Paris Hilton has a new man in her life. The good time heiress has recently started dating ‘Good Charlotte’ guitarist Benji Madden. Funnily enough Benji Madden is the twin brother of Joel Madden, fiancé to Nicole Ritchie and father of Nicole’s 6 week old baby girl, Harlow.

Paris and Nicole’s long-term on/off best friendship has been the subject of media interest for years. The two rich ‘it women’ starred together in the successful reality tv show ‘The Simple Life’.

Paris and Benji have recently been seen and photographed in romantic, compromising situations. The loved up couple have been spotted kissing at the Villa nightclub in LA, snuggled up whispering at the Beverely Hills Polo Lounge, and holding hands whilst out shopping in west Hollywood.

The Good Charlotte musician has only just split up from his former fiancée Australian singer, actress Sophie Monk, and Hilton has been reported as a likely cause for the split. Bizarrely Sophie once parodied Paris Hilton in the dreadful 2006 comedy ‘Date Movie’, making fun of the time the millionairess appeared in a raunchy advert for a burger chain. Sweet revenge for Paris?

It’s been rumoured before that Paris Hilton was responsible for enticing a young man away from the arms of a young Australian lady. It was heavily reported at the time that she was to blame for tennis star Mark Philippoussis breaking up with the gorgeous Delta Goodrem.

Six degrees of separation – when is a beautiful young Australian girl only six steps away from Iceland?

Sophie Monk - Benji Madden - Paris Hilton - Mark Philippoussis - Delta Goodrem - Brian Mcfadden - Kerry Katona.

The New York Daily News has reported that Christina Aguilera threw a tantrum when the issue of People Magazine featuring her five week old son Max, received poor sales. It is reported that the singer is so furious that she has fired key members of her entourage including her publicity firm.

It is alleged that People Magazine not only paid $1.5 million to Christina for the baby pics, but that they are due to fork out $6 million to Jennifer Lopez for an exclusive on her newborn twins.

Of course we don’t have confirmation on the above but there is no ignoring the recent trend of celebrity mothers to be/celebrity mothers selling the most intimate moments of their private lives to the press.

In the early nineties a pregnant and naked Demi Moore was photographed by respected photographer Annie Leibovitz and this work was featured in Vanity Fair magazine. The Demi Moore images were generally considered to be artistic and were definitely ground breaking and thought provoking. Leibovitz and Moore certainly wanted to celebrate the beauty of motherhood, even if Vanity Fair was more interested in their circulation figures.

However since then young celebrities including Aguilera, Britney Spears and the ridiculous Javine have followed suit and have appeared pregnant and naked in celebrity mags and the tabloid press. The likes of Kerry Katona and Katie Price appear in eight page OK Magazine features with their children barely a few weeks old. These young women fail to convince us though that they are doing it for anything other beyond monetary or publicity reasons.

(if at all interested …. non UK celebrity news readers can check the internet for more details on the Z-list British celebrity Javine. Quite frankly I wouldn’t bother).

(ditto above for Kerry Katona).

People in the public eye like Christina Aguilera (and Britney Spears herself) have some responsibility as to why the ‘Paparazzi crowd’ believe that it is open season on these stars, and that it is ok to bully and harass celebrities no matter how ill or unstable they are.

Christina and J-Lo …… let’s hope we don’t ever hear you complain about press intrusion into your private lives.

‘Falling Slowly’, a song from the Irish independent film ‘Once’ was the wonderfully unexpected winner of the Original Song category at last nights Oscars ceremony.

Beating three nominations for the Disney film ‘Enchanted’ , singer song writers Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová were visibly shocked when their names were announced as winners of the award.

Hansard is lead vocalist and guitarist with the Irish indie rock group ‘The Frames’, but he is more widely known for his role as Outspan Foster in Alan Parker’s classic film ‘The Commitments ‘. Originally signed by Island Records, ‘The Frames’ started life as a group of young talented buskers and are now a successful and respected band in their home country of Ireland.

In ‘Once’ Glen Hansard teams up with the Czech songstress Markéta Irglová and created, not only beautiful music, but also a critically acclaimed and award winning film. The couple fell in love during the filming of the movie.

It is generally felt that their win and their dignified acceptance of the Oscar was one of the highlights of this years Academy Awards , with event host Jon Stewart calling Markéta back to complete her speech. She had been ushered off stage before being able to say more than two words of thanks.

Click here to view music video of ‘Falling Slowly’.

Justin Timberlake’s budding acting career gains momentum with him landing a leading role alongside Jeff Bridges and Mary Steenburgen in the upcoming drama ‘The Open Road’.

‘The Open Road’ is an independent film and will be the directorial debut of Michael Meredith. It tells the story of a young man (Timberlake) reconnecting with his father (Bridges) and tending to his sick mother (Steenburgen).

Timberlake has received positive reviews for his previous acting performances, including his appearances in the critically acclaimed films ‘Southland Tales’ and ‘Alpha Dog’.

His fans will be delighted to see more of the handsome talented young man on screen as long as he doesn’t neglect his music. Having just won the category of Best Male Pop Vocal Performance at the 2008 Grammys it would be a dreadful waste if he did.

Click here for my favourite Justin Timberlake music video - Rock Your Body.

Unless you are particularly deficient in the sense of humour department, there was good music and an awful lot more to enjoy about last night’s Brit Awards.

The Osbourne Family, on the whole, managed the notoriously difficult role of host without too many embarrassing incidents. There is something endearing about them and the way the British public have taken them into their hearts. I think Sharon Osbourne is crackers, but in a good way…

The event staged some incredible collaborations including Mika and Beth Ditto’s opening show stopper, and Rihanna and The Klaxons performance inside a colossal laser pyramid.

The Arctic Monkeys were the evenings joint winners, taking home two awards, alongside Take That and the Foo Fighters. Don’t get me wrong, I was glad that Take That won two awards, I love Take That and I’m happy that they have made such a successful comeback …… but blimey they’re dull ….. their acceptance speeches and back stage interviews were about as scintillating as dried fruit.

Alternatively The Arctic Monkeys were hilarious: inebriated and dressed in smart tweeds, saying very little but causing great offence with their irreverent behaviour.

Brit School Rules
It was pleasing to see so many gifted young British artists becoming established and the state run performance arts ‘Brit School’ in Croydon should be applauded for nurturing such talent and producing some of the evenings successes. Brit School reigned supreme amongst the winners, throughout the performances, and within the audience itself……and eventually (boring the pants off us) within every bloomin award presentation and acceptance speech…..

Mark Ronson Presents
Surely from a musical standpoint Mark Ronson stole the show with his ‘Mark Ronson Presents’ set. Without the use of fancy laser beams or back up dancers in metallic lycra, he showcased the beautiful, unique voices of Adele, Daniel Merriweather and Amy Winehouse. All three singers, Mark Ronson and Ronsons’ band were incredible.

Sir Paul McCartney
Most people I have spoken to thought that Sir Paul’s show closing medley was the highlight of the evening. All I can think of is that dreadful song about ‘Dancing Tonight’ and his banjo.

Questions:

• Why is Sharon Osbourne speaking in a strange new voice?
• Who dressed poor Leona Lewis in such a hideous big purple frock?
• Does the predominant no show of international nominees indicate that the Brit Awards mean very little outside of the British Isles?

Funniest moments:

• Sharon Osbourne in response to Vic Reeves questioning which category he was presenting an award for … “It’s the big one ….. Get on with it you piss head …”
• Arctic Monkeys pretending they had gone to Brit School and spotting fellow students in the audience.
• An unexcitable David Grohl of the Foo Fighters receiving two awards via pre-recored video message, happy to be considered excellent alongside the likes of Shakespears Sister and Bros.
• Ozzy Osbourne introuducing ‘mr. Sir. Paul McCartney’ five minutes before he should have done.

Final thought:
Fearne Cotton – irritating

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WINNERS OF BRIT AWARDS 2008

British male solo artist
Mark Ronson

British female solo artist
Kate Nash

British group
Arctic Monkeys

British album
Arctic Monkeys, Favourite Worst Nightmare

British breakthrough act
Mika

British live act
Take That

International male solo artist
Kanye West

International female solo artist
Kylie Minogue

International group
Foo Fighters

International album
Foo Fighters, Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace

Critics’ choice
Adele

Outstanding contribution award
Paul McCartney

The Brit Awards rarely fail to entertain us, not always for the music but often for bad behaviour which has created it’s own categories over the years. Here are some of the main winners from years gone by.

Hilariously dreadful hosts: Sam Fox and Mick Fleetwood fail to read the autocue throughout and introduce Boy George as The Four Tops 1989.

Bad behaviour whilst accepting an award: Liam Gallagher tells award presenter Michael Hutchence that “has-beens shouldn’t be presenting awards to gonna-bes” 1996.

Failure to respect another artists performance: Jarvis Cocker invades stage during Michael Jackson’s Earthsong 1996.

Failure to respect a politician: Chumbawumba douse John Prescott in water 1998.

Creating male envy: Justin Timberlake grabs Kylie Minogue’s bottom 2003.

Can’t wait for tonight ……..

Despite recent official statements to the contrary, there is a strong possibility that the Spice Girls will perform again after the final date of their World tour in Toronto this month.

Only one person alive could persuade the Spice Girls to reunite one final time and he will be celebrating his 90th birthday this year. Nelson Mandela, the inspirational former President of South Africa, will be honoured with a special birthday concert to be held in Hyde Park in June this summer.

“We’re great friends of Mr. Mandela and we would love to perform for him again.” Mel C recently told press agency Reuters.

The Spice Girls first met the legendary humanitarian in 1997 when Mandela invited them to his official presidential residence, Mahlamba Nalopfu, in Pretoria, South Africa.

Although invited The Spice Girls were unable to attend and perform at Nelson’s 89th birthday as Emma Bunton was heavily pregnant with her first child at the time. It is unlikely that many things would keep the girl band away from paying tribute to Nelson Mandela this year.

“We were privileged enough to meet the man and he is just amazing. He’s just an example of strength and humility and if we could be part of that, celebrating his life - wow.” Gerri Halliwell said when asked about the Hyde Park event.

Queen is already confirmed to play at the historical gig, with talk of Robbie Williams making an appearance to sing lead vocals in place of the great Freddie Mercury. Concert organizers, who include the supermodel Naomi Campbell, hope to also add U2, The Rolling Stones, Jay-Z and Rihanna to the line up. It’s highly unlikely that any artist would decline an invitation to participate in what is likely to be the music event of the decade.

So it’s Brits time again. The Brits is one of the UK’s premier Music award ceremonies and is set to be televised live on ITV at 8pm on 20th February 2008. The hosts of this years show are Sharon and Ozzie Osbourne which should make for interesting viewing because these two are not afraid to say what they think and that’s what we love them for.

The Brits this year has come in for some stick because it seems that the nominations are dominated by mainstream pop bands and less about new innovative new music but the Brits historically have always been more about populist and large volume selling music rather than ground breaking music, this may be because in the main the nominations are voted for by a panel of industry insiders.

This year as is often the case some awards are put to the public vote. This year three awards have been put to the public vote and these are British Single, British Breakthrough Act, British Live Act.

The shortlists have just been announced and for British Single the acts that are all competing for the award as as follows;

Click on the link to check out the tracks and videos…

Mika’s Grace Kelly, - Love this song it has been huge radio hit.

The Hoosiers Worried About Ray, - Big fan of these boys their album rocks.

Take That’s Shine, - Was a Take That fan first time around and this is definitely their best track I just love it’s retro feel.

Mark Ronson’s Valerie, - Not sure this will win but I hope it does. The Mark Ronson album is genius and never seems to grate however many times you listen to it.

Bleeding Love by Leona Lewis - Can not deny that I like this song but feel a bit cheated that she was a Brits student which was never mentioned when she was on X Factor.

So, if the rumours are true, Noel Gallagher has finally tied the knot at a secret ceremony in a London’s Westminster Registry Office with his long term partner of eight years former All Saints band member, Nicole Appleton. The civil ceremony was held yesterday on Valentines Day, very romantic.

It was so secret infact that even Noel, Liam’s big brother wasn’t there to witness the ceremony or so some of the media are reporting. Noel is reported to be in Los Angeles. Natalie Appleton, Nicoles sister and her husband Liam Howlett from dance music band the Prodigy were in attendance apparently. The small group of guests later moved to the Landmark Hotel which is not far from the registry office to continue the celebrations.

Liam has been with Nicole Appleton for eight years she has been credited as taming his bad boy ways of hard drinking and abrasive attitude. They have a seven year old child namd Gene together.

Liam was previously married to Patsy Kensit in 1997 but they split three years later. They had a child together called Lennon who is eight and he also has a daughter Molly, nine by Lisa Moorish who also has a child with Pete Docherty as well.

So, I guess this proves that things can be done discreetly and privately even if you are famous…Nice one Nicole and Liam…Congratulations.

Please take note wags. For those of you that do not know what a wag is I’ll explain. Wags are wives and girlfriends of football players who get paid huge amounts of money to kick around a football they never seem to win any major European/World footie competitions but still seemed to be paid ludicrously large sums and their wives seem to become instant celebrities with magazines, TV companies, big business falling over themselves to sign them up for yes you guessed it even more ludricrous sums….Victoria Beckham is the queen of this little brood and their vulgarity seems to know no bounds particularly when a wedding is involved….

So, again I say Wags please take a note out of Liam and Nicole’s book and try to be a bit more classy in future because as they prove a wedding can be what it’s mean’t to be a special day between two people and not another chance to make money and out bling all your friends and family with your vulgar display of how rich you are.

And here endeth my sermon……

Check out Oasis videos here….Now they really do rock!!

The reviews are in on Madonna’s directorial film debut ‘Filth and Wisdom’ after its first screening at the Berlin Film Festival last night.

Having never been a great fan of Madonna’s talents, I was expecting (and probably maliciously hoping) that she would receive the same general abuse that she gets for the majority of her acting work. Surprisingly the overall assessment by the critics is pretty mixed, some of it is almost complimentary.

“The movie is - disappointingly, perhaps - not an outright embarrassment” writes Sheila Johnston of the UK Daily Telegraph.

The film centres around the lives of three mismatched people sharing a flat in central London who take on dismal jobs whilst waiting for their dreams to come true. It stars Eugene Hutz as a Ukrainian would-be pop singer named A.K.; with Holly Weston and Vicky Mclure as his two flatmates Holly and Juliette.

Evidently the three lead parts are engaging and they save the film from an awful lot more critiscism than it is presently facing.

“Ragged, uneven and pot-holed with some dire dialogue and performances, the film’s cockeyed optimism and likable leads conspire to bring a smile by the time it’s done” pens Ray Bennett of The Hollywood Reporter.

However not all the feedback is as pleasant with Guardian film critic, Peter Bradshaw, scathingly noting that the Queen of Pop has no true understanding of real life in London.

“Madonna has made a dumb and tacky comedy-drama about three people sharing a flat in a quaintly conceived “London” and her conception of super-cool streetwise reality is so clueless it’s as if Marie Antoinette had made a film about cake-munching peasants”

With the film being only 81 mins long I could no doubt sit through it, particularly as Madonna isn’t acting in it herself. But wouldn’t it be easier for everyone if Madonna just stayed away from the world of film making and stuck to pop music? Sue Johnston of the Telegraph appears to sum up the general consensus “It’s not an entirely unpromising first effort. But the director would do well to hang on to her day job.”