Branch her sixth entry on the Hot 100, including "The Game of Love" with Santana. "Breathe" is the second single from her Maverick album, "Hotel Paper." The set's "Are You Happy Now?" peaked at No. 16 in August. Also making a notable debut on the Hot 100 this week is Linkin Park's "Numb" at No. 66. Over on Billboard's Modern Rock Tracks chart, the song is up 11-5, giving Linkin Park two cuts in the top-10. The act's "Faint" is at No. 6. A Perfect Circle (news)'s "Weak and Powerless" leads Modern Rock Tracks for the second week in a row, while Staind's "So Far Away" tops Billboard's Mainstream Rock Tracks tally for the 13th week. Over on Billboard's Hot Country Singles & Tracks roundup, Australian Keith Urban snares his third No. 1 as his "Who Wouldn't Wanna Be Me" jumps 2-1. Last week's chart topper, Gary Allan (news)'s "Tough Little Boys," falls to No. 3.
Terrence "T-Robb" Robinson, a Miami-based producer, claims he produced a song called "Glorious" in June 2000 and provided it to Mathew Knowles, Beyonce's father and manager, later that year in October. Robinson's attorney claims the producer later heard the song used in a commercial, without his permission. Robinson said the song would have been his big break in the music industry. "I know right now I would be one of the biggest, most sought-after producers," he said at a news conference Tuesday. "Survivor" was the title of Destiny's Child's 2001 album, which sold millions of copies. The title song was a No. 2 hit that year and earned the group a Grammy in 2002 for best R&B performance. Clarke admitted that when Robinson provided Matthew Knowles with his song, it was not copyrighted but a copyright was later secured. "Ultimately at the end of the day, what is going to decide this lawsuit is the music," said Robinson's attorney, Peter J. Clarke. Knowles' attorney, Thomas Sulkerson, said Tuesday he had not yet seen the lawsuit, which was filed in federal court in Houston on Oct. 14. In addition to Houston-based Destiny's Child, whose members include Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams, the lawsuit also names Sony Music Entertainment, Columbia Records, Music World Entertainment and State of Mind Muzic, Inc. This is the second lawsuit sparked by the "Survivor" song. Last year, two former members of the group sued Destiny's Child, claiming the song included derisive comments about them. The lawsuit was later settled.
ARTIST OF THE YEAR REALIST VIDEO MOST STYLISHBeyonce COOLEST COLLABO Beyonce plans to launch two clothing collections by next year, the fashion trade paper Women's Wear Daily reported Monday. Her design collaborator will be her mother, Tina Knowles, who's also Beyonce's stylist and the author of Destiny's Style: Bootylicious Fashion, Beauty and Lifestyle Secrets From Destiny's Child (Regan Books). The first line will be more "funky and hip-hop," featuring T-shirts and jeans, while the other will be more like a designer collection with feminine dresses and separates, the duo described to WWD. "We want to bring some of the couture look to a broader public," Knowles said. The 22-year-old added: "People my age love fashion and want to dress in designer clothes, but can't afford it. I want to do something that is affordable, but sophisticated and sexy and feminine - something I would wear." Beyonce and her mother were front-row fixtures at both New York and Milan Fashion Weeks this season, and they said they were taking notes. Sean (P. Diddy) Combs was among the first successful music-fashion crossovers with his Sean John collection, which has earned him several nominations from the Council of Fashion Designers of America. Since then, Jennifer Lopez's J.Lo line has been a strong retail performer, as has Jay-Z's Roc-A-Wear. Meanwhile, Kmart gave Latin star Thalia her own collection, and clothes from Gwen Stefani and Eve should be in stores this spring.
She reveals, "I become a complete diva. I have a funny voice that I put on. It's my little diva personality, Sasha. I know I have this power, confidence, sexiness and strength that I still have offstage, but it's different. Offstage, I'm a person who believes in principles and I treat people like I want to be treated."
Music World Entertainment has managed Destiny's Child, Beyonce, Solange Knowles, Kelly Rowland, Michelle Williams and other artists. Mathew Knowles will work at Sanctuary for at least five years as president of its urban and gospel division and will continue to manage his roster of artists. The urban category includes R&B and hip-hop. Knowles will stay headquartered in Houston and told the Houston Chronicle for its Thursday editions that the deal is "a real opportunity to grow the music industry in Houston." In another arrangement — a joint venture with Sanctuary and BMG Distribution — he'll establish a tour agency and record label to develop new acts. He'll also oversee a music publishing operation. Knowles said the deal allows him more time to be creative. His plan is to sign urban and gospel music managers like himself and "allow them to grow." In buying Music World Entertainment, Sanctuary brings to its management stable two of the biggest acts in pop music: Beyonce and the group she fronts, Destiny's Child. In 1989, Mathew Knowles — then a Xerox salesman — put together a singing group of 10- and 11-year-old girls that included Beyonce and Kelly Rowland. The group eventually became Destiny's Child. Recently, Knowles has been showcasing new gospel talent.
On the Rhythmic Top 40 chart, "Boy" sets new marks for detections (3,968) and audience (35.7 million) as it holds at No. 1 for a second week. While the prior detection mark was set only two months ago by another Beyonce track, "Crazy in Love" (with 3,796 plays), the audience record has stood since December 2000. And wouldn't you know it, it was Beyonce's group, Destiny's Child, that set the previous standard with 32.9 million listener impressions.
The singer, 22, admits there are often moments where she's not particularly thrilled to have to face questions from reporters - especially when she isn't thinking straight. She says, "Sometimes I read certain interviews and I'm like, 'What c**p did I say?' I mean, I know I said it because I wasn't delirious. But I'm only human, and some things I've said I wish didn't get quoted. It is hard to function sometimes. But I have people around who support me, and my mother. I love my mom. She tells me the truth, and she's like, 'Girl, you need to calm down or put on some music and chill out.' We'll say a prayer or do different things to keep me calm, you know?"
Knowles will play herself on the UPN comedy, which comes from executive producers Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith. In the episode, titled "Kitchen Confidential," television personality Robert (Duane Martin) interviews Beyonce, but she turns the table on him and begins peppering him with personal questions. Hilarity ensues. The episode is scheduled to air on Tuesday, Oct. 7. "All of Us" premiered last Tuesday (Sept. 16) to solid ratings. The show's 3.2 rating/5 share made it one of UPN's most watched programs for the week. Knowles made her series debut playing herself on "Smart Guy" on The WB. Her subsequent acting credits have included the lead role in "Carmen: A Hip Hopera" and romantic leads in "Austin Powers in Goldmember" and the current "The Fighting Temptations."
Knowles portrays Lilly, a singer in a small town in Georgia, who is recruited by Gooding's character, Darrin Hill (her childhood sweetheart), to join the local church's choir. In the event Hill can lead the choir into the national competition, he will receive an inheritance from his late aunt. Knowles said that her character was not supposed to look like a pop star. "It's very unglamorous, which is something that I did consciously," Knowles said. "I wanted to do something with no make-up, my clothes are just everyday, and I have problems that everyone goes through so, it's just me in a new light in a very real, unglamorous state." Knowles added that she is pleased with the way the movie turned out. "I saw the movie with a lot of different people. They didn't know I was in the back, I was just sitting there observing," Knowles said. "Everybody's foot was tapping, people were just clapping... you can't help it, it's for your soul. It's very important and I know all of my music, even the R&B music, you can hear it in there." Gooding said he was impressed with how great Beyonce sounds when singing live. "Beyonce, she obviously is beautiful and can sing like amazing," Gooding said. "I was so blown away the first day of rehearsals because you know, everybody was tired, it was early in the morning and we were all reading off our scripts because we didn't really know the lines. And then instead of saying, 'This is where I sing,' she just broke into this song. I looked around and I was like, 'I hope somebody recorded that.'" The movie also co-stars Montell Jordan, Melba Moore, Angie Stone, T-Bone, Zane, Steve Harvey, Rue McClanahan, Ann Nesby, Shirley Caesar, Wendell Pierce, LaTanya Richardson, Faith Evans, and Mike Epps.
Soul-R&B: The music resuscitates a plot of pure hokum based on the everlasting crutch of "We gotta put on a show." And it soothes the irritation of Knowles's slightly wooden performance and Cuba's tendency to overdo any role to the tenth degree. Never mind all that. This is a bellyaching, foot-stomping, hoot-and-hollering movie for any crowd. First, director Jonathan Lynn (The Whole Nine Yards, My Cousin Vinny) never forgets that it's a comedy. And who's funnier than God's flawed followers - those self-righteous Christian folk who live at the church but spend their days worshipping the seven deadly sins? No one - except maybe the sinners who never get near a church. Secondly, The Fighting Temptations has an all-star musical lineup of R&B, gospel and hip-hop artists that no audience can resist, including Faith Evans, Melba Moore, Shirley Caesar and dozens of others. Gooding is Darrin Hill, an up-and-coming, hustling ad exec determined to soar up that New York corporate ladder. But his brilliant ideas are hobbled by a chronic inability to tell the truth, and he soon violates the 11th Commandment - "Thou shalt not get caught." "We cannot be represented by people who tell lies," blusters his pompous boss (Dakin Matthews). "But we are in advertising." Darrin replies. As mountains of credit card debt build up, Darrin escapes by attending his Aunt Sally's funeral. A surprise comes with the will - Sally's dying wish is for Darrin to revive her church choir and win a regional gospel competition. How perfect - especially since Darrin has told everyone in his hometown that he's a big-time music producer. Plus he won't get his inheritance without it. In the time-honoured tradition of the underdog, Darrin has to find people who can actually hold a note - single mother Lilly (Knowles) and three talented convicts (rapper T-Bone, singer Montell Jordan and Chris Cole). He persuades them to unite as a team and take on the slick heavy hitters singing their hearts out for God. Standing in his way is Paulina Pritchett (LaTanya Richardson), a jealous, power-hungry church treasurer who wants the coveted "gospel director" title for herself. Gooding and Knowles get plenty of help from their supporting cast. As the playboy Lucius, comedian Mike Epps has a roaringly funny riff on being a southern booty-ologist that is still tame enough for kids to laugh at. Steve Harvey is deadpan hysterical as the town's stoned radio announcer. And Wendell Pierce plays the film's browbeaten Rev. Lewis with wry humour. "Son, if that ain't Jesus calling, you better turn it off," he says when Darrin's cellphone rings during a service. There's even a barbershop where haircuts are dished out in perfect harmony by R&B group The O'Jays. Like a good gospel song, The Fighting Temptations works up into its rhythm, getting punchier as it goes on. Knowles gets more relaxed with each song and Gooding even tones down the wattage every once in a while. If their chemistry is a bit stiff, so what? They sure are gorgeous, and the music is great. Go to it, y'all. Three stars out of four.
"It's really silly. I wrote a song called 'Bootylicious,' maybe three years ago. And now the word is in the dictionary. To be honest, I hate the word," said Knowles, the singer turned actress whose second film, "The Fighting Temptations," opens nationally on Friday. Knowles, who got her start with the singing group Destiny's Child, which had a number one record when she was 15, has gotten a lot of mileage out of her song and sexy videos celebrating her voluptuous attributes, but the Houston native says it is time to move on. "I'm getting older," said the 22-year-old Knowles, wearing long, glittering diamond and ruby earrings and a bracelet to match at an interview this week. "I want my style to reflect that." Knowles, who scored a hit this year with her first solo album, "Dangerously in Love," is certainly not slowing down. Next week she is meeting with fashion designers about launching her own line and seeing some movie people about her next film project. Then it's off to Rome and Paris to shoot commercials before starting a six-week European concert tour ahead of a January reunion with cohorts Michelle Williams and Kelly Rowland to begin work on a new Destiny's Child record. Knowles, needless to say, does not shy away from her creative urges and explained the story behind "Bootylicious." "I'm glad I wrote it. It's a fun song," she said. "It's just a word, like someone is feeling confident. I wrote it because I was gaining weight, and I felt like for all the people that feel like I do right now, I'm going to write this song and make people proud of their curves. "But now everywhere I go, everybody is saying, 'booty-this' and 'booty-that' and it's really irritating." Though "The Fighting Temptations," which co-stars Cuba Gooding Jr. and a host of gospel, soul and rap talent, contains a laugh-line reference to "bootyology," Knowles feels she is stepping forward with the film. BAREFOOT IN A LONG BLACK DRESS "The character just seemed like it was written for me. It was perfect," she said about her role as Lilly, a nightclub singer recruited to join the revitalization of a southern church choir in the fairly predictable, but spirited gospel comedy. "It's very rare you can find a movie that has a message and has great music and is funny and not corny and you can take your parents to and still really enjoy," said Knowles, who was quick to laugh as she lounged barefoot in a long, black dress. Knowles, whose first film role was as the cartoonish Foxxy Cleopatra in "Austin Powers in Goldmember," said she had great fun making music in the film with the likes of the O'Jays, Melba Moore, Shirley Caesar and Ann Nesby. "By the end it felt like a real choir, it didn't feel like we were working," she said. "It didn't matter if it was one in the morning and we had been working all day. You could see we had fun. In the end, in between takes, we had jam sessions singing each other's songs." Knowles said she fell in love with gospel music after her family switched from a Catholic to a Methodist church when she was 10 and she began singing in the choir. She said she also related to Lilly's strong-mindedness. "I grew up in the south so a lot of her qualities were in me. She was outspoken and I know people like that and I know how it feels to be judged. I grew up around single parents, single mothers. Strong women. I think it was nice to play that." "In a lot of ways I'm a lot like her. She was not very glamorous, just natural. And even though I'm so over the top as Foxxy Cleopatra and on stage, in real life I'm a lot like Lilly."
The artist says she will release a new album in February, featuring tracks that didn't make the cut for "Dangerously in Love." The release is being prompted by the success of "Summertime," an unused track that was recently serviced to radio. The single, which features either P. Diddy or Ghostface Killah, is currently No. 35 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart. The song can be found on the recently released soundtrack to "The Fighting Temptations," in which Knowles stars opposite Cuba Gooding Jr. The film opens Friday in U.S. theaters. Knowles hit the road for 13 U.K. dates beginning Nov. 3 in Manchester. A 12-inch vinyl single featuring dance mixes of "Baby Boy" will be released Oct. 14 in the U.S.
Beyonce's "Lily" is a single woman with a young son and questionable morals. When filmmakers learned that Beyonce — who has a sexy yet sugary-sweet persona — was interested in playing the role, she says they attempted to change the character to match her wholesome image. "I was like no, it makes the character more interesting. I'm becoming an actress, so the more depth to the character, the better," she said during a recent interview backstage at Radio City Music Hall. Although Knowles made her movie debut as Foxxy Cleopatra in last year's blockbuster, "Austin Powers in Goldmember," she's known more for musical smash hits like "Crazy In Love." Now she wants to be just as big as an actress. "The Fighting Temptations" could be her vehicle — the family friendly comedy opening Friday romantically pairs her with Oscar winner Cuba Gooding Jr. AP: How did you come into this role? Beyonce: I told my agent the next movie I did, I wanted to make sure that it was something that was real, it was a realistic character, and I wanted to make sure that I could show a little more of my range and add more dramatic scenes. AP: How has your acting progressed from the MTV special "Carmen: a Hip-Hopera" to now? Beyonce: Experience. Every time I do a movie, it feels just easier, and I get more comfortable. I had an emotional scene (in "Temptations") and I had to cry, I had to take certain things in my life and make the issues that Lily went through the same as mine. AP: What are some of your favorite movies? Beyonce: My mom has introduced me to "Sparkle" and "Mahogany," and "Cooley High." I like those. AP: Are you a movie buff? Beyonce: No, I'm not. I don't get a chance to go to the movies, and I work so much I don't have a lot of time. I know it's very strange, but I don't listen to a lot of different music either. AP: Who are some of the actresses you draw inspiration from? Beyonce: I like musicals a lot; I like triple threats. I like Barbra Streisand, I like Diana Ross, I like all the old movies, where the women had to be able to sing and dance and act. Music is such a huge part of me. ... (But) I eventually want to do something darker. I want to play a woman that's a little more vulnerable, like a suspense thriller or something. I want to play like a crazy stalker ... like a "Fatal Attraction" or something. I also like action movies. I would love to play an action hero. AP: If you were in "Chicago," what role would you have wanted? Beyonce: I got chills when I saw Catherine (Zeta-Jones) and Renee (Zwellwegger). Probably Renee (laughs). But both of them were great. AP: How was it working with an Oscar winner on your second movie? Beyonce: Naturally I was nervous. (But Gooding) has so much energy, and when you first meet him, you kind of lose your nervousness, because he makes everyone feel so comfortable. He's just one of those people who makes everyone laugh, and he's silly and he's always breakdancing or be-bopping or doing something that made me feel more secure and more comfortable. I remember talking to him about how, before he does a movie, he thinks about the smallest details, from the way the hair should be cut from the shoes ... for "Jerry McGuire," he walked around like that character for a month, to see how people reacted to that. AP: Would you put on weight for a role? Beyonce: Yes. Actually, I put on a couple of pounds (for "Temptations") because when I did the test, my hair was straightened, it was blonde, and they said that I didn't look like a mother, I looked like a singer. So I wore my hair (twisted) ... and I wore big dresses and I was heavier than I am now, a lot heavier. AP: Is there a certain actress whose career you would like to have? Beyonce: As far as their longevity and as far as them being respected, probably Barbra Streisand, because I think she's one of the best singers and I think she did an incredible job in all the movies she acted in, and she's had a long career. ... (Also) I love and respect Halle (Berry). AP: Could you ever see yourself doing an erotic love scene like Halle's in "Monster's Ball"? Beyonce: Well, when I do a kissing scene, (laughs) I feel so uncomfortable! I know right now I definitely couldn't because I'm literally embarrassed by the kissing scene. AP: How much of a departure do you think you could do from your true self? Would you be worried about your image? Beyonce: If there's something that's interesting, I don't care. If I'm trying to be an actress, I'm trying to be an actress; I'm not Beyonce when I'm acting. I'm whoever that character is, and that's the only way I can be taken seriously. There's certainly things right now that I would just not feel comfortable doing. It has nothing to do with my singing career, it's just if I'm uncomfortable doing it as a person. AP: Do you want to transition more into acting? Beyonce: Probably when I have kids and get married, I'll wanna lean more into acting just because of the stability, and I want to do more movies. Every year I want to do a movie. I never wanna not put out an album, but I feel like the movie industry is a lot easier; the scheduling ... and the fact that you can have a bad movie and still recover. AP: How would you rate yourself as an actress now? Beyonce. I've only done two movies and I'm 21, and I've got a long way to go, but I think I did great at playing Lily.
The last studio record by the Grammy-winning rhythm and blues trio was "Survivor" in 2001. "Destiny's Child will be back in the studio in January," Knowles said in an interview with Reuters on Monday. The three singers parted company in late 2001 to pursue solo projects. Knowles cemented her own celebrity status as Foxxy Cleopatra in the 2002 film "Austin Powers in Goldmember," then scored a hit earlier this year with her solo record, "Dangerously in Love." Rowland made her solo debut with last year's "Simply Deep," while Williams released a gospel/soul record titled "Heart to Yours." Knowles, who stars in the upcoming film "The Fighting Temptations," opening on Friday, has kept particularly busy. She may issue another collection of her own songs before the new Destiny's Child effort. "I recorded about 45 songs for my record, but only put 15 on it," Knowles said. "I still have a lot of songs that I really love that I couldn't put on the record. So I might be releasing another record of my unreleased songs before the Destiny's Child record comes out." Knowles said she hopes the trio can take a few months to work on some new material and find a fresh sound. "I want us to work together from the very start on every song because everybody has grown so much," she said. "It's been a couple of years. I know the sound is going to mature and be a little different. We have to figure it out. "Kelly made an alternative record and Michelle's was gospel. We've got to mix it all together and figure out what we're really going to do." Destiny's Child, which began more than a decade ago as a foursome in Houston, emerged as a reconstituted trio following the acrimonious departure of two co-founding members of the group in 1999. Knowles, Rowland and Williams became a dominant pop music force in the spring of 2000, producing a string of multi-platinum albums and such hit singles as "Say My Name," "Jumpin', Jumpin"' and "Bootylicious." The group's third album of new material, "Survivor," debuted in May 2001 at No. 1 on the Billboard pop charts and sold more than 3 million copies.
"We worked all night on it," Gooding jokes to TV Guide Online. "Sure, she was probably a little nervous before kissing me, but she's kissed guys before. I think it was more like, 'Oh no, I'm performing for the peanut gallery of crew members and everybody else.' "She's young, she'll get over it," he laughs. "When you are married for [nine] years [like me], you look forward to that kind of thing. Lord. She was wonderful." But in the past, the outrageous actor has shown more than just the money before doing love scenes. "That's why they call me Butt-naked," he reveals. "That was my nickname for a long time on movie sets, because when I had a love scene, I would do the craziest things in the world. [Many people] take their sexual energy and put it into worrying about what to do logistically. I would run butt-naked through the set. Just to show them, 'Who cares? Let's get rid of [these concerns] and let's get back to the process.'" Despite his antics, Gooding remained on his best behavior for Temptations, perhaps because much of the film takes place in a church — and the set was chock full of music performers, including many gospel legends. "Being on the set with all that musical talent was amazing," he admits. "Screw the movie. Take it and throw it in the trash. Don't look at any performances in it. But to walk into the sound stage and have my ears perk up, and I'd run around, and there is Beyoncé and the O'Jays harmonizing. I'd want to start crying. Or to see Shirley Caesar looking at the light and then all of a sudden this voice comes out, and I'd want to just stand there [all day]." Did he ever get the urge to join in this film's heavenly choir? "Hell no!" he scoffs. "If I opened my mouth, 'They'd be like, 'What are you doing? Stick to acting.'"
"Baby Boy" has been the Hot 100's fastest-growing track at radio for the past five weeks, and this week's boost sends the song up three spots to No. 2, a post it has reached in just six weeks on the tally. "Shake Ya Tailfeather" from Nelly, P. Diddy & Murphy Lee still holds a narrow lead and remains No. 1 for the third-straight week. "Baby Boy" also jumped from fifth place to No. 2 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks roundup, where it settles in behind "Frontin"' from Pharrell and Jay-Z. "Frontin"' has been in control of the urban chart for six weeks in a row. "Damn!" from Southern hip-hop duo YoungBloodZ bolts 10 places to No. 11 on the Hot 100, giving the rap act its first top-20 single. The song, which features an appearance from Lil Jon, is up a notch to No. 7 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop chart. Also making significant gains on the Hot 100 are Aaliyah's "Come Over" (climbing from 40 to 32), Ludacris' "Stand Up" featuring Shawnna (59-38) and Ashanti's "Rain On Me" (67-49). With "Rock Wit U (Awww Baby)" at No. 41, and "Into You" from Fabolous, on which she guests, at No. 4, Ashanti has three songs in the top-50. The Hot 100's fastest-growing track at retail is Jagged Edge's "Walked Outta Heaven," which gains 65-58. "American Idol" runner-up Clay Aiken continues to enjoy the No. 1-selling single in the U.S., according to Nielsen SoundScan, with his "This is the Night/Bridge Over Troubled Water." The cut has led Billboard's Hot 100 Singles Sales tally for 11 non-consecutive weeks. Chingy's "Holidae In" featuring Ludacris & Snoop Dogg is the Hot 100's top debut, arriving at No. 73 Other notable entries this week include Kelly Clarkson's "Low" at No. 74, Dido's "White Flag" at No. 75 and Liz Phair's "Why Can't I?" at No. 76. Phair last made the Hot 100 way back in 1994 when "Supernova" peaked at No. 78. Alan Jackson's duet with Jimmy Buffett, "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere," rules Billboard's Hot Country Singles roundup for the seventh week. It's the second single this year to have a seven-week run on the chart. Darryl Worley's "Have You Forgotten" logged seven weeks this spring. Staind's "So Far Away" takes over Billboard's Modern Rock Tracks chart from Linkin Park's "Faint," giving Staind control of both of Billboard's rock airplay charts. "Faint" had led the tally for six weeks in a row, but falls to No. 2. "So Far Away" strides to a sixth-straight week atop the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.
"Yes, I went to Bermuda," she confesses. "And the south of France." Knowles also took a few days off around her 22nd birthday on Sept. 4. "So I'm finding time to relax and chill out." Chill out might be considered a relative term coming from a gal who has established herself as the Energizer bunny of her showbiz generation. Since rising to fame as lead singer of the hugely successful pop-soul outfit Destiny's Child, Beyoncé, as she is often billed, has maintained a schedule that threatens to make Jennifer Lopez look lethargic. Her musical hats alone include those of producer, songwriter and, most recently, solo artist. Dangerously in Love has gone platinum since its June release. The CD also spawned one of the summer's biggest singles, Crazy in Love, featuring Jay-Z, the rap star often sighted at social outings with Knowles, who is less forthcoming about her romantic life than her vacation schedule. But like Madonna, J. Lo and that other girl group leader-turned-solo-star, Diana Ross, the young singer clearly isn't content to conquer one medium. Knowles has acting ambitions, and they extend far beyond her appearances in a series of Spike Lee-directed commercials for Pepsi-Cola or even her turn as the bootylicious Foxxy Cleopatra in last year's hit Austin Powers in Goldmember. That's why, less than 12 hours after her flight from Bermuda landed, Knowles is back at work plugging her latest big-screen outing, The Fighting Temptations, which opens nationwide Sept. 19. Knowles plays Lilly, a relatively small-time nightclub singer and single mom recruited to help a struggling church choir win a gospel competition. The role is, Knowles feels, vastly different from either Foxxy or the sultry vixen she played two years ago in MTV's Carmen: AHip Hopera, her professional acting debut. "I told my agent that in my next film, I wanted to seem natural," says Knowles. "For this new movie, I tried to find the most unglamorous clothes, the most unglamorous hairstyle. I didn't wear my hair straightened. I wanted to show myself in a different light." Knowles also is attracted by the musical opportunities offered by the movie, in which her singing co-stars include old-school R&B giants the O'Jays, contemporary soul favorites Faith Evans and Angie Stone, gospel icon Shirley Caesar and Broadway veteran Melba Moore. The soundtrack mixes standards and traditional numbers with original tracks by hip-hop-soul savants such as James "Jimmy Jam" Harris III and Terry Lewis, "who I've always wanted to work with," she says. Knowles insists, though, that the opportunity to further develop her dramatic chops was the main draw. "I've always respected people like Barbra Streisand, who have great voices and are really great at acting. I want to also be good at both of them no, not good; I want to be great at both of them." The soft giggle that follows this declaration may appear incongruous, but it's also telling. The seemingly genuine modesty and shyness that Knowles reveals in person provides a constant contrast to both her lofty agenda and the image of her held by some observers, especially in the wake of Destiny's Child's early success, as a diva in the mold of Miss Ross. "I've learned that there's this stereotype of female celebrities and especially singers," Knowles muses. "They think we all make these demands, and that none of us support each other. So I don't take that perception personally. And to be honest with you, I haven't had to deal with it much in the past two years." Cuba Gooding Jr., who stars opposite her in Temptations, feels that her lack of affectation was ideally suited to the movie. "Beyoncé has a down-home, disarming quality, and her character also has that aura. It was just a matter of making (her) feel comfortable enough to be herself. She's got a good soul, and that shows in the work." Knowles also drew on specific personal experiences in playing Lilly, who supports both a young son and an ailing grandfather. "My mother owns a hair salon, and I grew up there, sweeping the floor and listening to the stories told by all these women who came there. Some were single mothers, some weren't, but they were positive, strong women. I loved being around that. I think that's where songs I've written like (Destiny's Child hit) Independent Women come from, and it was nice to be able to bring that to the movie." To her credit, Knowles realizes that sustaining a successful acting career will require more than an ability to choose characters she can empathize with. "I want to challenge myself with different types of parts," she stresses. "I've gotten many different kinds of scripts; some darker or have roles that are less strong. I'm just trying to figure out exactly what to do. I know that I'm still learning as an actress, and I have a ways to go. I have to take my time and be sure I make the right decisions." But in the fast-moving, mercilessly fickle world of contemporary pop culture, time is a risky luxury for any celebrity, let alone one who juggles as many projects and goals as Knowles does. The slew of snickering stories questioning J. Lo's future after the flop Gigli proved how little it takes to turn today's "it" girl into tomorrow's whipping girl. Notwithstanding her ingenuous demeanor, Knowles has in some respects shown herself to be a shrewd player in the fame game. Her refusal to discuss her relationship with Jay-Z, for instance, stands in stark contrast to the conspicuous love fest that some feel turned public sentiment against Lopez and Ben Affleck. Asked about the rapper and entrepreneur, whose range of pursuits rivals her own, Knowles demurs ever so politely: "There are just certain things that I like to keep to myself." Knowles may have learned such diplomacy from her parents. Mathew Knowles, a successful businessman-turned-manager who also oversees the careers of Knowles' kid sister Solange and other musical acts, has been credited and criticized as the inexhaustible Svengali behind Destiny's Child. But Knowles is equally close to her mother, Tina, who admits that she has concerns about her daughter's hectic life. "I worry about Beyoncé all the time," says Tina. "There are so many people asking so many things of her every day, and I'm always praying that it won't be too much for her. She loves what she does, loves entertaining. But it can wear you out. I've seen people get burned out and tired or just overwhelmed." Yet she speaks enthusiastically about yet another endeavor that her daughter may be tackling soon with Mom as her partner: a clothing line. "Beyoncé has always designed stuff and had input into what she wears, and I've been designing things all my life. ... We're just trying to decide whether to do a licensing deal or launch it on our own. We have to make a decision by the end of September, because we want the line to come out next summer." Beyoncé, who praises her mom as "very creative" and a source of stability, seems equally excited. Granted, the singer's input in the clothing line will have to compete with another movie, a new Destiny's Child album and a European solo tour, and that's just in the coming year. "I don't know if you have the sense that Beyoncé is always the one at the wheel, knowing where she's going," says Alan Light, editor in chief of the music magazine Tracks. "Whatever's happening, they're taking advantage of opportunities as they present themselves, and there's no limit to the opportunities she has right now. There haven't been any dramatic missteps yet. But I don't know if there's a sense of 'what's our destination here?' " Perhaps, for Knowles, knowing the destination is less important than making sure the opportunities keep coming. "Everything I've done has come naturally to me," she says. "I was in my first talent show at 5. I was writing songs at 9. ... It was just in me. I feel like if you were born for certain things, and certain things are in your heart, why not do as much as you're good at, as much as you can?"
"I didn't have the pressure of carrying the movie by myself," Knowles says of those flicks. "Before I do that, I want to make sure that I know exactly what I am doing." Speaking of Hollywood heavyweights, the Destiny's Child frontwoman isn't talking about her rumored romance with "Crazy in Love" cohort Jay-Z. Of course, she's more than willing to plug her role in the gospel-infused Temptations. Okay, we'll bite. Why'd she choose this gig? "It was important for people to know who I am, and that I am very different from who I am on stage," she insists. "And that I could show more of my range. I could wear no makeup, wear my hair in braids and be a regular person. "I try to give the message for people to accept their imperfections and to love their bodies," she continues. "Basically, not to concentrate so much on it and to concentrate instead on your character and the person that you are, and the beauty shines through. That's why I wrote 'Bootylicious' and why I feel it is important to make movies like this, where you can show me not looking so thin and not looking so beautiful." Oh, puh-leeze! That's hard to buy, coming from the lips of a runway-perfect pop star. But Beyoncé insists she's more down-to-earth than her glam public image suggests. "I like nice clothes," she admits. "[Especially] when I go out, because I have [paparazzi] taking pictures of me. I have to try to look alright, but if it takes more than five minutes, then it is not my thing."
Jeremy Harding, Sean Paul's manager, told the paper, "We were told through the president of Atlantic Records, Craig Kallman, that Jay-Z wanted to be the only guest artist to perform with Beyonce at the awards show. Jay-Z did not want Sean Paul on stage with her and he made it clear." Beyonce performed a two song medley during her VMA performance which included "Baby Boy" her duet with Sean Paul and "Crazy In Love" her duet with Jay-Z. But during her performance of "Baby Boy," Paul's pre-recorded vocals were played while during "Crazy In Love" Jay-Z joined her on stage. Paul was present at the VMAs as he performed during the pre-show concert and presented an award. Harding attempted to make sense of the situation, "I don't know whether it was jealously (Jay-Z and Beyonce are dating) or a professional threat. But it is a form of hypocrisy as hip-hop views dancehall as the poor little cousin and now it feels threatened because it is right up there in their league. Paul has sold some three million records internationally, two in the US and the rest in other parts of the world. Now all of a sudden there is a clamp down." Harding also said that Paul was restricted from contact with Beyonce while shooting the video for "Baby Boy." The two are seldom in the same shot. Calls to Jay-Z's publicists at Roc-A-Fella Records were not returned at press time. In related news, Beyonce will perform and sit down for an interview on the season premiere of the Oprah Winfrey Show on September 15 on ABC. The Destiny's Child singer's latest film, the Fighting Temptations with Cuba Gooding, Jr., opens in theaters nationwide on September 19.
Blu adds of rumours she and the New York native already had a sexual relationship in the past, "All I know is that we've hung out a couple of times and that we're friends and that's it. People saw us in public and just assumed." She's also aware Beyonce's romance with the rapper is more than just a fling; "I think they're in love, I really do think they're in love." But Blu insists the pair's romantic bond wouldn't put her off if the rapper ever propositioned her. She admits, "I wouldn't turn it down, let's just put it that way!"
Former Destiny's Child singer Beyonce, who spent three weeks at the top of the UK singles charts with "Crazy in Love," is up for best album, best single, best video and best R&B act at the premier urban music awards. Soul singer Walker burst onto the scene with her album "Untitled," which is also nominated for a Mercury prize. She has been shortlisted for best R&B act, UK act of the year, best newcomer and best album at the Mobos. British artists Big Brovaz, a six-piece group from London, were also nominated for four awards in the best video, best album, UK act of the year and best newcomer categories. This year's awards are the most female friendly in the event's eight years. Four of the six nominees are female in the best UK act while three female acts will compete for the best album. The Independent newspaper quoted founder and organizer Kanya King as saying the rise of female artists showed a "changing of the climate. The industry has become more accepting," she said. U.S. artist Justin Timberlake is in the running for two categories, best R&B act and best album. The Mobo awards celebrate the spectrum of music of black origin -- R&B, hip hop, rap, jazz, reggae and gospel -- and reward performers of any color. This year's awards take place at the Royal Albert Hall in London on September 25. The majority of awards are voted for by the public.
The Bonni & Clyde 03 collaborators looked 'Crazy In Love' as they went swimming - and Jay-Z was even pictured with his hand on the diva's shapely bottom. An onlooker at the Eden Roc Hotel in Cannes says, "Beyonce and Jay-Z were having a great day out on the boat. They had lots of friends with them. "They made no secret of the fact they were together. It seemed to bring out the daredevil in Beyonce - she was the first to jump off the rocks into the sea."
In its 15th week on the chart, which is combines radio airplay and retail sales data, "Crazy" once again fends off Chingy's "Right Thurr" (No. 2) and still-gaining "Shake Ya Tailfeather" from Nelly, P. Diddy and Murphy Lee, which advances 4-3. "Shake Ya Tailfeather" actually saw more airplay in crossover markets than "Right Thurr," but Chingy's cut received a significant boost from retail sales. "Tailfeather," from the former No. 1 soundtrack to "Bad Boys II" (Bad Boy/Universal), is not currently available at retail. "Tailfeather" bounds four places to No. 7 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart, where it is the fastest-growing track at radio. The move gives P. Diddy his 14th top-10 single on the R&B/Hip-Hop tally. It's the fourth top-10 hit for Nelly and the second for Murphy Lee, who appeared on Nelly's "Air Force Ones." Pharrell's "Frontin"' featuring Jay-Z is in charge of the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart for third-straight week. 50 Cent's "P.I.M.P." is at No. 2 on that tally and leads the Hot Rap Tracks chart for the second week in a row. The video for the cut is the most-played clip on MTV and BET. Back on the Hot 100, Beyonce's follow-up to "Crazy in Love" continues to rocket up the chart. "Baby Boy" featuring Sean Paul soars 29-19 and is the chart's fastest-growing track at radio. Teen star Hilary Duff (news) replaces Clay Aiken's "This Is the Night/Bridge Over Troubled Water" as the top selling single in the U.S., according to Nielsen SoundScan. Duff's "So Yesterday" sold 14,500 copies and moves 2-1 on the Hot 100 Singles Sales chart. Even so, a dip in airplay causes a 53-55 fall on the Hot 100. Alan Jackson (news)'s duet with Jimmy Buffett (news) "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere" maintains its lead on Billboard's Hot Country Singles & Tracks roundup for a fourth-straight week. Jackson's "Greatest Hits Vol. II" opened at the top of the Billboard 200. Further down the country tally, Buddy Jewell's "Help Pour Out the Rain" jumps 12-8. There are no changes on the top of Billboard's rock airplay charts this week. Linkin Park's "Faint" is No. 1 on the Modern Rock Tracks list for a fourth-straight week and Staind's "So Far Away" is the No. 1 cut on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart for the third-straight week.
They join previously announced performers Mary J. Blige, 50 Cent, Good Charlotte, Coldplay and Christina Aguilera. Jay-Z, Britney Spears, Missy Elliott, Sean Paul, Mya, Method Man, Iggy Pop, tennis star Serena Williams, and cast members from "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" and "Crank Yankers" are newly confirmed to appear on the broadcast. Other stars set to appear include Nelly, Avril Lavigne, DMX, Pharrell Williams, Duran Duran, P. Diddy, Ashanti, Kelly Clarkson, Ludacris and Snoop Dogg. A number of concerts will take place in conjunction with the Video Music Awards. On Aug. 25, Lil' Jon and the Eastside Boyz will join the Ying-Yang Twins for a free show at Los Angeles' House of Blues. The following day, Simple Plan and Fountains Of Wayne will perform at Rumsey Playfield in New York's Central Park at a free show also sponsored by Cingular. On Aug. 27, Pop will join his bandmates in the Stooges, as well as special guests to be announced, for a show at New York's Roseland Ballroom. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit AIDS charity Lifebeat. Tickets go on sale Thursday via Ticketmaster.
Beyoncé Takes Her Baby Bump to Fashion Week
(Photo) Fashion Week just got a whole lot hotter!Beyoncé baby talk off-limits
Even the “Today” show can’t ask questions about Beyoncé’s baby.Beyoncé Strikes a Pose, Shows Off Baby Bump?
(Photo) We all know Beyoncé has no problem showing off her baby bump.Beyonce -- My Baby Bump Is Ready for Its Close Up!!
(Photo) After revealing she was pregnant on the VMAs last week, Beyonce -- who just turned 30 -- showed off her growing bare baby bump while vacationing with Jay-Z in Croatia on Tuesday. Her destiny's child is in there.
Beyoncé Celebrates 30th Birthday in Italy with Jay-Z
It's been a week of momentous occasions for Beyoncé Knowles.MTV kept Gaga's Calderone from Beyonce
Lady Gaga's male alter ego Jo Calderone sparked security issues backstage at the MTV Video Music Awards on August 28 - because no one recognized the pop superstar when she tried to enter pal Beyonce's dressing room.Beyonce's Fetus -- If I Were a Boy ...
(Photo) It's a little creepy ... but THIS is how Beyonce and Jay Z's kid might look ... if it's a boy -- at least according to one famous forensic artist.Beyonce's baby bump reveal sparks Twitter record
Beyonce's pregnant performance at the MTV Video Music Awards sparked a Twitter record.Pregnant Beyonce set for MJ tribute
Pregnant superstar Beyonce is refusing to call off her performance at the upcoming Michael Jackson tribute concert, despite her growing baby bump.Beyoncé Will Be 'An Incredible Mother,' Says Kelly Rowland
She was destined to have a child, and she'll be wonderful at it.Beyoncé & Jay-Z Expecting a Baby
Leave it to Beyoncé to steal the spotlight at Sunday's Video Music Awards.Beyonce -- I'M PREGNANT!!!!
(Photo) Beyonce just showed up to the MTV VMAs with a very special guest -- HER FETUS.Beyoncé shimmers in '1 + 1' video
Beyonce's new sultry, sexy, shimmery, rainy video for her ballad 1+1 from her new album, 4, is just out. "I don't know much about algebra," she sings, "but I know one plus one equals two!"Lady Gaga More Powerful Than Oprah, Angelina Jolie and the Queen!
This should make her little monsters proud.Beyonce to Perform at MJ Tribute Concert ... Via Satellite
Beyonce just joined the growing list of A-listers performing at the upcoming MJ Tribute Concert in Wales -- but unlike the rest of the line-up ... she'll only be a glimmer of her former self.Beyonce wants to open dance school
R&B superstar Beyonce dreams of one day launching her own dance school to pass on her impressive booty-shaking skills to youths.Diva dishes pizza
Beyoncé has been keeping her fans and staffers at her four sold-out concerts at Roseland Ballroom happy with pizza. On Tuesday night, fans standing on line to enter the ballroom for her show noticed a Bentley rolling up to the backstage entrance to deliver a pie.Review: Beyonce showcases her dominance at concert
With 16 Grammys, millions of records sold, several defining hits and a superstar husband, Beyonce has nothing to prove.Beyonce Music Video Shoot COPS ARREST EGG-THROWING LOUDMOUTH
Some loudmouthed dumbass was arrested near the set of Beyonce's new music video in NJ this week -- after screaming at the crew and allegedly THROWING AN EGG at a police officer.Not destined
It was a Destiny's Child reunion of sorts at the Standard Hotel Tuesday night, where Beyonce and Michelle Williams both showed up for Kelly Rowland's release party for her third album, "Here I Am," thrown by Moet Rose. Williams and Beyonce -- who entered through a side door after a taller, honey-skinned doppelganger drew paparazzi at the main entrance -- huddled together in a VIP area as fans including Jessica White and Maxwell greeted them. Rowland trounced any idea of a real Destiny's Child reunion, telling us, "We have not talked about it."
BEYONCE on The View, Thursday, 7/28
BEYONCE TO PERFORM LIVE ON ABC'S "THE VIEW," THURSDAY, JULY 28Beyonce says Eastwood film makes her day
Beyonce Knowles has had it all before turning 30, yet is still humbled by what she calls "the biggest opportunity of my life" -- the lead role in Clint Eastwood's remake of the film, "A Star Is Born."2011 VMA Nominations
The awards will be handed out Aug. 28.
• Adele, "Rolling in the Deep"
• Beyoncé, "Run the World(Girls)"
• Katy Perry, "Firework"
• Lady Gaga, "Born This Way"
• Nicki Minaj, "Super Bass"
• Beyoncé, "Run the World (Girls)"
• Britney Spears, "Till the World Ends"
• Bruno Mars, "The Lazy Song"
• Lady Gaga, "Judas"
• LMFAO featuring Lauren Bennett & Goon,"Party Rock Anthem"
• 30 Seconds to Mars, "Hurricane"
• Adele, "Rolling in the Deep"
• Beyoncé, "Run the World (Girls)"
• Eminem featuring Rihanna, "Love the Way You Lie"
• Katy Perry, "Teenage Dream"
2011 Teen Choice Award Nomination
Choice Summer Music Star: Female
Beyoncé
Selena Gomez
Demi Lovato
Katy Perry
Britney Spears
Beyoncé Goes into Orbit With Space Station Shout Out!
(Video) Girls may already rule the world, but Beyoncé has her eyes set on somewhere much bigger: Space!Beyonce loses voice on TV special
R&B superstar Beyonce was forced to cut short a special TV concert taping on Thursday after she began losing her voice.Beyonce's Dad: I Didn't Steal from My Daughter!
Beyonce's dad has filed legal papers which now explain why the singer fired him as her manager -- he claims she's under the impression he stole lots of money from her, and say it's a bad rap.Sales slide for Beyonce's new chart-topper
R&B singer Beyonce went to No. 1 on the U.S. pop album chart with her fourth consecutive release on Wednesday, although its sales were the lowest of her solo career.Beyonce, Gomez can't top Adele in Canada
Adele got some stiff competition from two fellow female stars, but they weren't strong enough to knock her out of top spot in the land.What Time Do the Fireworks Start?
The Fourth of July means barbeques, beach time and, of course, fireworks! But for those that can't make it to their local fireworks display in-person, fear not: There are several ways to catch a colorful show — and lots of great musical performances — on your very own TV screen.Beyonce to star in Eastwood film
Pop star Beyonce has confirmed she'll lead the cast in Clint Eastwood's A Star Is Born remake.Beyonce: 'Not just radio songs' on new album
Beyonce rocked Central Park this morning for Good Morning America's summer concert series.Beyonce Targets Harlem Kids For Surprise Show
Beyonce just pulled off an AWESOME surprise at a Target in Harlem ... where she unexpectedly appeared at an event for the Boys & Girls Club ... and led an impromptu dance party!!!Beyonce album off to strong start despite bad buzz
After reports of dissatisfaction, panic and other pre-release drama, Columbia Records executives say Beyonce's new album "4" is off to a strong start since going on sale worldwide on Monday.Beyonce, others enjoy "Glastonbury effect" in UK charts
Beyonce heads the British album charts at the midweek stage, with "4" outselling its nearest rival by three to one boosted by her weekend appearance at Glastonbury, sales data showed on Wednesday.Beyoncé Wows A-List Crowd With a Surprise Performance
If Beyoncé's new album (which drops today) is a disappointment, no one told all of her famous friends who came out to see her sing last night in London.Teen Choice Award Nominations
Choice Music: R&B/Hip-Hop Track
"Run the World (Girls)," Beyoncé
"Just Can't Get Enough," The Black Eyed Peas
"Don't Wanna Go Home," Jason Derülo
"I Need a Doctor," Dr. Dre featuring Eminem and Skylar Grey
"All of the Lights," Kanye West
Beyonce overwhelmed by Glastonbury
Beyonce paid an emotional tribute to her family, friends, and fans during a triumphant headline set at Britain’s Glastonbury festival on Sunday night.Beyoncé: Babies and Retirement at 30?
Beyoncé once had big plans for the year she turned the big 3-0.Bracing for a Beyonce bomb
Columbia Records executives fear Beyoncé's new album, "4," could be a dud after she refused to return to the studio to re-record new tracks, sources say.U2, Coldplay, Beyonce lead line-up at Glastonbury
The Glastonbury festival opened its gates on Wednesday to 150,000 fans ignoring forecasts for rain and muddy fields to hear U2 and Beyonce alongside a bewildering choice of smaller acts from Spliff Richard to punk poet Attila the Stockbroker.Garner, Cooper, Beyonce and a Bunch of Your A-List Faves Get Academy Invite
A whole bunch of celebs have only just now scored the right to vote.First Look at Deluxe Edition of Beyoncé's Album, 4
(Cover) Sporting a tight bluish-purple ensemble, with her hands over her big, flowing hair, Beyoncé Knowles is giving her fans extra treats on the deluxe edition of her new album, 4.Beyoncé's Pulse Fragrance Ad
(Ad) Is your heart racing yet? Beyoncé‘s latest fragrance, Pulse, hits stores in September, and the sexy, just-released ad already has our pulses beating faster. The seductive scent — a follow-up to the singer’s perfumes Heat and Heat Rush — features notes of pear blossom, peony, midnight blooming jasmine, Madagascar vanilla and for the first time in a fragrance, bluebird orchid. “Pulse is a fragrance you can wear all the time,” Beyoncé tells PEOPLE exclusively. “I love the idea of a signature scent that lets a woman leave her mark wherever she goes, so I always try to make my scents appropriate for any occasion.” The fragrance comes in an upside-down chrome-and-blue bottle, neatly tucked into a holographic carton. The bottle’s topper, a chrome cap, was inspired by her stage costumes. “I love [that] because it incorporates fashion into the overall design,” Beyoncé said in a statement. The print ad was photographed by Lionel Gasperini, and the TV commercial was shot by Jake Nava, who directed the singer’s “Single Ladies” video and her oh-so-sexy Heat commercial. Edited by Beyoncé, it’s set to the first single from her new album.
Girl Power Returns: Watch Beyoncé's "Run The World (Girls)" Video Now!
(Video) For anyone still laboring under the illusion that Beyoncé does not mean business, well, just watch this video.2011 BET Award Nominees
The 2011 BET Awards airs live June 26 from Los Angeles' Shrine Auditorium.
Marsha Ambrosius
Beyoncé
Keri Hilson
Jennifer Hudson
Rihanna
Beyonce names new album "4"
Beyonce's upcoming fourth solo album will be called "4," a title she says was inspired by her fans.BEYONCÉ TO BE HONORED AT 2011 BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS (5/22)
Recording artist, actress, producer and philanthropist Beyoncé will receive the 2011 Billboard Millennium Award celebrating her career achievements and influence in the music industry. The award will be presented at the 2011 Billboard Music Awards hosted by Ken Jeong, airing live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, SUNDAY, MAY 22 (8:00-11:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network. Musical artists performing at the show include Cee Lo, Nicki Minaj, Pitbull, The Black Eyed Peas, Rihanna, Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum and Taio Cruz.Beyoncé Covers "God Bless the U.S.A."
Beyoncé has released a version of Lee Greenwood's country classic, "God Bless the U.S.A.," to raise money for 9/11 charities. The song premiered Thursday night (May 5) on CNN's Piers Morgan Tonight. Beyoncé sang the patriotic ballad during President Obama's campaign in 2008 but the studio version had remained unreleased. The track is available on iTunes. Proceeds will go to the New York Police & Fire Widows' & Children's Benefit Fund. "I cannot think about anything more appropriate to do to help these families," she said. "Almost 10 years [after 9/11], it is still so painful for all Americans, especially those who lost loved ones."
NYC school gets surprise visit from Beyonce
Students at a New York City public school working out to a Beyonce song got a big surprise when the superstar walked in and joined them.Jay-Z & Beyoncé Get Booed at the Met Gala!
(Video) Whoa, talk about a tough crowd at the Met Gala last night.Beyonce Accused of Destroying Xmas for 70 People
Beyonce Knowles is a "morally reprehensible" person who screwed 70 people out of their jobs one week before Christmas ... this according to a new legal documents obtained by TMZ.Beyoncé & Jay-Z Staying in $20,000-a-Night Paris Hotel
Beyoncé and Jay-Z aren't skimping when it comes to their accommodations in Paris.Beyonce enjoys Paris as new single arrives
Beyonce's new single, Run the World (Girls!), was set to hit radio and iTunes this morning at 8 a.m. ET. A teaser for the song features the star on a big black horse.Sighting
Beyoncé and Jay-Z may be laying low around their Paris hotel, but the couple have made time for meals out. They enjoyed a late lunch out (with champagne) at L'Avenue, and stayed for about two hours.
Beyonce's dad nixes rift rumours
Beyonce’s father Mathew Knowles has dismissed rumours his famous daughter dumped him as her manager over a family rift - insisting the “mutual” decision was made so he could concentrate on mentoring gospel singers.Beyonce's father will no longer manage her career
Beyonce will no longer be managed by her father, Mathew Knowles.Songs For Japan
The Beyone track "Irreplaceable" is feature on the new charity album 'Songs For Japan'
Beyonce says she donated Gadhafi performance fees
Beyonce says she donated money she received for performing for the Gadhafi clan to Haiti relief efforts more than a year ago.Beyoncé: Self-Confidence Is Sexy
How does Beyoncé keep hubby Jay-Z enticed? She makes herself feel sexy first.Controversy Alert! Beyoncé Sports Blackface for Photo Shoot
(Photo) Beyoncé acknowledges her roots in L'Officiel Paris' 90th anniversary issue by wearing various African-inspired clothing. But did she go too far by voluntarily darkening her face for the shoot?Couple Watch
He was hosting the party – but Jay-Z still made plenty of time for wife Beyoncé during a post-midnight bash at CAA in Los Angeles. Beyoncé looked radiant at the 2 Kings party presented by Bing, and she had some girlfriends to keep her company. The ladies sipped cocktails and listened to tunes spun by DJ Mick Boogie, as other guests like Rihanna, Ryan Phillippe and Leonardo DiCaprio mingled. Beyoncé and her hubby snuck out together just before 2 a.m.
Like Old Times
Could Destiny's Child be heading for a reunion? Beyoncé Knowles and her former bandmates, Michelle Williams and Kelly Rowland, dined in the private wine cellar at Philippe Los Angeles on Thursday night.Super Grammy bash hits roof
Malaysian billionaire Jho Low, who recently invested in posh Beverly Hills hotel L'Ermitage, threw a spectacular Grammys party there for Interscope founder Jimmy Iovine with guests including Lady Gaga, Jay-Z and Beyoncé.Jay-Z, Beyonce, Will Smith have pre-Grammy brunch
British rock band Coldplay will headline the Glastonbury music festival this year, appearing on the main Pyramid stage for the Saturday night slot, organizers said on Tuesday.Jay-Z, Beyonce, Will Smith have pre-Grammy brunch
Jay-Z laughed it up with Will Smith; Beyonce stood close to sister Solange in a DJ booth; and Charlize Theron made a late entrance.Not So Lonely
When Gwyneth Paltrow arrived solo at Lure Fishbar the other night, guests wondered if her husband, Chris Martin, was en route to save her from looking lonely at her table. But after a brief wait, her friends Jay-Z and Beyoncé breezed in to join her for dinner, a spy said. Photographers outside were disappointed when restaurant staff closed the curtains to keep them from spying. Paltrow recently described Beyoncé in Harper's Bazaar as "the most talented human being on the planet." Earlier this week, "Gossip Girl" star Ed Westwick and Alec Baldwin dined separately at the Mercer Street hot spot.
Gwyneth Paltrow: Beyoncé's Talent Is 'Mind-Blowing'
Beyoncé was a great teacher to Gwyneth Paltrow while the latter was learning to be a musical performer for Country Strong. Perhaps a little too great.Eastwood and Beyonce discussing 'A Star Is Born'
Clint Eastwood and Beyonce may be teaming up to make a musical version of "A Star Is Born."2011 NAACP Image Awards nominations
The awards will air live Friday, March 4 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on FOX.
• "2010 BET Honors" (BET Networks)
• "Beyoncé: I AM...WORLD TOUR" (ABC)
• "Black Girls Rock!" (BET Networks)
• "TV One Night Only: Live from the Essence Music Festival" (TV One)
• "UNCF An Evening of Stars Tribute to Lionel Richie" (Syndicated)
• "Fistful of Tears" - Maxwell (Columbia Records)
• "Soldier of Love" - Sade (Epic Records)
• "Un-thinkable (I'm Ready)" - Alicia Keys (J Records)
• "Whip My Hair" - Willow Smith (Roc Nation/Columbia Records)
• "Why Don't You Love Me" - Beyoncé Knowles (Columbia Records)
Which Famous Friend's B-Day Did Jay-Z and Beyoncé Celebrate?
H to the...Happy Birthday!Beyoncé Struts in Tom Ford's Fashion Show
(Video) Watch out, world, Beyoncé is working her bootylicious curves.Jay-Z, Coldplay Entertain a Star-Studded Crowd in Las Vegas
Viva the New Year!The Five Most Fabulous New Year's Eve Parties!
For most people, New Year's Eve is the time to dress up and drink champagne. For celebrities, it's the time when they get paid to party and perform. And how!Oprah, Cameron & Perry top rich list
Oprah Winfrey and pal Tyler Perry have stormed to the top of Forbes magazine’s end-of-year rich list.Only the best for Beyonce
Beyonce got some sweet gifts yesterday. Her husband, Jay-Z, was spotted shopping at Hermes' plush Madison Avenue boutique on Christmas Eve. A spy reports, "Jay was in a private room of Hermes doing last-minute shopping. He had a guard standing watch outside. He spent $350,000 on Birkin bags, among other things." The buying binge took so long, Jay-Z missed his scheduled lunch at Nello, prompting the restaurateur to deliver his food to the store. Jay-Z has plenty to spend -- he's getting $1 million to perform at the opening of the Cosmopolitan hotel and casino in Vegas on New Year's Eve. His rep declined to comment.
Beyonce buys Jay-Z a $2 million Bugatti
Beyonce bought her hubby Jay-Z a $2 million Bugatti Veyron for his 41st birthday. The starlet had to wait a full year after ordering the Grand Sport edition because of the precision and attention to detail the carmakers spend on the vehicle, Britain's Sun reports. The Veyron can reach 255 mph and accelerates from 0-60 in 2.5 seconds. Beyoncé, who reportedly earned a combined $90 million with Jay- Z last year, paid for the car in full. Her reps didn't return our calls.
Grammy Nominations
Best Female Pop Vocal Performance
For a solo vocal performance. Singles or Tracks only.
King Of Anything
Sara Bareilles
Track from: Kaleidoscope Heart
[Epic]
Beyonce
Track from: I Am...Yours An Intimate Performance At Wynn Las Vegas
Chasing Pirates
Norah Jones
Track from: The Fall
[Blue Note Records]
Lady Gaga
Track from: The Fame Monster
[Streamline/KonLive/Cherrytree/Interscope]
Katy Perry
Track from: Teenage Dream
[Capitol Records]
B.o.B, Eminem & Hayley Williams
Track from: The Adventures Of Bobby Ray
[Rebel Rock/Grand Hustle/Atlantic]
Herbie Hancock, Pink, India.Arie, Seal, Konono No 1, Jeff Beck & Oumou Sangare
Track from: The Imagine Project
[Hancock Records]
If It Wasn't For Bad
Elton John & Leon Russell
[Decca]
Lady Gaga & Beyonce
Track from: The Fame Monster
[Streamline/KonLive/Cherrytree/Interscope]
Katy Perry & Snoop Dogg
Track from: Teenage Dream
[Capitol Records]
Beyoncé's Modeling Debut for Tom Ford Revealed!
(Photo) When Tom Ford made his official return to womenswear during New York Fashion Week this fall, only a select group of industry insiders were granted access to the lavish and ultra-exclusive runway show. The refined affair was so private that only one photographer was present and no photos were released, until now! Nearly three months later, Harper’s Bazaar U.K. has revealed the images in its January 2011 issue. And as if the perfectly appointed surroundings, extraordinary threads (sequins, feathers, fishnets!) weren’t enough, Ford cast Hollywood heavyweights including Beyoncé, Julianne Moore and Lauren Hutton as models in the show. In this snap shot, a turned out Beyoncé glints down the runway in a sequined sheath, embroidered fishnets and supersized hair, striking a perfect pose. “It was so much fun!” raved the singer post show. “It felt like a performance.” To check out the never-before-seen images from Tom Ford’s fashion tête-à-tête, visit harpersbazaar.co.uk, or pick up the January issue, on sale Dec. 6.
Beyoncé & Jay-Z Will Be Great Parents, Says Tina Knowles
She may have shot down pregnancy rumors last month but that doesn't mean Beyoncé's mother, Tina Knowles, isn't ready for her superstar daughter to join her sister Solange and give her a grandchild.Beyoncé Previews Her Thanksgiving Concert Special
(Order the the New DVD here!) The cranberry sauce won't be the only thing shaking this Thanksgiving. For the second straight year, ABC is airing a concert special by Beyoncé to funk up your Turkey Day.Celebs keep their jewels safe at Lorraine Schwartz launch
Some celebrities are loath to reveal where they store their jewelry. "Why, who's going to rob me?" said a defensive Blake Lively at the Lorraine Schwartz launch party at Lavo for Schwartz's 2BHAPPY jewelry line. "I can't tell you that because somebody will jack me," Ashanti replied. Mary J. Blige was brave enough to reveal, "I have a safe. It's so heavy you have to get probably 10 men to carry it out." Beyoncé hosted the event Monday and got into a serious late-night dance-off with Blige, Schwartz and Tyson Beckford in a private area near DJ Cassidy's turntables.
Beyonce promotes new DVD, `I AM ... WORLD TOUR'
(Order the the New DVD here!) Beyonce is tired of the baby rumors.Cynthia McFadden interviews Beyonce on Nightline (11/22)
Interview to Air on "Nightline" Monday, November 22 at 11:35 PM ET/PTBeyonce ad too hot for daytime TV
(Video) Beyonce's fiery new TV advert for her perfume Heat is too hot for British viewers to handle as the commercial has been banned from the small screen in the daytime.Beyonce's parents' divorce axed
Beyonce's parents Mathew and Tina Knowles have had their divorce case dismissed after failing to appear in court.Jay-Z Says Beyoncé Is Not Pregnant
Jay-Z has one (final) word (for now) on wife Beyoncé's possible pregnancy: No.Hollywood's highest-earning women
Hollywood's leading ladies have plenty to boast about financially, until you compare their pay checks to those of their male counterparts.People's Choice Awards 2011 Nominees
Winners will be revealed during the live broadcast of the PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARDS 2011 at the Nokia Theater, L.A. Live on Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2011 (9:00-11:00 PM, live ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network. Tickets to the awards show are now available for fans to purchase through Ticketmaster. Voting begins today at http://www.peopleschoice.com for the finalists in all 44 categories and will end on Dec. 7, 2010, except for "Favorite New TV Drama" and "Favorite New TV Comedy," which will remain open for voting until the night of show.
Airplanes - B.o.B featuring Hayley Williams of Paramore
California Gurls - Katy Perry featuring Snoop Dogg
Love the Way You Lie - Eminem featuring Rihanna
OMG - Usher featuring Will.i.am
Telephone - Lady Gaga featuring Beyoncé
Beyoncé
Katy Perry
Lady Gaga
P!nk
Rihanna
Alicia Keys
Beyoncé
Mary J. Blige
Ne-Yo
Usher
Baby - Justin Bieber featuring Ludacris
Love the Way You Lie - Eminem featuring Rihanna
Teenage Dream - Katy Perry
Telephone - Lady Gaga featuring Beyoncé
Waka Waka - Shakira featuring Freshlyground
Sighting
BEYONCÉ buying tight- fitting bodysuits, leggings and tops at American Apparel right before Halloween
Beyonce has Thanksgiving special on ABC
Beyonce (bee-AHN'-say) and the ABC network may become a Thanksgiving tradition.Jay-Z: Beyonce 'not pregnant'
Jay-Z has spoken out to officially dismiss rumours he is expecting a baby with his wife Beyonce - insisting the pop superstar is definitely not pregnant.Reba McEntire takes on Beyonce
Country music veteran Reba McEntire says before she covered the Beyonce chart-topper If I Were A Boy, she didn't really know the tune.Beyoncé & Jay-Z's 'Lovey-Dovey' Miami Visit
With rumors swirling that Beyoncé is expecting her first child, the singer was content to play the role of supportive wife during a party in Miami Beach with hubby Jay-Z on Wednesday night.Tina Knowles: Beyoncé Is Not Pregnant
Tina Knowles said her daughter Beyoncé is not pregnant.Report: Beyonce is pregnant
Beyonce is at the centre of a baby riddle in the U.S. following reports she is pregnant.Michelle Obama More Powerful Than Oprah, Lady Gaga and...Chelsea Handler!
Michelle Obama is more than the first lady of the United States.Beyoncé Surprises Today Show, Hoda's Head Nearly Explodes
What would you do if Beyoncé surprised you at work? Throw whatever you were holding straight into the air? Sit there, mouth agape at her presence? Fumble through a statement an octave higher than usual?Couple Watch
Beyoncé and Jay-Z, dancing in their seats as Alicia Keys and Sade performed "Love Is Stronger Than Pride" at the Black Ball in New York, benefitting the Keep a Child Alive foundation. And Knowles kept on dancing as her hubby took the stage to perform his big hit, "Empire State of Mind," alongside Keys. When she was done performing with the rapper, a pregnant Keys received a big hug from new hubby Swizz Beatz, who was waiting for her off-stage.
Beyoncé Makes Her Mark With Deréon Temporary Tattoos
(Photo) After effortlessly pulling off a stylish motorcycle maven in her fall/winter 2010 Deréon ad campaign, Beyoncé and her mother Tina Knowles have decided to add temporary tattoos to the sportswear collection. “We decided to invite Temptu to help us create custom body art for her to model with our fashions,” Tina Knowles, Deréon’s founder, designer and creative director, told WWD. “The resulting images were so strong that we realized consumers might want to re-create the tattoos themselves.” On Nov. 1, Deréon and airbrush makeup firm Temptu will release a limited edition collection of both basic and deluxe temporary tattoos to adorn and toughen up your look. The waterproof tattoos will be offered in Deréon’s signature fleur icon and in chains, spider designs, rocker bolts and jewel baubles-giving you a two to five-day edge. The $16-basic kit has eight tattoos and all the pieces needed to affix the designs on your skin, while the online-only deluxe kit will retail for $34 and includes a signed photo of Beyoncé as well as a chance to win a trip to New York. To pull your biker-chick look together, visit Sephora or dereon.com.
Couple Watch
After a successful performance at Yankee Stadium, Jay-Z celebrated with a bash at his 40/40 Club in N.Y.C., with his wife Beyoncé and a who's who of guests (like LeBron James). The couple entered and walked down a main staircase together, soaking up congratulations from fans and well-wishers.
Beyoncé Walks in Top Secret Tom Ford Runway Show
Much has been made of Tom Ford’s long-anticipated return to womenswear, and it seems the wait was more than worth it! In true Tom Ford fashion, the former Gucci and YSL designer secured none other than Beyoncé and a slew of other iconic faces to parade down his ultra-exclusive N.Y.C. runway on Sunday evening. According to WWD, Ford described the high-wattage models, who also included Julianne Moore, Daphne Guinness and catwalk queen Chanel Iman, as “the world’s most inspirational women.” And one in particular, certainly enjoyed storming the catwalk. “It was so much fun,” Beyoncé told WWD after the show, which Ford personally narrated. “It felt like a performance. It had the energy of a live show. It’s great to see people have fun in fashion.” Although access to the refined affair was so private that only one photographer was present and no photos were released, some lucky style-savvy guests took to their Twitter to provide a glimpse of what is sure to be one the most talked about events of New York Fashion Week. “Tom Ford gorgeousness: silk fringe gown, crisp tuxedos in blk and white, leopard pantsuits, corsets under peekaboo gowns and lace kneeboots” Tweeted Elle creative director and The City star Joe Zee. And while it may be awhile before we get to see the glamorous designs Tom has in store for spring, we’re happy to wait just a little bit longer.
2010 VMA Winners
Best Collaboration: "Telephone" - Lady Gaga featuring Beyonce
Video of the Year: "Telephone" - Lady Gaga (Featuring Beyonce)
Sightings
Beyoncé celebrated her 29th birthday with a dance party at The Darby in N.Y.C. alongside famous pals like Diddy, an expectant Alicia Keys and Kanye West. Hubby Jay-Z organized the private bash, while DJ Cassidy spun tunes, including Stevie Wonder's version of "Happy Birthday," which was played shortly before cake was served. There was also a jazz band, and a source says the party was "perfect" and "very intimate."
Lawsuit over Beyonce music video filming dismissed
A Los Angeles man who sued Beyonce Knowles claiming a music video shoot "shattered" his privacy has dismissed the case.Jay-Z throws Beyonce big b-day bash
Jay-Z threw an intimate party to celebrate wife Beyoncé's 29th birthday on Saturday. He took over nightlife im presario Scott Sartiano's and Richie Akiva's about-to-open Chelsea restau-rant, The Darby, and invited friends including Alicia Keys, Serena Wil liams, Kanye West and Sean "Diddy" Combs to toast Beyonce . . . while DJ Cassidy took over the decks. A spy reports, "Jay brought a six-layer cake out for B, they were really affectionate. Cassidy played Stevie Wonder's 'Happy Birthday.' The party went on until 6 a.m. Both Jay and B's moms were there, but there was no sign of her father or her sister. Diddy was the last to leave. Jay filled the room with orchids."
Sightings
Beyoncé and Jay-Z dropped anchor in Saint-Tropez during their vacation at sea. The couple headed ashore to Club 55, where they lunched on a seafood platter, raw vegetables and champagne. After, the singer was spotted jet-skiing and catching some waves.
Naomi Campbell adds Quincy Jones, Jay-Z & Beyonce to crew
Quincy Jones is the latest addition to Naomi Campbell's Mediterranean cruise, but he'll be outshined when Jay-Z and Beyoncé board the boat in Capri, a source says. Naomi's billionaire beau, Vladimir Doronin, his 13-year-old daughter, Katya, and her friend Olivia Rothschild, daughter of socialite Anna Rothschild, have been at sea since Campbell had to testify at the war-crimes trial of Liberian dictator Charles Taylor, who allegedly gave the model blood diamonds.Beyoncé Will Have a Baby 'When I Am Ready'
The plan hasn't changed – she still wants a baby. But Beyoncé Knowles says she and husband Jay-Z aren't on a specific timetable for when it might happen.Michael Jordan parties with Jay-Z at Avenue
Partygoers at Chelsea lounge Avenue were amazed when Michael Jordan turned up at 1 a.m. Friday with Jay-Z. The NBA legend "was in a good mood, wearing a white button-down shirt with jeans and white sneakers. He was drinking scotch on the rocks," a spy said. Jordan sat at Jay and Beyoncé's table, then headed upstairs, where "he chatted to other guests before leaving around 2:45 a.m." Rick Ross, in a velour cardigan, performed for the packed club, while Fat Joe and DJ Cassidy ran the VIP lounge.
First Listen: Beyoncé's Dance-tastic Remix of 'Why Don't You Love Me'
Beyoncé may be on a break from making music, but her alter ego Sasha Fierce is still hard at work.Beyonce in topless photo shoot
Beyonce is set to shock her young fans after posing topless and covered in fake tattoos for a racy new photoshoot.Beyonce hits Brooklyn Bowl to support sister
Pop starlet Beyoncé was showing some sisterly love to her younger sibling, Solange Knowles, Friday night. Mrs. Jay-Z shocked bowlers and partygoers when she showed up casually dressed to Brooklyn Bowl in Williamsburg, where Solange was deejaying.J.Lo's butt the 'most famous'
Jennifer Lopez has beaten off competition from the curviest stars in showbiz to land the title for the most famous bottom in the world.2010 Teen Choice Award Winners
Choice R&B Artist: Beyoncé
2010 MTV Video Music Award Nominations
Video of the Year
• Lady Gaga, "Bad Romance"
• Florence + the Machine, "Dog Days Are Over"
• 30 Seconds to Mars, "Kings and Queens"
• Lady Gaga featuring Beyoncé, "Telephone"
• Eminem, "Not Afraid"
• B.o.B. featuring Hayley Williams, "Airplanes"
• B.o.B. featuring Hayley Williams, "Airplanes"
• Beyoncé featuring Lady Gaga, "Video Phone"
• Lady Gaga featuring Beyoncé, "Telephone"
• 3OH!3 featuring Ke$ha, "My First Kiss"
• Jay-Z and Alicia Keys, "Empire State of Mind"
• Lady Gaga, "Bad Romance"
• Ke$ha, "Tik Tok"
• Katy Perry featuring Snoop Dogg, "California Gurls"
• Beyoncé featuring Lady Gaga, "Video Phone"
• Taylor Swift, "Fifteen"
• Lady Gaga, "Bad Romance"
• Katy Perry featuring Snoop Dogg, "California Gurls"
• Ke$ha, "Tik Tok"
• Beyoncé featuring Lady Gaga, "Video Phone"
• B.o.B. featuring Bruno Mars, "Nothin' On You"
• Lady Gaga, "Bad Romance"
• Florence + the Machine, "Dog Days Are Over"
• Eminem, "Not Afraid"
• 30 Seconds to Mars, "Kings and Queens"
• Beyoncé featuring Lady Gaga, "Video Phone"
• Lady Gaga, "Bad Romance"
• Lady Gaga featuring Beyoncé, "Telephone"
• Beyoncé featuring Lady Gaga, "Video Phone"
• Usher featuring will.i.am, "OMG"
• Janelle Monae featuring Big Boi, "Tightrope"
Sightings
Beyonce and Jay-Z having a late-night dinner next to Cobra Starship lead singer Gabe Saporta at Macao Trading Co.
We Hear...
Beyonce Knowles dining at Strip House, taking over a corner table with a small group of girlfriends and sharing food and wine until closing time.
We Hear...
That Amber Sabathia will throw husband CC a 30th-birthday bash at the 40/40 Club Sunday night with 300 guests, including all his Yankee teammates as well as Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Fabolous, Young Jeezy and Selita Ebanks
Beyonce nearly hit by London cab
Beyonce had a close call during a shopping trip on Tuesday after a taxi reportedly ripped off the door of her private car moments before she stepped out.Sightings
Jay-Z & Beyoncé, R&B singer Maxwell, Chris Rock, Adam Sandler, Naomi Campbell and Andre Harrell paying homage to the King of Pop at 1Oak's second annual Michael Jackson tribute party.
Sightings
Jay-z and Beyoncé dining with LeBron James at the Waverly Inn, no doubt trying to persuade him to come to the Nets.
Oprah Regains the Power in Celeb Land
You can't keep Oprah Winfrey down for long.Couple Watch
Beyoncé and Jay-Z, celebrating Solange's birthday and the one-year anniversary of club Avenue at the New York hot spot. The couple arrived after midnight – and Jay-Z requested a cake and some Ace of Spades champagne in honor of the birthday gal, who also spun at the party with DJ Reach. The couple sat with friends and were "very affectionate with each other and just chill," a source says.
2010 BET Award Winners
Video of the Year - Beyonce and Lady GaGa, Video Phone
Record label worried about rift between Beyonce, dad
Beyonce Knowles is still refusing to speak to her dad and manager, Matthew Knowles, after he fathered a love child with a woman 20 years his junior -- and suits at her record label fear the rift could damage her career.Could Reba and Beyoncé Be the Next Matchup on CMT Crossroads?
The long anticipated CMT Crossroads featuring Keith Urban and John Mayer will finally air Friday night. Having teased viewers with a sneak peek and a rousing performance of "Hit the Ground Runnin" at the CMT Awards, fans will now be able to enjoy a full hour of watching the guitar mavens do what they do best.2010 Teen Choice Awards nominees
The two-hour event airs Monday, Aug. 9 at 8 p.m. on FOX. Starting Monday, June 14, fans ages 13-19 can vote once each day at www.teenchoiceawards.com.
Beyoncé
Alicia Keys
Rihanna
Trey Songz
Usher
Jay-Z, Beyoncé Rely on Each Other to Know What's Cool
If Beyoncé ever decides to stop performing, there's another career husband Jay-Z says he knows she'll be able to conquer.Destiny's Child Still Not Reuniting Despite Tired Rumors
Hear the one about Destiny's Child reuniting? Us, either.Beyonce, Kelly Rowland still close
Beyonce Knowles and Kelly Rowland are still tight after their days together as members of Destiny's Child.FHM Magazine: 100 Sexiest Women for 2010
100. Elle Liberachi
99. Bilie Piper
98. Rochelle Wisemann
97. Freida Pinto
96. Lacey Turner
95. Eva Longoria
94. Giselle Bunchen
93. Georgie Thompson
92. Lady Gaga
91. Ali Larter
90. Alice Coulthard
89. Sasha Grey
88. Sienna Miller
87. Danielle Bux
86. Helen Flanagan
85. Christine Bleakley
84. Vikki Blows
83. Charlotte Church
82. Sugababes
81. Jennifer Aniston
80. Lindsay Lohan
79. Shakira
78. Christina Hendricks
77. Rosie Jones
76. Blake Liveley
75. Alexandra Burke
74. Zoe Salmon
73. Nicole Scherzinger
72. Katie Cassidy
71. Lily Allen
70. Angelina Jolie
69. Jessica Michibata
68. Olga Kurylenko
67. Gabriella Cilmi
66. Kara Tointon
65. Elin Nordgeren
64. Beyonce
63. Natalie Portman
62. Emily Atack
61. Candice Swanpoel
60. Taylor Swift
59. Nadine Coyle
58. January Jones
57. Bar Refaeli
56. Charlize Theron
55. Ana Ivanovic
54. Keira Knightley
53. Kristen Bell
52. Olivia Munn
51. Holly Willoughby
50. Doutzen Kroes
49. Michelle Ryan
48. Rachel McAdams
47. Evangeline Lilly
46. Jennifer Metcalfe
45. Pixie Lott
44. Britney Spears
43. Rihanna
42. Vanessa Hudgens
41. Kate Beckinsale
40. Dannii Minogue
39. Elizabeth Banks
38. Alessandra Ambrosio
37. Katy Perry
36. Miranda Kerr
35. Sarah Harding
34. Rachel Bilson
33. Elisha Cuthbert
32. Rachel Stevens
31. Jessica Biel
30. Michelle Keegan
29. Emma Watson
28. Kristen Kreuk
27. Rosie Huntingdon-Whitely
26. Summer Glau
25. Amber Heard
24. Zoe Saldana
23. Scarlett Johansson
22. Gemma Arterton
21. Eliza Dushku
20. Ashley Greene
19. Una Healey
18. Olivia Wilde
17. Diora Baird
16. Audrina Patridge
15. Tulisa
14. Mila Kunis
13. Kaya Scodelario
12. Hayden Panettire
11. Eva Mendes
10. Abbey Clancy
9. Jessica Alba
8. Adriana Lima
7. Kelly Brook
6. Kristen Stewart
5. Keeley Hazell
4. Frankie Sandford
3. Marisa Miller
2. Megan Fox
1. Cheryl Cole
Man sues Beyonce; claims video shoot trespassing
A man living across from a video shoot for Beyonce Knowles in the Hollywood Hills is suing the singer for nuisance and trespassing, claiming his privacy was invaded by unnecessary noise and crowds.Beyonce, Rodrigo y Gabriela to sing at WH dinner
Beyonce is set to perform at the White House state dinner for Mexican President Felipe Calderon (fay-LEE'-pay kahl-duh-ROHN').Sighting
Calling all the single ladies! After joining hubby Jay-Z at a Yankees game in New York, Beyoncé stepped out on her own to celebrate a pal's birthday at Manhattan hot spot Provocateur. A source tells PEOPLE the singer "laughed with the birthday girl" before making a quick exit.
Jay-Z, Beyonce to compete at 2010 BET awards
Rapper Jay-Z and his wife, Beyonce, will compete in three categories at the 2010 BET Awards.Pa. town engulfed by rumors about Beyonce, Jay-Z
Hey, didja hear the news? Beyonce and Jay-Z are moving to Schuylkill County, Pa.!Julia, Kristen, Reese, Anyone Named Jennifer and R.Pattz Among "Most Beautiful"
Hard as it may be to believe, this week's People magazine actually had two cover stories. We know, shocking.Beyonce pulls out of 'Star is Born'
Russell Crowe has confirmed reports he's in talks to take on Kris Kristofferson's role in a remake of Barbara Streisand movie A Star is Born - but Beyonce is no longer attached to the project.Beyoncé Joins Jay-Z And Glut of Stars at Coachella
(Video) Jay-Z and Beyonce were in a Coachella state of mind this weekend, as the couple headed to the desert for Jay's Friday performance at the fest. Not only was B there to support her hubby, she also joined him on stage to sing "Forever Young" later in his set.Keys' Beyonce duet delayed
Alicia Keys is postponing the release of her much-anticipated collaboration with Beyonce until the summer - so she can put out a track with Canadian star Drake.Not Fierce! Beyoncé's YouTube Page Blocked by Sony
First we find out Beyoncé's not pregnant, now her infamous music videos are on lockdown?!Beyoncé and Jay-Z Not Expecting a Baby
Fans who can't wait to see Beyoncé Knowles and Jay-Z start a family will have to be patient. Despite an online report that the singer is pregnant, a source close to Beyoncé tells PEOPLE the story is "not true." In the past, Knowles, 28, has spoken about her desire to start a family with her husband, 40. "I hope that those things will just happen naturally," she told Allure magazine for its February issue. The pair, who were married in a secret ceremony, celebrate their second anniversary April 4. The pregnancy rumor surfaced the same week a paternity test confirmed that Knowles's dad, Mathew, 58, is the father of a baby boy, according to a TMZ report. A rep for Beyoncé had no comment about the pregnancy report.
Paternity Test Confirms Beyoncé's Dad a Dad Again
It appears that Beyoncé Knowles has a new half-brother.Beyoncé's Perfume Sells $3 Million-In Just One Month!
Is it getting hot in here or is it just Beyoncé’s ‘Heat’? The diva’s first fragrance, launched last month exclusively at Macy’s, has been setting sparks off the shelves with its scorching success. Not only did the signature scent nab the honor of being the number one brand at Macy’s, but it has already sold around $3 million in its first month out — 72,000 bottles alone in a single hour during an in-person N.Y.C. appearance by the star, according to WWD. The fragrance–a mix of magnolia, neroli and blush peach scents–retails for $39-$59. To get your own bottle of the best-selling scent, go to Macy’s.com to purchase Beyoncé Heat!
Sighting
Now that's how you follow up a big show at Madison Square Garden! Robin Thicke celebrated his 33rd birthday at New York hot spot 1Oak with Beyoncé and Jay-Z by his side. The singer, who opened for Alicia Keys at the arena, started the night with an intimate dinner at Abe & Arthur's with his dad Alan and pals, before continuing on to 1Oak for cake, drinks and music by DJ Sinatra.
Jail, Poison, Beyonce: Lady Gaga Debuts Her Latest Brainchild
After months of anticipation, Lady Gaga and Beyonce have finally released their full-length video for "Telephone" — all nine minutes and thirty seconds of penises, prison lesbians, and murder. Hide the kids!Beyonce gives back to addicts
Beyonce Knowles has thanked staff and students at the New York substance abuse centre where she researched her role in movie Cadillac Records by returning to open a new cosmetology school named in her honour.Jay-Z parties, carbo-loads with Beyonce, Diddy and A-Rod
Jay-Z needed to carbo-load after opening the North American leg of his BP3 tour in Miami last week with wife Beyoncé, Sean "Diddy" Combs and Alex Rodriguez in the audience. After the show, the group headed to Scarpetta in the Fontainebleau, where "they chowed on bowls of spaghetti," a spy reports.Beyonce tops best body poll
Enjoying a delicious meal: Beyoncé and husband Jay-Z. The two were in Houston, where they stopped by award-winning eatery Reef after the rapper's concert. Before leaving, Jay-Z shook chef Bryan Cawell's hand, pumped his fist and praised the restaurant's crab cakes.
Beyonce tops best body poll
Beyonce is the envy of British women - the R&B star has topped a poll of the most wanted celebrity bodies.Beyonce's undies spark lawsuit
Sony Music bosses are fighting legal action from underwear manufacturer Triumph amid accusations Beyonce’s lingerie in her Video Phone promo is a direct copy of one of their designs.Beyonce's dad ordered to pay up
Beyonce's music mogul father has been ordered to pay $8,200 -a-month in child support for his alleged lovechild.Kids' Choice Award Nominees
23rd Annual Nickeolodeon Kids' Choice Awards will be given out March 27 in Los Angeles.
Beyoncé Knowles
Miley Cyrus
Lady Gaga
Taylor Swift
Rep: No gunfight at Beyonce show
A representative for Beyonce has dismissed reports of a gun battle at her concert in Brazil last week, insisting the gig took place "without incident."Beyonce show ends in gun battle
A Beyonce concert in Brazil ended in terror when gunmen opened fire on fans outside the venue.Child queen, U.S. stars to light up Brazil Carnival
Rio de Janeiro's youngest Carnival queen, just 7 years old, is preparing to share the limelight with pop divas Madonna and Beyonce as Brazil's annual blow-out gets under way this week.Beyoncé Named Official Face of 'Fashion For Haiti' T-shirt
The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) has named Beyoncé as the official face of their limited-edition “Fashion For Haiti” T-shirt. The charitable tee features black and lime green graphics designed by Peter Arnell, who also created the CFDA’s iconic “Fashion for America” mended heart T-shirt that raised $2 million dollars following 9/11 for the Twin Towers Fund. As the spokesperson for “Fashion For Haiti,” Beyoncé has a message for all fashionistas: “Join me and the fashion industry by buying and wearing the Fashion for Haiti T-shirt. Together we can send a message of hope by raising much needed funds for the people of Haiti.” In addition to Beyoncé, fashion designers like Diane von Furstenberg, Ralph Lauren, Tory Burch, Tommy Hilfiger and more are rallying to promote the $25 knit. The CFDA will donate the net proceeds from each T-shirt to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund. Look for the tee to hit shops and e-boutiques on February 16. For more information and a full list of stores, visit CFDA.com.
Beyonce, Alicia Keys shoot music video in Rio slum
Grammy Award-winning singers Beyonce and Alicia Keys are filming a music video in Rio de Janeiro.Beyoncé's Dad Will "Certainly" Take Paternity Test
The quest to determine whether Beyoncé has a half-brother is picking up steam.Beyonce's fashion label getting sued
R&B superstar Beyonce has been hit with a breach of contract lawsuit from the bosses of a Hong Kong clothing manufacturer.Mystery of who paid Beyonce deepens
The mystery of who paid Beyoncé a reported $2 million to perform at a New Year's party at Nikki Beach in St. Barts deepens. The Libyan leader's bachelor son, Mutassim Billah Khadafy, photographed with his hair slicked back at the party, denies bankrolling the event. While the benefactor who paid Beyoncé remains secret, sources say a $185,000 payment for the bash, attended by Jay-Z, Jon Bon Jovi and Usher, was wired to Nikki Beach by Malta-based financier Joseph Sammut. Meanwhile, Mutassim is annoyed at Europeans who keep confusing him with his violent brother, Hannibal, who was not at the party.
Beyonce & Jay-Z make up at Grammys
Jay-Z didn't seem amused when an emotional Beyoncé thanked him as her "husband" onstage at the Grammys. Sources say he was taken aback because they don't like to talk publicly about being married. A source at the show said, "He appeared startled and a little exasperated." But the couple, who wed amid strict secrecy in 2008, was later all smiles at the Sony BMG party at the Beverly Hills Hotel, where they celebrated Beyoncé's record six awards. A spy said, "They were holding hands and looking happy."Sightings
Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony held court with a who's who of stars – everyone from Rihanna to six-time Grammy winner Beyoncé – at music mogul L.A. Reid's post-Grammy Awards dinner party at Cecconi's in West Hollywood. Lopez had some girl talk with Nicole Richie, before settling down to the table, while Anthony and Joel Madden stood nearby. Soon, Glee star Matthew Morrison joined his possible future costar Lopez at the table, and the two giggled and chatted like "old pals," an onlooker says. Guests enjoyed food like Kobe beef and gorgonzola sliders and wild mushroom risotto, while the Grammy telecast played on television screens in the restaurant.Winners! 2010 Grammys
Female Pop Vocal Performance: Beyoncé, "Halo"Grammy Quotes
"Wow, thank you so much. This has been such an amazing night for me." — Beyonce Knowles after receiving her award for best female pop vocals, her sixth award Sunday.
Beyonce's six appeal dominates Grammys
R&B diva Beyonce dominated the 52nd Grammys here Sunday with six awards, edging out country star Taylor Swift who finished the music industry extravaganza with four prizes.Grammy Performances to YouTube
Six-time winner Beyoncé marched toward the stage in an armor-like costume, flanked by foot soldiers. The pop diva was clearly channeling her Sasha Fierce alter-ego as she poured out her hit "If I Were a Boy," complete with a sassy crotch grab and plenty of hair-tossing. But then, when you thought she was done, the singer launched into a revved-up cover of Alanis Morissette's angst-ridden "You Oughta Know."
Beyoncé's Big Night
The night's biggest winner, though, was another leading lady: Beyoncé, who claimed six of the 10 Grammys for which she was nominated, including song of the year for "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)," and best female pop vocal performance for "Halo." Winning six trophies in a single night earns her a place in Grammy history – no other female artist has accomplished that feat.Beyonce poised to add to Grammy total
Besides being one of the most popular singers on the planet, Beyonce has gotten plenty of accolades over her career. Now a veteran, she's won a caseload of Grammys for her solo work and also with Destiny's Child.Sightings
Beyoncé danced the night away and caught up with former Destiny's Child member Michelle Williams at a Haiti relief benefit at The Eldridge in downtown New York. Not far away, her hubby Jay-Z made the rounds, chatting up the club owners. The couple also sipped Belvedere cocktails and enjoyed tunes spun by Knowles's sister Solange, who played a soundtrack of Prince and Michael Jackson hits.
Sightings
One night before performing on the Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief telethon from London, Beyoncé was in Paris, where she stepped out for dinner at L'Avenue off the Champs-Elysees with hubby Jay-Z. "They looked so elegant together," an onlooker says.
Downey Jr., Beyonce in 'Born' remake?
Robert Downey Jr. and Beyonce are tipped to take the lead roles in a new remake of 1930s movie classic A Star Is Born.Beyoncé Wants a Baby - Someday
Before a baby, what Beyoncé really wants is some R & R.Sightings
That Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis made it to the birthday bash of Hot 97's Angie Martinez the other night at Quo, along with Jay-Z, Beyoncé and Grand Master Flash, but skipped the party his pal Osi Umenyiora threw for Osi's Giants teammates Kevin Dockery and Terrell Thomas the following night at Hudson Terrace.
Hollywood's top-earning couples
The indisputable king and queen of the hip-hop prom are Jay-Z and Beyonce Knowles. The couple, who quietly married in 2008, not only produce and sing some of the biggest hits on the charts (including "Single Ladies" and "Empire State of Mind") but they oversee clothing lines, perform around the world and endorse products from companies like American Express and Budweiser.Nintendo helps savvy singer Beyonce step up her style game
In a new commercial set to premiere on Nickelodeon, Beyoncé will be seen playing Style Savvy, a video game that turns players into managers of a virtual boutique.Beyonce is poised to take a well-deserved break in 2010
Beyonce's New Year's resolution is at once ambitious and surprising. The multitasking superstar, who was seemingly everywhere in 2009, hopes to spend a good chunk of 2010 not working.Beyonce sings for a Khadafy
Beyonce performed for an hour on New Year's Eve at a party thrown by terror-backing Libyan dictator Moammar Khadafy's son, Hannibal, who has a long record of violence against women.INSIDE STORY: The Making of Beyoncé's 'Single Ladies'
By now you should know Beyoncé's infectious tune by heart. It's the get-the-party-started anthem of the year, the fun kiss-off track that got Justin Timberlake dancing in a leotard on SNL, The Chipettes shaking their hips in Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel and fans of every age, shape and size posting tributes to YouTube.Swift, Beyonce to perform at Grammys
Taylor Swift and Beyonce will perform at the Grammy Awards next month.Sightings
A lovey-dovey Beyoncé and Jay-Z helped pal Robin Thicke launch his new album, Sex Therapy, with a bash at Butter in New York. The duo shared a table with hotelier Andre Balazs and his blonde friend, and they stayed glued together all night. Beyoncé sipped Svedka martinis and even sang along to some of Thicke's songs, while Jay-Z stuck to champagne. When Thicke pulled Leighton Meester on stage to perform their duet "Somebody to Love," Beyoncé was smiling and clapping along to the beats. Next, the couple moved the party downstairs, where they held court in a banquette together.
Beyonce's parents confirm divorce
Beyonce's parents Mathew and Tina Knowles have broken their silence to confirm they are heading for divorce.Beyoncé Launches Her First Fragrance: Beyoncé Heat
Beyoncé’s first fragrance, Beyoncé Heat, doesn’t arrive in stores until February, but the singer says her fans already love it — and she loves it, too! “I’m so happy with it,” the singer tells WWD. “I’ve been working on it for a while now. I was on tour for a year, and I have meet-and-greets with fans. I’ve never in my life gotten so many compliments. Coty has their own testing, but that was my testing! The fans loved it. They were like, ‘I love that, I’m getting that, why isn’t it out right now? I need it!” The singer took inspiration for the fragrance’s name from previous tours, explaining, “A lot of my performances have had fire involved, so we thought ‘Heat.’ Also, red is one of my favorite colors, as is gold.” The singer looked to the past for the bottle’s design. “I wanted something with an antique yet modern feeling,” she said. “Even with my wardrobe, I always try to find things that have a little bit of something vintage, yet still timeless and classic.” Beyoncé, who has been the face of Tommy Hilfiger’s True Star and Giorgio Armani’s Emporio Diamonds fragrances, said it was the first time she started from scratch on a project. “Everything, from the bottle design to the name and the ideas for the commercials–that’s me. When I commit to something, I do it 100 percent,” she said. Beyoncé Heat, with top notes of red vanilla orchid, magnolia, neroli and blush peach, will include eaux de parfum in three sizes, as well as a sparkling body lotion, priced between $39-$59. Look for it in department and specialty stores, like Macy’s. Read more about Beyoncé at WWD.com.
Beyonce's mom files for divorce
Beyonce’s mother Tina has filed for divorce from the superstar's manager father Mathew Knowles. Stylist Tina Knowles began legal proceedings to put an end to her 29-year marriage in Harris County, Texas last month, according to TMZ.com. The reason behind the split has yet to be revealed, but the news comes just weeks after Mathew was targeted in a paternity lawsuit from Los Angeles resident Alexsandra Wright. Pregnant Wright, who works in the name-branding business, claims Beyonce's dad is the father of her unborn child, which is due in spring 2010. The Knowles wed in 1980 and have two children: the Crazy In Love hitmaker and her younger sister Solange.
In Thicke of it
Robin Thicke returned to his roots for his new album-release party, hosting the bash at Butter, where he celebrated his first album seven years ago. The crooner, who was full of surprises at the soiree, treated stars including Usher, Michelle Trachtenberg and John Legend to a full concert, taking over a stage with a 10-piece band and pulling Leighton Meester from the audience to join him in singing "Somebody To Love" as her beau, Sebastian Stan, cracked up. While Thicke performed, Beyoncé and Jay-Z held court at a table with Andre Balazs, who brought along a blond guest. "Beyoncé was really enjoying the performance. She sang along to Robin's songs and smiled and clapped as Leighton performed while drinking Svedka martinis," said a spy. Butter owners Scott Sartiano and Richie Akiva had another reason to celebrate: They're opening an outpost of the Lafayette Street hot spot next year in Charlotte, NC.
Beyonce joins the fun
Beyonce took the interactive vibe of "Fuerza Bruta: Look Up" to heart Saturday night, trying to learn the choreography during the high-energy dance spectacle's "murga" section, where dancers stomp on large platforms. And when a large piece of silver material was pulled over the heads of the audience, the singer gleefully ran under it, mingling with the performers and fellow show-goers. Our spies said Beyoncé's more sedate hubby, Jay-Z, smiled throughout the show but didn't try to get in on the act.
Jay-Z's a popular boss
Jay-Z and Beyoncé were in fine spirits at the holiday party for the rapper's Rocawear label at Hudson Terrace the other night. We hear the staff's Christmas gift to him was a video spoof of his hit single, "Empire State of Mind" -- starring his assistants, secretaries, interns and designers. "The couple stood and cheered and took time to pose for pictures and sign autographs for everyone's kids," says a spy. "They were pretty great."
Billboard's top 20 artists of the year
Taylor Swift is forced to share a stage with Kaye West again. This time, she'll probably like the experience a bit better. Swift and West are side by side as Top Female and Top Male Artist of the Year on Billboard's year-end charts.Amy, Beyonce, Kanye, made decade's best albums
The first decade of the new millennium produced some amazing albums, CDs that should go down with the best works of art. You might not find those albums on this list — which doesn't mean this list isn't the best of the decade.Sightings
THAT Beyoncé flew DJ Jus-Ske to the Dominican Republic as a surprise for Jay-Z's birthday and for the party Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz threw for their album release at Boom Boom Room.
Beyonce talking Vegas shows with Wynn, but no deal
Wynn Las Vegas officials say they're in preliminary talks with Beyonce to bring the superstar singer back to the Las Vegas resort.Tropical b-day treats
Beyonce pulled out all the stops for her husband Jay-Z's 40th birthday party at Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic. The 60-odd guests at the '20s-themed fete included Kanye West and girlfriend Amber Rose, Sean Combs and girlfriend Kim Porter, Alex Rodriguez and Kate Hudson, Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys, Warner Music chief Lyor Cohen and designer Tory Burch, plus DJ Cassidy, who spun for the party. "Diddy gave a toast," says our insider. "Jay-Z's friends also put together a video saying how much they love him." The festivities, which featured synchronized swimmers, fireworks and an impromptu performance of "Empire State of Mind" by Jay-Z and Keys, lasted until 5 a.m. The next day, our source said, Beyoncé presided over a surf-and-turf brunch for guests at the luxury villa where she and Jay-Z were staying.
THE 52nd ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARD Nominations
"THE 52nd ANNUAL GRAMMY® AWARDS," LIVE JAN. 31, 2010, ON THE CBS TELEVISION NETWORK.
"I Am...Sasha Fierce" - Beyoncé
"The E.N.D. " - The Black Eyed Peas
"The Fame" - Lady Gaga
"Big Whiskey And The Groogrux King" - Dave Matthews Band
"Fearless" - Taylor Swift
"Halo" - Beyoncé
"I Gotta Feeling" - The Black Eyed Peas
"Use Somebody" - Kings Of Leon
"Poker Face" - Lady Gaga
"You Belong With Me" - Taylor Swift
"Poker Face" - Lady Gaga & RedOne, songwriters (Lady Gaga)
"Pretty Wings" - Hod David & Musze, songwriters (Maxwell)
"Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)" - Thaddis Harrell, Beyoncé Knowles, Terius Nash & Christopher Stewart, songwriters (Beyoncé)
"Use Somebody" - Caleb Followill, Jared Followill, Matthew Followill & Nathan Followill, songwriters (Kings Of Leon)
"You Belong With Me" - Liz Rose & Taylor Swift, songwriters (Taylor Swift)
Best Rap/Sung Collaboration:
"Ego" - Beyoncé & Kanye West
"Knock You Down" - Keri Hilson, Kanye West & Ne-Yo
"Run This Town" - Jay-Z, Rihanna & Kanye West
"I'm On A Boat" - The Lonely Island & T-Pain
"Dead & Gone" - T.I. & Justin Timberlake
Did Beyoncé-Honoring Soul Train Make a Single Lady of Braxton?
Warning: Performing at the 2009 Soul Train Awards can be hazardous to your marriage.Beyonce announces album plans for 2010
During the last U.K. stop of her "I Am..." tour at the Trent FM Arena in Nottingham, England, Beyonce announced that she plans to release a new album next year.Winners at the American Music Awards
Soul-R&B: Female artist: Beyonce
Beyonce's bags get own hotel room
Beyonce proved her superstar status in Britain earlier this week - she hired an extra hotel suite to store her designer stage outfits.Historian says Beyonce 'stupid'
Beyonce has come under fire for her lack of knowledge about ancient Egypt - by the country's Indiana Jones.ABC AIRS BEYONCÉ AND PAUL MCCARTNEY SPECIALS ON THANKSGIVING (11/26)
On Thanksgiving night, November 26, the ABC Network will air back-to-back hours from two of the world's biggest music stars, Beyoncé and Paul McCartney. Both specials will incorporate rarely seen footage of Beyoncé and Paul McCartney, revealing interviews from the artists and their unique musical performances.2010 People's Choice Awards nominees
Nominees for the People's Choice Awards are out, and the people choose vampires.Beyonce bountiful in Berlin at MTV Europe Awards with 3 wins
Berlin loves Beyonce.Islamic critics call Beyonce tour 'insolent sex party'
As Egypt gears for pop diva Beyonce Knowles' first performance in North Africa, Islamic conservatives are branding her show an "insolent sex party" that threatens the Muslim nation's "social peace and stability."Beyonce preps live discs, ABC special
Beyonce will later this month release a live concert DVD and companion CD, and a new song, "Video Phone" featuring Lady Gaga.'Single Ladies' is Tom Hanks' song of 2009
Tom Hanks is down with the single ladies.Gaga Channels Beyoncé for Their Video Collaboration; Becomes "Gee-Yoncé"
Is Lady Gaga abandoning her wacky fashion sense? No, thankfully, but for her video collaboration with Beyoncé, the zany dresser channeled the sexy and sleek style of the R&B pop princess — so well, she was nicknamed “Gee-yoncé” during the making of the video. Paparazzi photos from the “Video Phone” shoot show Gaga in an outfit that looks in line with Beyoncé’s sleeker style — a white strapless leotard, matching opera gloves and long, flowing hair. “When I was doing her video with her, she called me, and she said, ‘What do you want to do?’” Gaga revealed in an interview with New York’s Z100 radio station on Tuesday morning. “And I’m like, ‘I don’t want to show up in some frickin’ hair bow and be fashion Gaga in your video.’ I said, ‘I want to do you.’” In the same interview, Gaga said she just wanted to “do my version of Beyoncé, so the whole time I was learning the choreography they were calling me Gee-yoncé.” “Video Phone” is Beyoncé’s next single from the album “I Am…Sasha Fierce.” Gaga also mentioned that she and Beyoncé are working on music together, but did not elaborate on the details. We can’t wait for that to happen!
Beyonce, Maxwell, Keri Hilson lead Soul Train noms
With four nominations each, Beyonce, Keri Hilson and Maxwell head the list of nominees for the Soul Train Awards.Beyoncé Bails on Malaysia Gig
Seems like Sasha Fierce isn't putting up much of a fight.Beyonce recording with Lady GaGa
Beyonce is set for another major musical collaboration - she's working on a secret project with Lady GaGa.2009 American Music Awards Nominees
The ceremony will be broadcast live on Nov. 22.
Beyoncé
Lady Gaga
Taylor Swift
Beyoncé
Keyshia Cole
Keri Hilson
I Am…Sasha Fierce, Beyoncé
The E.N.D., Black Eyed Peas
Number Ones, Michael Jackson
Beyoncé Says Kanye West Was "Standing Up for Art"
Beyoncé says Kanye West was "standing up for art" when he swiped the mic from Taylor Swift at the MTV VMAs.Sightings
After taking in the Grizzly Bear concert recently at the Williamsburg Waterfront Park, Jay-Z and Beyoncé were back in the Brooklyn neighborhood – and hipster hangout – for dinner. The two were spotted dining out at Marlow & Sons, where they sat "alone, cuddling in a corner," a source tells us.
Multitasker Beyonce thrives on hectic pace
Beyonce may be the hardest-working woman in showbiz.Beyonce's dad in paternity suit
Beyonce's manager/father is at the centre of a new paternity case, filed by a 30-something Los Angeles woman.Beyonce wins two MOBO awards each
British bands JLS and N-Dubz shared the limelight on Wednesday with U.S. star Beyonce after all three acts won two MOBO awards each celebrating black, urban music.
Best Newcomer - JLS
Best R&B/Soul Act - Keri Hilson
Best Hip Hop Act - Chipmunk
Best Video - "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)"/Beyonce
Best International Act - Beyonce
Best Song - "Beat Again"/JLS
Best Album - "Uncle B"/N-Dubz
Beyonce, Aerosmith to play at Abu Dhabi F1 race
An entertainment promoter says Beyonce and Aerosmith will headline concerts at the first ever Formula One race in Abu Dhabi.Beyonce won't be 'naughty girl' at Malaysia show
Beyonce Knowles has sung about partying like a "naughty girl," but Malaysians can expect her to be on her best behavior for a concert in this Muslim-majority country next month, the event's organizer said Thursday.McEntire praises Beyonce's professionalism
Kanye West, be glad Reba McEntire wasn't at the MTV Video Music Awards.2009 MTV Europe Music Award Nominees
Best Song: - Beyonce/Halo; Black Eyed Peas/I Got A Feeling; David Guetta featuring Kelly Rowland/When Love Takes Over; Kings Of Leon/Use Somebody; Lady Gaga/PokerfaceTry 2 - Beyonce to perform in Malaysia
Beyonce Knowles says she will perform in Malaysia in October, two years after canceling a show in this conservative Muslim-majority country after protesters threatened to disrupt the concert because of her sexy image and clothing.Beyonce sued by Abercrombie & Fitch over fragrance
A battle between the pop star and the fashion brand just turned fierce.Kate Winslet, Michelle Obama make People's best-dressed
British actress Kate Winslet lead the pack of People magazine's 10 best-dressed women of 2009, with U.S. first lady Michelle Obama chosen for "best accessible glamour."Beyonce To Create a Signature Scent!
Competition in the celebrity fragrance market just got a little fiercer. WWD reports that Beyonce has officially signed a deal with Coty Inc. — the same company who is responsible for Halle Berry, Sarah Jessica Paker and Gwen Stefani’s scents — to produce her own perfume. “For me, fragrance reflects a woman’s attitude and unique sense of style,” Beyonce told WWD. “While I love various perfumes, I haven’t found a scent that truly personifies me as a woman. Working with Coty, I was able to turn my ideal fragrance into a reality by creating an alluring and sophisticated fragrance; one that’s reflective of my inner power.” And while this is Beyonce’s first shot at creating a scent, the superstar singer has fronted fragrance campaigns such as Tommy Hillfiger’s True Star in 2004 and Emporio Armani’s Diamonds fragrance in 2007. No details on what her scent will smell like, but Beyonce’s fragrance is set to hit stores this spring. We can’t wait to smell it — and see the ad campaign!
List of video music award winners
A list of winners of the MTV Video Music Awards.Beyonce, Eminem Win VMAs as Kanye Rains on Taylor Swift's Parade
Beyonce, Eminem, Britney Spears and Taylor Swift all won Moonmen at Sunday's 2009 MTV Video Music Awards — the latter much to the chagrin of Kanye West. But what's an award show without some controversy from the rapper?Sighting
BEYONCÉ and Jay-Z getting into supercar prototype Devon GTX on Newtown Lane in East Hampton.
We Hear...
THAT Jay-Z will host the 10th-anniversary party of his publicist Ron Berkowitz's firm, Berk Communications, at 40/40 on Wednesday with such guests as Beyoncé, Tiki Barber, Elton Brand, Lance Bass and Robert Iler
Project Runway All-Star Sues Over Beyoncé's Tour Togs
Beyoncé's I Am… extravaganza is a tour de force. It also just became a tour de fierce.Billboard names Beyonce as 'Woman of the Year'
The year's not even over, but Billboard already knows who its woman of the year is — Beyonce (Bee-AHN'-say).Beyonce bodyguard questioned over paparazzi clash
A personal bodyguard of Beyonce Knowles has been questioned in Croatia after being caught on film clashing with a cameraman in the coastal resort of Dubrovnik.Beyonce's bodyguard, Croatian cameraman come to blows
A visit by Beyonce to the Croatian coastal resort of Dubrovnik reportedly ended with one of her bodyguards exchanging blows with a local journalist.Sighting
PAUL Shaffer dining at Nello after being interviewed by Vanity Fair's George Wayne about his new book, "We'll Be Here for the Rest of Our Lives," and bumping into Queen Latifah, Jay-Z and Beyoncé
Beyoncé to Guest Star on America's Best Dance Crew
Season 4 of MTV’s “Randy Jackson Presents America’s Best Dance Crew” features a second episode on Sunday, Aug. 16, spotlighting but one artist — Beyonce, who’ll be seen throughout in taped personal messages to each crew. Her appearances reveal instructions on which of her songs they’ll dance and what will be their specific challenge.Man accused of Jay-Z, Beyonce threat
A Detroit man has been charged with sending letters threatening to kill celebrities, including Beyonce and Jay-Z and former football star Jerome Bettis.Beyonce, Lady Gaga top MTV music award nominees
Pop stars Beyonce and Lady Gaga on Tuesday each earned nine nominations for next month's MTV Video Music Awards, more than any other artist, while Britney Spears continued her musical comeback with seven nods.Beyonce and friends to rock Formula 1 night race
Formula One's only night race is expected to be louder and more melodic this year with the appearance of Beyonce and other global music stars at the first "F1 Rocks" concert, organizers said on Tuesday.Sighting
Beyoncé, enjoying a late-night dinner with hubby Jay-Z at LAVO Italian Restaurant and Nightclub in Sin City. The low-key couple, dressed down in jeans and sweatshirts, ate in a corner booth at 11:30 p.m., following her concert at Encore Las Vegas. The next night, the rapper returned to the East Coast for his 80 minute headlining performance at the All Points West Music & Arts Festival at Liberty State Park in Jersey City, N.J. Meanwhile, Courtney Love was spotted backstage at the festival with daughter Frances Bean, popping her head into the press tent but then getting camera shy and running away.
Concert Review: Beyonce - Molson Amphitheatre, Toronto - July 20, 2009
Pop-R&B diva Beyonce lived up to her on-stage alter-ego -- Sasha Fierce -- last night at the Molson Amphitheatre.Sighting
Tom Cruise, doing the famous "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" dance at Beyoncé's concert at L.A.'s Staples Center. "Everyone was laughing and taking pictures," a concertgoer tells us of the scene. When the actor originally arrived – sans wife Katie Holmes, who is filming her new movie in Australia – he waved and smiled at fans who stood up and cheered when they saw him walk in. Cruise then settled in next to the sound booth where he sang (and danced!) along all night.Despite glitzy gimmicks, Beyonce connects with fans
Beyonce recently topped Forbes' list of the richest stars under 30, but she clearly is not hoarding the money: A ton of it must have been spent on her latest spectacle of a tour."Soul Train" vaults opened for DVD deal
Fans of television's long-running "Soul Train" will now have the chance to purchase DVDs of the pioneering dance show.Beyonce's "Fierce" Clothing Line Goes Back-to-School
America’s high schools are about to get a lot more stylish come fall. In partnership with her mom Tina Knowles and their existing design label House of Dereon, Beyonce plans to launch her junior apparel label, Sasha Fierce for Dereon just in time for back-to-school, reports WWD. The brand’s name, of course, plays off the singer’s on-stage alter ego, and will encompass everything from sportswear to shoes, jewelry and eyewear. And while the main collection includes more simple staple pieces, like a one-shoulder dress, a bodysuit, jackets and jeans, the collection’s accessories, Tina reveals, “are really over the top.”
Sighting
Beyoncé and Jay-Z, double-dating with Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin at Madeo Restaurant in Beverly Hills. The couples met for dinner after the BET Awards and were "definitely having a good time and laughing," an onlooker tells us. At one point, the group switched seats so the ladies could sit next to each other in the booth while the guys sat on the outside.
2009 BET Award winners
Best Female R&B Artist
Beyoncé Knowles (Winner)
Keyshia Cole
Keri Hilson
Jennifer Hudson
Jazmine Sullivan
Beyoncé Knowles – If I Were a Boy
Beyoncé Knowles – Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It) (Winner)
Jamie Foxx f/ T-Pain – Blame It
T.I. f/ Rihanna – Live Your Life
Kanye West – Heartless
Angela Basset
Rosario Dawson
Taraji P. Henson (Winner)
Jennifer Hudson
Beyoncé Knowles
Beyoncé Knowles - Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)
Keri Hilson - Turnin Me On (f/ Lil Wayne)
Lil Wayne - A Milli
Soulja Boy Tell'em - Kiss Me Thru The Phone (f/ Sammie)
T.I. - Live Your Life (f/ Rihanna) (Winner)
T-Pain - Can't Believe It (f/ Lil Wayne)
Kanye West - Love Lockdown
Sighting
JAY-Z and Beyoncé catching The Roots at the Highline Ballroom after Lenny Kravitz's daughter, Zoë, opened
Beyoncé Tips Her Hat to Michael Jackson
Still reeling two days after Michael Jackson's death, the music industry's biggest names are paying tribute to the King of Pop.Beyoncé on Michael Jackson
Beyoncé called Jackson's death a "tragic loss" on a "terrible day."BEYONCE BACKOUT STUNS CLUB
A PULLOUT by Beyoncé Knowles has a Manhattan clubowner threatening a million-dollar lawsuit.Beyoncé: Bootylicious, Yes; Bootleggers, No.
Safe to say Beyoncé isn't crazy in love with these guys.2009 Teen Choice Award nominations
Surfboards (in lieu of trophies) for the 11th annual event will be distributed during a two-hour special on Aug. 10 on Fox. Fans, ages 13-19, can vote for the winners at TeenChoiceAwards.com.
Anne Hathaway vs. Kate Hudson, Bride Wars
Hugh Jackman and Liev Schreiber vs. Weapon XI, X-Men Origins: Wolverine
Beyonce Knowles vs. Ali Larter, Obsessed
Robert Pattinson vs. Cam GIgandet, Twilight
Chris Pine vs. Zachary Quinto, Star Trek
Beyoncé
Jamie Foxx
Jennifer Hudson
Ne-Yo
T-Pain
"Crush," David Archuleta
"Halo," Beyoncé
"Lovebug," Jonas Brothers
"How Do You Sleep," Jesse McCartney
"Love Story," Taylor Swift
"Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)," Beyoncé
"If This Isn’t Love," Jennifer Hudson
"Mad," Ne-Yo
"Kiss Me Thru The Phone," Soulja Boy Tell 'Em feat. Sammie
"Love Lockdown," Kanye West
I Am…Sasha Fierce, Beyoncé
The Fame, Lady Gaga
One of the Boys, Katy Perry
Fearless, Taylor Swift
Carnival Ride, Carrie Underwood
Miley Cyrus
Megan Fox
Vanessa Hudgens
Beyoncé Knowles
Blake Lively
Beyonce to be among performers at BET Awards
Beyonce will perform at the Black Entertainment TV Awards.Beyoncé Gets Fierce With George Michael
Forget careless whispers. Last night at London's O2 arena, there was nothing but screaming and thunderous applause.Angelina's New Title: Most Powerful Celebrity in the World
Watch out, Oprah! This year Angelina has the power.Sightings
BRIT FIX: Jay-Z and Beyoncé, hanging over Memorial Day weekend at the London outpost of Amy Sacco's Bungalow 8.
Beyonce accosted by fan
Bodyguards at Beyonce's London concert on Monday night were thrown into a panic after a fan squeezed past security checks in an attempt to reach the superstar and her husband Jay-Z.Beyoncé: In the Running for an Oscar
Beyoncé's dream of winning an Oscar helps keep her in shape.Beyonce on Her Style Status: "I Don't Know If I'm Fashion Obsessed"
From her collection of outrageous shoes to her bevy of designer bags, Beyonce clearly loves fashion — but don’t call her obsessed just yet. “I don’t know if I’m fashion obsessed,” she tells Britain’s Mirror. The singer, who also helps mom Tina Knowles design their House of Dereon collection, gets a bit more fashion conscious while working, but for her day-to-day life, she goes casual. “When I’m at home I usually wear the same thing every day. I have my straight-leg jeans and a pair of Christian Louboutins and a little jacket and a white shirt,” says Beyonce. And what about all those “it” bags? “I get sent about 15 designer bags a month. I can only imagine how much they cost. Even I wouldn’t buy some of them,” she admits. Lucky girl! Check out the rest of the interview at mirror.co.uk where Beyonce dishes on her workout regime, meeting the Obamas and more.
Beyonce, T.I. lead BET Awards nominees with 5 each
For Beyonce and T.I., No. 1 is followed by five — BET Awards nominations, that is.Beyoncé: The Obamas Made Me Cry
Even Sasha Fierce, it seems, has moments of weakness.Beyoncé Imposter Tricks Vienna Museum
The Albertina Museum in Austria got an exciting call on Tuesday: A manager for Beyonce Knowles said that the star was on her way over.Box Office Totally Obsessed with Beyoncé, Larter
The fight card: Beyoncé Knowles vs. Ali Larter. The result: Hollywood wins.
17 Again, $11.7 million
Fighting, $11.4 million
The Soloist, $9.7 million
Earth, $8.6 million
Monsters vs. Aliens, $8.5 million
State of Play, $6.9 million
Hannah Montana: The Movie, $6.4 million
Fast & Furious, $6.1 million
Crank: High Voltage, $2.4 million
Beyoncé Dances to Stay Fit
Beyoncé Knowles's curves are in all the right places – thanks to hours of dancing and online shopping!Beyonce 'not ready' for kids
Beyonce is in no rush to build a family with her hip-hop mogul husband Jay-Z - insisting she's "not ready" to halt her career to have children.Beyoncé Laughs Off Recording Hoax
Grammy Award winning singer and actress Beyonce Knowles has a plan to settle down in a couple of years and have some children with her husband, hip hop mogul Jay-Z, do less touring and -- debut on Broadway.Beyoncé Laughs Off Recording Hoax
Beyoncé Knowles good-naturedly shrugged off the alleged soundboard recording of her shrieking her way through "If I Were A Boy" from a November 2008 Today show concert.Beyonce's dad fumes over aired vocals
Beyonce's father/manager has lashed out at critics doubting the singer's vocal ability - after an "altered" recording of the star screeching along to one of her hits was aired on radio.Q&A with Beyonce
Beyonce says one of the toughest parts of summer tour has been condensing more than a decade's hits into a two-hour show. Judging from a recent photo shoot, figuring out how to perform them in Thierry Mugler's elaborate, over-the-top costumes is just as difficult.Beyoncé Takes Sasha Fierce on the Road
Forget a summer vacation – Beyoncé is spending hers on the road. The singer will kick off the U.S. leg of her "I AM …" world tour in New York on June 21.Jennifer Aniston Earned $27 Million in 2008
Who needs a man when you've got cash?Beyoncé Gets Animated in Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!
Beyoncé is officially part of a new girl group.Beyonce takes a shine to Nick's 'Wubbzy!'
In making her voiceover debut, Beyonce Knowles chose a good cause: pleasing her 4-year-old nephew. Daniel Julez Smith, Jr., son of Solange Knowles, is a big fan of Nickelodeon's Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!. Now his aunt will provide the voice for Shine, lead singer of a girl group.Sightings
FAIR GAME: Beyoncé Knowles, in NYC, playing Rhythm Heaven on her new Nintendo DSi, while filming commercials for the product, which launches on April 5.
Destiny's Child to reunite?
R&B superstars Destiny’s Child are set to reunite to record one final album, according to U.S. reports.Kids' Choice Awards winners
Favorite Song: Beyonce, "Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)."
Live Review: Beyonce in Edmonton
Why on Earth would Beyonce choose Edmonton to be the first date of her new world tour?Beyonce slams weight gain reports
R&B superstar Beyonce has slammed critics for suggesting she is struggling with a weight issue after she was pictured out in New York showing off a more rounded figure.10 reasons to love Beyonce
With Britney Spears taking her sweet time getting back up to the top and Rihanna's unfortunate assault case with boyfriend Chris Brown bringing her down, there's only one female pop star we can rely on these days: Beyonce Knowles.Sightings
BEYONCE Knowles and Kelly Rowland gossiping while getting their eyebrows shaped at the Damone Roberts Salon on Fifth Avenue
BOWERY BRA
WHEN Beyoncé popped into Patricia Field's Bowery boutique where The Post snapped her emerging from a shopping visit the other day, she wasn't shy about throwing some real money around, recession or not. Our source reports that "she spent $11,000 in just 20 minutes." Mrs. Jay-Z made sure to pick up the essential evening wear including "a black, diamond-studded bra."
Beyoncé Admits: At Home, I'm A Slob!
Sure, she always looks put together on the red carpet, but Beyoncé Knowles says she's hardly that way at home.Oscar Scoop: Beyoncé, Zac Efron & More to Sing
Host Hugh Jackman won't be the only star singing and dancing at Sunday's Academy Awards.Top 20 best-selling albums of 2008 globally
01. COLDPLAY - "Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends"
02. AC/DC - "Black Ice"
03. Various Artists - "Mamma Mia! The Movie Soundtrack Featuring The Songs Of ABBA"
04. DUFFY - "Rockferry"
05. METALLICA - "Death Magnetic"
06. LEONA LEWIS - "Spirit "
07. AMY WINEHOUSE - "Back To Black"
08. Various Artists - "High School Musical 3: Senior Year"
09. LIL WAYNE - "Tha Carter III"
10. RIHANNA - "Good Girl Gone Bad"
11. MADONNA - "Hard Candy"
12. BEYONCE - "I Am... Sasha Fierce"
13. PINK - "Funhouse"
14. GUNS N' ROSES - "Chinese Democracy"
15. BRITNEY SPEARS - "Circus"
16. JACK JOHNSON - "Sleep Through The Static"
17. IL DIVO - "The Promise"
18. TAYLOR SWIFT - "Fearless"
19. JONAS BROTHERS - "A Little Bit Longer"
20. Various Artists - "Camp Rock"
Beyonce, Hudson win Image Awards
It was a dreamy night for a couple of "Dreamgirls." Beyonce and Jennifer Hudson both glided away with trophies Thursday and wowed the audience with individual performances during the 40th annual NAACP Image Awards.Beyonce, Stevie Wonder, will.i.am to perform at Image Awards
Fox TV says Beyonce, Stevie Wonder and will.i.am are among the performers set for the NAACP Image Awards.Paltrow, Cox help raise money for cancer
Beyonce hugged Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg chatted up Jay-Z at a fundraising dinner honouring Gwyneth Paltrow and Courteney Cox at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel.James: Beyonce jabs only jokes
Etta James says she was joking when she said she "can't stand Beyonce" and would "whip" the singer for performing James' song "At Last" at an inaugural ball for President Barack Obama.22nd Annual Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards Nominees
Dwayne "Don't Call Me the Rock" Johnson will host the slime-happy awards bash, to be telecast live from Los Angeles on March 28. As always, kids will vote on the winners of each of the 18 categories online beginning March 2.
Katy Perry, "I Kissed a Girl"
Rihanna, "Don't Stop the Music"
Chris Brown feat. T-Pain, "Kiss Kiss"
Beyoncé, "Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)"
Beyoncé
Miley Cyrus
Alicia Keys
Rihanna
Feud Fest: Etta James Has No Love for Beyoncé
Valentine's Day is nearly a week away—where is the love in Hollywood?2009 Essence Music Festival has much to celebrate
The Essence Music Festival has plenty to celebrate this year.Sightings
GOOD FASHION: Beyoncé, wearing a Public Library T-shirt, sales of which benefit The Samburu Project, a nonprofit helping to improve Kenya's access to clean water.
Sightings
DC's posh Mandarin Oriental Hotel has become an essential celeb-sighting stop. Guests spied power couple Beyoncé and Jay-Z chilling in the piano lounge.Beyoncé Sings Out at Obama Inaugural Celebration
Barack Obama and his family had a star-studded – and musical – introduction to Washington, D.C.Beyonce to sing 'At Last' for the Obamas
Beyonce has revealed the song she plans to serenade the Obamas with in their first dance as America's first couple — and no, she won't be telling the president to "put a ring on it."Beyonce to sing for Obama dance
Beyonce will sing for Barack and Michelle Obama's first dance on inauguration night.Beyonce, Wonder, Springsteen at inaugural event
Judging by the lineup, Sunday's inaugural celebration for Barack Obama at the Lincoln Memorial is a coveted gig for music's top names.Billboard Single Review
ARTIST: BEYONCE
SINGLE: HALO
Score one for Sasha Fierce. When last competing with her alter-ego, Beyonce opened up her double album "I Am ... Sasha Fierce" with the two-sided single "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" and "If I Were a Boy," designed to be promoted separately for R&B/rhythmic and pop radio outlets, respectively. Looks like Sasha had different ideas: "Ring" crossed to pop and spent a month at the Billboard Hot 100 summit, while "Boy" rivaled with a No. 3 peak. The competition continues as Beyonce's pop-hued "Halo" now competes with Sasha's "Diva." The former has a mainstream pop sound, with subtle R&B undertones that should carry it to the top of the charts. Comparisons could be made to Leona Lewis' "Bleeding Love" (also co-written by Ryan Tedder), but this "Halo" hangs high on its own merits. Sounds like Beyonce and Sasha will again be at a draw in this singles battle. But they win either way.
THE 40th NAACP IMAGE AWARDS NOMINATIONS
Outstanding Female Artist
• Alicia Keys (J Records)
• Beyoncé (MusicWorld/Columbia Records)
• Jennifer Hudson (Arista)
• Mariah Carey (Island Def Jam)
• Rihanna (Island Def Jam)
• “If I Were A Boy” – Beyoncé (MusicWorld/Columbia Records)
• “Single Ladies” – Beyoncé (MusicWorld/Columbia Records)
• “Spotlight” – Jennifer Hudson (Arista)
• “Superwoman” – Alicia Keys (J Records)
• “Yes We Can” – Will.i.am (Will.i.am Music Group/Interscope)
• “Greenlight” – John Legend (Columbia Records)
• “Single Ladies” – Beyoncé (MusicWorld/Columbia Records)
• “Spotlight” – Jennifer Hudson (Arista)
• “Superwoman” – Alicia Keys (J Records)
• “Yes We Can” – Will.i.am (Will.i.am Music Group/Interscope)
• Jennifer Hudson – “Jennifer Hudson” (Arista)
• Kanye West – “808 & Heartbreaks” (Island Def Jam)
• Ne-Yo – “Year of the Gentleman” (Island Def Jam)
• Seal – “Soul” (Warner Bros. Records)
Taylor, Beyoncé Open 2009 on Top
Taylor Swift haters have nothing to fear but Fearless itself.
1. Fearless, Taylor Swift
2. I Am…Sasha Fierce, Beyoncé
3. 808s & Heartbreak, Kanye West
4. Twilight soundtrack, various
5. Dark Horse, Nickelback
6. Circus, Britney Spears
7. A Different Me, Keyshia Cole
8. Intuition, Jamie Foxx
9. Now That's What I Call Music! 29, various
10. All Wrapped Up, various
Jackson's Fury Over Knowles Comment
Beyonce Knowles has reportedly upset fellow pop star Janet Jackson by implying that her family were not from a high-class background.Beyonce, Lady Gaga lead U.S. singles chart
Beyonce logged a fourth week atop the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart Friday, while near-record digital sales drove dance-pop singer Lady GaGa to the No. 2 slot.Beyonce music videos dominate YouTube, including 'If I Were A Boy'
A number of high profile musicians have made enormous dents on YouTube: Soulja Boy, Rihanna, the Jonas Brothers and Chris Brown among them.Beyonce leads singles chart for third week
Beyonce logged a third week at No. 1 on Billboard's Hot 100 singles chart with "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)," a tune from her latest chart-topping album.Beyonce back in control of US singles chart
Beyonce assumed control again of the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart on Thursday with "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)."Hilton, Kutcher among MySpace friends' leaders
Zach Braff, Kim Kardashian and Selena Gomez have more in common than their celebrity status: According to MySpace, they're among the stars with the most friends on the social network.Sightings
JAY-Z and Beyoncé lunching at the Palm Court restaurant at the Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo
Beyoncé Is No Sasha Fierce, Says Pal
They costar in the new film Cadillac Records, but Gabrielle Union and Beyoncé go way back.Music revs up this 'Cadillac'
Though the music in Cadillac Records hums along powerfully, the film could use a tune-up.
Stars: Jeffrey Wright, Adrien Brody, Mos Def, Beyonce Knowles
Director: Darnell Martin
Distributor: TriStar Pictures
Rating: R for pervasive language and some sexuality
Running time: 1 hour, 49 minutes
Opens Friday nationwide
Beyoncé on Keeping Her Relationship with Jay-Z Strong
Marriage for Beyoncé and Jay-Z can be a "power struggle," according to the singer – especially when both superstars have their own careers and millions of dollars.Beyonce rings up new No. 1 single
Beyonce notched her fifth solo No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart on Thursday, one more than she scored as a member of Destiny's Child.Nominations for the 51st Grammy Awards
R&B: Female vocal performance
Heaven Sent ,Keyshia Cole
Spotlight ,Jennifer Hudson
Superwoman, Alicia Keys
Need U Bad, Jazmine Sullivan
Beyonce to perform at Essence Fest in New Orleans
Beyonce is the first artist lined up for next year's Essence Music Festival in New Orleans.`Cadillac Records' plays song you've heard before
Darnell Martin could have made an entire movie about Muddy Waters. Or Etta James. Or Chuck Berry.T.I. fends off Beyonce
Rapper T.I. started a fifth nonconsecutive week at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with "Live Your Life" featuring Rihanna. But Beyonce was nipping at his heels with two songs.ON-SITE RESEARCH
BEYONCÉ spent some time in a drug rehab facility last year - but not for an addiction of her own. The squeaky-clean singer wanted to research her role as drug-ravaged R&B legend Etta James in the upcoming movie, "Cadillac Records," and spent lots of time talking to recovering addicts at Brooklyn's Phoenix House. As a result of her experience, next week's premieres of the film in New York and Los Angeles will benefit Phoenix House.
Beyoncé: I Am... Bigger Than Nickelback, David Cook
Apparently, it takes two Beyoncés to beat a pair of rock studs.Whose Idea Was Beyoncé's Shiny Robot Glove?
See? I told you. The Cylons. They look like us now.Beyonce and co-stars spread the word about 'Cadillac Records'
The best part about working for Beyoncé Knowles?Beyonce says her parents' marriage prepared her
Beyonce says her parents prepared her for the hard work of marriage.Beyoncé: Too Traumatized for Babies?
Beyoncé Knowles says married life is "great" – but she's still in no rush to have kids.Beyonce coming a bit more 'Fierce'
With a new album and two movies on the horizon, it appears the Season of Beyonce has begun.Beyoncé Would 'Love' to Perform at Obama's Inauguration
As Barack Obama's inauguration draws closer, all eyes are on potential performers for the big event. If they're looking for volunteers, Beyoncé Knowles will happily raise her hand!Beyonce Uses Youtube To Improve Performances
Singer Beyonce Knowles uses video sharing website YouTube to critique her own performances. The Crazy In Love hitmaker has sold more than 63 million albums worldwide but can't resist tearing apart her performances when she watches them back.Beyoncé 'Still Can't Believe' Justin Was Her Backup Dancer
Beyoncé is in awe of Justin Timberlake after he played one of her backup dancers on Saturday Night Live last weekend.Beyonce is tender, sassy on 'Sasha Fierce'
Beyoncé, I Am … Sasha Fierce
*** (out of four) DUAL CHALLENGE
At a time when celebrities invite TV cameras into their bathrooms without batting an eyelash, Beyoncé Knowles — or Mrs. Jay-Z, though she's not likely to sign any autographs that way — is that rare public person who demands privacy, and who understands its old-school allure. On I Am … Sasha Fierce, Beyoncé, like David Bowie and Mariah Carey before her, unleashes an alter ego, and uses it to both open her heart and maintain her dignity.
-Consider: Broken-Hearted Girls, Scared of Lonely (deluxe edition)
Beyonce swoons and grinds on her third CD and try at concept album
On Beyonce's new album, the 27-year-old singer-diva-icon gives her on-stage, bump-n-grind alter-ego Sasha Fierce co-billing.Billboard CD review: Beyonce
ARTIST: BEYONCE
ALBUM: I AM . . . SASHA FIERCE
Beyonce devoted half of the tracks on this double-disc set to her feisty alter ego Sasha Fierce (think "Single Ladies"). But, it's the classic, more timeless R&B songs on the "I Am" portion of the album that seem like a much-welcomed stretch for the singer. Lead single "If I Were a Boy" is the first taste of Beyonce's newfound love for powerful ballads, as she croons about reversing gender roles. On "Halo" she sings in a lower register than usual over big drums and an epic piano pattern and belts emotively ("I don't want a broken heart/And I don't want to play the broken-hearted girl") on the Babyface-penned "Broken-Hearted Girl." Songs like "Video Phone," with its repetitive, vibrating beat, and the thumping "Diva," a collaboration with Sean Garrett, don't break new ground but more than provide the radio-ready dance tracks for which Beyonce, er, Sasha Fierce, is beloved.
Beyoncé: I Didn't Want to Marry Too Young
Beyoncé, who has always been tight-lipped about her marriage to Jay-Z, is finally giving some insight into her thoughts about tying the knot.SHE'D BE WONDERFUL
BEYONCE Knowles is serious about trying to become the next "Wonder Woman." The LA Times reports the singer has already met with reps from DC Comics about starring in the flick, due out in 2011. "A black Wonder Woman would be a powerful thing. It's time for that, right?" she says. Knowles, who once pranced around in her underwear in an "Austin Powers" picture, has her work cut out for her if she hopes to squeeze into Lynda Carter's iconic red, white and blue bathing suit. "I would definitely have to keep it right for that costume," she says.
Beyoncé Debuts New Album Online
Good news, Beyoncé fans: You don't have to wait until Nov. 18 to hear the R&B singer's new album, I Am . . . Sasha Fierce. All 16 tracks from the double album are streaming right now on the singer's official MySpace page.Nominees for the 2009 People's Choice Awards
This year's ceremony will air on CBS on Wednesday, Jan. 7.
Amy Adams
Drew Barrymore
Beyonce
Orlando Bloom
Chris Brown
Chace Crawford
Miley Cyrus
Leonardo DiCaprio
Zac Efron
America Ferrara
Ryan Gosling
Jake Gyllenhaal
Anne Hathaway
Scarlett Johansson
Angelina Jolie
Alicia Keys
Keira Knightley
John Krasinski
Shia LaBeouf
Blake Lively
John Mayer
Eva Mendes
Daniel Radcliffe
Rihanna
Taylor Swift
Justin Timberlake
Carrie Underwood
Usher
Milo Ventimiglia
Pete Wentz
Kanye West
Reese Witherspoon
Beyonce on offers for wedding pics: 'Ridiculous!'
Beyonce insists she would have never considered selling photos of her hush-hush wedding to Jay-Z to a glossy celebrity magazine. Still, the singer acknowledges that she was amazed at the amount of money that was offered.Beyoncé's Style Inspiration: Her Mother
Beyoncé's sense of style comes from a source close to home – her mother Tina, who owned a hair salon and taught the young Beyoncé how to dress well and save money.Beyoncé: I Want to Play Wonder Woman
Already a superstar, Beyoncé now has her eyes set on becoming a superhero.Beyonce Opens Up About Destiny's Child Split
Superstar Beyonce Knowles has opened up about the controversial split of the original members of pop group Destiny's Child, insisting she's not to blame for the break-up.Beyoncé Knowles Is a 'Fierce' Etta James
Her next album, out Nov. 18, might be entitled I Am... Sasha Fierce, but Beyoncé Knowles, 27, has another alter ego these days: blues veteran Etta James.Beyonce gushes with pride after Obama election
Attention, Mr. president-elect: Come Inauguration Day, Beyonce is at your service.Beyonce Happy To Fly Economy Class
R&B star Beyonce Knowles has no problem flying economy - as long as she has some breathing space. The Crazy in Love singer, who is married to rapper Jay-Z, has amassed a multi-million dollar fortune at the age of 27. But Knowles admits she is no stranger to no-frills flights and claims her only trouble is surviving the journey unnoticed.Beyonce's Romance With Jay-Z Is Not Perfect
Beyonce Knowles insists married life with rap mogul Jay-Z is "not perfect" because they experience the same problems as normal couples. The Crazy In Love hitmaker wed Shawn 'Jay-Z' Carter in April, but she admits they have had their fair share of disagreements during their six-year romance.Beyonce Coy About Nervous Breakdown Comments
Beyonce Knowles has spoken out about a recent magazine article in which she revealed she almost suffered a nervous breakdown, insisting she may have been misquoted.T.I., Beyonce lead U.S. singles chart
Rapper T.I. claimed the top two spots on Billboard's Hot 100 singles chart for a second week on Thursday, while R&B singer Beyonce surged to No. 3 with her 10th top 10 solo single as a solo artist.Sighting
Beyoncé, surprising the crowd at Power 105.1's annual Powerhouse concert at the Izod Center in East Rutherford, N.J., by joining hubby Jay-Z onstage. The R&B star offered up an energetic dance number to her new hit "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" – then flashed her own wedding band. Earlier, Beyoncé kicked off her night with an event at Bloomingdale's, where she promoted her movie Cadillac Records.
Beyonce would like to be known as "Sasha Fierce"
Just like the "Seinfeld" episode where George wanted everyone to call him "T-Bone," Beyonce Knowles would like to be known by a bold new name.Celebrities can coax youth to vote, study shows
Initiatives by celebrities like Beyonce Knowles, Christina Aguilera and Sean "P.Diddy" Combs to persuade young people to vote have been successful, research showed on Tuesday.Beyoncé: Gaining 15 Lbs. to Play Etta James Was Tasty
Beyoncé reclaimed her bootylicious curves (and then some!) to play soul singer Etta James in the upcoming film Cadillac Records.Billboard singles review
ARTIST: BEYONCE
SINGLE: IF I WERE A BOY
For the past three years, Beyonce's solo career has flurried in and out of focus, with a series of oddball singles, one-off collaborations and curious strikeouts ("Ring the Alarm," anyone?). The 27-year-old is obviously now paying attention to dominant muse Rihanna -- 10 years her junior -- who has effortlessly played dominoes with the charts during the same period by playing the melodic field: dance, pop, R&B and yes, even ballads. Two singles head to radio from Beyonce's upcoming third album, "I Am." "Ladies First" is standard screech-thump fare, but "If I Were a Boy" is Beyonce's most affecting offering since "Listen" from "Dreamgirls." Her vocal performance is breathtaking: exquisitely emotive, mournful and mature.
Beyoncé Reveals Two Very Different Sides in Her New Videos
Britney Spears isn't the only superstar with a new music video. Beyoncé released two of her own Monday, for her new, vastly different – yet revealing – songs "If I Were a Boy" and "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)."We Hear...
THAT Beyoncé was decked out in navy-blue Carolina Herrera for the cover of The New York Observer's new glossy fashion mag, Observer Style, peering through a diamond-studded monocle
Beyoncé Finally Opens Up About Secret Wedding
Six months after marrying Jay-Z, Beyonce is at last revealing details about their top-secret wedding.Beyoncé's Double Debut
After recording more than 70 songs for her upcoming album – due out Nov. 18 – Beyoncé debuted, count 'em, two new singles on the radio Wednesday morning.Beyoncé Records More Than 70 Songs for New Album
Beyoncé may have more than an album on her hands – she may have a box set.MTV Europe Music Awards Nominations
Between September 29 and November 2, MTV viewers will be able to vote for the winners of each category at www.mtvema.com.
- Alicia Keys
- Beyonce
- Chris Brown
- Kanye West
- Lil Wayne
Sightings
Beyoncé and Jay-Z, turning heads and inspiring audible murmurs as they made their way through the VIP balcony at Santogold's show at The Fillmore NY @ Irving Plaza. Flanked by a personal security detail, the couple walked up to the edge of the balcony, taking in the late-night show and rocking out to the singer's hits like "L.E.S. Artistes." Jay-Z sported his shades indoors, and his wife wore her hair up in a tight bun.
B'Day Set for New Beyoncé
Mark your calendars.Couple Watch
Beyoncé, smiling while surrounded by friends and, of course, husband Jay-Z at a party for the Artful Dodger Collection at New York's Chelsea Art Museum. As they were led to their table, everyone at the bash stopped to get a look at the power couple. But the two were very mellow, sitting next to each other the entire time and bopping their heads to the music while still wearing their shades. Beyoncé did perk up when they played her song "Upgrade U," which features a cameo by her hubby, a partygoer tells us. Meanwhile, the deejay spun some Jay-Z hits too – and he seemed amused by one particular mashup. Noticeably missing from view: Beyoncé's $5 million wedding ring, though Jay-Z was sporting a band of his own.
Beyoncé Shows Off $5M Engagement Ring
Jay-Z sure knows how to pick the bling!Beyoncé: 'I Wanna Be Iconic'
Forget mere celebrity. Beyoncé says she aspires to icon status.Mariah, Miley, Beyonce join voices to fight cancer
What would it sound like if 15 of the hottest female singers joined voices? The answer will be revealed Sept. 2.L'Oreal denies lightening Beyonce's skin in ad
Cosmetics giant L'Oreal is denying it lightened Beyonce's skin tone in an ad.Urban, Beyonce Help NFL Launch Season in New York
Keith Urban will perform in New York City's Columbus Circle during an NFL kickoff party. Several other artists are expected to appear at the Sept. 4 concert that coincides with the season opener between the Washington Redskins and the New York Giants later that night. While in New York, Urban will also perform at this year's Fashion Rocks concert scheduled for Sept. 5 at Radio City Music Hall. The concert, set to air Sept. 9 on CBS, will feature Beyoncé, Black Eyed Peas, Chris Brown, Duffy, Justin Timberlake, Kid Rock, Mariah Carey and Rihanna.
Timbaland to 'Shock' with Beyoncé & Rihanna
It's back to the studio for Timbaland – and once again, he's inviting along some friends.Fashion Rocks Announces Big-Name Lineup
Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, Fergie and Mariah Carey!Destiny's Child To Reunite?
Former Destiny's Child star Kelly Rowland is sure the girl group will stage a comeback next year. The trio split up in 2005, with Rowland, Michelle Williams and Beyonce Knowles all going on to forge successful solo careers.Beyonce added to passport probe
U.S. officials fear singer Beyonce Knowles' passport has been improperly accessed, making her the latest celebrity to be targeted by crooks.Beyoncé Hosts Dance Party for Sister's 22nd Birthday
These ladies know how to celebrate! Beyoncé Knowles threw a dance party for Solange's 22nd birthday Monday night that brought out pals Ludacris, Ne-Yo, Mario and Destiny Child's Michelle Williams.2008 Teen Choice Award Nominees
This is the 10th annual incarnation of the adolescent-friendly kudos, which spreads the wealth among film, TV, music, comedy, sports and fashion. Fox will broadcast the two-hour bonanza Aug. 4.
Beyoncé
Chris Brown
Rihanna
T-Pain
Usher
2008 Forbes Celebrity 100 Power List
Rank Name Pay ($mil) Web Hits Press Mentions TV Mentions
1 Oprah Winfrey 275 2 5 1
2 Tiger Woods 115 12 1 3
3 Angelina Jolie 14 1 9 15
4 Beyonce Knowles 80 3 32 14
5 David Beckham 50 10 3 18
6 Johnny Depp 72 17 19 36
7 Jay-Z 82 6 43 41
8 The Police 115 15 20 51
9 J.K. Rowling 300 23 27 64
10 Brad Pitt 20 4 8 7
11 Will Smith 80 26 39 32
12 Justin Timberlake 44 5 24 17
13 Steven Spielberg 130 34 23 60
14 Cameron Diaz 50 13 50 45
15 David Letterman 45 42 34 10
16 LeBron James 38 32 13 13
17 Jennifer Aniston 27 21 67 49
18 Michael Jordan 45 38 45 29
19 Kobe Bryant 39 28 18 24
20 Phil Mickelson 45 87 12 23
21 Madonna 40 15 20 67
22 Simon Cowell 72 65 47 40
23 Roger Federer 35 40 2 26
24 Alex Rodriguez 34 51 7 6
25 Jerry Seinfeld 85 79 72 38
26 50 Cent 150 69 68 88
27 Kanye West 30 8 28 28
28 Celine Dion 40 27 44 54
29 Bruce Willis 41 45 41 47
30 Dr. Phil McGraw 40 82 55 2
31 Tom Cruise 13 7 10 9
32 Jay Leno 32 41 36 5
33 Sean "Diddy" Combs 35 19 59 30
34 Stephen King 45 33 54 86
35 Miley Cyrus 25 11 49 19
36 Kimi Raikkonen 44 53 14 90
37 Jeff Gordon 32 73 26 11
38 Ronaldinho 37 24 6 98
39 Shaquille O'Neal 32 36 29 34
40 Judge Judy Sheindlin 45 99 88 4
41 Howard Stern 70 52 90 68
42 Tyler Perry 125 94 83 80
43 Fernando Alonso 33 30 4 92
44 Leonardo DiCaprio 45 68 65 77
45 Donald Trump 30 48 40 12
46 George Lucas 50 66 74 85
47 Keira Knightley 32 37 42 82
48 Jerry Bruckheimer 145 96 94 96
49 Nicolas Cage 38 56 51 70
50 Spice Girls 21 14 37 25
51 Matt Damon 21 39 31 20
52 Dale Earnhardt Jr. 31 84 25 37
53 Bon Jovi 25 18 48 59
54 Jennifer Lopez 7 9 35 22
55 Ben Stiller 40 77 75 72
56 Kevin Garnett 29 67 30 55
57 Nicole Kidman 13 22 16 39
58 James Patterson 50 95 84 100
59 Rush Limbaugh 33 57 73 56
60 Reese Witherspoon 25 49 70 61
61 Maria Sharapova 26 61 15 69
62 Ryan Seacrest 31 72 79 33
63 Gwen Stefani 27 25 69 76
64 Daniel Radcliffe 25 62 52 74
65 Alicia Keys 15 20 53 46
66 Gisele Bundchen 35 74 99 94
67 Gwyneth Paltrow 25 50 62 78
68 Tyra Banks 23 47 81 53
69 Serena Williams 14 64 17 43
70 Eva Longoria Parker 9 31 58 21
71 Ellen DeGeneres 20 60 64 35
72 Sarah Jessica Parker 18 54 66 50
73 Katherine Heigl 13 63 61 31
74 Regis Philbin 21 91 71 8
75 Tom Clancy 35 78 96 99
76 Rachael Ray 18 80 80 16
77 Cate Blanchett 12 44 22 62
78 Heidi Klum 14 46 78 57
79 Carrie Underwood 9 35 63 44
80 Jon Stewart 14 58 60 51
81 Justine Henin 12.5 75 11 58
82 Judd Apatow 27 88 76 97
83 Kate Moss 7.5 29 33 81
84 Patrick Dempsey 13.5 83 77 66
85 Charlie Sheen 20 86 87 63
86 Drew Carey 12 90 89 27
87 Steve Carell 5 81 56 42
88 Lorena Ochoa 10 92 38 75
89 Jonas Brothers 12 55 86 84
90 Howie Mandel 14 100 98 65
91 Wolfgang Puck 16 98 91 83
92 Zac Efron 5.8 70 85 79
93 Annika Sorenstam 11 93 46 89
94 Ashley Tisdale 5.5 43 95 91
95 Gordon Ramsay 7.5 76 57 93
96 Jennifer Love Hewitt 5 59 93 71
97 Lauren Conrad 1.5 71 100 95
98 Vanessa Williams 4.5 89 92 48
99 Tina Fey 4.6 85 82 73
100 Paula Deen 4.5 97 97 87
Snoop to Beyoncé: 'Make Some Babies'
After a decade of marriage and three children later, rapper Snoop Dogg has a few words of advice for new husband and wife Jay-Z and Beyoncé Knowles.Beyonce For Bond Track?
R&B star Beyonce Knowles has reportedly been approached to replace Amy Winehouse and record the theme song for the forthcoming Bond movie, 'Quantum Of Solace'.Jay-Z and Beyonce Buy Marital Home
Superstar couple Shawn 'Jay-Z' Carter and Beyonce Knowles have bought their first house as husband and wife - in the same New York county that they wed in last month.Staying Dry
FUELING rumors that her wedding to Jay-Z was a shotgun-style marriage, Beyoncé has been steering clear of the sauce. The hip-hop queen, who often enjoys a flute of champagne, abstained from any alcohol whatsoever at the Kanye West after-party at 1Oak last week. "Beyoncé only drank water," said our onlooker. As for the baby rumor, her reps previously told us they would perform an ultrasound and get back to us. We're still waiting.
Beyonce To Become A Desperate Housewife?
R&B superstar Beyonce Knowles is reportedly in talks to join the cast of TV hit Desperate Housewives. The singer/actress' manager father Matthew Knowles has allegedly already landed the Crazy In Love hitmaker a guest appearance on the programme, but according to reports, he is looking to secure Beyonce a more prominent role.Eating For Two?
BEYONCÉ Knowles still won't confirm her April 4 wedding to Jay-Z, so there was no chance yesterday she'd confirm she's pregnant. But pals of the tight-lipped newlyweds say the songbird is expecting the couple's first child. "She has gained a lot of pregnancy weight," a source said. "When she gains weight, she normally does the Def Jam detox, but not now." A rep for Beyoncé said, "I don't know if she's pregnant. Let me perform an ultrasound and get back to you."
Burger Panic
AFTER a night of red carpet glamour at the Metropolitan Museum, newlyweds Beyoncé and Jay-Z headed out for burgers and fries. "Pop Burger had just closed," said a source. "There was a loud knock on the door, and Jay and Bey, who was still in her ball gown, were at the door with their Maybach waiting." The East 58th Street spot opened its doors and bagged up cheeseburgers and fries, which the famished duo took to go.
Jay-Z Toasts A-Rod & Beyoncé Boogies in N.Y.C.
Newlyweds Jay-Z and Beyoncé partied with New York Yankee and new dad Alex Rodriguez in New York Tuesday night, where they playfully continued to dodge questions about their April 4 wedding.Beyoncé Makes Surprise Appearance at Jay-Z Show
Newlyweds Beyoncé and Jay-Z briefly shared the stage on Friday at New York City's The Heart of the City concert, after the rapper jokingly made fun of his wife's hit song "Crazy in Love."Newlywed Beyoncé Returns to Recording Studio
Beyoncé, who married Jay-Z nearly a month ago in New York City, returned to the studio this week to record new material, PEOPLE has learned.Kelly Rowland Still Keeping Mum on Beyoncé Wedding
The marriage license has been filed – as PEOPLE first reported last month – but Kelly Rowland is still playing coy when it comes to Beyoncé Knowles's hush-hush wedding to Jay-Z.Beyoncé and Jay-Z's Wedding Ring Mystery
Beyoncé and Jay-Z are officially Mr. and Mrs. There's no doubt about it since the filing of their signed marriage license was made public.Beyoncé & Jay-Z File Signed Marriage License
Beyoncé and Jay-Z are mum, but their paperwork is doing the talking for them: The couple filed their signed wedding license Friday in Scarsdale, N.Y., PEOPLE has confirmed exclusively.
Jay-Z and Beyoncé: Acting Like Newlyweds
They've yet to confirm their April 4 nuptials, but Beyoncé Knowles and Jay-Z are certainly acting like newlyweds.Rihanna Shocked (Shocked!) by Jay-Z & Beyoncé's Wedding
Like many of Jay-Z and Beyoncé Knowles's friends and colleagues, Rihanna had no idea about the happy couple's hush-hush nuptials last week.Solange On Beyonce As A Mom
First came Crazy in Love, then came the hush-hush marriage – could the baby carriage be far behind?We Hear...
THAT Beyoncé Knowles, mom Tina, and sister Solange, got their eyebrows sculpted by Damone Roberts at his new Fifth Avenue salon.
Beyoncé Wears Huge Rock at Jay-Z's Atlanta Show
Beyoncé and Jay-Z may not be talking about their wedding, but her bling certainly seems to be.Can Jay-Z, Beyonce buck post-wedding sales slide?
As Jay-Z and Beyonce celebrate their first week of marriage, they may want to consider that power marriages in the music industry can hurt record sales.Mary J. Blige's Concert Shout-Out to Jay-Z & Beyoncé
Mum was the wedding word from Jay-Z as he hit the stage in North Carolina on Saturday – a day after a friend says he married Beyoncé Knowles – revealing nothing about a ceremony and wearing no ring.Beyoncé, Jay-Z Hip-Hop to the Altar
First comes crazy in love, then comes marriage.Media swarm around rumored Beyonce-Jay-Z wedding
Rumors of a marriage between hip-hop mogul Jay-Z and singer-actress Beyonce drew swarms of media to the street outside his penthouse on Friday, even as speculation swirled about the possibility of a hoax.Beyoncé and Jay-Z: Wedding Prep Under Way?
For Beyoncé and Jay-Z, April showers brought flowers – and a possible wedding. On a rainy Friday in New York City, crews delivered floral arrangements, candelabras and a tent into Jay-Z's Tribeca apartment building.Kelly Rowland & Michelle Williams Coy About N.Y.C. Stay
In a new YouTube video posted late Thursday night, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams goof around at a hotel in Manhattan. But if the singers are in town for Beyonce's rumored wedding, they're not saying.Beyoncé & Jay-Z 'Looked Happy' Getting Marriage License
Beyoncé and Jay-Z arrived at Scarsdale Village Hall shortly after it opened at 9 a.m on Tuesday to get their marriage license. "It was just the two of them," an eyewitness tells PEOPLE. "They were very polite and smiling as they filled out the paperwork. They were holding hands for a while. They looked really happy."Jay-Z, Beyoncé Teaming Up at the Altar?
Either Jay-Z's love has gotten the best of Beyoncé, or the crazy-in-lovebirds are playing one heck of an April Fools' joke on the world.'Heroes' Star 'Obsessed' with Beyonce
Ali Larter, Beyonce Knowles and Idris Elba are in place to star in the Screen Gems thriller "Obsessed."Beyonce Knowles hopping aboard "Cadillac"
Beyonce Knowles has signed on to play blues singer Etta James in "Cadillac Records," a 1950s period film about the founder of Chicago's Chess Records and his lineup of stars.Beyoncé's Father Fires Back at Aretha
The queen is getting stung back.Tina Turner comes back with Beyonce
At age 68, Tina Turner kept those fabled legs largely covered by a silver pantsuit. But she proved she could still shake 'em.2008 Kids Choice Awards announces nominees
Here's a complete rundown of nominees:FASHION TENTS ARE GLAM AGAIN
THE writers' strike has been a disaster for Hollywood, but it's proving to be a boon for New York's Fashion Week.To The Rescue
WHEN Kelly Rowland can't hit a high note, she calls in the big guns. The former Destiny's Child member recently recorded a song in New York with Gym Class Heroes front man Travis McCoy, but struggled to hit one high note. So she called up her best pal Beyoncé, who showed up within the hour with six armed bodyguards in tow. She gave Rowland tips and coached her until she got it.
Forbes: Madonna richest woman in music
Madonna is the richest woman in music.Beyonce To Play Etta James
R&B star Beyonce Knowles is set to play famed blues singer Etta James in new movie 'Cadillac Records'. The Dreamgirls actress will join Adrien Brody, Jeffrey Wright and Cedric the Entertainer in the 1950s-set film.Beyoncé, Foo Fighters to Attend Grammys Despite Strike
Beyoncé and the Foo Fighters said Thursday they'll attend the Grammy Awards on Feb. 10, despite the threat of picket lines by striking Hollywood writers.Shock In Store For Versace
DON'T expect to see the Versace men's collection in Bergdorf Goodman this year. On Saturday night, Tommy Fazio, the men's fashion director for the luxury store, showed up to the Versace men's show in Milan and took his usual front-row seat, and all was well until the late arrival of Beyoncé and Jay-Z. According to our insider, the standing-room-only event was pushed even later when Beyoncé's hulking bodyguard didn't have a seat. Our shocked spy said, "A minion, who obviously had no idea who Tommy was, told him to get up so the guard could sit down." Fazio wasn't pleased and said, "Fine - I don't stand at shows, so please escort me to the door." Afterward, Fazio canceled his post-show appointment with the fashion house. Onlookers were shocked, but Beyoncé was blissfully unaware as she went from the show to the GQ party that followed, where she sat in a corner with Jay-Z and "read the magazine before leaving after 15 minutes." A rep for Versace said, "Obviously there was some confusion with the show, but it had nothing to do with Beyoncé or her bodyguard. It happens occasionally at shows."
Musicians To Boycott Grammys Over Writer's Strike?
Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, 50 Cent and Jon Bon Jovi are considering boycotting this year's Grammy Awards ceremony in support of the Hollywood writer's strikes.Kanye Admits: Beyoncé Beat Me
How did Kanye West bring in the new Year Year? Not with fireworks or champagne. West welcomed 2008 while getting whooped by Beyoncé Knowles at Connect Four.Recycle This
CELEBRITY riders - the contracts that specify which luxuries stars require backstage - are notoriously full of crazy demands, but rarely are they sensitive to the environment. While Jennifer Lopez insists on "white everything," Christina Aguilera wants "soy cheese and Oreo cookies," and Beyoncé demands "juicy baked chicken legs heavily seasoned with fresh garlic, seasoned salt, and black and cayenne pepper," the rider for Eve - who performs at the Shore Club in Miami tonight - is said to require "there be no use of Styrofoam or plastic goods, no leather furniture, and only recyclable materials."
Sightings
BEYONCÉ, trying on jeans as she did some last-minute Christmas shopping at Bergdorf
Celeb lunchboxes to benefit hunger
Let's do lunch — boxes.Jay-Z Celebrates Birthday with Beyoncé in Paris
No over-the-top birthday bash for Jay-Z this year. Instead the rapper planned a subdued, very private celebration in Paris with longtime girlfriend Beyoncé Knowles.Winners: 2007 American Music Awards
Pop/Rock
Male Artist: Justin Timberlake
Female Artist: Fergie
Band, Duo or Group: Nickelback
Album: Daughtry, Daughtry
Male Artist: Tim McGraw
Female Artist: Carrie Underwood
Band, Duo or Group: Rascal Flatts
Album: Some Hearts, Carrie Underwood
Male Artist: Akon
Female Artist: Rihanna
Album: FutureSex/LoveSounds, Justin Timberlake
Band, Duo or Group: Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
Male Artist: T.I.
Album: T.I. vs. T.I.P., T.I.
Adult Contemporary Artist: Daughtry
Latin Artist: Jennifer Lopez
Contemporary Inspirational Artist: Casting Crowns
Soundtrack: High School Musical 2
Breakthrough Artist: Daughtry
T-Mobile Text-In Award: Carrie Underwood
International Artist Award: Beyoncé
Beyonce goes bluegrass at Music Awards
Beyonce went bluegrass in a surprise performance with country band Sugarland at the American Music Awards on Sunday night.Beyonce to experience D-cinema
R&B singer Beyonce is the latest recording artist to book a digital cinema date. "The Beyonce Experience" will be shown on 96 2-D digital cinema theater screens nationwide for a one night-only engagement next Monday. A DVD version will hit stores the following day.Beyonce billboard 'upsets' Vegas residents
A billboard featuring Beyonce clad in a bikini has upset local residents in Las Vegas.Nominees for the 34th annual People's Choice Awards
Winners will be announced Jan. 8 during an awards show broadcast on CBS.Beyonce Honoured At Soul Awards
R&B superstar Beyonce Knowles has been honoured at the inaugural VH1 Soul Presents: VIBE Awards Special, taking home two of the four prizes she was nominated for.Protests over Beyonce's Ethiopia visit
Students at Ethiopia's top religious college are protesting the close ties between the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and the government, alleged restrictions on their speech — and Beyonce's recent meeting with their patriarch.Beyonce Takes Tips From Rihanna
Beyonce Knowles has enlisted the help of dance duo The Freemasons to help her create a pop album similar to R&B rival Rihanna's.Turkish Tragedy Preempts Beyoncé Concert
Looks like Beyoncé Knowles won't be talking Turkey.Beyonce wows fans in Ethiopia
Beyonce Knowles joined the millennium celebrations in Ethiopia with a spirited concert in the capital of the Horn of Africa nation.Beyonce's tour includes show in Shanghai
Beyonce is taking her international tour to China.Nominees for the 2007 American Music Awards
Winners to be Named Live on ABC, Sunday, November 18 at 8:00 p.m., ET
Akon
Timbaland
Justin Timberlake
Beyoncé
Fergie
Avril Lavigne
Linkin Park
Maroon 5
Nickleback
Daughtry/”Daughtry”
Linkin Park/”Minutes to Midnight”
Justin Timberlake/”FutureSex/Love Sounds”
Toby Keith
Tim McGraw
Brad Paisley
Martina McBride
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood
Tim McGraw/”Let It Go”
Rascal Flatts/”Me and My Gang”
Carrie Underwood/”Some Hearts”
Big & Rich
Brooks & Dunn
Rascal Flatts
Akon
Ne-Yo
T-Pain
Beyoncé
Fantasia
Rihanna
Beyoncé /”B'Day”
R. Kelly/”Double Up”
Justin Timberlake/”FutureSex/LoveSounds”
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
Pretty Ricky
Shop Boyz
Fabolous
T.I.
Young Jeezy
Bones Thugs-N-Harmony/”Strength & Loyalty “
T.I./”T.I. vs. T.I.P.”
Young Jeezy/”The Inspiration”
Daughtry
Norah Jones
John Mayer
Daddy Yankee
Juan Luis Guerra y 440
Jennifer Lopez
Linkin Park
My Chemical Romance
The White Stripes
Casting Crowns
Jeremy Camp
tobyMac
“Dreamgirls”
“Hairspray”
“High School Musical 2”
Daughtry
Plain White T's
Robin Thicke
Likes To Watch
WHEN Jay-Z is away, his bootylicious babe Beyoncé will play. Spies at The Box Thursday night saw her and three girlfriends enjoying the club's risque show while flanked by a "huge bodyguard" and protective curtains around their table. "Beyoncé was really making the most of the burlesque strip show," said the source. "She was on the table in the VIP balcony cheering loudly as two girls got naked and licked each others' feet. She stayed until 3:30 in the morning."
Beyonce to be "bootylicious" in Indonesia
R&B singer Beyonce Knowles will not be required to follow a strict dress code when performing next month in Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim country, the organisers of her concert said on Friday.Judges hear arguments in Beyonce case
A Minnesota woman who sued Beyonce Knowles alleging the singer illegally used her lyrics on the hit song "Baby Boy" took her case to a federal appeals court Wednesday.Solange Knowles: I Feel Sorry for Beyoncé
Solange Knowles's star may not shine as brightly as sister Beyoncé Knowles's – and that's just fine with the younger sibling.Beyonce cancels Kuala Lumpur show
Beyonce Knowles has scrapped plans to stage her first concert in Malaysia and will instead perform in neighboring Indonesia, which has less stringent rules about how performers should dress and behave.Beyonce tops People fashion list
R&B singer Beyonce took top honors in a list of best-dressed celebrities of 2007, while bald Britney Spears won the booby prize for most shocking style moment after shaving her head.Jay-Z To Wed Beyonce 'Soon'
Hip-hop mogul Jay-Z has vowed to marry his long-term love Beyonce Knowles "soon".2007 VMA Winners List
Video of the Year: Rihanna, "Umbrella," featuring Jay-ZKnowles Calls On Fans To Donate Food
Beyonce Knowles is calling on her Los Angeles-area fans to generously donate to her food drive project - the first 1,000 fans to drop off a minimum of $5 or three cans of food will receive a signed photo of the pop superstar.Beyonce: 'I Had A Bra On'
Beyonce Knowles has laughed off reports she accidentally flashed her breasts during a wardrobe malfunction in Canada, insisting she was wearing a flesh-coloured bra.Beyoncé Knowles Suffers Wardrobe Malfunction
She may have her very own design house, but Beyoncé Knowles was the victim of a fashion foul-up during a Toronto concert the other night.A whiff of Beyoncé's hectic schedule
Any monetary remuneration aside, Beyoncé Knowles gets one major perk from being the celebrity face of Giorgio Armani's Emporio Armani Diamonds fragrance.Beyonce knows how to be photo ready
Give Beyonce a gold star in the "be prepared" category — or maybe she'd rather have a diamond.Beyonce stars in new fragrance campaign
Give Beyonce a gold star in the "be prepared" category — or maybe she'd rather have a diamond.Beyonce To Front New American Express Campaign
R&B superstar Beyonce has become the new face of American Express, according to reports.Timberlake, Beyonce top MTV VMA noms
Justin Timberlake and Beyonce lead the pop parade of nominees for the MTV Video Music Awards with seven nods apiece, it was announced Tuesday.Beyonce dazzles Garden audience with pop-diva goods
It's not for nothing that they call this show "The Beyonce Experience." Like the summer blockbuster movies crowding theater screens, this tour by the pop/R&B icon resembles not so much a concert as a series of thrillingly staged set pieces. It's safe to say that her fans will not be disappointed by the two-hour extravaganza.We Hear...
THAT Beyoncé is debut ing her Emporio Armani fragrance, "Diamonds," at her concert at Madison Square Garden on Saturday. Twenty "brand ambassadors" will distribute sam ples to the audience.
Beyoncé Makes Her Own Girls-Only Club
No, she's not ditching her longtime love Jay-Z. But Beyoncé Knowles says she has a particular affinity for women.Beyonce's Trip
People can't get enough of "Beyoncé Rolls." Widespread video clips of Ms. Knowles' embarrassing tumble down a flight of stairs during an Orlando, Fla., concert have turned into a nightmare for the singer, who has stumbled in her efforts to quash their spread on the Internet. The star urged fans after the unchoreographed theatrics, "If you taped that, please don't put it on YouTube," and her record label, SonyBMG, has tried to rid the site and similar Web pages of the clip. But they continue to pop up, sometimes with creative language like "stair surfing" that makes them harder to locate.
Q&A: Beyonce on haters and hard work
The Energizer Bunny has nothing on Beyonce.Beyoncé's Rep Calls Fall 'A Mere Spot' in Her Show
Beyoncé Knowles fell face first down a flight of stairs during an Orlando concert Tuesday night – only to recover and complete her number nearly without missing a beat.Beyonce visits 2 hurt by fireworks
Two people injured when pyrotechnics went awry at Beyonce Knowles' concert in St. Louis received a surprise emergency room visit from the singer.The Wrong Foot
BEYONCÉ is taking a page from Britney Spears' book, and it didn't impress the elite Sunday afternoon crowd at Bergdorf Goodman. Last weekend, spies spotted Jay-Z's bootylicious girlfriend browsing for jeans - barefoot. "She was shopping for shorts with two guys," said the onlooker. "I don't know why she didn't have shoes on. She wasn't shopping for shoes." One celeb who did keep her footwear on at the store was "Knocked Up" star Katherine Heigl, who was there at the same time as Beyoncé and "looking gorgeous."
'Most Influential' Celebs
Katie Holmes, Rosie O'Donnell and Anna Nicole Smith's baby daughter, Dannielynn, are among the boldface names on OK! magazine's list of "most influential" celebrities.Sightings
JAY-Z ordering a cheeseburger and "very crispy" french fries as he lunched at Club 55 in St. Tropez with Beyoncé and friends.
Winners of the 2007 BET Awards
Female R&B artist: Beyonce
Male R&B artist: Ne-Yo
Group: Gnarls Barkley
Gospel artist: Kirk Franklin
Hip-hop artist: T.I.
New artist: Jennifer Hudson
Collaboration: Ludacris f/Mary J. Blige, "Runaway Love"
Video of the Year: Beyonce, "Irreplaceable"
Actor: Forest Whitaker
Actress:Jennifer Hudson
Male Athlete of the Year: LeBron James (Basketball)
Female Athlete of the Year: Serena Williams (Tennis)
BET J Cool Like That: Gerald Levert
Viewers' choice: Birdman & Lil Wayne, "Stuntin' Like My Daddy"
Hudson, Beyonce, T.I. among BET winners
The BET Awards are known for show-stopping performances, and they came one after another on Tuesday. It started off with a dream, uniting "Dreamgirls" from past and present with a stirring duet between Jennifer Holliday and Oscar-winner Jennifer Hudson.Beyonce doubles up on BET Awards competition
Beyonce was the undisputed leader heading into Tuesday's BET Awards.Beyonce, T.I. among early BET winners
The BET Awards started off with a dream, uniting "Dreamgirls" from past and present with a stirring duet between Jennifer Holliday and Oscar-winner Jennifer Hudson.Beyonce is the favorite at BET Awards
Beyonce was the undisputed leader heading into Tuesday's BET Awards.Jay-Z Proposes To Beyonce?
Hip-hop mogul Shawn 'Jay-Z' Carter has reportedly proposed to his long-term girlfriend, Beyonce Knowles.Arctic Monkeys love Beyonce
Alex Turner has spoken of his "love" and admiration for Beyonce Knowles.Beyoncé Says She Wants Kids - in 10 Years
Beyoncé Knowles wants to be a mom – but not just yet.Beyonce leads BET Awards field with 6 noms
With six nominations, Beyonce heads the field for the 2007 BET Awards.Lohan Tops Maxim Hot 100
"Georgia Rule" didn't quite rule the box office, but Lindsay Lohan rules the Maxim readers' attentions.She's Got Glitz
WHILE Giorgio Armani was attending Beyoncé's concert in Milan last night, New York was abuzz with news that the Dreamgirl would be the face - and voice - of his new fragrance, Emporio Armani Diamonds. A source close to the project told Page Six, "They have known each other for seven years, and Armani feels Beyoncé represents the glamor and glitz of the fragrance," which will hit shelves in September. Beyoncé will belt out an "old American song" in her TV ads . . . We're guessing "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend."
"Dreamgirls" dances to top of DVD sales charts
"Dreamgirls" was music to consumers' ears in its first week in video stores, riding its $103 million theatrical gross straight to the top of the national DVD sales chart Wednesday.Beastie Boys Axe Beyonce Album
The Beastie Boys axed plans to name their new album after pop superstar Beyonce Knowles because they feared offending her. Drummer Mike Diamond reveals the working title "Thick Like Beyonce's Leg" didn't make the final cut.2007 MTV Movie Nominees
The awards ceremony will air live on Sunday, June 3 on MTV
'300'
'Blades of Glory'
'Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan'
'Little Miss Sunshine''Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest'
Gerard Butler - '300'
Johnny Depp - 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest'
Keira Knightley - 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest'
Jennifer Hudson - 'Dreamgirls'
Beyonce Knowles - 'Dreamgirls'
Will Smith - 'The Pursuit of Happyness'
Emily Blunt - 'The Devil Wears Prada'
Abigail Breslin - 'Little Miss Sunshine'
Lena Headey - '300'
Columbus Short - 'Stomp the Yard'
Jaden Smith - 'The Pursuit of Happyness'
Justin Timberlake - 'Alpha Dog'
Emily Blunt - 'The Devil Wears Prada'
Sacha Baron Cohen - 'Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan'
Will Ferrell - 'Blades of Glory'
Adam Sandler - 'Click'
Ben Stiller - 'Night at the Museum'
Cameron Diaz & Jude Law - 'The Holiday'
Will Ferrell & Sacha Baron Cohen - 'Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby'
Columbus Short & Meagan Short - 'Stomp the Yard'
Mark Wahlberg & Elizabeth Banks - 'Invincible'
Marlon Wayans & Brittany Daniel - 'Little Man'
Tobin Bell - 'Saw III'
Jack Nicholson - 'The Departed'
Bill Nighy - 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest'
Rodrigo Santoro - '300'
Meryl Streep - 'The Devil Wears Prada'
Jack Black & Hector Jimenez vs. Los Duendes - 'Nacho Libre'
Gerard Butler vs. The Uber Immortal - '300'
Sacha Baron Cohen vs. Ken Davitian - 'Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan'
Will Ferrell vs. Jon Heder - 'Blades of Glory'
Uma Thurman vs. Anna Faris - 'My Super Ex-Girlfriend'
'Evan Almighty'
'Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer'
'Hairspray'
'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix'
'Rush Hour 3'
'Transformers'
Beyonce pulls album due to lawsuit
Beyonce has been forced to delete a special version of her current album--following legal problems.Pop queens defeat Arctic Monkeys in UK charts
Pop queens Beyonce and Shakira beat off a challenge from the Arctic Monkeys to crown the British singles chart with their duet "Beautiful Liar," the Official UK Charts Company said on Sunday.Sightings
BEYONCÉ and Jay-Z at the Waverly Inn amid the likes of Jackie Collins, Cornelia Guest, Julio Santo Domingo and Steve Tisch
Timberlake, Alba on list of sexy celebs
Another day, another list. But what the heck, this one is a "What is Sexy?" rundown from Victoria's Secret. "SexyBack" singer Justin Timberlake is sexiest male musician; Jessica Alba, who starred in "Sin City," is sexiest actress; and David Beckham, who has three sons with his wife, Victoria, is sexiest dad.Des'ree vs. Beyonce
Beyonce is at the center of a lawsuit brought by Des'ree, according to reports.Contract Crush For Knowles
BEYONCÉ Knowles and her lawyers are looking forward for a big payday. The diva only has two more albums left on her contract to Sony, and insiders say she's gearing up for a major renegotiation with the label. Her longtime boyfriend, Def Jam president Jay-Z, "has been trying to get her to Def Jam for a while. He would love to oversee her career - he kind of does anyway," an insider told Page Six. But it could also just be a ploy to get Sony to pony up more money to Knowles. "Sony has had a bad year - all the hit acts, Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera and the 'American Idol' kids, are all on BMG," our source said. "They can't afford to lose Beyoncé. They'll probably mortgage the farm to keep her. Which means a lot more money for Beyoncé - and Jay-Z if they get married." Reps for Sony and Knowles didn't return calls. E-mails to Jay-Z's rep were not returned.
Beyonce releases `B'Day' video album
Beyonce may be one of the hardest working women in show business. She cranked out eight videos in two weeks for her new DVD, "B'Day Anthology Video Album."Not Over Yet
THAT sigh of relief Beyoncé and her mother, Tina Knowles, breathed last week may have been premature. Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Herman Kahn threw out former business associate Greg Walker's lawsuit seeking $1.5 million from their House of Dereon fashion line, but Walker vows to appeal. "I'll never give up, because I know I'm right," he told Page Six. The judge ruled that Walker's oral agreement - giving him a 10 percent commission for setting up the $15 million deal that created the company - wasn't worth the paper it wasn't printed on. "The judge was star-struck," Walker said. And the Knowleses are subconsciously racist, he added. "I believe if I was white, I would have been paid."
Beyoncé Goes Bilingual - Only When Singing
Beyoncé is up to something new: singing in Spanish.No Ink, No Deal
BEYONCÉ and her mom, Tina Knowles, must be feeling like a million bucks - a Manhattan judge has thrown out a $1.5 million lawsuit against them. Greg Walker, CEO of Icon Entertainment, had charged that mother and daughter and Wear Me Apparel were stiffing him on his commission for brokering a $15 million deal for their House of Dereon clothing line, only paying him $110,000. Justice Herman Cahn sided with the sexy songstress, finding there was no evidence of a written contract.
Billboard Single Review
ARTIST: BEYONCE & SHAKIRA
SINGLE: BEAUTIFUL LIAR
Perhaps not since Donna Summer and Barbra Streisand joined forces in 1979 has there been a more inspired pop force field. "Beautiful Liar" (from the April 3 rerelease of Beyonce's "B'Day" that includes five new songs and six in Spanish) integrates signature styles of Sony songbirds Beyonce and Shakira, with enterprising threading of an R&B rhythmic pulse and Latin horns, alongside fiery Middle Eastern instrumental hooks. Personalities play off like schoolyard buds -- this is no Mariah Carey vs. Whitney Houston duet, where either appears interested in bulldozing the other. The accompanying video, featuring the pair practically doing a lap dance, is flamethrowing hot.
Sightings
BEYONCÉ and Jay-Z at PM Lounge wishing a happy birthday to Tocarra Jones, who slimmed down after appearing on "America's Next Top Model" weighing 180 pounds.
Houston rodeo brings bulls and Beyonce to the city
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo began 75 years ago as a tribute to Western culture and heritage, but has morphed into a slick extravaganza aimed at luring urban cowboys and cowgirls with pop concerts and wine auctions.Soul Train Award Winners
BEST R&B/SOUL SINGLE, FEMALE: "Irreplaceable" - Beyonce
Beyonce leads Soul Train nominations
Beyonce was the woman to beat at the 21st Anniversary Soul Train Music Awards, leading the field with three nominations that included best female album for "B'Day."Sightings
JAY-Z and Beyoncé at Tao on East 58th Street, celebrating the $204 million sale of his Rocawear clothing line to Iconix with Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson and a dozen other people, who downed shots of Patron tequila and four bottles of Veuve Clicquot Champagne.
Sightings
BEYONCÉ Knowles grimacing as she got her eyebrows waxed by Manana Dzhanimanova at the Fifth Avenue Frederic Fekkai salon, while her assistant and bodyguard looked on.
38th annual NAACP Image Awards winners
Album: "Dreamgirls" (Soundtrack)
Beyonce Under Fire For Smoking Ad
Beyonce Knowles has been slammed by anti-smoking groups in Australia for appearing in an ad for her world tour posing with an old-fashioned cigarette holder.Beyonce not at risk for party illness
Beyonce Knowles attended a Sports Illustrated party where guests may have been exposed to hepatitis A but she was not at risk of catching the illness because she didn't sample the food, her publicist said Wednesday.Celebrity partygoers exposed to Hep A
A Sports Illustrated bash for its annual swimsuit issue has turned into a health scare for stars in Hollywood after a caterer working for celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck may have exposed them to acute Hepatitis A.Beyonce, Taylor, Newman to rock Oscars
The Oscars are all about movies, of course, but on this night only music filled the golden guy's hallowed hall.Beyoncé: SI's Swimsuit Covergirl
Beyoncé Knowles isn't shy when it comes to performing – but she had to muster up her courage to pose for the cover of this year's Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue.Beyonce on cover of S.I. swimsuit issue
Another high note for Beyonce — the coveted cover shot of this year's Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue. The singer and now movie star ("Dreamgirls") posed on a Florida beach in a yellow-and-pink bikini by House of Dereon, the fashion label she started with her mother, Tina Knowles. There's also a photo spread inside. "The Dreamgirl As You've Never Seen Her," a cover headline teases. The 2007 swimsuit edition continues with a music them inside, featuring scantily-clad models posing with Kanye West, Aerosmith, Kenny Chesney, Gnarls Barkley and Panic! At the Disco for the camera of lensman Steve Erle
2007 Grammy Award Winners
Contemporary R&B Album: "B'Day," Beyonce.
Beyonce leads singles chart for 10th week
Beyonce led the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for a 10th consecutive week Thursday with "Irreplaceable," while Nelly Furtado's "Say It Right" climbed one spot to a new peak of No. 2.Beyonce leads Soul Train Music Award nominations
Beyonce, snubbed by various film awards for her role in the movie musical "Dreamgirls," led the field of nominees announced on Tuesday for the 21st annual Soul Train Music Awards, honoring the leading lights of soul, R&B and hip-hop.Beyonce A Nightmare Boss?
BEYONCÉ, one of the highest-paid women in show business, doesn't seem to have much sympathy for those still struggling to see their names in lights, according to our spies. Now that the superstar is wrapping up her "Dreamgirls" tour, she plans to start promoting her latest album, "B-Day," in Los Angeles. Insiders dished to Page Six that the megabucks star is forcing her back-up dancers to pay for their own flights from New York to L.A. for rehearsals for upcoming tours and videos. Our source added that the struggling performers were asked to "work this week for a measly $400 per video." The insider also said that Beyoncé's dancers wouldn't put up a fight about it for fear they would lose their gigs. "They were told that they couldn't call their agents and that if they didn't agree, they would not be hired," according to our source. Reps for Beyoncé did not return multiple calls from Page Six.
Beyonce stays ahead of Fall Out Boy atop Hot 100
Beyonce's "Irreplaceable" once again edges out Fall Out Boy's "This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arms Race" at No. 1 on the Hot 100, enjoying the top spot for the ninth week.Site tabs Beyonce top fantasy girlfriend
She may have missed out on an Oscar nomination, but Beyonce Knowles is the No. 1 fantasy girlfriend, according to AskMen.com's Top 99 Most Desirable Women of 2007.Beyonce enjoys Spanish-language crossover hit
When a Spanish-language version of Beyonce's "Irreplaceable" hit a Latino radio station in Phoenix a month and a half ago, listeners liked what they heard -- even if they weren't sure who was singing.Beyonce, Fall Out Boy lead U.S. singles chart
Beyonce's "Irreplaceable" led the Billboard Hot 100 singles charts for an eighth consecutive week Thursday, but barely edged the new single from Fall Out Boy.Beyonce leads singles chart for seventh week
Beyonce's "Irreplaceable" led the Billboard Hot 100 singles charts for a seventh consecutive week Thursday, while Akon's "I Wanna Love You" and Fergie's "Fergalicious" remained at No. 2 and No. 3, respectively.Dream Stays Alive at No. 1
And we're telling you that Effie and the rest of the Dreamgirls aren't going anywhere.
2. Konvicted, Akon
3. FutureSex/LoveSounds, Justin Timberlake
4. Daughtry, Daughtry
5. Step In! soundtrack, various
6. B'Day, Beyoncé
7. Now That's What I Call Music! Vol. 23, various
8. Love, the Beatles
9. The Inspiration, Young Jeezy
10. All the Right Reasons, Nickelback
Billboard single review
ARTIST: BEYONCE - SINGLE: LISTEN
In "Dreamgirls," Jennifer Hudson is deservedly garnering the lion's share of praise -- but Beyonce delivers the performance of her career in "Listen," another defining moment in the brilliant flick. In this devastatingly beautiful ballad, she shimmers with evocative emotion, rising to new heights alongside a golden melody with spellbinding, rafter-raising production. As Beyonce sits atop The Billboard Hot 100 and R&B/hip-hop charts with "Irreplaceable," a mediocre composition with all the distracting bells and whistles of the modern urban template, at last we see that she is a real talent when free of the accompaniment that has long masked her voice. Hopefully, as adult R&B embraces this hit, Beyonce will continue to rise to the occasion.
Fix Was In
BEYONCÉ's mom may have gotten a recommendation from her boy friend, Jay-Z, in landing her latest venture. The hip-hop mogul is one of the owners of the Brook lyn-bound New Jersey Nets. Deréon, the junior apparel collection from House of Deréon, which is designed by Beyoncé's mom, Tina Knowles, was just named official sponsor of the Nets Dancers, who entertain on the hardwood at halftime and timeouts. "The Nets Dancers are such a fun part of going to the games," said Tina. "We are thrilled to be able to provide Deréon wardrobe for these ex tremely talented young women."
Hundreds try out to be Beyonce dancers
A nationwide talent search for dancers fleet-footed enough to back up Beyonce Knowles came to the pop diva's hometown as hundreds turned out to audition for 40 open slots.Knowles Not Bothered About Oscars
Beyonce Knowles' publicists are playing down reports the singer/actress is distraught after discovering she has been disqualified from the Oscars' Best Song category, insisting the star always knew she'd miss out on a nod.Dressed To Kill
TALK about impulsive shoppers! As Beyonce was headed to Nobu 57 the other night, she saw the blue dress Hilary Swank wore the night she won the Oscar for "Million Dollar Baby" in the window of the Guy Laroche flagship boutique. The next evening, Beyonce came back to 57th Street and bought it in white without even trying it on. The staff gushed about how sweet, gracious and soft-spoken she was. And they speculated that the dress could easily be worn as a wedding gown if her long-awaited nuptials with Jay-Z ever take place.
Beyonce set to reissue album with Spanish tracks
With Beyonce's Spanish-language version of "Irreplaceable" flying up Billboard's Hot Latin Songs chart, the "Dreamgirl" is dreaming of crossover.SAG Awards
The 13th Annual SAG Awards will announce the winners on Sunday, Jan. 28 on TNT and TBS.
"Babel"
"Bobby"
"The Departed"
"Dreamgirls"
"Little Miss Sunshine"
Beyonce's Fear Of Public Toilets
Pop beauty Beyonce Knowles has a fear of public toilets after being photographed whenever she visits them. The former Destiny's Child star admits she can't relax because she thinks fans are trying to get into the cubicle when she's relieving herself. Knowles says, "I have a little social anxiety about using public restrooms. People are like, 'Oh gosh, she's in the stall. 'You come out and there's all these people with camera phones and they take pictures of you while you're washing your hands. It's pretty weird."
Sightings
JAY-Z and Sammy Sosa lunching with Beyoncé at El Pescador at Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic, then smoking cigars and throwing a football.
Top movies at the North American box office
Following are the top 10 movies at the North American box office for the three-day weekend beginning December 29, led by "Night at the Museum," according to studio estimates compiled on Sunday by Reuters.
2 (2) The Pursuit of Happyness ...... $ 19.3 million
3 (7) Dreamgirls ..... $ 15.5 million
4 (5) Charlotte's Web ............... $ 12.0 million
5 (3) Rocky Balboa ... $ 11.4 million
6 (4) The Good Shepherd ............. $ 11.2 million
7 (6) Eragon ......... $ 8.5 million
8 (8) Happy Feet ..... $ 8.0 million
9(10) We Are Marshall ............... $ 7.8 million
10 (9) The Holiday .... $ 6.7 million
Happy Feet ..... $ 176.2 million
Night at the Museum ........... $ 116.9 million
The Pursuit of Happyness ...... $ 98.4 million
Eragon ......... $ 56.7 million
Charlotte's Web ............... $ 52.9 million
The Holiday .... $ 50.0 million
Rocky Balboa ... $ 48.8 million
Dreamgirls ..... $ 38.5 million
The Good Shepherd ............. $ 35.3 million
We Are Marshall ............... $ 25.1 million
Beyonce's 'Irreplaceable' unbeatable on US charts
Beyonce's "Irreplaceable" moved into a fourth week at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Thursday, and the R&B singer also claimed the singles chart's top debut with "Listen," which opened at No. 95.`Dreamgirls' has dreamy Christmas Day
It was a great Christmas for the Paramount Pictures musical "Dreamgirls."
2. "The Pursuit of Happyness," $23.1 million.
3. "Rocky Balboa," $17 million.
4. "The Good Shepherd," $13.9 million.
5. "Charlotte's Web," $9.5 million.
6. "Eragon," $9.3 million.
7. "Dreamgirls," $8.9 million.
8. "We Are Marshall," $8.6 million.
9. "The Holiday," $7 million.
10. "Happy Feet," $6.6 million
Sightings
JAY-Z and Beyoncé celebrating the approval of the Nets' new arena in Brooklyn with Missy Elliot and Ciara as the Nets beat the Cavaliers at the Meadowlands
Knowles Enjoying Weight Gain
R&B star Beyonce Knowles is enjoying putting on weight after her 'Dreamgirls' movie role - and promises she won't be holding back over the festive season.Endquote
"I DO want to win an Oscar! You know, join the club. Like, who doesn't want that?" - Beyoncé to London's Sunday Times.
2007 Golden Globe Nominations
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
TONI COLLETTE- LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE
BEYONCÉ KNOWLES- DREAMGIRLS
MERYL STREEP- THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA
RENEE ZELLWEGER- MISS POTTER
She's No Sasha
THAT isn't Beyoncé Knowles onstage shaking her booty - it's Sasha. "I become someone else when I'm onstage. I call that stage persona 'Sasha,' " the "Dreamgirls" star told Parade's Dotson Rader. "I wouldn't like Sasha if I met her off stage." She's "too aggressive, too strong, too sassy, too sexy! I'm not like her in real life at all. I'm not flirtatious and super-confident and fearless like her. What I feel onstage I don't feel anywhere else. It's an out-of-body experience. I created my stage persona . . . so that when I go home, I don't have to think about what it is I do. Sasha isn't me. The people around me know who I really am."
Beyoncé: You Can't Rush a Man Into Marriage
Fresh from last week's hot rumor – swiftly shot down by their reps – that Beyoncé and Jay-Z were getting married at a luxury Caribbean resort – the Dreamgirls star hints in the January issue of InStyle that it might be just a matter of time.Stars get all misty at 'Dreamgirls' premiere
Light on-and-off drizzle misted Wilshire Boulevard, making it chilly in Tinseltown. But that didn't stop glam-gowned stars from cheerily attending the premiere of Dreamgirls at the Wilshire Theatre on Monday night.Come see about the big-screen 'Dreamgirls'
Here's a film reviewer who didn't just watch Dreamgirls. She lived it.Grammy Nominations
Best Female R&B Vocal Performance
"Ring the Alarm," Beyoncé
"Be Without You," Mary J. Blige
"Don't Forget About Us, " Mariah Carey
"Day Dreaming, " Natalie Cole
"I Am Not My Hair," India.Arie
"Be Without You," Johnta Austin, Mary J. Blige, Bryan-Michael Cox & Jason Perry, songwriters (Mary J. Blige)
"Black Sweat," Prince, songwriter (Prince)
"Déjà vu," Shawn Carter, Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, Beyoncé Knowles, Makeba, Keli Nicole Price & Delisha Thomas, songwriters (Beyoncé Featuring Jay-Z)
"Don't Forget About Us," Johnta Austin, Mariah Carey, Bryan-Michael Cox & Jermaine Dupri, songwriters (Mariah Carey)
"I Am Not My Hair," Drew Ramsey, Shannon Sanders & India Arie Simpson, songwriters (India.Arie)
B'Day, Beyoncé
Chris Brown, Chris Brown
20 Y.O., Janet Jackson
Kelis Was Here, Kelis
In My Own Words, Ne-Yo
"Smack That," Akon featuring Eminem
"Déjà vu," Beyoncé featuring Jay-Z
"Shake That," Eminem featuring Nate Dogg
"Unpredictable," Jamie Foxx featuring Ludacris
"My Love," Justin Timberlake featuring T.I.
Beyonce tops charts with latest single
Beyonce's "Irreplaceable" ended the two-week reign of Akon's "I Wanna Love You" on the Hot 100 singles chart Thursday, becoming the R&B singer's fourth solo No. 1.Wedding rumors denied for Beyonce, Jay-Z
Is it just a celebrity birthday bash, or a smoke screen for a secret wedding between two of the hottest talents in the recording industry -- Beyonce and Jay-Z?Rap Wedding That's Overdue
WILL Jay-Z and Beyoncé Knowles finally tie the knot during his "surprise" 37th birthday party next weekend? Knowles, Jay and some Def Jam executives were at STK on West 12th Street on Saturday talking about the four-day "party" - but insiders say it will be more than a birthday celebration. "Beyoncé is throwing Jay a four-day birthday party, but it's really a wedding," said one source. Guests, including family and close friends, were told to have passport applications filed by last Friday so they can attend the bash on a yacht in St. Barts. But insiders said the guests will also be ferried over to Anguilla for the wedding at Cap Juluca, a five-star resort with Moorish villas. Another spy said Knowles and Jay-Z had toured the site earlier this year and approved it for their nuptials. Reps for Knowles, Jay-Z and Cap Juluca didn't return calls or e-mails. The rapper/mogul has dated the lovely Knowles, now bigger than ever with her star turn in "Dreamgirls," for four years.
Beyoncé Denies Rumors of Jennifer Hudson Feud
You can put those rumors of a feud on the set of Dreamgirls to rest. Beyoncé Knowles says that she and her costar Jennifer Hudson, of American Idol fame, didn't have bad blood while filming the movie.Tidbits
BEYONCE's dressing room preferences are turkey sandwiches, nonstop Pepsi, Honey Nut Cheerios, a love seat, and a temperature of 78 degrees Fahrenheit.
Beyonce enjoyed vibe on 'Dreamgirls' set
Singer Beyonce Knowles said she enjoyed working with Jamie Foxx, Eddie Murphy and director Bill Condon on her new movie "Dreamgirls," and that she looks forward to more movie roles.Pink criticizes Beyonce's choice to wear fur
Pink has blasted Beyonce for her continuing decision to wear real fur.Sightings
JAY-Z and Beyoncé lounging by the pool at the Saxon Hotel in Johannesburg, South Africa, where Nelson Mandela wrote "Long Walk to Freedom."
Dreamgirls Hits the Road
Producers are hoping a Dreamgirls roadshow will be a dream come true... at least come awards season.Beyoncé: My Lyrics Aren't About My Life
Beyoncé's lyrics take a darker turn on her new album, B'day, but she says they aren't based on real life.Billboard singles review
ARTIST: BEYONCE
SINGLE: IRREPLACEABLE (Columbia Records)
After unleashing her desires and frustrations, respectively, in "Deja Vu" and "Ring the Alarm," Beyonce finally settles down enough to make a sensible record. The high-octane belter shows fortitude in "Irreplaceable," a vocal-centric cut that finds her ditching a no-good beau with stinging lyrics ("Everything you own in a box to the left"). The song also dilutes the excessive instrumentation of B's first two singles in favor of smooth drum taps and guitar strumming. Beyonce has yet to deliver a surefire hit from her frantic sophomore set, "B'Day." But with lyrics likely to become woman-scorned mottos of the moment, "Irreplaceable" should blast off at radio.
Jay-Z and Beyonce Charter Plane For excess Baggage
Superstar couple Jay-Z and Beyonce Knowles were forced to charter an extra plane to cope with their excess baggage on a trip to South Africa last week.Court dismisses copyright infringement lawsuit against Beyonce
A federal judge has dismissed a copyright infringement lawsuit a Minneapolis singer-songwriter filed against Beyonce, ruling the songs were "substantially dissimilar."Beyonce leads race for MOBO awards
Beyonce leads the race for this year's MOBO awards, to be held on Wednesday, closely followed by "Put Your Records On" UK newcomer Corinne Bailey Rae.Nervous Beyonce relieved with early success of new album
Beyonce Knowles was nearly dumbstruck Thursday when, shortly after arriving in Toronto, she realized she was in the country where she and her Destiny's Child bandmates got their start - and found their end as a group.Beyonce's "B'Day" Bashes Chart
Call it the icing on the cake.
2. Revelations, Audioslave
3. Modern Times, Bob Dylan
4. Danity Kane, Danity Kane
5. Cheetah Girls 2 soundtrack, various
6. Back to Basics, Christina Aguilera
7. A Public Affair, Jessica Simpson
8. All the Right Reasons, Nickelback
9. A Matter of Life and Death, Iron Maiden
10. Extreme Behavior, Hinder
BEYONCE'S 'MINI' TRIBUTE TO LEGENDARY BAKER
JEAN-CLAUDE Baker, owner of Chez Josephine on West 42nd Street, was one proud audience member at Fashion Rocks at Radio City. Beyonce Knowles paid tribute to his adoptive mother, the legendary Josephine Baker, performing one of Baker's numbers wearing her trademark banana miniskirt. The restaurateur spent hours with Knowles before Thursday's taping going over images and recollections of Baker, even lending her his original 1920s posters for the performance backdrop.
Music Review: New Beyonce CD a scorcher
Really, we didn't need another Beyonce album this soon.Love On Wheels
BEYONCÉ Knowles may not have gotten an engagement ring for her 25th birthday from her man Jay-Z, but she got something better. Jay took his longtime sweetheart to the Time Warner garage early yesterday morning and surprised her with a 1959 Rolls-Royce convertible, said to be worth $1 million. Our spy says Knowles was "speechless." Knowles' official birthday was Monday. A rep for Knowles declined to comment.
B'Day Gumbo
HAPPY Birthday, Beyoncé! The songbird, who turns 25 today, got a special pre-birthday treat Thursday night after the VMAs. Insiders said her mother, Tina, spent much of that afternoon in the kitchen of Beyoncé beau Jay-Z's club, 40/40, "cooking her secret family recipe of seafood gumbo," later served to more than 600 guests. The only blot on the evening was the police blockade outside the club on West 25th Street, which forced drivers to stop their cars for inspection as they went by.
Beyonce Refuses To Compose With Jay-Z
R&B star Beyonce Knowles never plans to sit down and compose a track with her rapper boyfriend JAY-Z, because their collaborations just happen naturally.Billboard Single Review
ARTIST: BEYONCE
SINGLE: RING THE ALARM
Beyonce's "Deja Vu" had that event-single aroma about it -- a throwaway song that is guaranteed airplay because it launches a new project. The second release from her imminent "B'Day" is memorable, but hardly a home run. The video for "Ring the Alarm" is highly entertaining with Beyonce's stacked hair and flailing finger-pointing, but still, without a sturdily constructed track that plays as well without pictures, she's got a great side dish missing the meat. We get the pissed-off bit, and boy she's convincing, with distorted vocals and a ranting assault of a lyric, but this is no "Crazy in Love" -- more just plain crazy.
Beyonce Win's 1 MTV VMA
Best R&B Video: Beyonce feat. Slim Thug: "Check On It"
Sightings
BEYONCÉ Knowles catching Usher in "Chicago" at the Ambassador and later signing autographs backstage for the cast.
Beyonce Wants, and Gets, Her MTV
Beyonce and the MTV Video Music Awards go together, particularly when she's unveiling a new album.Sightings
PENELOPE Cruz, Jermaine Dupri, Janet Jackson, Jay-Z and Beyoncé sneaking in the back door of Tenjune in the Meatpacking District to avoid paparazzi and join Kanye West and Zac Posen at stylist to the stars June Ambrose's launch of her book, "Effortless Style"
Reptile Biologist Snaps Back At Beyonce
Beyonce Knowles has been reprimanded by animal rights group People for The Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) after boasting about taping a baby alligator's mouth shut at a photo shoot for her new album.Beyonce's dad denies album delay rumors
Despite rumors to the contrary, Beyonce's second solo album, "B'Day," is still scheduled for release on September 5, according to the singer's father and manager, Mathew Knowles.'Dreamgirls': The look is supreme
Dreamgirls is more than a movie musical about the rise of a girl group based on The Supremes, with songs that beg to be belted (And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going) and stars who can carry a tune to the top of the charts (Beyoncé Knowles, Jamie Foxx).Beyonce: 'I'll Never Lose Myself Like Lauryn'
Beyonce Knowles is determined to cope with her spiralling fame, insisting she will never "lose herself" like Fugees star Lauryn Hill.Beyonce Diet Slammed By Experts
The diet which Beyonce Knowles used to help her lose 9kgs for her latest film role has come under fire from leading dieticians.PARTY PRIORITY
BEYONCÉ Knowles has pulled out of a promotional tour of England next month for the debut of her new album, "B'Day," supposedly because of the terrorism scare. But music insiders say the real reason is she doesn't want to miss the lavish 25th birthday bash boyfriend Jay-Z is throwing for her in New York. "Her birthday is Sept. 4," says our source. "Jay-Z is planning a huge party for her at his 40/40 Club and she didn't want to miss it." A rep for Knowles didn't return calls.
Sightings
BEYONCÉ eating a bowl of pasta at Bar Pitti . . .
'Aunt Beyonce' Is A Big Hit With Baby
Beyonce Knowles' sister Solange feared she had made a big mistake taking her baby to her latest appearance on MTV show 'Total Request Live' when he started bawling backstage after watching his aunt's new video.Beyonce backs LeToya
Beyonce Knowles has insisted there is no dispute between her and former Destiny's Child star LeToya, who has just issued her debut solo album.Sightings
JAY-Z and Beyoncé lunching on chicken pot pies and banana splits at Serendipity 3.
We Hear...
THAT Jay-Z will join Beyonce on her song "Deja-vu" at Conde Nast Media Group's "Fashion Rocks" Sept. 6 at Radio City Music Hall.
Sightings
BEYONCÉ Knowles arriving with a girlfriend at Puttanesca in a black Rolls-Royce.
Beyonce fans protest her new video
Thousands of Beyonce fans have begun a petition to have her new video banned.Beyonce and mother sued for $1.5 million
Beyonce Knowles and her mother, Tina Knowles, have been sued for $1.5 million by a former business associate who claims they neglected to compensate him for securing a deal involving their House of Dereon clothing line.Sightings
BEYONCÉ supporting the ban on Cristal by her man Jay-Z and drinking Dom Perignon with a group of girlfriends at Nikki Midtown.
Beyonce Sued For Breach Of Contract
R&B star Beyonce Knowles has been slapped with a $1.5 million lawsuit over the launch of her House of Dereon clothing line.Beyoncé's Girl-Powered Tour
Beyonce's got herself some bootylicious backup.'Pink Panther' puts paws all over charts
Pink was in last week on DVD.Beyonce's little secret a smart career move
"Begin Movie."Billboard Single Review
ARTIST: BEYONCE FEATURING JAY-Z
SINGLE: DEJA VU
It's a safe bet that "Deja Vu," which was leaked online and then digitally zapped to radio June 13, is destined to be a summer 2006 mainstay. Radiating with enough heat (and hype) to make July seem chilly by comparison, the hip-hop chugger is readily identifiable as pop/R&B's reigning songstress, with a notably loose vocal, fluffed harmonies, a novel horn section and a chorus that adheres to the memory bank in a shake. Downside: Jay-Z's superfluous rap. But no matter. This is an event record destined to garner Beyonce's upcoming sophomore set "B'Day" a monster opening. And our guess: This is just a warm-up, with the biggest, best singles yet to come.
Beyonce readies "B-Day" celebration
When it came time to begin work on her second solo album, Beyonce didn't even tell her manager, who also happens to be her father, that she'd booked studio time.PETA PESTS AMBUSH BEYONCÉ
THE nerdy couple who paid thousands of dollars to have dinner with Beyoncé Knowles at Nobu 57 on Thursday turned out to be bullies from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals who ambushed the pop diva about wearing fur.We Hear...
THAT rap-star stylist June Ambrose, whose book, "Effortless Style," comes out next month, celebrated her 35th birthday the other night at Philippe with Benny Medina, L.A. Reid, Mariah Carey, Jay-Z, Beyonce and Sean Combs.
Beyoncé Goes Girl Huntin'
Beyonce Knowles is looking for a few dreamgirls to call her own.Sightings
JAY-Z, Beyoncé, David Byrne, James Blunt and Carmelo Anthony at the sold-out Webster Hall concert of Gnarls Barkley, the buzzed-about union of Cee Lo and Danger Mouse.
Beyonce Knowles celebrating "B'Day" in September
Destiny's Child principal Beyonce Knowles will release her second solo album, "B'Day," on September 5 in the United States, and a day earlier internationally, which will be her 25th birthday.WEIGHTY ROLE
Beyoncé Knowles shocked fans at a Cannes Film Festival preview of her movie "Dreamgirls" by admitting she and co-star Jennifer Hudson had to dramatically slim down for their roles. Knowles, 24, said she lost 20 pounds to play Deena Jones, according to wire reports. Jones is loosely modeled on Diana Ross and The Supremes. "I actually gained a little bit, but then I lost 20 pounds when I went from young Deena to old Deena," she said. "I wanted it to be something more than just makeup and hair."
Dreamgirls brings musical glitz to Cannes
Broadway invaded the Cannes Film Festival on Friday with a preview of the movie musical Dreamgirls, with stars Jamie Foxx and Beyonce Knowles on hand to help show off scenes from the stage adaptation.Rocky Romance
THE tension wasn't only on the court at Monday's Net-Heat game. Sources say Beyoncé had a roiling blowup with Jay-Z as New Jersey dribbled over Miami, 100-88. "She stormed off and flew back home," one tipster said. Beyoncé's East and West Coast publicists were blissfully unaware of any fireworks. "I don't know if she had a fight," sniffed Columbia Records' Yvette Noel-Schure, who declined to contact her Grammy-winning client to find out for sure.
Clooney, Witherspoon make Time magazine list of influential newsmakers
Oscar winners George Clooney and Reese Witherspoon and German Chancellor Angela Merkel are among the newsmakers on Time magazine's list of 100 people who shape our world.Comedies Dominate MTV Awards
Comedies, frequently snubbed by award shows, will be front and center at this year's MTV Movie Awards.Destiny's Child Gets Hollywood Walk Star
The women of Destiny's Child were back together for a brief moment Tuesday to accept a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.Knowles' Latest Role Has Her Wigging Out
Singer Beyonce Knowles is battling with her elaborate hairpieces while shooting 'Dreamgirls', reportedly driving up production costs and delaying filming. Knowles is starring in the feature film about a trio of female Motown singers from the 1960s. A source tells, "The shooting keeps getting delayed because something goes wrong with one of those damned wigs. During a dance routine, Beyonce was twirling and a fake nail kept getting caught in the wig and it all ripped apart. The movie supposedly has a budget of almost US$100 million, but you wouldn't know it by the special effects budget. I think a huge chunk of it went to those wigs."
Destiny's Child To Get Star Treatment
Destiny's Child will be honored with a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame Tuesday (March 28). According to MTV.com, the trio, which features Beyonce Knowles, Michelle Williams and Kelly Rowland, will receive their star near the Kodak Theatre at 6801 Hollywood Boulevard."Panther" leads foreign box office for 3rd weekend
"The Pink Panther" led the foreign box office for a third weekend with estimated ticket sales of $10.6 million, a $1 million lead over new domestic champ "Inside Man."SHODDY BOOTH
WHERE is the quality control for the House of Dereon? The fashion line created by Beyoncé and her mother, Tina Knowles, was poorly represented at the Magic fashion trade show in Las Vegas. The company's booth, which was meant to resemble a villa, was shoddily made, a Page Six spy reported. "It was so cheaply done, the vines were visibly Scotch-taped to the villa," the spy tattled. "It was very un-Beyoncé." A spokesman for the company said the booth was professionally constructed. And, he added, "It won the contest for the best booth in the contemporary area."
No budging Beyonce from top of Hot 100
Beyonce's "Check On It" featuring Slim Thug holds on tight to the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100, registering a fifth straight week at the summit.Beyonce's Next Solo Album Set For Mid Year Release
Beyonce Knowles is determined to release her next solo album this northern summer - and will record it in gaps in her busy movie schedule. The singer's Hollywood career has taken off and she is currently shooting 'Dreamgirls'. But she is determined to combine music and movies and plans to hit the studio as soon as the film wraps. She explains, "I'm going to try and do an album after the movie. "I want to put the album out in the summer, which means I have six weeks to record it after the movie (is completed). "But I've done that with just about every album, so we'll see if it happens again."
Beyonce Targeted By Anti-Fur Campaigners
Beyonce Knowles is being bombarded with hate mail from animal rights protesters angered by her fashion label House Of Dereon's use of chinchilla, rabbit and mink fur. The offices of Beyonce's record label have been flooded with mail from furious anti-fur campaigners - also incited by the pink mink the star wore to the premiere of her new movie The Pink Panther last week. A record company source tells British newspaper the Daily Express, "Activists have threatened to dump carcasses at our offices or Beyonce's home. We've had a huge amount of post complaining. Our receptionists have taken some pretty unpleasant phone calls." But anti-fur group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) defend the criticism of Beyonce. A spokesperson says, "She is profiting from the most violent and bloody industry on Earth and should be ashamed."
Beyonce's "Check" nets fourth week at No. 1
There's little movement in the top rungs of the Billboard Hot 100 this week, with the first five entries staying put from the previous week. Beyonce's single "Check On It" featuring Slim Thug leads the list, at No. 1 for a fourth consecutive week.Destiny's 'duo' get the last laugh
When Destiny's Child disbanded last year, the destinies of Beyoncé Knowles' bandmates Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams seemed in question.'Pink Panther' Steals Box Office Crown
A delayed release and bad buzz couldn't keep Steve Martin's reimagining of "The Pink Panther" from slinking to the top of the weekend box office. The Columbia/MGM comedy came in first with an estimated $21.7 million.Knowles Is Tickled 'Pink' to Be Acting
When she discusses her most enriching acting experiences, Beyonce Knowles is hesitant to discuss her appearance on a little Disney Channel comedy called "The Famous Jett Jackson." However, her director on that project -- "Cheaper by the Dozen" mastermind Shawn Levy -- remembered Knowles when he was casting "The Pink Panther."Hatcher, Keys vie for sexiest Grammy dress
Forget the Grammys, Alicia Keys and Teri Hatcher vied for the sexiest dress award Wednesday night.Beyonce: 'The Bling Has Lost Its Sparkle'
R&B superstar Beyonce Knowles insists wearing bling accessories has lost its appeal - because jewellers are relentless in pursuing her to model their latest sparkling creations. Beyonce has also developed a habit of losing the jewellery she takes on loan - and doesn't want to take responsibility for the financial repercussions. The 24-year-old says, "I think the thrill has gone. I wear so many and I am careless and I don't want to be responsible if I lose it. I've lost way too much stuff."
'Pink Panther' painfully unfunny
The last time we saw Inspector Clouseau, the once-illustrious Pink Panther franchise had fallen on hard times with actor (now TV director) Ted Wass stuck in the thankless role of attempting to fill the late Peter Sellers' formidable footwear in 1983's "Curse of the Pink Panther."
Inspector Clouseau: Steve Martin
Dreyfus: Kevin Kline
Gilbert Ponton: Jean Reno
Xania: Beyonce Knowles
Cherie: Kristin Chenoweth
Nicole: Emily Mortimer
Yuri: Henry CzernyWe Hear...
THAT the 55-carat pink diamond ring Beyoncé wears in "The Pink Panther" would be worth over $100 million if it were real, according to the bauble's Left Coast designer Christian Tse . . .
Beyonce leads historic singles chart
Beyonce's "Check On It" featuring Slim Thug led the US pop singles chart for a second week, but the big star was Disney's "High School Musical" TV soundtrack, which spawned several historic chart debuts.Soul Train Music Award nominees
R&B singer R. Kelly, the soulful crooner who let his libido loose in a passionate album, led contenders for the 20th annual Soul Train Music Awards, which honor the leading lights in the soul, R&B and hip-hop worlds, organizers said on Thursday.Beyonce Can't Contain 'Dreamgirls' Enthusiasm
A certain promotional etiquette dictates that stars talking up one upcoming movie are reticent to discuss future projects in more than a passing sentence or two ("It looks great and I can't wait to see how it turns out" or "It's very different, a real change of pace of me"). Not so for Beyonce Knowles and "Dreamgirls," which just began production.Destiny's Child in Star-Spangled swan song
On the heels of its farewell tour and album, Destiny's Child will perform live for the final time when it sings the national anthem before the National Basketball Association All-Star Game in its Houston hometown on February 19. The event will be broadcast live by TNT.Beyonce logs 7th turn atop U.S. singles chart
Beyonce Knowles reached the top of the U.S. singles chart for a seventh time Thursday with "Check on It" featuring Slim Thug.Beyonce Considers Marriage
Beyonce Knowles is getting closer to marrying longtime boyfriend Jay-Z, after confessing that her sister Solange has made her think seriously about turning her back on single life. Beyonce tells the new US issue of Cosmopolitan that she has become a big fan of marriage after watching how happy her 19-year-old sister is since exchanging vows and starting a family. She says, "I don't know when I'll want to get married. I never pictured myself as a bride, but, after my sister's wedding, I did start thinking about what kind of wedding I'd want. I don't think I want a big one." Knowles admits she's already thinking about her bridesmaids - she tells the magazine that her former band mates Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams will join her at the altar. While the singer might be seriously considering getting married, she's not sure she wants kids just yet. She adds, "I didn't want to be in the delivery room (for Solange's birth)...but I was moved by the experience, so it didn't make me not want to have kids. "I babysat for my nephew last week and it's not as glamorous as it looks."
Beyonce Focuses On 'Dreamgirls' Role
Platinum-selling singer Beyonce isn't even thinking about the follow-up to her successful 2003 solo album, Dangerously In Love. Nor is she dealing with her musical life after the announced retirement of the group she rode to fame, Destiny's Child. Her energies are entirely directed toward her film role as Deena in the film adaptation of the musical Dreamgirls. Beyonce is slated to return to the recording studio in May, but that all depends on when filming for the star-studded musical is completed.Destiny's Child queens of pop charts in 8-year run
Even though the group made its debut on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart eight years ago with a song called "No, No, No," the only thing the members of Destiny's Child have heard since is a resounding "yes, yes, yes" to almost a decade of chart success.Destiny's Child alumnni a perfect fit for brands
Destiny's Child and McDonald's. Destiny's Child and Wal-Mart. Destiny's Child and Pepsi.Destiny's Child stars busy with solo projects
A gold record. That was the one goal a young female group from Houston hoped to achieve after signing with Columbia Records in 1997.NEW YORKERS CABO-CRAZED FOR NEW YEAR
THE hottest place to be for New Yorkers in the know right now just might be Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Arriving at Las Ventanas resort this week were Smokey Robinson, Jerry Della Femina, Kelly and Gilles Bensimon, Julie Chen and Les Moonves, Joe Roth, Berry Gordy and the Grubman family, including papa Allen, mom Deborah and daughter Lizzie. Nearby at the One & Only Palmilla was new James Bond Daniel Craig and his steady sweetie, a "hot American brunette," Howard Stern and Beth Ostrosky and Joel Silver. Hotelier Jason Pomerantz and his honey, Ali Wise, bunked down at the Hotel Esperanza. And Jay-Z and Beyoncé Knowles were spotted boogeying at a Cabo bar called Squid Row the other night to songs by Destiny's Child.
Destiny's Child Split Yet To Hit Beyonce
Beyonce Knowles is convinced the demise of Destiny's Child won't sink in properly until she begins work on her second solo album. Knowles and her former band mates Michelle Williams and Kelly Rowland split Destiny's Child this summer after selling more than 40 million singles and albums. But the 24-year-old, who is in regular contact with Williams and her cousin Rowland, knows she will only fully realise the impact of becoming a permanent solo star when she has to choose the tracks for her next record. She says, "I don't think I'm going to feel it until I have an album coming out. "When I go into the studio and I have to decide the singles and the videos and all of that by myself, when I have that pressure and I'm going to have to perform by myself - that's when it's gonna hit."
Beyonce Says She Has No Wedding Plans
Beyonce could be found in a Los Angeles-area department store over the weekend. But she sure wasn't there to pick out items for her wedding registry.Top Doggie Bag
IT's not bad being a dog - especially if your owner is Beyonce Knowles. We hear the curvaceous crooner is toting her pint-sized Shih Tzu, Munchy, in a $650 dog carrier from Emre. The posh porta-pup was a gift from the folks at Park East Animal Hospital, who wanted their famous client to travel in style. Other celebs sporting the fancy bags include actress Milla Jovovich, who has five of them, and Britney Spears, who picked up a silver-ornamented Emre bag for son Preston's diapers.
American Music Award Nominations
Female R&B Vocal Performance: "1 Thing," Amerie; "Wishing on a Star," Beyonce; "We Belong Together," Mariah Carey; "Free Yourself," Fantasia; "Unbreakable," Alicia Keys.Billboard Music Award Winners
R&B/Hip-Hop Group of the Year: Destiny's Child
American Music Awards Winners
Soul-R&B: Band, duo or group: Destiny's Child
Billboard single reviews
ARTIST: DESTINY'S CHILD
SINGLE: STAND UP FOR LOVE
NEW YORK (Billboard) - Destiny's Child's farewell "#1's" album leads off with a song that is anything but a chart-topper. "Stand Up for Love," deemed the 2005 World Children's Day anthem, is a schmaltzy AC ballad aiming to display the individual talents of Beyonce, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams. That's ironic, given that the disc shares space with "Bills, Bills, Bills," Bootylicious" and "Survivor," which were production triumphs that had little to do with vocal worldliness. Here's a group that managed to turn an overused rhythmic track into a relentless hitmaking machine. Only later did the threesome, one by one, prove that they could sing. We all know now that the members of Destiny's Child were more talented than their hits revealed, but this finale is a disappointing nonstarter.
DESTINY'S CHILD BIDS ADIEU TO FANS ON ABC'S "JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE"
"Jimmy Kimmel Live" announced today that it will host the farewell performance by multi-platinum world renowned super group Destiny's Child on the November 15 broadcast of the ABC late-night talk show. Destiny's Child, featuring Beyonci Knowles, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams, will kick off the evening with the debut performance of "Stand Up for Love," the anthem for World Children's Day 2005. Hot on the heels of their chart topping greatest hits album, #1's, Destiny's Child will perform songs both inside and outside on the "Jimmy Kimmel Live" Pontiac Garage West stage for a crowd of their fans from all over the world. The show, which marks the first time "Jimmy Kimmel Live" has devoted a broadcast to one feature guest, will air at 12:05 a.m., ET/PT on ABC.People's Choices Nominees
The 32nd annual awards, which will air Jan. 10 on CBS. You can cote at PCAvote.com
"How I Met Your Mother" (CBS)
"My Name Is Earl" (NBC)
"Criminal Minds" (CBS)
"Prison Break" (FOX)
"That '70s Show" (FOX)
"The Simpsons" (FOX)
"Desperate Housewives" (ABC)
"Law & Order: SVU" (NBC)
"Fear Factor" (NBC)
"Survivor" (CBS)
"Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" (ABC)
"Supernanny" (ABC)
David Letterman
Conan O'Brien
Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa
Oprah Winfrey
Teri Hatcher
Jennifer Love Hewitt
Charlie Sheen
Kiefer Sutherland
Angelina Jolie
Nicole Kidman
Johnny Depp
Samuel L. Jackson
Reese Witherspoon
Renee Zellweger
Brad Pitt
Adam Sandler
Angelina Jolie
Catherine Zeta-Jones
Brad Pitt
The Rock
Chris Rock and Adam Sandler, "The Longest Yard"
Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson, "Wedding Crashers"
Faith Hill
Gwen Stefani
Tim McGraw
Usher
Destiny's Child
Green Day
Ellen DeGeneres
Queen Latifah
Adam Sandler
Will Smith
Stevie Wonder Hails Jay-Z and Beyonce
Soul legend Stevie Wonder has hailed Beyonce Knowles and Jay-Z as the most talented couple in the music industry. Stevie was blown away by their collaboration 'Crazy In Love' and thinks their relationship is destined to be long and fruitful because they are equally talented. He says, "Jay-Z is one of the young acts around whose music I really like. And I love Beyonce. I know she's his girlfriend but she's got talent, they both have. It's great to see."
2005 Radio Music Award Nominees
The winners of each category will be announced during the show's live broadcast on Monday, December 19 from Las Vegas (9-11 pm).
50 Cent
Mariah Carey
Ciara
Destiny's Child
Game
Lil Jo & The Eastside Boyz featuring Usher and Ludacris
Usher
Destiny's Child tops U.S. chart with hits package
R&B trio Destiny's Child's "#1's" lived up to its misleading title with a chart-topping bow on the U.S. albums chart Wednesday, although sales fell far short of those for its previous No. 1 release.Jovi-al Family
JON Bon Jovi revealed between songs at the Hard Rock on Sunday that his two oldest children are uninterested in his career. When he invited them to a recent rehearsal, they declined. "So I'm cutting them out of my will," he joked. As for his secret to staying married: "My wife tells me that if I ever decide to leave, she is coming with me." Bon Jovi later helped Warner Music biggie Lyor Cohen raise a fortune for the deaf at Time Warner Center, with Edgar Bronfman Jr., Russell and Kimora Lee Simmons, and Jay-Z and Beyoncé.
Bulging Buzz
THE best rumor to emerge from the debut of the Atlantic City outpost of Jay-Z's 40/40 sports club is that Beyoncé is pregnant with Jay's child. A tipster has been calling media outlets with the story, swearing that Beyoncé told a friend she was expecting at this week's launch party, which was attended by the likes of Magic Johnson and Diddy. However, another partygoer swears he saw Beyoncé swilling champagne at the bash. Beyoncé's rep declined to comment.
Beyonce's Skin Color Causes Controversy
Beyonce Knowles is beautiful and bootylicious, but is she "too black"?Sightings
BEYONCÉ Knowles snapping up an alice+olivia trenchcoat at Bergdorf Goodman.
Beyonce: 'Dad Never Manipulates Me'
Beyonce Knowles has slammed rumours her manager father Mathew manipulates her, insisting she is very much in control. Many fans fear Beyonce is falling into the same trap as The Jackson Five, who were managed by their controlling father Joe Jackson. But Knowles is adamant she has always had a very normal family life. She tells New York Post columnist Liz Smith, "People expect my father to be like Joe Jackson, because that's been the pattern when parents manage children."People think that he just controls everything and does everything, but I actually control everything. "People think I have the same story as the Jackson Five, and I have a completely different story."I had a very healthy, happy childhood. My mother (Tina) made sure of it, and I love her for it."
Beyonce quashes marriage rumor in Vanity Fair
Pop diva Beyonce denied rumors she is secretly married to rapper and music impresario Jay-Z, and said she assumed an alter-ego called "Sasha" for her sexy stage persona in an upcoming Vanity Fair cover story.Sightings
BEYONCÉ ordering a foot-long chili dog, fries and a chocolate milkshake while lunching at Serendipity 3, much to the amusement of boyfriend Jay-Z
Destiny's Child rounds up hits, new songs
In addition to a live DVD, the soon-to-split Destiny's Child will say goodbye to fans with the deceptively titled album "#1's," due in stores October 25.
"Stand Up for Love"
"Independent Women Part 1"
"Survivor"
"Soldier"
"Check on It"
"Jumpin', Jumpin"'
"Lose My Breath"
"Say My Name"
"Emotion"
"Bug a Boo"
"Bootylicious"
"Bills, Bills, Bills"
"Girl"
"No, No, No Part 2"
"Cater 2 U"
"Feel the Same Way I Do"
Jay-Z: 'I Will Never Talk About My Love For Beyonce'
Rapper Jay-Z is still refusing to speak to the press about his relationship with Beyonce Knowles - despite dating the beauty for three years. Jay-Z is notoriously private about his life with Knowles, and he insists that side of him will never change. He tells British magazine GQ, "Right. We're not going to talk about that at all. "It's self-explanatory. I don't talk about it. Certain things you have to keep private."
American Music Awards Nominees
The 33rd annual American Music Awards, hosted by Cedric the Entertainer, will be presented Nov. 22 at the Los Angeles Shrine Auditorium during a three-hour ABC-TV special.Sightings
BEYONCÉ shopping at Antiques 202 on East 58th Street for art deco sofas for her new apartment at One Beacon Court.
Top 20 Concert Tours
The Top 20 Concert Tours ranks artists by average box office gross per city and includes the average ticket price for shows in North America. The previous week's ranking is in parentheses. The list is based on data provided to the trade publication Pollstar by concert promoters and venue managers.
2. (2) Neil Diamond; $1,359,466; $62.11.
3. (3) Kenny Chesney; $1,063,686: $56.08.
4. (4) Anger Management Tour / Eminem / 50 Cent; $1,042,169: $64.59.
5. (5) Ozzfest; $885,892: $44.60.
6. (6) Coldplay; $806,606; $41.24.
7. (7) Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers; $613,077: $36.34.
8. (8) James Taylor; $599,550; $42.57.
9. (9) Destiny's Child; $485,051: $55.46.
10. (New) Motley Crue; $460,492; $39.05.
11. (11) Rascal Flatts; $445,361: $32.85.
12. (10) Vans Warped Tour; $434,619: $26.50.
13. (12) American Idols Live; $428,384: $44.33.
14. (New) System Of A Down; $419,887; $39.49.
15. (13) Santana; $404,764: $45.43.
16. (16) Chicago / Earth, Wind & Fire; $358,940: $41.29.
17. (15) The Sugar Water Festival; $358,139: $49.09.
18. (17) Jack Johnson; $348,167; $33.38.
19. (14) Stevie Nicks / Don Henley; $340,120: $50.75.
20. (New) 50 Cent; $337,095: $32.94.
Destiny's Child: 'We're Not Planning A Comeback'
Destiny's Child has rejected claims they've already planned a second comeback, insisting they will focus their efforts on their solo careers. The trio bowed out over the weekend, but singer Beyonce Knowles' rapper boyfriend Jay-Z claims they will return in 18 months time. However a spokesperson for the group maintains they have no plans to return, although they won't rule it out. The representative says, "For now they're finished - not concentrating on their solo careers."They have always said never say never but there are no plans to reform at the moment."
Destiny's Child May Return
Hip-hop mogul Jay-Z has hinted Destiny's Child will carry on performing and recording together, despite the trio recently announcing they are set to disband later this month. The Texan beauties originally insisted their last show would be on Saturday in Vancouver, Canada - but they have since entered into negotiations to subsequently perform at a fundraising concert for victims of Hurricane Katrina. However, Beyonce's boyfriend Jay-Z has suggested the split announcement is a facade and the girls will make a comeback in 2007. He tells British newspaper The Sun, "I'm going to their last show, but it won't really be their last one. They will be back in 18 months."
Destiny's Child Wins Lady of Soul Award
Destiny's Child copped the award for best group single on Wednesday night to jump-start the 2005 Lady of Soul Awards.Destiny's Child Up for Lady of Soul Awards
Ciara, Amerie, Fantasia and Destiny's Child were up for multiple honors at the Lady of Soul Awards, with special honoree Aretha Franklin set to make a much anticipated appearance. Teen crunk&B sensation Ciara, along with R&B stars Toni Braxton and Brian McKnight, were the scheduled hosts of Wednesday night's awards ceremony, which will be syndicated for broadcast later this month. Winners were decided by 1,600 voters, including artists and radio station representatives. Soul diva Franklin was to receive the 2005 Lena Horne Award for outstanding career achievements — and join Stevie Wonder for a duet performance. Amerie, whose "1 Thing" spawned a summertime hit, was to receive the Aretha Franklin Award for entertainer of the year, to be presented by Franklin herself. Ciara, who lost out at last week's World Music Awards, was vying for best new artist along with "American Idol" chanteuse Fantasia. Ciara also collaborated with Missy Elliott on "Lose Control," a nominee in the dance cut and music video categories, competing against Destiny's Child, Amerie and Ciara's own "1,2 Step." Ciara's dance jam "Goodies" faced off with tunes by Amerie, Fantasia and Alicia Keys for song of the year. Destiny's Child, a big winner at the World Music Awards for "Destiny Fulfilled," was also up for best group album and single, with sister act Nina Sky as the soon-to-retire trio's only competition.
Bid on celebrity photos, help fight colon cancer
Want to hang out with Beyoncé Knowles, Michael Kors and Heidi Klum, Katie Couric or Sean "Diddy" Combs? Then bid on one of the autographed portraits being auctioned off on eBay for the Entertainment Industry Foundation's National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance, which raises cash for colon cancer research. "If we can bring attention to NCCRA through fashion, that's something I'm proud to do," Klum says. She posed with Kors "right before the final runway show taped for (her Bravo style series) Project Runway, and I loved having a quiet minute with Michael." For NCCRA co-founder and Today co-host Couric, whose husband, Jay Monahan, died of colon cancer in 1998, it's all about encouraging screening. Because "proper screening can help prevent colorectal cancer, and it can be cured in 90% of cases when detected early." The photographs, shot in February by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders, go on sale Friday. That's the day that spring 2006 Fashion Week kicks off in Manhattan.
'Fashion Rocks' for CBS
If you've been racking your brain over just how to celebrate the beginning of New York's Fall Fashion Week, rest your weary mind because the geniuses at CBS have already done the thinking for you. The second annual "Fashion Rocks" special, airing Friday, Sept. 9, is a star-studded concert event celebrating the symbiotic relationship between music and fashion.Destiny's Child nabs world's best pop group at World Music Awards
Destiny's Child nabbed the award for world's best pop group Wednesday night to kick off the 2005 World Music Awards, which selects winners based on worldwide sales figures.Tidbit
THE one-namers: Beyoncé, with her sister when sis gave birth, said right after: "I couldn't handle it." Beyoncé is now saying she wants a baby
Bowie, Stefani among Fashion Rocks performers
David Bowie, Destiny's Child, Duran Duran, Gwen Stefani, Nelly and Tim McGraw lead the lineup for the Fashion Rocks concert, which will be held Sept. 8 at New York's Radio City Music Hall during the city's annual Fashion Week.Destiny's Child to call it quits after Vancouver show
It didn't really come as a shock to fans when Destiny's Child announced they were going to hang up their sequined dresses and three-inch pumps at the end of their current world tour. Ever since Beyonce Knowles's colossal solo project - it's difficult to ignore the monster success of Crazy in Love - the other girls haven't seemed as necessary.List of Winners at the Billboard Awards
The 2005 Billboard-AURN R&B/Hip-Hop Award winners, announced in Atlanta on Friday:
Single: "Let Me Love You," Mario
Artist: Usher
Male Artist: Usher
Female Artist: Alicia Keys
Duo or Group: Destiny's Child
New Artist: The Game
Singles Artist: Usher
Albums Artist: 50 Cent
Rap Album: "The Massacre," 50 Cent
Singles Sales: "I Believe," Fantasia
Singles Airplay: "Let Me Love You," Mario
Hot Rap Tracks: "Drop It Like It's Hot," featuring Snoop Dogg and Pharell
Songwriter: Alicia Keys
Producer: Jonathan "Lil' Jon" Smith
Major Label: Interscope
DVD Coming
Even though Destiny's Child is calling it quits in September at the end of its current tour, group member Kelly Rowland says the R&B trio still has a few more surprises planned for later this year.Concert review: Destiny's Child
There is nothing particularly sentimental about the latest stage show from pop power trio Destiny's Child -- surprising, because the women who comprise this long-running act recently announced that this would be their last tour before splitting.Beyonce's "Baby" Suit
Beyonce Knowles' destiny these days looks to be in the courtroom.'Rockin' The Corps' Concert Featuring KISS, Destiny's Child To Be Released On CD/DVD
Image Entertainment, Inc., a leading independent licensee, producer and distributor of home entertainment programming in North America, today announced it has secured distribution rights to "Rockin' The Corps", one of the largest star-studded concerts ever held to support U.S. troops.Destiny's Child Eager to Play Live 8
Raising awareness of poverty and other afflictions suffered by Africa isn't a distant cause for Destiny's Chile, which will be among the acts performing at the Live 8 concert in Philadelphia on Saturday. Some of the top musicians and groups in the world will perform during the series of 10 concerts. In addition to Destiny's Child, the Philadelphia concert features the Dave Matthews Band, Bon Jovi, Stevie Wonder, P. Diddy, Jay-Z and Kanye West. "We're just really happy to be a part of such an important event, a historical event," Beyonce Knowles told AP Radio in an interview recently. "And I know when you have the attention of so many people, you have to take advantage of it and do something positive with it." Knowles said that she and fellow Destiny's Child member Kelly Rowland have been to Africa and witnessed the poverty there firsthand. "We've seen the children. I've held some babies that were sick of AIDS. I've seen the orphanages, and we've seen it with our own eyes, and it's real," Knowles said.
Girls: Beyonce Represents Good Body Type
Teenage girls think Beyonce Knowles represents a good body image. Teens surveyed by Teen People magazine say the singer is one of several celebrities who are more representative of an average women's body type. The teens said stars like Mary-Kate Olsen and Paris Hilton are too thin.
Destiny's Child, Keys Win BET Awards
R&B newcomer John Legend joined established stars Alicia Keys and the soon-to-disband Destiny's Child as winners at Tuesday night's BET Awards.Top-Selling Artists In U.S.
Totals are derived from cumulative album sales totals (U.S. only)
2. PRESLEY, ELVIS - 116.5
3. LED ZEPPELIN - 107.5
4. BROOKS, GARTH - 105.0
5. EAGLES - 89.0
6. JOEL, BILLY - 78.5
7. PINK FLOYD - 73.5
8. STREISAND, BARBRA - 70.5
9. JOHN, ELTON - 69.0
10. AC/DC - 66.0
14. MADONNA - 60.0
21. U2 - 50.5
51. SPEARS, BRITNEY - 31.0
70. JACKSON, JANET - 25.0
109. KISS - 19.0
120. MCLACHLAN, SARAH - 17.5
121. STING - 17.5
135. NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK - 16.5
136. DESTINY'S CHILD - 16.5
157. CROW, SHERYL - 15.0
211. LOPEZ, JENNIFER - 11.0Destiny's Child's 'farewell' is actually 'see you later'
According to the members of Destiny's Child, reports of the best-selling girl group's demise have been greatly exaggerated - or at least misinterpreted.Beyonce on Destiny's Child: 'it's the end of a chapter in our lives'
If you saw the breakup of Destiny's Child coming based on the title of their latest album, you were right on target.Beyonce Lines Up Solo Projects
Sexy singer Beyonce Knowles has announced plans to take on a series of solo projects, just days after announcing that her group Destiny's Child will disband. The group announced earlier this month they'll no longer be a trio when their world tour comes to an end in September. Beyonce, who has enjoyed phenomenal success as a solo artist, is planning on going back to the studio to record a single for 'The Pink Panther' soundtrack, and she's hoping to do more music for the upcoming screen version of the musical 'Dreamgirls', which she starts shooting in December. She tells MTV Europe, "I grew up listening to the soundtrack and hearing about that play."I wish I could have seen it in the flesh, but they're redoing it, and I'm so excited. For the first time, I feel that I'm going to be challenged." But Beyonce is in no rush to record another solo album she adds, "I'm not sure if that's going to happen (anytime soon)."
Destiny's Child, Linkin Park Join Live 8
Destiny's Child and Linkin Park have been added to the lineup for the Live 8 concert in Philadelphia on July 2.Destiny's Child to Perform at ESPY Awards
Destiny's Child will perform at the ESPY Awards in one of the trio's final national television appearances before the group disbands in the fall.Destiny's Child Announces Split to MTV
Staying together was not part of Destiny's Child's destiny — the multiplatinum group is splitting up.BOOTY VICIOUS
WILHELMINA Models President Sean Patterson is crowing about his courtroom victory over former client Beyoncé Knowles. A Manhattan Supreme Court judge ruled yesterday that Beyoncé owes Wilhelmina more than $1 million in unpaid commissions and service charges stemming from her deal to be the face of L'Oreal. "We at Wilhelmina are extremely pleased with the judge's decision," Patterson told us. "I think that America's little sweetheart just got some very bad legal advice . . . This for us is the ultimate vindication." A spokesman for Beyoncé did not respond to a detailed request for comment.
Sanctuary talks included Warner, EMI - source
Sanctuary Group's discussions with potential investors included meetings with larger rivals EMI and Warner Music, a person familiar with the situation said on Sunday.Teen Choice Nominees
The Teen Choice Awards air Aug. 16 on FOX
Angelina Jolie
Beyonce
Christina Milian
Eva Longoria
Jessica Alba
Jessica Simpson
Lindsay Lohan
Rachel Bilson
KISS, Destiny's Child Live Performances To Receive Big-Screen Treatment
Footage of KISS, TED NUGENT and GODSMACK performing live at the Rockin' the Corps patriotic celebratory concert on April 1 at the Marine Corps Air Station, Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, California will be shown as part of the one-time-only event being staged at select Regal, United Artists and Edwards Theatres across the country on Monday, June 27 at 7:00 p.m.Booty-Lover
GULLIBLE publicists, take note: Beware a woman claiming to be Beyoncé who calls your office to request free products. A bogus Beyoncé nearly scored shoes from Holly Dunlap's HollyWould line this week, after personally calling Dunlap's store to rave about the heels worn by "my friend Halle Berry." The ruse almost worked until Dunlap discovered that the real Beyoncé was in Dubai, not Houston, as her fake claimed. The bogus Beyoncé also scheduled meetings at The Four Seasons with clueless fashion flacks but canceled at the last minute.
Destiny's Child Reveal Their Tour Perks
Destiny's Child stars Kelly, Beyonce and Michelle face a constant battle to look good when they tour - because they indulge in sugary snacks whenever they can. The sexy trio might look good on stage, but they admit they have to have their sweet treats backstage and in their hotel rooms. Speaking exclusively in the upcoming issue of America's Instyle magazine, the girls reveal their chocolate addiction. Beyonce says, "(I love) M&Ms, the plain ones... and chocolate covered strawberries - they are romantic and not that fattening." Williams adds, "(I love ordering) pancakes. They taste just like cake." While, midnight snack-lover Rowland admits she love room service treats when she's on tour. She explains, "I like something bad in the middle of the night, like a Snickers (bar)... Call up for the dumbest, smallest thing and they're like, 'We will have that right up there, Miss Rowland.'" The girls admit they just love the hotel perks they get when they're on the road and staying in the best homes from home. Knowles claims the beds in hotels are more comfortable than her own, while Kelly loves the fact there are often TVs in the bathroom: "I love to watch Spongebob Square Pants while I'm taking a shower."
Sightings
BEYONCÉ dashing into the Dashing Diva nail boutique on Second Avenue for a manicure and pedicure as her bodyguard stood outside
Teen People Hot List
Who are the young stars of film, TV and music? Teen People's list of the "25 Hottest Stars Under 25" includes Alicia Keys, Ciara, Jessica and Ashlee Simpson, Jesse McCartney and Justin Timberlake.Beyonce Hated Naughty Girl
Destiny's Child front woman Beyonce Knowles is relieved her track 'Naughty Girl' went on to become a hit, because she hated it when she first heard it. The curvaceous beauty, who released the track last year from her solo album 'Dangerously In Love', was concerned when the song's lyrics initially failed to make a positive impact on her. She says, "I went for weeks trying to figure out the words for 'Naughty Girl', because I hated it. I was like, 'Naughty Girl'? That's whack!' "But eventually I heard it enough times and I said, 'Oh, it's okay,' and I ended up liking it. And thank God other people liked it too."
Bottom Line: J-Lo Has Best Backside
Now that Pope Benedict XVI has been elected, people can turn their thoughts to matters of a more fundamental nature: Which Hollywood celebrity has the best bottom?House of Dereon to Outfit Destiny's Child Tour
Destiny's Child members Beyonce Knowles, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams will look fierce in concert thanks to the House of Dereon.Beyonce May Be Condon's 'Dreamgirl'
Destiny's Child singer Beyonce Knowles is eyeing a role as a member of another girl group.Winners At The 36th Annual NAACP Image Awards
The Awards were presented March 19 at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles. The show will be broadcast March 25 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Fox.
Outstanding Female Artists: Fantasia, Free Yourself
Outstanding Duo or Group: Destiny's Child, Destiny Fulfilled
Outstanding Jazz Artist: Nancy Wilson, R.S.V.P. Rare Songs, Very Personal
Outstanding Gospel Artist - Ben Harper & The Blind Boys Of Alabama, There Will Be A Light
Outstanding Music Video: Alicia Keys, "If I Ain't Got You"
Outstanding Song: Alicia Keys, "If I Ain't Got You"
Outstanding Album: Prince, Musicology
Beyonce Warms up to Fashion Licensing Deal
Beyonce Knowles's clothing line, House of Dereon, has signed a licensing agreement with G-III Apparel Group with an intended focus on cold weather apparel.Beyonce, Fat Joe, Ludacris Guest Star At Usher Concert
One Night One Star: Usher Live! was a misleading title for the superstar's Showtime special broadcast live from El Coliseo de Puerto Rico Saturday night (March 5). That's because Usher wasn't the only star on stage during the 90-minute extravaganza that was broadcast around the world during Showtime's free preview weekend.Soul Train Music Awards
Here's the complete list of winners at the 2005 Soul Train Music Awards:
R&B/Soul Single, Male: "Confessions Part II," Usher
R&B/Soul Single, Group, Band or Duo: "My Boo," Usher and Alicia Keys
R&B/Soul Album, Female: The Diary of Alicia Keys, Alicia Keys
R&B/Soul Album, Male: Confessions, Usher
R&B/Soul Album Group, Band or Duo: Destiny Fulfilled, Destiny's Child
R&B/Soul or Rap New Artist: "Goodies," Ciara
R&B/Soul or Rap Music Video: "99 Problems," Jay-Z
R&B/Soul or Rap Dance Cut: "Yeah!," Usher, featuring Ludacris & Lil Jon
Gospel Album: "Live from Another Level," Israel & New Breed
DC, KISS To Perform At ROCKIN' THE CORPS Patriotic Celebratory Concert
According to a posting at KissOnline.com, KISS, along with Cedric the Entertainer (Master of Ceremonies), DESTINY'S CHILD, GODSMACK, Jay Mohr, Louis Anderson and TED NUGENT, have been confirmed for an April 1 performance at the Marine Corps Air Station, Camp Pendleton, Oceanside, California.Quick-Change Beyonce Performs at Oscars
Quelle bling, Beyonce! The R&B diva soared alongside the American Boychoir while delivering the French lyrics to "Vois Sur Ton Chemin," then sparkled in brilliant jewelry and heavy eye makeup in singing "Learn To Be Lonely" from "The Phantom of the Opera."We Hear...
THAT Beyoncé Knowles and Jay-Z paid a surprise visit to Magic, the sportswear show in Las Vegas, with Knowles' business partner Jason Rabin . . .
Destiny's Child Embarking on World Tour
Destiny's Child is embarking on a world tour — and heading out straight through the golden arches. The R&B trio will kick off a 16-country, 72-city tour April 9 in Hiroshima, Japan, the group announced. The tour, "Destiny Fulfilled ... and lovin' it," is sponsored by McDonald's.Beyonce Booked for Big Night at the Oscars
Beyonce may not be nominated for any Academy Awards, but she will be the main musical attraction at this year's Oscars ceremony. The singer will perform three of the five tunes nominated for best original song.Tidbits
J.Lo and Beyoncé display the proper way to dress for motorcycle riding in a Hong Kong-themed spot for Pepsi that also features soccer star David Beckham.
Beyonce Will Perform At Oscars, Destiny Bares All
Beyonce will be singing two more Oscar-nominated songs at the Academy Awards--in addition to her previously announced duet with Josh Groban. Beyonce will perform "Look to Your Path" from Les Choristes, accompanied by the American Boychoir, and "Learn to Be Lonely" from the Phantom Of The Opera at the event on February 27. Billboard.com reports that there was speculation actress Minnie Driver would perform "Learn To Be Lonely," but sources say she was unable to appear due to scheduling conflicts.Beyonce Always Enjoyed Privacy
Beyonce Knowles says it's easy keeping her romance with rapper Jay-Z secret, because she kept her private life under wraps even when she was at school. The Destiny's Child front woman has been in a relationship with Jay-Z for three years, but has opted never to talk about it with the press. She says, "Even in school I was private. It kept my name out of people's mouths. Not because I was ashamed of anything or who I was dating, but because it seemed more pure when I treated it like it was sacred. "I don't mind being vulnerable, but people scrutinise celebrities and make up stories. Then when everyone in the world is talking about you, it makes things really hard - not normal. "That doesn't work for me because I'm a regular woman."
Top 50 Money Makers
34. Beyonce: $16.1 MILLIONTommy Hilfiger & Beyonce Unveil True Star
TOMMY HILFIGER AND BEYONCÉ UNVEIL TRUE STAR, A NEW WOMEN'S FRAGRANCE COLLECTION AVAILABLE NATIONWIDEBeyonce to Perform Oscar-Nominated Songs
Pop star Beyonce will take to the Oscar stage.Ashanti And Beyonce Sing Together To Dampen Feud
R&B star Ashanti is to team up with pop superstar Beyonce Knowles to dampen rumours of rivalry between them. The 24-year-old singer recently slammed suggestions she took an endorsement deal with hair care firm Herbal Essences to compete with the Destiny's Child, who has a deal with L'Oreal. Ashanti is also keen to get R&B singer Mary J Blige involved in the project. Ashanti says, "When you get two women making hot music, comparisons are going to be made and talk of feuds begins."I admire what she does and don't have a problem with her. I've talked about making a record with other strong females. "I'd love to do something with Mary."
Usher, Ciara Lead Soul Train Nominees
In a surprise to absolutely no one, R&B singer Usher led the nominees for the 19th annual Soul Train Music Awards, organizers said on Tuesday.Sightings
BEYONCÉ shopping Bloomingdale's contemporary department . . .
Destiny Fulfilled?
The latest Destiny's Child album may be the R&B trio's last ever disc, according to the group's singer Beyonce Knowles. Beyonce, who is dating rap superstar Jay-Z, enjoyed being reunited with Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams to record last year's 'Destiny Fulfilled', but is looking to a future concentrating on her own projects. Knowles admits she isn't sure if the group will reunite to record a sixth studio album. The 23-year-old says, "Maybe in five years we'll do another record, maybe not."We could do a reunion but we can't be 40 doing 'Bootylicious'."
MTV Promos Keep Music Flame Lit
At a time when reality and youth lifestyle shows -- not videos -- dominate MTV's main programming hours, the network is looking to music-related contests, tour sponsorships and other off-channel marketing initiatives to drive its identity as a music brand.NOW HAIR THIS
THE $50,000 blond wig destined for the pretty head of Beyonce Knowles has been drawing admirers at a salon in Paramus, N.J. Steppin' Out magazine's Chaunce Hayden tells us he came face-to-face with Beyonce's hairpiece last week in a back room of J/A Alternatives, where he was getting his hair cut. "It takes your breath away," Hayden gushed. "It's shockingly blond and about 3 feet long and very thick. It was sitting there on a Styrofoam head. It was like meeting Cousin It from 'The Addams Family!' " He said the wig was made in China over 10 days and made entirely from "European hair."
Beyonce Starts Clothing Line
Beyonce is planning a new release — her own fashion collection. The Destiny's Child singer has signed a licensing agreement with the Tarrant Apparel Group to produce a line of apparel for young women. She named the House of Dereon collection after her grandmother Agnes Dereon, who worked as a seamstress.Notable Quotes
They said it -- notable quotes from the media and entertainment world.Knowles: 'Men Need To Open Up'
R&B star Beyonce Knowles has urged men to drop their egos when women leave them broken hearted - because it will speed up their recovery. Beyonce accepts many men are raised to shield their darkest thoughts from girlfriends, family and pals following a break-up, but vows their pain will quickly be alleviated if they learn to unleash their emotions. She says, "Girls are stronger - we're just born that way. If someone breaks our heart, we shed some tears and move on. "Guys keep so much bottled up that's it's much harder for them to get over stuff. They have big egos, so it's difficult for them to cry. "Guys can be sensitive but they're taught to hide their feelings and keep secrets locked inside."
Beyonce: 'Don't Call Me Bootylicious'
Singer Beyonce Knowles is sick of being called 'bootylicious', despite coining the phrase herself. The Destiny's Child star insists she is proud of her curvaceous figure and her fuller bottom - but fears it has become more famous than her. Beyonce says, "Bums can never be too big. I'm proud I've helped make curvy women sexy again. But I hate the word bootylicious. Everyone shouts it wherever I go."
Workaholic Beyonce
Busy Beyonce Knowles is refusing to slow down her hectic music and movie career. The Destiny's Child star has successfully combined her chart-topping solo efforts with a burgeoning acting career as well as regular commercial and modeling work - and she has no intention of taking a break. Beyonce, who celebrated her 23rd birthday on Saturday, says, "I didn't even go on a vacation before two years ago, never in my life."I plan on doing a movie a year. And we started on another Destiny's Child record two weeks ago."
Sweetie Of Steel
KATE Bosworth has been tapped to play Lois Lane in the upcoming "Superman Returns." The blond beauty - last seen playing Sandra Dee opposite Kevin Spacey's Bobby Darin in "Beyond the Sea" - reportedly beat out Beyoncé to play the role of Superman's girlfriend in the upcoming actioner. Bosworth, 22, will join newcomer Brandon Routh, who will play the Man of Steel. Routh's role was turned down by the likes of Jude Law, Nicolas Cage, Paul Walker and Brendan Fraser. The picture is set to start filming in Australia in March and is due out in 2006.
Destiny's Child Remember Favorite Gifts
Fans who've seen Beyonce work it on stage might guess her most cherished Christmas present had something to do with performing.Beyonce Recalls Karaoke Christmas Gift
Fans of Beyonce Knowles likely won't be surprised by what the R&B pop diva considers her top Christmas present — a karaoke machine.Britney Spears Named Top Star of 2004
"Access Hollywood" has named its "Top Ten Stars of 2004," with Britney Spears in the No. 1 spot. The rankings are based on the number of stories the syndicated entertainment television show aired on each star. Spears — who was married twice, canceled a summer tour because of a knee injury and released a greatest hits album — topped the list with 119 stories. Beyonce is in the No. 2 spot, with 102 stories, followed by Donald Trump, 94 stories; Michael Jackson, 84 stories; Tom Cruise, 72 stories; Jessica Simpson, 69 stories; Paris Hilton, 63 stories; Nicole Kidman, 62 stories; Jennifer Lopez, 54 stories; and Whitney Houston, 52 stories. "We want to thank these stars for helping to make 2004 the best in `Access Hollywood' history," executive producer Rob Silverstein said in a statement Tuesday. "Here's to more `can't miss' moments in 2005."
Destiny's Child: 'Don't Copy Our Image'
Destiny's Child have urged their impressionable female fans to quit copying their body image - and allow themselves to sample the culinary treats served up this Christmas.Quiet Escort
BEYONCÉ played second fiddle to her boyfriend Jay-Z, the newly appointed head of Def Jam, at the EMI Music Publishing party in the Meatpacking district on Tuesday night. She sat quietly at a table chatting with EMI Publishing chairman Martin Bandier while Jay-Z mingled with music execs and label presidents. Beyoncé kept giving Jay approving winks as he worked the room. Meanwhile, Beyonce, who arrived with a fedora hiding her eyes, lost the hat battle to Alicia Keys, who sported an even bigger, floppy black hat.
MTV Auctioning Pop Artists' Memorabilia
A handmade dress worn by Destiny's Child, a poster signed by Jennifer Lopez and a guitar signed by Wyclef Jean are on sale in an MTV internet auction to raise money for hurricane victims in the Caribbean.Dionne Warwick's Friends Are for Duets
After two years of preparation, R&B/pop icon Dionne Warwick is in the middle of recording a duets album for 2005 release.Beyonce Plans Ahead
Beyonce Knowles has hinted she's planning to turn her back on show business in 2006 so she can start a family with boyfriend Jay-Z. The Destiny's Child singer-turned-actress has been busy making albums and movies almost continuously over the past three years. However she insists that's all about to stop as she plans to take time off to become a mother. And the savvy singer is making a handful of smart investments to make sure she can afford her time away from the limelight. She explains, "I absolutely check my money. I get my statements every week and my mother helps me review them. "My money in invested in property. I'm trying to set myself up so that in a couple of years, if I decide to settle down and have a family, I can."
Trio Regroups After Beyonce Breaks Out
Looking back at breakups of some of the great pop groups, the beginning of the end can often be traced to two words: "solo project." So when Beyonce — already the magnet of Destiny's Child — catapulted to superstardom last year with her triple-platinum, Grammy-winning solo debut, "Dangerously In Love," many predicted the demise of the best-selling girl group.Destiny's Child Album Is A Love Story
Destiny's Child's new album 'Destiny Fulfilled' has a twist - the whole recording tells one long love story. Beyonce Knowles, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams got together to record their first album together in three years and decided to make it work like a musical. Their current hit track 'Lose My Breath' kicking off the tale of a woman's dissatisfaction with the man in her life. Knowles explains, "It's so clever because it's written like a musical, and each song goes right into the next. "It starts off with 'Lose My Breath', which basically talks about a guy who's talking all of this noise on how he's gonna fulfill you and he's not quite doing what he's saying. "So we tell him, 'You can't keep up, I need a soldier.' So we describe what kinda man we need; someone that's gonna protect us and make us feel like ladies and women. "Then (we find) this man (who) deserves it so we say we wanna cater to him. And then we go on to finding out that the guy is not exactly what we thought and we have to depend on our friends to help us get strong again. "We find the strength and the love within ourselves. And then God brings us true love."
Destiny's Child "Fulfilled" by new album
After a three-year hiatus, Destiny's Child is picking up where it left off: at the top.Just Asking
WHICH megastar rapper has been cheating on his superstar songstress girlfriend with the sultry hostess of a popular hip-hop TV show?
New Dates with Destiny for CD, Tour
Columbia Records has moved up by one day the North American release of the new Destiny Child's album, just as the R&B trio confirmed the first dates for its 2005 world tour.
Dec. 10: New York (Madison Square Garden)
May 14: Copenhagen (Forum)
May 15: Oslo (Oslo Spektrum)
May 17: Stockholm (Stockholm Globe Arena)
May 21: Stuttgart, Germany (Schleyerhalle)
May 23: Rotterdam, Holland (Ahoy)
May 26: Milan (Fila Forum)
May 27: Geneva (Geneva Arena)
May 28: Paris (Palais Omnisports)
May 30: Frankfurt, Germany (Festhalle)
May 31: Cologne, Germany (Cologne Arena)
June 2: London (Earls Court Arena)
June 5: Birmingham, England (National Indoor Arena)
June 6: Manchester, England (Manchester Evening News Arena)
June 9: Dublin (Lansdowne Road)
Beyonce Justifies McDonald's Contract
Pop beauty Beyonce Knowles has leapt to the defence of her contract with fast food giants McDonald's - insisting she has always loved eating the chain's food. Knowles' group Destiny's Child have signed a deal with the American restaurant company to sponsor their forthcoming 2005 tour. Despite mixed reactions from fans and media critics, Knowles insists she's delighted with the business venture. She enthuses, "The great thing about McDonald's is that they have a lot of different things on the menu. I love their salads. "This was before we knew we were working with McDonald's." Knowles is sure to horrify Super Size Me documentary director Morgan Spurlock - who became ill after living on McDonald's food for 30 days - by admitting she feasts on McDonald's food on a daily basis. She explains, "I ate McDonald's every day when we were recording. "We get the chance to visit children at Ronald McDonald houses, where some are sick and some have different things going on with them. So hopefully we get a chance to help put smiles on their faces. To be part of that is beautiful."
Destiny's Child Bodyguard Blunder
Destiny's Child ended up trapped in an elevator on Monday - because their huge bodyguard was too heavy for it. The band employs Shorty, who weighs in at 272 kilograms, and he accompanied them to their recent signing appearance at London's Virgin Megastore. An onlooker recalls, "The lift can only carry 317 kilograms, so when Shorty got in with Beyonce, Kelly and Michelle it couldn't take the weight and got stuck. The girls' flunkies were rushing around in a panic trying to get them out." Shorty is now banned from using the stores' lifts again.
Singer Solange Knowles Gives Birth to Boy
"Solo Star" singer Solange Knowles, little sister of Beyonce, has given birth to a baby boy, according to her publicist.Beyonce's Dad Looks For Her Rival
R&B beauty Beyonce Knowles' father is searching for a singer in Britain to compete against his superstar daughter. Mathew successfully shot Beyonce to stardom in trio Destiny's Child and plans to find a new protegee in the UK by holding a series of showcases around the country and then putting his chosen hopefuls through intensive music and recording training until they're as good as his offspring. He explains, "I've been spending a lot of time in the UK and I'm very impressed with the country's urban scene. I know there are British urban artists who have the potential to achieve the same kind of success as Beyonce, and I'm going to find them. "It's early days yet, but I've already seen a couple of British girl groups I'd like to sign up."
Beyonce's Body Secrets
Bootylicious singer Beyonce Knowles would have been a circus performer if she hadn't hit the big time with Destiny's Child. The 23-year-old beauty, renowned for her bottom-shaking, says the secret lies in her double-jointed hips and back, but her freaky talents don't stop there. She explains, "My back and my hips are double-jointed and I can vibrate my eyes and move my ears as well. I can do a lot of freaky things. I can do all those things at once. I'm like a circus performer."
Jay-Z Hits The Big Screen With His Final Show
Semi-retired rapper Jay-Z is going out in style - he's releasing his official final concert as a movie. 'Fade To Black' will combine concert footage from his Madison Square Garden concert in New York last November with behind-the-scenes look at the recording of his last album 'The Black Album'. The film, which is narrated by Jay-Z and features appearances by girlfriend Beyonce Knowles, P Diddy and Usher among others, will be released to cinemas in America next month.
McDonald's Taps Pop's Destiny's Child for Campaign
McDonald's Corp. on Wednesday named female pop trio Destiny's Child as the new face of its "I'm Lovin' It" marketing campaign in a bid to expand its appeal among children and, importantly, their moms.Knowles Puts Back Destiny's Comeback
Destiny Child's planned comeback has been postponed after Beyonce Knowles badly injured her leg during rehearsals. The singer was rehearsing with band mates Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams when she tore her right hamstring while practicing in Los Angeles for an upcoming TV special. Columbia Records spokesperson Yvette Noel-Schure says, "We're all keeping our fingers crossed that, because she's young and healthy, it heals fast. "There are a lot of things in place that we may have to shift. Not the album (Destiny Fulfilled), which is finished, but appearances. "We'll know more after a week." This is the star's second injury in just six weeks - after her bodyguard broke her toe by treading on her foot.
Beyonce Hurts Muscle
Beyonce tore a leg muscle rehearsing dance moves with Destiny's Child and her injury could delay some of the group's plan, a record company spokeswoman said Wednesday.Sightings
SHAQUILLE O'Neill hitting the dance floor with Jay-Z and Beyoncé at 40/40 Club . . .
Fashion Rocks at Radio City Hall
Fashion rocks — and Beyonce put on shimmery hot-pants and Rod Stewart wore a three-piece suit with a pocket square to prove it.Beyonce Clothing Line Announced
While models strut their way down the catwalk at New York Fashion Week, a new star has announced her "bootylicious" arrival on the fashion scene: Beyonce.Workaholic Beyonce
Busy Beyonce Knowles is refusing to slow down her hectic music and movie career. The Destiny's Child star has successfully combined her chart-topping solo efforts with a burgeoning acting career as well as regular commercial and modeling work - and she has no intention of taking a break. Beyonce, who celebrated her 23rd birthday on Saturday, says, "I didn't even go on a vacation before two years ago, never in my life."I plan on doing a movie a year. And we started on another Destiny's Child record two weeks ago."
Knowles Takes Charge of Destiny's Child Comeback
Beyonce Knowles is so determined to make sure Destiny's Child return without a hitch, fellow members Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams "barely have a say in anything". The trio are finding it difficult working together again, following an extended break in which Knowles became a solo superstar. And Rowland and Williams have reportedly fallen out with Knowles, because she insists on being in control. A source tells British newspaper the Daily Record, "Beyonce has taken the lead in pulling everyone together, but Kelly and Michelle think she's taken things a little too far since they started preparation for the tour. "They barely have a say in anything and there's been more than a few spats between the three of them. "They're finding it hard to rediscover the old magic, but Beyonce is determined they are going to come back better than ever."
Winners for the 2004 MTV Video Music Awards
Best female video: Beyonce, "Naughty Girl"
Beyonce Earns Big Bucks
Singer Beyonce Knowles earns a massive US$4.7 million with cosmetics giant L'Oreal - for only ten days work a year. The singer, 22, is required to feature in photo shoots, promotional gigs and personal appearances for the firm's advertising campaign - and she must inform them of "any radical changes to her hair any concert tour may necessitate". The terms of the contract also include maintaining her locks "in excellent condition", permission for L'Oreal to inspect Knowles' hair as long as she gets two weeks notice and she must keep "approximately the same physical appearance and health". Knowles signed with L'Oreal in February 2001 in a two-year deal which included three separate option years.
Destiny's Child Plans Combo CD/DVD Release
When the next Destiny's Child studio album hits stores Nov. 16, the trio will capitalize on CD/DVD flip-side technology, according to the group's manager, Mathew Knowles.Winners at the 2004 R&B-Hip-Hop Awards
The 2004 Billboard R&B-Hip-Hop Award winners, announced in Miami Beach on Friday:
New Artist: Beyonce
Solange Knowles, Beyonce's sister, has star-studded baby shower
Dancing, singing and a new set of strollers capped a star-studded baby shower for Solange Knowles, little sister of Beyonce.Jay-Z, Beyonce Lead VMA Nominees
Recognition for his video isn't one of Jay-Z's "99 Problems."LO MOMENT
IT must be such a drag to be a celeb, what with the cars, the clothes, the cash — and the mistaken identities. Case in point: on Saturday, a Mercedes Maybach pulled up in front of Downtown Cipriani. An attractive, casually dressed woman with a long brunette ponytail got out with a similarly attired man. A passerby called out, "Oh my God, J.Lo you are so gorgeous!" The woman in question smiled and looked directly at the fan. "Thank you," she said. "But my name isn't J.Lo. It's Beyoncé."
Beyonce, Jay-Z Big Winners at BET Awards
R&B diva and actress Beyonce and her rap star boyfriend Jay-Z won separate awards and were honored for their hit song collaboration during Tuesday's 2004 BET Awards honoring musicians, actors and athletes.
Group: OutKast
Male R&B artist: Usher
Female R&B artist: Beyonce
Male hip hop artist: Jay-Z
Female hip hop artist: Missy Elliott
Collaboration: Beyonce with Jay-Z, "Crazy in Love"
New artist: Kanye West
Gospel artist: Yolanda Adams
Actor: Denzel Washington
Actress: Halle Berry
Male athlete of the year: LeBron James
Female athlete of the year: Serena Williams
Viewer's choice: Usher, featuring Ludacris and Lil Jon, "Yeah!"
Easy Money
BEYONCÉ Knowles knows she's extravagantly overpaid. She's getting a reported $3 million from Tommy Hilfiger to be the spokeswoman for his new "True Star" perfume and appear in its ads. "It's the easiest job I've ever had," she told PAGE SIX's Lisa Marsh. She described her work regimen for the new fragrance commercial, in which she's shot in black and white rolling around and singing, as: "I spent the day lying on a couch."
Knowles wears a wig
The secret of sexy singer Beyonce Knowles' immaculate hair has been revealed - she reportedly wears a wig. The star is always perfectly coiffured, and sometimes dons a hairpiece when she's having a bad hair day. A friend tells British newspaper the Daily Sport, "She wears one sometimes because she has really thick Afro-Caribbean hair and she just can't manage it that well all the time. "If there's an option to get better-looking hair then why not? I'm just not sure if she wanted the world to know."
Destiny's Child Reunites for 'Billion'
It took a billion dollars to get Destiny's Child back together.Beyonce buys big apple apartments
Beyonce Knowles has reportedly bought two new apartments in one of New York's most prestigious apartment blocks - to be near to boyfriend Jay-Z. Beyonce has bought two swanky spaces in the 55-storey One Beacon Court - for a staggering AUD $11.3 million, according to society magazine Gotham. Beyonce plans to turn the two apartments into one big home with four bedrooms. The singer also owns homes in Miami Beach, Florida, and her native Houston, Texas.
Wet & Wild
WAS it anger or mischief that caused rocker Bryan Adams to push designer Tommy Hilfiger into the pool during a party for Beyoncé in Mustique? Neither — it was just a good time that got out of hand. "It was crazy. Everyone was dancing. Beyonce was dancing to 'Crazy in Love,' and then Bryan pushed Tommy in the pool," a reveler revealed. Soon, "everyone was dancing in the pool." The party was to celebrate, "True Star," the new Hilfiger fragrance that Beyonce will promote. "I heard it was a fantastic party," said Hilfiger spokeswoman Caren Bell, who was not there.
Beyonce helps brew plan for Kellys engagement surprise
Beyonce Knowles was far from surprised to learn her pal Kelly Rowland got engaged to football ace Roy Williams - because she cooked up an elaborate plan to ensure the event ran smoothly.Keys slams Beyonce rift rumors
Soul star Alicia Keys has slammed reports she's embroiled in a bitter feud with R&B beauty Beyonce Knowles - insisting the two singers are old friends. Alicia is currently performing across America with the Beyonce and rap maestro Missy Elliott on their Ladies First tour.But Keys says she wasn't shocked when the press created stories about the two singers feuding, because she believes the media thinks it is impossible for famous females to get along. Keys explains, "I knew that was gonna happen just because it's two women and whenever there's two women involved in anything people automatically say they have problems with each other - but we do not have problems with each other, we never have problems with each other. "I think there was always like a healthy, competitive competition just on the road in the sense of both wanting to put the best foot forward, so it's not necessarily about competition against each other, it's about competition to inspire ourselves and do our best shows."
Beyonce, Alicia Keys Among BET Nominees
Beyonce, Denzel Washington and Venus Williams are among the nominees for the 2004 BET Awards, which honor musicians, actors and athletes.Beyonce Announces New Fashion Line
Beyonce has announced a joint fashion-licensing and brand-management deal with Arthur and Jason Rabin and their company, Wear Me Apparel/Kids Headquarters. The partnership will provide the support for Beyonce's upcoming fashion label. In turn, Beyonce and her mother, Tina Knowles, will play an active role in the creative direction and inspiration for the collections. Tina is no stranger to the fashion business; she's a salon owner and costume designer for her daughters Solange and Beyonce, as well as a costume designer for Destiny's Child.Beyonce Talks Marriage Rumors, 'Pink Panther'
On Friday (May 7) Beyonce Knowles shot down rumors that she secretly married her boyfriend Jay-Z. The singer was at a press conference announcing the kick-off of production on the movie The Rebirth Of The Pink Panther. She was asked a two-part question about her marital status and also what attracted her to take on a role in the film. Beyonce replied: "I'm married? No, I'm not married... I think what attracted me to this was how fun it was gonna be. The challenging part is over--now it's time to have fun."Ladies First Tour Sets Bar for R&B Outings
Revenue for the Ladies First tour was just about second to none, organizers say.Divas Smell Money in Fragrance Biz
Some of today's biggest music stars have ignited a boom in the once-dormant celebrity fragrance business.ALTAR-ED STATE?
RUMORS are swirling that Beyoncé Knowles (above) and Jay-Z have secretly married. "They went away to a Caribbean island two weeks ago - just them," said an insider. "But people are also saying they got a justice of the peace to do it quietly in California." A different source close to the couple doubted that Beyoncé would ever elope: "No way would they do it without Beyoncé's parents around. They would hit the roof." A spokesman for Knowles said, "As far as I'm told, I have no reason to believe that is true."
'Slashing' their way to stardom
The keyword for today's hot young stars: multi-tasking. Actor/singer. Comedian/rapper. Rocker/film star.Sightings
DAMON Dash being serenaded by a Marilyn Monroe impersonator at his birthday bash at La Bottega, along with pals Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Karolina Kurkova and Cam'ron.
Beyonces rift with Keys
Beyonce Knowles' reported rift with Alicia Keys on their current tour has been blamed on her father Mathew. Tough-talking Mathew, who has masterminded his daughter's career, allegedly instigated the bad feeling between the two superstars on the 'Ladies First' tour after becoming angry about the constant stream of rave reviews given to talented Keys. An insider tells British tabloid the Daily Star , "They're cooler than ever, but Matthew's not happy that Alicia's been getting better reviews than his daughter. He's the diva."
Beyonce, Jay-Z Bring Glamour to Courtroom
Pop diva Beyonce and her rap-star boyfriend Jay-Z brought glamour and glitz to a Philadelphia courtroom. The famous couple was in town Friday for the trial of Beanie Sigel, a rapper and protege of Jay-Z. Sigel faces attempted murder charges related to the shooting of Terrence Speller outside a West Philadelphia bar last summer.GARDEN GROPE
Jeremy Shockey and Tara Reid were thisclose at Thursday night's Knicks Game 3 loss to the Nets. And Calvin Klein was at the Garden for the first time since his bizarre confrontation with Latrell Sprewell last year. (Klein walked over and started talking to Sprewell as the Knick was trying to inbound the ball. A few days later, the designer went into rehab.) Also at the game: Jay-Z and Beyoncé, Ja Rule, Candice Bergen, Vinnie Testaverde, Fat Joe and Bill O'Reilly.
Beyonce to Perform at Couric Charity
Beyonce, Harry Connick Jr. and Nathan Lane are among the performers lined up to belt out tunes from "South Pacific" on the world's largest cruise ship Saturday at a fund-raiser for Katie Couric's colorectal research organization.We Hear...
THAT Beyoncé will perform Saturday aboard the Queen Mary 2, where Katie Couric will have a boatload of stars - including Nicole Kidman, Antonio Banderas, Whoopi Goldberg, Tina Fey, Nathan Lane and James Gandolfini - for a cancer benefit . . .
Beyonce and Jay-Z hint at wedding?
R&B singing sensation Beyonce Knowles is fuelling rumours she will marry rapper beau Jay-Z by performing a duet with him in London - wearing a wedding dress. The pair have agreed to sing together at the Princes Trust Urban Music Festival in the British capital in May. An event source says, "Beyonce will perform a duet of Like A Virgin with Jay-Z and she will be wearing a full-on wedding dress to do it." Reports claimed the pair were planning to marry in the Caribbean over the weekend.
Simpson tops 'Maxim' Hot 100
Girly-girl Jessica Simpson says she is honored to top Maxim magazine's Hot 100 list for 2004. "It's nice to get the stamp of approval from the boys," she says. Besides, "it's way better than being No. 101!"
3. Christina Aguilera
4. Anna Kournikova
5. Jennifer Lopez
6. Mischa Barton
7. Rebecca Romijn-Stamos
8. Paris Hilton
9. Jessica Alba
10. Halle Berry
Beyonce moves closer to Jay-Z
Sexy singer Beyonce Knowles is moving closer to her rapper beau Jay-Z, after buying a luxury A$12 million mansion in New York City. The Crazy In Love beauty - who has been dating Jay-Z for two years - closed on the luxurious four-bedroom abode in the soon-to-be-completed One Beacon Court development. The apartment - which boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, granite and marble floors and terraces with views of the city and beyond - sits in an exclusive 55-storey high rise building on Manhattan's posh Upper East Side. Texas native Knowles, 22, will also have access to a complimentary 24-hour butler service, which will accommodate almost every whim a client has - from sold-out concert tickets to last-minute chartered jets. But the biggest advantage of all is the opportunity to be closer to New York native Jay-Z, 34, whose home is in New Jersey. Knowles also owns homes in her native Houston and sun-kissed Florida city Miami.
Report: Solange Knowles May Be Pregnant
She's barely out of childhood herself, but there are whispers that singer-actress Solange Knowles, the younger sister of Destiny's Child member Beyonce, may be with child.Soul Train Awards
The Soul Train Music Awards celebrates artists in R&B, hip-hop, rap and gospel music. The awards are chosen by a group of radio station professionals, talent managers and performers.Celebrity couples: Hot or not?
They canoodle, they kiss, they go kaput - or do they? USA TODAY's Donna Freydkin and Olivia Barker chart the rumored celebrity breakups (and one hook-up) that have the gossip world atwitter.Concert Review: Beyonce, Alicia Keys, Missy Elliott
The first solo tour from Destiny's Child frontwoman Beyonce isn't really a solo tour at all.Beyonce, Missy & Alicia's 'Ladiest First Tour' Kicks Off
The Verizon Ladies First Tour 2004 starring Beyonce, Alicia Keys, and Missy Elliott, kicks off Friday (March 12) at the Office Depot Center in Fort Lauderdale. When the trio came together at a press conference to announce the outing, Alicia Keys told LAUNCH that the tour will be both a powerful and a positive experience.Latest on Jay Z, Beyonce
Hip-hop star JAY-Z has rubbished reports he has split from girlfriend BEYONCE KNOWLES. Speaking to British radio station Radio One, the rapper reassured fans the couple are still together - and blamed the press for inventing a rift to sell newspapers. Jay-Z says, "She's wonderful! Every once in a while people have gotta sell papers. I just feel bad for the people that buy the paper and believe all these different things, like when papers have a slow news day and they just make up stuff."
Sightings
JAY-Z patiently waiting at Bergdorf-Goodman while Beyonce shopped and tried on clothes . . .
Beyonce, Alicia, Missy are a tour de force
Beyoncé, Alicia Keys and Missy Elliott are joining forces for what should be one of the spring's hottest tour packages. Starting Friday in Florida, the Verizon Ladies First Tour embarks on a 24-city excursion.Beyonce In Another Spy Spoof?
Talks are underway to cast Beyonce in the role of Xania, a jewel thief, in the new film version of Pink Panther. She would star opposite Steve Martin who is reprising the role of Inspector Clouseau, which was made famous by Peter Sellers. Cameras will start rolling in the spring.
Beyonce, OutKast Win at NAACP Image Awards
"The Fighting Temptations" triumphed over all contenders at the NAACP Image Awards on Saturday, March 6.Beyonce's Band Foils Florida Carjacking
Singer Beyonce's band came to the aid of a 91-year-old driver, chasing and holding down a suspected carjacker.Beyonce's Split Personality
Bootylicious Beyonce Knowles says the sexy singer you see cavorting onstage isn't really her - it's her "best friend."Beyonce Has No Plans To Walk Down Aisle
Beyonce's little sister is now a married woman. Solange Knowles, 17, wed Daniel Smith in a ceremony in the Bahamas over the weekend, according to her record company, Columbia Records. Beyonce, her parents, Mathew and Tina Knowles, and Destiny's Child member Kelly Rowland were in attendance.Latest On Beyonce
BEYONCE KNOWLES has blamed her diva tantrums during live performances on her "evil" alter ego Sasha. The singer has explained the tantrums she suffers whilst she is playing gigs are caused purely by Sasha - because "Beyonce would never shout". She explains, "I get stressed out and I shout and scream at people. But you can have just a few seconds to put on your dress and get the right shoes - and there are thousands of people waiting for you. So, you need everything right now. That's when you can suddenly become really evil, screaming and shouting at everyone. But I always say sorry afterwards. I blame it on Sasha. She's the nasty one, Beyonce would never shout."
Beyonce Has No Plans To Walk Down Aisle
Could it be that Grammy-licious Beyonce Knowles won't end up being Mrs. Jay Z after all? RWDmag.com reports that, despite Jay-Z telling Lyor Cohen at his recent farewell bash that he planned to marry Beyonce. She claims that she has no immediate plans to walk down the aisle and has no idea who her ideal man is. The pair have been dating since singing together on the track titled "03 Bonnie & Clyde" in 2002, although both have always refused to publicly comment on their relationship.Grammy Queen Knowles Leads Soul Train Nominees
Beyonce Knowles, the belle of the ball at the Grammy Awards earlier this month, will soon get a chance to add more hardware to her trophy collection.Latest On Beyonce
Superstar singer BEYONCE KNOWLES is finding life in the spotlight increasingly hard to cope with - because she fears becoming addicted to fame. Beyonce has been the focus of a media frenzy since she launched her solo career last year and her high profile romance with rapper Jay-Z has bought her even more attention. So sensible Beyonce is already preparing herself for the day when her star fades, by ensuring she keeps her feet on the ground. She explains, "I don't want to get addicted to fame. Then when I'm no longer famous I won't know what to do, and I'll just seem desperate and lose my mind."
Stars turn out for Brit awards
Beyonce, Justin Timberlake and The Darkness were among the stars turning out for the Brit Awards, the biggest night in the British pop music calendar.Beyonce Performs at NBA All-Star Game
Beyonce danced provocatively in a deep V-neck halter dress at halftime of the NBA All-Star game, two weeks after Janet Jackson's breast-baring Super Bowl performance.Beyonce Knowles Headed for Superstardom
Beyonce's career is moving in only one direction: straight up.Different destinies could be waiting for Beyonce, Justin
Will Destiny's Child's destiny be altered by Beyoncé's Grammy windfall Sunday night? And could Justin Timberlake's career fall out of step with 'N Sync now that he has gotten his hands on the prestigious prize for male pop vocalist?How Beyonce stacks up against other divas
With five Grammys, a multiplatinum solo debut disc and a growing collection of hit singles, Beyonce is clearly a diva on the rise.Beyonce nets five awards, and Luther Vandross wins four at Grammy bash
Beyonce, bare breasts and the Beatles were all in the spotlight during an energy-filled Grammy Awards bash on Sunday.Beyonce And Prince Open The Grammys
Beyonce and Prince opened the Grammys with a performance of Prince medley that included his hit "Purple Rain," the title track to his 1984 film.Alicia Keys, Beyonce & Missy Elliott Announce Tour, And Support Janet
Beyonce, Alicia Keys and Missy Elliott recently announced their highly anticipated tour at a press conference at the Beverly Hills Hotel in California. The trio, who have 10 Grammys among them, will join forces for an outing that will visit more than 20 cities starting March 12 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.Beyonce Up For Super Role?
Texas songbird Beyonce Knowles could be the next actress to play Lois Lane in the latest incarnation of the Superman saga. The movie, "Superman: The Last Son of Krypton," already stars Johnny Depp as the evil Lex Luthor and newcomer Henry Cavill as the man in the blue cape and red tights.
Jay-Z Says He Plans To Marry Beyonce
Rapper Jay-Z and singer Beyonce Knowles have been dating for almost two years, but the duo has been meticulous about keeping their relationship private. That is, until last week when Jay-Z announced that he plans to marry Knowles.Beyonce Helps Pace Grammy Nominees
The 46th Annual Grammy Awards could turn out to be one "Crazy" night for Beyonce.Jay-Z hints Beyonce's the one
Rapper JAY-Z has announced his imminent plans to marry R&B beauty BEYONCE KNOWLES. The hip-hop star announced his plans at a record company party for departing Def Jam boss Lyon Cohen on Wednesday - delighting the revellers. After Cohen gave a speech to guests at New York nightclub TAJ, Jay-Z took the mic and told the mogul, "You've been one of the best friends I could have had... Apart from this woman beside me (Beyonce), who I love and who I will marry very soon." A witness at the bash says, "It was really unexpected. As soon as he said it everyone in the place starting whooping and cheering. Beyonce was standing next to him cooing and looking totally in love. "It was a beautiful moment. If ever there were any doubts about how much they love each other, then this certainly blew those away."
Sightings
NEW Nets owner Bruce Ratner and partner Jay-Z celebrating with Denzel Washington, Wesley Snipes, Sean Combs and Beyoncé Knowles at 40/40 Club
Beyonce's Got Game
Beyonce Knowles is surrounded by the sweet smell of success. Or maybe that's just eau de Hilfiger.The Latest On Beyonce
PINK had to silence her staunch animal rights views in London on Monday when she spotted her Pepsi advert co-star Beyonce Knowles sporting a mink coat. Pink, Beyonce and Britney Spears braved the cold for the world premiere of the new promo - which was filmed in Rome and features the pop babes as scantily-clad gladiators - but the feisty singer disapproved of the measures the star took to keep warm. She complained, "It's not something I would wear but each to their own. I've not said anything but I think everybody knows my views - I won't ever touch fur. It's wrong." Last year Pink wrote to British royal Prince William urging him to quit fox hunting.
Jay-Z and Beyonce befriend Cattrall
Couple Jay-Z and Beyonce Knowles have welcomed an unlikely new pal into their fold - Sex and The City beauty Kim Cattrall. The sexy actress, 47, has become so close to the pair, she was even spotted with them at a recent basketball game between the New York Knicks and Huston Rockets, after seeing in the New Year with them on the Caribbean island of St Bart's.The unlikely friendship was struck up thanks to hip-hop mover and shaker Sean P'Diddy Combs. She explains, "I met Sean at the Grammy's because we presented together and we became friends. We have a lot of friends in common - like Jay-Z and Beyonce - and he said, 'We're gonna be there around Christmas. What are you doing?' I didn't have any plans being single and he said, 'Why don't you come on down?' And I did!" She adds of Jay-Z and Beyonce, "They're a nice couple. They're very friendly."Beyonce, Britney and Pink to Rock Trafalgar Square
Thousands of pop fans are expected to converge on London's Trafalgar Square Monday to catch a glimpse of American pop stars Beyonce, Britney Spears and Pink.Pop Stars Clash in U.K. Pepsi Ad
Britney Spears, Pink, Beyonce and Enrique Iglesias go head-to-head in a new Pepsi television ad soon to roll out in the U.K.Latest on Jay-Z, Beyonce
Rapper JAY-Z is on the verge of becoming more than just Beyonce Knowles' boyfriend - he's currently making moves to become her manager. According to pals of the 22-year-old Destiny's Child singer, Jay-Z - real name Shawn Carter - is planning to take over the reigns from his belle's father Mathew Knowles - after vowing his last album will be the last of his recording career. A source says of 34-year-old Jay-Z, "He gives her input on what to wear, what to eat, who to work with. He's in control - and her father respects his decisions. "Jay-Z is definitely very controlling like Mathew Knowles. If that's what she's seeking, he maybe her soul mate." But the star's representative has dismissed the suggestions, stating, "He's so busy helping put together a hip-hop tour called 'Rock The Mic', and his autobiography 'The Black Book' comes out this spring. Plus, he's developing a high-end clothing line."
Beyonce, Missy, Alicia Eyeing Road Trip
In what is sure to be a hot ticket, final negotiations are underway for a package trek featuring Beyonce Knowles, Missy Elliott and Alicia Keys. The artists would play arenas in about 20 markets this spring.Rap Reception
THE hip-hop community came out in force to show some love for Brooklyn's Stephon Marbury in his Garden debut as a Knick on Thursday night. Besides Jay-Z and Beyonce Knowles, the crowd included Jermaine Dupri, Q-Tip, Fat Joe, Fabolous, DJ Clue, Sway, Rich Nice, Scarface and Jadakiss. Plus non-rappers Kim Cattrall, Steve Schirripa and Lorraine Bracco of "The Sopranos," model Petra Nemcova holding a "Lil' Penny" doll in a new Knicks uniform, and Mayor Bloomberg.
Beyonce scraps second album
Beyonce Knowles has scrapped plans to record a second solo album, so she can reunite with her Destiny's Child band mates. The sexy singer has enjoyed phenomenal success since the R&B trio took a sabbatical in 2001 - her debut solo album 'Dangerously IN Love' topped album charts around the globe and has earned her six nominations at next month's Grammy awards. The 22-year-old had hoped to rush through a second release before re-teaming with Destiny's Child band mates Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams in March - so she could share some of the tracks that didn't make Dangerously In Love with fans. But she has opted to concentrate fully on the three-piece, who have booked studio time for the duration of March and hope to have a new album out mid year.
'Bad Boys II,' 'Temptations' Top NAACP Film List
The NAACP civil rights group on Wednesday offered ethnic audiences its annual list of top movies and other entertainment for 2003 with "Bad Boys II" and "The Fighting Temptations" among nominees for best film.Beyonce Knowles to Sing at Super Bowl
Beyonce Knowles will sing the national anthem before the Super Bowl in her native Houston, the NFL announced Tuesday.Year-End Certifications
OutKast and 50 Cent tied for top honors in year-end certifications from the Recording Industry Assn. of America, with the highest certified albums of 2003.Top Albums by Sales in 2003
1. "Get Rich or Die Tryin,'" 50 Cent
2. "Come Away With Me," Norah Jones
3. "Meteora," Linkin Park
4. "Fallen," Evanescence
5. "Speakerboxx-Love," Outkast
6. "Dangerously in Love," Beyonce
7. "Chocolate Factory," R. Kelly
8. "Metamorphosis," Hilary Duff
9. "Shock N Y'All," Toby Keith
10. "Rush of Blood to the Head," Coldplay
Solange Knowles Inks Deal with UPN
Singer-actress Solange Knowles has inked a talent holding deal with UPN to star in a series project for the network, probably a comedy, targeted for fall 2004.BEYONCE MAKES NICE TO GAYS
BEYONCE Knowles denies making homophobic remarks to a London tabloid, says she loves her drag queen impersonators, and pays tribute to her uncle who died of AIDS in an interview with a gay weekly.E! Names Entertainer of Year
Piracy was lucrative work for Johnny Depp this year: E! Entertainment Television named the "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl" star as its entertainer of the year.Beyonce, R. Kelly among top winners at Billboard Awards
Country superstar Shania Twain walked away from the Billboard Awards on Wednesday with three trophies.
Duo/group: 3 Doors Down
New female artist: Beyonce
New male R&B artist: Chingy
New group: Evanescence
R&B artist: 50 Cent
R&B/hip-hop group: Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz
R&B new artist: Beyonce
R&B producer: R. Kelly
R&B songwriter: R. Kelly
Rap artist: 50 Cent
Rock artist: Audioslave
Rock track: Headstrong by Trapt
Modern rock artist: Audioslave
Modern rock track: Headstrong by Trapt
Independent album artists: Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz
Independent albums: Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz
Soundtrack single: Bring Me To Life by Evanescence
Mainstream Top 40 track: Where is the Love? by Black Eyed Peas
No. 1 Rhythmic Top 40 track: Right Thurr by Chingy
Country artist: Shania Twain
Country album: Up by Shania Twain
Country albums: Shania Twain
Best-selling single: This Is the Night/Bridge Over Troubled Water by Clay Aiken
Hot 100 female artist: Beyonce
Hot 100 group artist: 3 Doors Down
Hot 100 producer: R. Kelly
Hot 100 for most weeks at No. 1: Beyonce
Hot 100 songwriter: R. Kelly
Digital track: Hey Ya! by OutKast
Century Award for creative achievement: Sting
Concert Review: Jingle Ball, Los Angeles
It started just before 7 p.m. with a holiday choir and ended after midnight, 90 minutes behind schedule, with a blundering performance from Britney Spears (news), as Los Angeles CHR giant KIIS-FM threw its annual self-congratulatory holiday Jingle Ball concert.Beyonce to record another solo album
BEYONCE KNOWLES is so delighted with the success of her first solo album she's planning to rush release another before heading back into the studio with her Destiny's Child band mates. The singer's 'Dangerously In Love' album has been a smash hit around the world, spawning two huge hits - 'Crazy In Love' and 'Baby Boy' - and now Beyonce is planning to release an album full of cuts which didn't make it onto her debut album. She says, "I recorded about 45 songs for Dangerously in Love, and so many are just kind of going to waste sitting there." Knowles will release the new project, which features a collaboration with Sean P Diddy Combs, in March, and she already has a new single in mind. Producer Bryce Wilson adds, "It's called 'Scent Of You' and it's a ballad, but it's a rock ballad, a little leaning on metal. It's definitely something that nobody's ever heard from her."
Beyonce, OutKast Top Grammy Noms
Going solo seems to be the most successful tactic of this year's Grammy nominees.Grammy Awards Nominees in Top Categories
Nominations in top categories for the 46th annual Grammy Awards announced Thursday:Beyonce, Hilary, Jessica to Rock for Fox
Beyonce Knowles, Hilary Duff and Jessica Simpson are the first artists confirmed to appear on a Fox holiday television special slated to air Dec. 15.Familiar Names Lead People's Choice Nominees
Old favorites like Kelsey Grammer, Mel Gibson and Julia Roberts led the nominees for the 30th People's Choice Awards, a fan-driven list of honors in TV, movies and music announced on Tuesday.Beyonce Among Billboard Awards Finalists
Rapper 50 Cent leads the finalists for the 2003 Billboard Awards, which will be presented Dec. 10 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.Beyonce, Bono Top S. African AIDS Benefit
Beyonce Knowles, Bono, Peter Gabriel and other musicians from around the world took to the stage Saturday for an AIDS benefit concert hosted by former South African President Nelson Mandela.'Baby Boy' Notches 9th Week Atop U.S. Singles Chart
Beyonce and Sean Paul are sitting on top of Billboard's Hot 100 singles chart for the ninth week with "Baby Boy."Knowles Loved Dowdiness of Movie Role
Beyonce Knowles enjoyed taking a break from her usual high glamour to play a dowdy single mother in her new movie, "The Fighting Temptations."A&E Presents: Fashion Rocks
Wednesday, October 29 @ 10pm/9c United on one stage, the world's leading fashion houses will showcase stunning catwalk collections each accompanied by live music! Andrea Bocelli, Bryan Ferry, Sheryl Crow, Duran Duran, Beyonce, Bjork and Bryan Adams head the all star line-up for FASHION ROCKS, a fashion and music extravaganza for The Prince's Trust.
Beyonce: I Love Gay People
Beyonce Knowles better watch her mouth.Destiny's child are back
Destiny's Child are fighting off reports they're ready to split up by announcing plans to release two albums in 2004. Reports about a split have started circulating again after the group's three stars, Kelly Rowland, Michelle Williams and Beyonce Knowles, all had successes from solo ventures this year.No Shaking Beyonce's 'Baby Boy' from No. 1
Beyonce and Sean Paul are still on top of Billboard's Hot 100 singles chart with "Baby Boy."No Stopping Beyonce's 'Baby Boy' at No. 1
"Baby Boy" from Beyonce and Sean Paul hangs on for a fifth-straight week atop Billboard's Hot 100, fending off a threat from Ludacris' "Stand Up" featuring Shawnna.Bono, Beyonce Knowles & Others To Play AIDS Benefit In South Africa
U2 frontman Bono and Beyonce Knowles have signed on for an AIDS benefit concert called 46664 at Green Point Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa, on November 29. They'll be joined by Western artists including Eurythmics, the Coors, Anastacia, and Queen, and African stars like Youssou N'Dour, Ladysmith Black Mombazo, Angelique Kidjo, and Johnny Clegg. The concert, which should be released on CD and DVD early next year, is named for the prison number former South African president Nelson Mandela wore while he was a political prisoner in Cape Town for 18 years.'Baby Boy' Turns Six on Hot 100 Singles Chart
Beyonce's "Baby Boy" featuring Sean Paul leads Billboard's Hot 100 singles chart for the sixth-straight week.Producer Says Destiny's Child Stole Song
A 32-year-old producer has filed a $200 million lawsuit against Beyonce Knowles, her father and fellow members of Destiny's Child, alleging they stole his music for the hit song "Survivor."Beyonce Shakes Her Booty For Royalty
When she stepped on stage in a barely-there sparkling gold Armani outfit, Beyonce Knowles was under the watchful and attentive eye of Prince Charles. Her eye-popping outfit and booty-shaking performance met with the Royal approval.
Beyonce: God's okay with sexy me
&B star Beyonce Knowles feels no shame about her saucy stage displays - because she knows "God is okay with that". The deeply religious Destiny's Child beauty insists there's no hypocrisy in her body-baring outfits and sexual dancing - she's so secure in her relationship with God, she knows he understands. Beyonce explains, "I have standards. There are things I will not do. I always carry myself like a lady. I don't feel like I ever do anything raunchy. I'm not disrespectful, dirty, or nasty. It's entertainment and I believe God is okay with that. I honestly believe he wants people to celebrate their bodies, as long as you don't compromise your Christianity in the process. "God is the main person in my life and I wouldn't do anything to offend him. People say it's hypocritical to wear sexy clothes and then sing about God - but it's not like that at all. I obviously wouldn't wear hot pants in normal life or if I was going to church. When I'm on stage, it's completely different. I'm not really me; it's just a performance. I couldn't wear most of the outfits I wear onstage to a club." She adds, "I have a personal relationship with God and I don't see any problem with what I wear or how I dance on stage. Anything that I feel uncomfortable doing, I wouldn't do."
Vibe Award Nominees
The Vibe Awards will be held on November 20 at the Santa Monica Civic Center, in Santa Monica, California. The event, which will be hosted by Queen Latifah, will air on UPN on November 21.
50 Cent
Beyonce
Sean Paul
Missy Elliott
R. Kelly
"Beautiful" - Snoop Dogg featuring Pharrell Williams
"Crazy In Love" - Beyonce featuring Jay-Z
"Work It" - Missy Elliott
"Hey Ya!" - OutKast
"Get Busy" - Sean Paul
P. Diddy
Pharrell Williams
Mary J. Blige
Jay-Z
"Crazy In Love" - Beyonce featuring Jay-Z
"Beautiful" - Snoop Dogg featuring Pharrell Williams
"I Know What You Want" - Busta Rhymes featuring Mariah Carey
"Like A Pimp" - David Banner featuring Lil' Flip
"Magic Stick" - Lil' Kim featuring 50 Cent
Musical star Beyonce to put out two lines of her own clothing by next year
In what is becoming a rite of passage for top music stars, Beyonce is adding fashion designer to her list of credits.Beyonce's alter ego
R&B superstar Beyonce Knowles is a self-confessed schizophrenic who constantly has to battle an inner diva she calls Sasha. Just like Mariah Carey admitted to having a bitchy British alter ego, who actually appeared in her videos, Beyonce feels there are times in her life when her other character takes over. But so far, she has been able to limit Sasha to appearing through her on stage only.Beyonce's Dad Sells Music Company for $10M
Beyonce Knowles' father has sold his music management company, Music World Entertainment, to the London-based music group Sanctuary for $10 million.Daddy's Little Girl
Some think Beyonce Knowles has always been a daddy's girl. But at a recent Sony Music lunch for the singer, dad Matthew Knowles declared, "She has always been her own person and that's what I care about much more than her success or anything going on career-wise." Beyonce -- who has eight songs on the The Fighting Temptations soundtrack and has sold over a million copies of her first solo album -- just bought two beachfront properties on South Beach's "Millionaire's Row" and is knocking down walls to combine them into one unit.
'Baby Boy' Notches Airplay Honors for 7th Week
"Baby Boy" by Beyonce Featuring Sean Paul climbs to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the first song to earn Greatest Gainer/Airplay honors for seven consecutive weeks. "Boy" extends its audience impressions by 17.7 million for a total of 149.6 million.Beyonce's interview regrets
Sexy singer Beyonce Knowles often wines with embarrassment when she reads over her own interviews - because she's so unimpressed with a lot of the things she says.Knowles Cameos on UPN Comedy
Don't hate Beyonce Knowles because she's beautiful. No, hate her because she's currently starring in the No. 2 movie in America, opposite Cuba Gooding Jr. in "The Fighting Temptations." Hate her because her solo debut album is still selling like compact disc-shaped hot cakes. Hate her because her hot summer single "Crazy in Love" is still nearly as ubiquitous as when it first dropped. Hate her because she's about to make a rare television comedy appearance on UPN's "All of Us."Beyonce Stripped Down Image For The 'Fighting Temptations'
Beyonce Knowles fans will be surprised to see the Destiny's Child frontwoman without make-up and high end fashion outfits in the new film, the Fighting Temptations, co-starring Cuba Gooding Jr., that hits theaters Friday (September 19).AMA Nomination
Nominees for the 31st annual American Music Awards which air Nov 16 on ABC.
-Female Artist: Aaliyah, Ashanti, Beyonce.
-Album: Chapter II, Ashanti; Dangerously In Love, Beyonce; Chocolate Factory, R. Kelly; Dance With My Father, Luther Vandross.
Fighting Temptations, opening Friday, a comedy with a great musical lineup
Gospel heals all wounds as two of the most photogenic stars on the planet - Cuba Gooding Jr. and Beyonce Knowles - unite a quarrelling Georgia congregation in the infectious romantic comedy The Fighting Temptations.Busy Beyonce Tired of 'Booty-This, Booty-That'
Beyonce Knowles helped promote the "booty talk" so prevalent on the pop scene as well as appreciation for a woman's round, tight butt, but the sultry rhythm and blues diva is tired of all the bootylicious babble she has inspired.Beyonce Barrels Ahead on Next Album
With her debut solo album, "Dangerously in Love," entrenched in the top 10 after 12 weeks in release, and the single "Baby Boy" climbing the Hot 100, Beyonce Knowles is already planning her next set.Beyonce Talks About All Things Movies
In her new movie, "The Fighting Temptations," Beyonce Knowles plays a singer — but that's where the similarities between the superstar and her character end.Queen Bee
Singer Beyonce Knowles says she and Destiny's Child cohorts Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams will reunite in the studio early next year to begin work on their first album of new material together in more than two years.Queen Bee
MOVE over, Jennifer Lopez. Beyoncé , the bootylicious singer/actress, is usurping Lopez's role as the hottest star in Hollywood. "Beyoncé's new movie, 'Fighting Temptations,' is coming out this week - and will blow anything Jennifer has done out of the water," said our source. Meanwhile, Beyoncé, along with her mother, Tina Knowles - who outfits Destiny's Child - is starting her own clothing line to rival J.Lo's. Beyoncé told PAGE SIX spies she wants the clothes to hit stores by Christmas.
Cuba on Kissing Beyoncé!
Acting rookie Beyoncé Knowles, 21, admitted she was jittery about her kissing scenes with co-star Cuba Gooding Jr. in The Fighting Temptations (opening Sept. 19). Did her 34-year-old Oscar-winning leading man do anything to help the "Bootylicious" beauty relax?Beyonce, Sean Paul Creep Closer to No. 1
"Baby Boy" from Beyonce and Sean Paul posted another surge in airplay this week to move into the runner-up slot on Billboard's latest Hot 100 singles chart.Acting is tempting Beyoncé
Still, the question must be asked: Is it true that Knowles ... just took a vacation?Beyoncé Bends to Temptation
Beyoncé Knowles is only 21, but she's smart enough to learn from the mistakes of fellow songbirds who've tried acting. (Poor Mariah Carey still catches hell for that whole Glitter debacle!) That's why she's been taking small, but juicy roles opposite A-list stars like Mike Myers in Austin Powers in Goldmember and Cuba Gooding Jr. in The Fighting Temptations (opening Sept. 19).Sightings
JAY-Z throwing a suprise party for Beyoncé Knowles at his sports bar, the 40/40 Club on West 23rd Street and Jay-Z & Beyoncé taking in the tennis at the US Open in NYC
Jay-Z Prevented Sean Paul From Performing With Beyonce At VMAs
Jay-Z wanted to be the only performer to join Beyonce on stage during her performance last Thursday (August 28) at the 2003 MTV Video Awards, according to the Jamaica Observer.Blu Cantrell wants Beyonce's man
Sexy singer Beyonce Knowles had better watch her back - chart rival Blu Cantrell wants her rapper boyfriend Jay-Z. Blu admits on the DVD to accompany her second album 'Bittersweet' she has a great admiration for the Roc-A-Fella rapper. She coos, "Just for the record I have a major crush on Jay-Z. I have a really big crush on him, I'll tell you that much. He's such a honey. He's just a doll baby. I don't care who he is dating - I've always had a crush on him."R&B Star Beyonce Leads Mobo Nominations
American R&B star Beyonce Knowles and British newcomer Terri Walker lead a record number of female nominees for the Music of Black Origin (Mobo) awards with four nominations each, organizers said late on Monday.Beyonce to marry Jay-Z?
BEYONCE KNOWLES is to marry rapper JAY-Z - to keep a promise to her mother. The religious diva was brought up strictly and promised her mother Tina she would not show affection to a man in public unless she was prepared to marry him. The chart-topping pair very publicly displayed their love for each other during a recent holiday in the south of France and Knowles' family in Houston, Texas, America, are busy making plans for the impending nuptials. A family source says, "Beyonce has been very strictly brought up in a very religious family. She didn't want to show any disrespect to her mother by being seen constantly draped over a succession of men. Both her parents encouraged her into show business but they knew that a girl singer could get a bad reputation from being seen around with too many men. She made a vow early on in her career that she would only ever go public on a romance with someone she was totally serious about. She vowed that she would be a one-man woman. She has always been careful not to be seen in public with a man, but now that her family are assured that she and Jay-Z are in love for good, she doesn't need to be so careful."
Beyone: I refuse to bare my body
Beyonce has vowed never to pose nude - because she wants to be remembered for her talent, not her looks. The singer set pulses racing with her steamy video and raunchy dance routines for her recent solo single Â'Crazy In LoveÂ'. But the 21-year-old recently walked out of a photo shoot with celebrity snapper David LaChapelle after he asked her to pose naked and smothered in honey. And she says countless other photographers have tried to pressure her into baring all. She says, "Every photographer wants to be the first one who talks Beyonce out of her clothes. It's prestigious for him if I expose a nipple. People test you to see how far they can go. They exert pressure on me. Man, if I had a dollar for every time that kind of guy says, 'You'll only get the cover if you take off your pants', I'd be a rich woman. When they make those kinds of demands, I leave. Goodbye. I want to be respected and remembered for my talent in the first place, not for my booty."
Britney Spears recently posed for the cover of a magazine in just a pair of tiny black knickers, but devout Christian Beyonce says she'd never follow suit. Some women show some nudity in all their pics. But I am known for being prudish," she says. "I don't have a problem with sexy clothes. Any really hot fashion thing I'll wear. And I'll put on a bikini if the scene is on the beach. But vulgar for no reason? Never."
Beyonce wins At The MTV Music Video Awards
BEST FEMALE VIDEO: "Crazy In Love" - Beyonce featuring Jay-Z
BEST R&B VIDEO: "Crazy In Love" - Beyonce featuring Jay-Z
BEST CHOREOGRAPHY IN A VIDEO: Beyonce f/ Jay-Z - "Crazy In Love"
Tidbits
BEYONCÉ Knowles, who nearly killed herself trying to make chips, bunged some frozen jobs into a pan of hot fat. She says, "I thought it's OK if I scraped the ice off. The grease got so hot it popped everywhere and the fries turned into little floating black turds." Beyoncé is keeping her day job. Not looking to hire on at Rocco DiSpirito's joint.
Beyonce and Jay-Z enjoy romantic holiday
Sexy singer Beyonce Knowles and her rapping lover Jay-Z were snapped enjoying a romantic holiday together on the French Riviera - finally confirming they are a couple. The Destiny's Child star and Jay-Z have always denied being an item, and the vacation marks the first time they have canoodled in public.Beyonce, Jay-Z Still 'Crazy' on Singles Chart
Beyonce and Jay-Z cruise to their eighth-straight week atop Billboard's Hot 100 with "Crazy in Love."Beyonce, Metallica Join MTV Video Awards Lineup
Beyonce Knowles and Metallica are the latest additions to the performance lineup for the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards, to be held Aug. 28 at New York's Radio City Music Hall.Latest On Beyonce
Sexy singer BEYONCE KNOWLES' superstardom has ruined her trips to public bathrooms. The Crazy In Love beauty, 21, has found that since she's become a bona fide celebrity there's nowhere free of prying eyes - including the ladies' room. She says, "I can't go into public bathrooms anymore... I feel trapped. "All these people are looking, and I'm just trying to wash my hands, thinking, 'God, I can't wait to get out of here.'"
