Scarlett Johansson spent days trying to record owl noises while recording her new album.
The 'Lost in Translation' actress was so determined to incorporate unique sounds on her debut LP 'Anywhere I Lay My Head' she even taped the call of the nocturnal birds.
She said: "I spent days trying to record owls. I would hear them and then run outside to find them. My producer David Sitek told me to keep a mini-recorder with me all the time and record sounds I liked. That was the most elusive thing we recorded - the owls. We recorded all kinds of stuff - even rainstorms."
Scarlett couldn't care less about the criticism her album has received, because she is confident she has a good voice.
She added to NME magazine: "I think a lot of actors have good voices. We are mimics. If you were to hum something now, I'd probably be able to sing it right back to you. I'm a pretty decent singer."
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Scarlett Johansson's owl quest
Britney Spears' dad compensation
Britney Spears' father has demanded compensation from his daughter.
The 'Gimme More' singer has been ordered to pay her father Jamie £5,000 to compensate him for the loss of earnings he suffered when he gave up his job to care for her earlier this year.
Jamie was made conservator of Britney's estate in January after she suffered a public meltdown and lost custody of her children, two-year-old Sean Preston and one-year-old Jayden James.
Court papers state: "As a result of the responsibilities Mr. Spears has assumed as Temporary Conservator of the Person and Temporary Co-Conservator of the Estate, he has been able to continue his prior employment."
With Jamie's help, Britney has managed to turn her life around.
As well as two successful appearances on hit US TV show 'How I Met Your Mother', the singer has also returned to the recording studio.
The judge in her child custody battle is so impressed by her progress he has recently granted her extra visitation rights to her sons, who live with her ex-husband Kevin Federline.
A spokesman for Kevin said: "This wouldn't have happened if Jamie Spears wasn't involved."
Jessica Alba's shocking wedding
Jessica Alba's friends and family were stunned to discover she had got married.
The 27-year-old actress tied the knot with Cash Warren, 31, in a secret ceremony on Monday (19.05.08) with no guests present, and the couple managed to keep their nuptials hidden from everyone.
A source close to Jessica, who described her as "very responsible" said: "Jessica and Cash's ceremony surprised even good friends. She used to feel it would be OK to wait until after the baby was born to get married but her traditional side must have really kicked in."
"Cash is a wonderful guy and she really does love him."
Jessica's "emotional" father Mark confirmed the ceremony, saying: "It was well-hidden from the paparazzi - and a lot more."
Mark also spoke of his happiness for the 'Sin City' star, adding to Latina.com: "I think it is good news for her. I'm glad for her. She's a beautiful girl. I'm her dad and I'm happy for her no matter what happens."
Jessica and Cash are expecting their first child this summer.
Amy Winehouse's ghost terror
Amy Winehouse fled her home last night (21.05.08), claiming ghosts were trying to harm her.
The troubled 24-year-old singer says a poltergeist - who she has named Henry - is haunting her North London flat and is trying to harm her.
She has even attributed scratches on her arms to ghost attacks and is now refusing to return to her abode until her home is exorcised. Amy is temporarily staying at the Chelsea Harbour hotel.
A friend of the 'Back to Black' singer told Britain's Daily Star newspaper: "She has a spare room in her house which she has been too terrified to redecorate because she believes a child died there. It has creepy aeroplane wallpaper and a weird feel to it.
"Amy is terrified because she thinks he's managed to take over the entire house and has brought bad spirits with him that are scratching and harming her."
This is the latest in a string of bizarre incidents for Amy. Earlier this week, three strange internet films of her and rock star Pete Doherty were released, including one where the pair played with baby mice.
Meanwhile, Glastonbury festival organisers yesterday confirmed Amy will perform this year in a slot on the main stage on June 28.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Jessica Alba's secret nuptials
Jessica Alba has got married in a secret ceremony.
The 'Fantastic Four' actress tied the knot with fiance Cash Warren on Monday (19.05.08), her spokesperson has confirmed.
The couple applied for a marriage license at Beverly Hills Courthouse at 11.30am, and after a 40-minute wait for the paperwork to be completed, they then wed with no friends or family present.
Jessica, 27, wore a long blue casual dress, and had her hair in a ponytail, while Cash donned a white shirt and brown trousers.
The couple were pronounced husband and wife under an arch of green silk and white flowers.
A source at the courthouse said: "Jessica looked happy but nervous."
The ceremony was so secret that even Jessica's family didn't know it had taken place.
Jessica's brother Josh told Us Weekly magazine: "My sister is married!? I'm going to have to call her!"
Cash and Jessica got engaged last December, after revealing Jessica was expecting the couple's first child.
The baby - reportedly a girl - is due in early summer.
Mel B throws sexy party
Mel B treated her husband to six strippers for his 33rd birthday.
The former Spice Girls star handcuffed Stephen Belafonte, before parading the X-rated dancers in front of him. Mel gleefully took photos as the women rubbed up against him.
A guest at the Los Angeles party told Britain's The Sun newspaper: "The girls were really provocative. Mel loved it."
Mel, 33, also warned guests she was filling the bash with a host of "dangerous animals", but when partygoers arrived they only found chickens, a pony, and five goats.
Guests named one of the ginger goats 'Geri' after Mel's former Spice Girls bandmate Geri Halliwell.
Earlier this week, Ultimo lingerie model Mel boasted she was amazing at sex, saying: "If there was an Olympic sport for anything, I'd win gold for sex! Me and Stephen have a pretty hot sex life and I admit I look I look quite good in my underwear or bikini."
Following Mel's success on US TV talent show 'Dancing with the Stars' and the recent Spice Girls reunion tour, she has announced plans to record a new solo album, following up her 2005 record 'L.A. State of Mind'.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Paris Hilton's Mr. Perfect
Paris Hilton says Benji Madden is her "perfect match".
The hotel heiress - who has been dating the Good Charlotte rocker for three months - says she's never had such strong feelings for a man before and the couple have already thought about marriage.
She said: "He wants to get hitched and we've talked about it. I'd wear a beautiful white dress, probably Dolce and Gabbana.
"We are the perfect match. We don't like being apart, we like to stay with each other as much as we can."
Paris - whose best friend Nicole Richie recently had a baby with Benji's twin brother Joel - says her beau offers her constant support and is an all-round "great person".
She added: "Benji is very down to earth. He's worked very hard on his own. He really has a heart of gold. He'd never do anything to hurt me. He loves and supports me no matter what. He's a really great person."
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Angelina's twins joy
Angelina Jolie confirms that she is expecting twins after co-star Jack Black lets her secret slip
Actress Angelina Jolie revealed on GMTV this morning her surprise when Jack Black let slip she was expecting twins!
Asked by Jenni Falconer if Black's comments came as a bit of a shock, Jolie laughingly replied: "Yes it was... it was not planned."
Asked if her kids were looking forward to the new additions, the Tomb Raider star said, "They are, yes...they all understand because they, you know, because of Shiloh, so we've already been through this.
"But now we've got our three-year-old and our four-year-old keep saying that they have animals in their belly!
"So our daughter keeps saying that she's got little piggies and she has to eat brownies because the piggies need to eat brownies. And our 4-year-old thinks, you know, says he's got monkeys. So... it's become fun in the house."
Baby secret
Cheeky Jack Black claimed the slip up wasn't his fault and he thought everyone knew Jolie was having twins!
"I don't even know how I knew that she had twins," said Black. "I thought that everyone knew. I think everyone did know. Wasn't it on the internet she had twins? It just wasn't 'official'...She could have said, 'What? No...no I don't have twins.' So I blame her."
Angelina was then asked if she'd like to reveal anything about Black for revenge. "Oh God, I wish I had the time - I'd think of something really good."
She added. "But the problem with Jack is he's just so out there – he just tells you everything anyway. He doesn't seem to have any real secrets, that's the problem with him. But I'm going to work on that - I'm going to get him back."
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Scarlett Johansson confirms engagement
Scarlett Johansson and Ryan Reynolds are engaged.
The 'Definitely, Maybe' actor - who has been dating Scarlett for more than a year - popped the question to the actress who excitedly said "yes".
Scarlett's representative Marcel Pariseau confirmed: "They are both thrilled."
The couple are yet to set a wedding date.
The 23-year-old star proudly showed off her diamond ring at New York's Metropolitan Museum Costume Institute Gala last night (05.05.08), accessorising it with a tight Dolce and Gabbana dress.
Hugh Jackman - who became close friends with Scarlett, after starring with her in 'Scoop' and 'The Prestige' - recently gave the couple his blessing.
He said: "Ryan Reynolds is one of the funniest guys I've ever met. And we had a really good chat about his girlfriend, because I'm very fond of Scarlett.
"Both my wife Deborra-Lee Furness and I are very proprietary about Scarlett, but Ryan gets a big thumbs up from me! I'm giving my blessing - Ryan is phenomenal."
Ryan was previously engaged to 'Ironic' singer Alanis Morissette, but they split in February 2007 after four years together.
Scarlett has previously been romantically linked to Josh Hartnett and Benicio Del Toro.
Jessica Simpson to wed
Jessica Simpson is reportedly engaged to Dallas Cowboys star Tony Romo.
The singer's friends were heard toasting her "happiness" at a party thrown by P. Diddy in Hollywood last Friday (02.05.08).
Jessica, who was out without the American football star, was overheard telling pals, including 'Scrubs' star Zach Braff: "I have never felt better. I am really excited."
According to reports, the 'Dukes of Hazzard' star is determined to beat younger sister Ashlee down the aisle.
A source told America's Star magazine: "Jessica would love nothing more than to get married before Ashlee.
"It upsets her that her little sister will be married and she won't. She gets jealous when Ash gets more attention."
Jessica, who has been dating Tony for six months, even considered proposing to Tony herself.
The source added: "Jessica had been showing Tony rings in magazines. She was telling him what she likes, right in front of his friends, too, so it was really awkward."
Ashlee is engaged to Fall Out Boy rocker Pete Wentz.
Knight Kylie Minogue
Kylie Minogue has been awarded a Knighthood in France.
The superstar singer was pronounced a Knight in the Order of Arts and Letters yesterday (05.05.08), for her contribution to "the enrichment of French culture".
Accepting the award from France's minister of culture Christine Albanel, the pop singer said in French: "This is an exceptional moment for me."
She added in English: "I fell in love, and it's a love affair that continues to blossom like an eternal spring. I am deeply honoured to be recognised in this way. French culture has influenced me greatly and I have always had colossal respect for the arts and people of France".
Albanel described 39-year-old Kylie as: "A Midas of the international music scene who turns everything she touches into gold."
She also praised the singer for her courage during her battle with breast cancer.
Australian-born Kylie joins Bob Dylan, T.S. Eliot, Ella Fitzgerald, George Clooney, Leonardo DiCaprio, Clint Eastwood and Bruce Willis in being given the Knighthood.
Last year, Kylie was made an officer in the Order of the British Empire (OBE).
The star's 'KylieX2008' European tour kicked off in Paris last night.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Orlando Bloom's broody lover
Orlando Bloom's girlfriend wants three children by the time she is 35.
Miranda Kerr - who models for lingerie company Victoria's Secret - has been dating the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' actor since the beginning of the year, and thinks the 31-year-old hunk would be a fantastic father.
The 25-year-old Australian beauty said: "Ten years from now hopefully I'll be living in a solar-powered house with my vegetable garden out the back.
"And I'm hoping it will be somewhere that has a bit of countryside and a little bit of water - whether it will be a lake or an ocean. Hopefully I will have three children, a nice hammock and a big bathtub."
Orlando recently met Miranda's parents at a lunch at Sydney's Catalina restaurant.
An onlooker said: "They all seemed to be at ease with each other and were getting on well. Things seem to be getting serious between Orlando and Miranda."
Avril Lavigne's concert apology
Avril Lavigne has apologised to fans for cancelling a concert.
Fans were left fuming after her San Diego show was cancelled last Wednesday (30.04.08) because the star was diagnosed with acute laryngitis.
Lavigne - has also had to pull out of a performance on the hugely popular 'Tonight with Jay Leno' US TV show - says touring has taken its toll on her health.
The 23-year-old singer wrote on her official blog: "I have been on the road for 60 days straight. I just played four shows in a row in Texas (which is a lot for the vocals) and woke up in Las Vegas on Tuesday with no voice. My voice is so shot. We drove home yesterday and I went to my throat doctor. He said I have acute laryngitis.
"So, um, yeah, that sux [sic]. I'm at home resting my voice for two days and hope to be back out soon. Thank you for understanding. And once again, I sincerely apologise."
Fans were not told the concert had been called off until they arrived at the venue. The show, part of the singer's 'The Best Damn Tour', will now be re-scheduled to a later date.
The 'Sk8r Boi' singer's 40-date US tour has apparently suffered from poor ticket sales and disappointing reviews.
Lavigne is due to tour Europe at the end of May and June.
Kristen Bell's naked meals
Kristen Bell loves cooking breakfast naked.
The 27-year-old actress - who stars alongside Russell Brand in 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall' - never wears clothes when she is at home because she finds being nude more comfortable.
She said: "I rarely wear clothes when I'm at home. And I love making breakfast while I'm naked. But I've got to make sure the gardener is not coming over that day!"
Kristen - who also stars in US TV show 'Heroes' - also admits she is fed up being thought of as "cute" and wants to be considered for more adult roles.
She added: "Cute is great but you get it a lot and you want to scratch your face off. It's like, I'm not f**ing cute, you f**k. I am a woman and I am voluptuous.
"I need to get out of teenageville. It's not that I dislike it, I've just had my fill."
Eva Longoria's French vow
Eva Longoria has vowed to learn French by the end of the year.
The 'Desperate Housewives' star wants to be able to converse with her basketball husband Tony Parker in his native language.
She said: "I've sworn to myself that I'm going to be able to speak passable French this year. I should be working on it right now, to tell you the truth, but I'm having fun being relaxed and laid-back and I don't want to get stressed out.
"But at some point this year, I'm going to take serious French lessons because I want to be able to understand Tony when he speaks French with his family and friends. Even though Tony always serves as a translator for me, I feel a bit isolated from his family and I want to overcome that and feel closer to them by learning the language."
Eva also said she wants her children to be trilingual - fluent in French, Spanish and English.
She added: "Tony and I want to make sure that our children grow up both in America and in France and that they will be trilingual. Tony will speak to our kids in French and I will teach them Spanish and of course, we would also both speak to them in English."
