"Sex And The City 2" Is Casting New Yorkers!

Ever dream of acting alongside Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, and Cynthia Nixon in the world-renowned film Sex and the City?

Then here's good news for you!


"Sex and the City 2" is making an appointment for 2010 and New York casting company Grant Wilfley is holding an open casting call for SAG and Non-SAG hopefuls who want to play non-speaking roles in its big screen sequel.

Grant Wilfley is looking for "models, celebrity types, socialites, clubgoers, gays and lesbians, international types (Middle Eastern, Arabic, Asian, European, British) and professional soccer players," - that's basically everyone who wants to land a role as background performers for Sex and the City 2!

The open casting call will be on Tuesday, August 4 in the Meatpacking District of New York City.

So if you think you've got the look and sense of style just like Carrie Bradshaw and her gang, walk that six-inch heels to Manhattan and show up looking "Sex and the City fabulous."

FYI, Victoria Beckham and Katie Price aka Jordan are also making cameo appearances for the sequel. These big stars are just fashion fanatic like you, hoping to score a part alongside the Sex and the City lead stars!


Interested much? Read here for information on how to apply to "Sex and The City 2 Open Casting For Extras!"

Kanye West: "I Am The New King Of Pop"

Michael Jackson is dead and buried. And while the family, friends, and fans of the pop icon are still mourning over his death, there's a vacant throne waiting for the next King of Pop. Good news! (Or is this good news?) Kanye West is more than willing to accept the title.


The rapper recently told Scrape TV:

“You know everyone loves and respects Michael but times change. It’s so sad to see Michael gone but it makes a path for a new King of Pop and I’m willing to take that on. There’s nobody who can match me in sales and in respect so it only makes sense for me to take over Michael’s crown and become the new King. First there was Elvis, then there was Michael, now in the 21st century its Kanye’s time to rule. I have nothing but respect for Michael but someone needs to pick up where he left off and there’s nobody better than me to do that. I am the new King of Pop.”


He said what?

Either he is joking or this is just some kind of publicity stunt but wow, what bold confidence Kanye West possesses! Report has it that he also gone so far as asking the Jackson family for their blessing in adopting the new title. Sadly, no one (family, friends, or fans alike) wants to bestow upon him the title as the new "King of Pop."

Jessica Biel Makes Musical Stage Debut

Hollywood bombshell Jessica Biel will make her musical stage debut in "Guys and Dolls in Concert at the Hollywood Bowl" on Friday. She will play Save-a-Soul Mission Sgt. Sarah Brown and will act opposite Broadway's big star Brian Stokes Mitchell who plays her love interest Sky Masterson.


Nineteen years ago, Jessica Biel went with her mother to a voice lesson just because her mother could not find a baby-sitter for the 8-year old Jessica. It was the time that Jessica Biel's love for singing was born. However, it took her quiet a long time (18 films and a decade on the 90s hit TV show 7th Heaven) to "take her singing beyond the shower stall."

"I've struggled a lot in the last five years or so with my own insecurities, having done some film. Will I be accepted? Is my voice good enough? I think I finally feel confident enough to do it," says the 27-year old actress.

Confident as Jessica Biel is, the Frank Loesser musical classic is still giving creeps to the actress since there is an expected 17,000 audience who will attend the event. "Hopefully faceless people, 17,000 faceless people," the actress says with a laugh.

Playing the role opposite Brian Stokes Mitchell also adds to the pressure as Jessica says, "he's such a talent and his voice is strong. I definitely know I have to match him and not get swallowed up by his incredible sound. It is kind of a daunting idea. But working with that caliber of people, you have no choice but to take your game up to the next level and just bring it. I know that sounds dorky, but you really do."

When Jessica Biel auditioned for the musical play, the director Richard Jay-Alexander (who's world has only revolved in the theatre world) was not able to recognize her as "Jessica Biel, the Hollywood actress." It was only after the actress finished her audition that he came to know who she was so that he "got chills three times."

"Her voice is silvery. It glimmers, and the higher it goes, the more it shimmers. It's a very interesting instrument," says the impressed director.

But what makes one already famous Hollywood actress like Jessica Biel try musical stage plays which are far from the usually highly-promoted, big-budget films?

Jessica Biel says she just wants to be out of the box - expand her acting career from an industry that often limits the roles of beautiful women to screen-siren image.

"I just don't want to be in a box ever where anybody feels I can only do one thing, because it's boring. I feel I have a lot to explore and a lot to give and try and probably fail doing something, but I want the shot to do it.

"The only destination I'm hoping for is longevity. I want to be able to keep working until I'm 105 years old. I want the choice. It's difficult for women in general in entertainment. They peak earlier and the men peak at 30, 40. It's kind of scary. But you can't tell Meryl Streep she can't do a part. You can't say to Cate Blanchett 'I don't believe her in that.' They do anything they want because they have explored the range, which is endless for them. That's what I want."

Supermodel Jourdan Dunn, Pregnant At 19

The latest addition to the list of supermodels with pregnancy reports these days is the 19-year old Jourdan Dunn.

The teen supermodel is the youngest in the group of pregnant models though: Heidi Klum is 36, Adriana Lima is 28, and Karolina Kurkova is 25.


Jourdan Dunn has become a catwalk sensation after being discovered by British clothing store Primark. Because of her early success on the runway which is not typical for Black models, she has been dubbed as the next Naomi Campbell. She has also received the Model of the Year title from British Fashion Awards last year.

Successful as she is, she's still a teenager vulnerable to one of hottest issues confronting young people today - teenage pregnancy.

The 19-year old supermodel has just confirmed to Vogue UK that that she is five and half months pregnant! Jourdan Dunn will be due in December and will have to skip the runways this Fall to have her first child with her boyfriend.

But while other successful young women look at their early pregnancies as a downfall, the young supermodel anticipates the future with hope:

"I'm really looking forward to the future and having my baby. I'm lucky - I'm feeling really well. I'm healthy and happy!"

Jourdan Dunn is not the only successful model who has embraced motherhood at a very young age. Chanel spokesmodel Heidi Mount has given birth to her first child at 20, Liya Kebede has popped her first child at 21, and Natalia Vodianova has risen to become one of the most sought-after models after giving birth to her first child at 19.

So You Think You Can Dance, Katie Holmes?

The lovely Katie Holmes sang and danced Judy Garland's Get Happy for the 5th season and 100th episode of Fox's reality-dancing competition So You Think You Can Dance.


Other than giving excitement to the show's centennial episode, Mrs. Cruise came to promote the Dizzy Feet Foundation which offers scholarships in the field of music and dancing to underprivileged children.

The Daily Mail has described Katie Holmes SYTYCD's performance as follows:

"The routine begins with Katie, dressed in a retro 1940s white skirt suit, stepping out of a classic car onto a pebbled street. She then leans against a lamp post and begins singing the legend’s famous lyrics. The scene then switches to a stage routine, with Katie dressed in little more than a hat, black tuxedo jacket and fishnets. As she high-kicks her way through the song, she’s surrounded by muscular male dancers."

Stage act has really honed Katie Holmes' live acting and singing performance. She just made her Broadway debut in September 2008, taking the lead role in a revival of Arthur Miller's All My Sons.

Amidst the criticisms from unimpressed viewers, the star (who was best known as Joey Potter from the late 90s-early 2000 TV Show Dawson's Creek) has totally improved her skills not only in acting but also in singing and dancing since then. Adding a "fitting glint of glamour" to her special number on SYTYCD, she has successfully promoted her charity by dancing her way to people's heart.

Check out Katie Holmes' So You Think You Can Dance performance video below:

Megan Fox Refuses To Play James Bond's Girl

Media outlets are not so happy with Megan Fox moaning about her sexy roles on film. Last time, she has been criticized for saying that Transformers isn't an acting flick and she's looking for something that's Oscar-worthy. (True, but as Michael Bay says, the actress should have been more grateful for being on Transformers film because it actually gave her her "Megan Fox" career.)

Now, Megan Fox has been criticized again for turning down an offer to act opposite Daniel Craig in the next installment of James Bond franchise.


According to reports, the 23-year old vixen has refused to play a Bond girl because she wanted to have a bigger part in the film other than playing James Bond's love interest.

"She'd rather be a more central part of the movie," says a source to Britain's Daily Star newspaper.

According to the actress, playing as a Bond girl would do no good for her career (probably because Megan Fox wants to get away from her femme fatale image on screen).

This "picky" attitude of Megan Fox, critics say, is actually the thing that would do no good for her career. She's one of the hottest female celebrity today and this makes her a household name. But with only the Transformers films and a few smaller roles under her belt, she has yet to prove herself as an actress.

Has Megan Fox not realized that Bond girl roles are only given to Hollywood A-listers? It isn't about "drama" but it helped to establish the names of many prestigious actresses in Tinseltown today. (Remember Halle Berry?)

Anyway, being a Bond girl is not the only role that Megan Fox turned down. She has also refused to play Wonder Woman, calling the super heroine "lame."

For a sexy actress like Megan Fox who has yet to establish her name in the "acting" department, breaking away from the screen-siren typecasting is totally understandable. But if she goes on to turn-down roles just because they are not films about acting, she might ruin her rising career. An Oscar-worthy actress is one who's not only excellent in playing heavy drama but is equally remarkable in portraying different characters on various film genre, be it comedy, action, or musical.

If Megan Fox really likes to portray her acting chops then she should stop moaning about her films and start to demonstrate her acting skills in various roles, first and foremost.

Bar Refaeli Replaces Gisele Bündchen, Again

She has replaced Gisele Bündchen as Leonardo DiCaprio's sweetheart and now, Israeli supermodel Bar Refaeli is out to prove her charm against the Brazilian stunner again as the new face of Rampage clothing line.


Bar Refaeli has been dubbed as the young Gisele. As Gisele Bündchen stepped down from the runway as a Victoria's Secret Angel, Bar Refaeli has risen to become one of the hottest Angels of the lingerie line. When Gisele Bündchen called it quits with Leonardo DiCaprio after five years of dating, the Jewish-born model became Leo's girlfriend. And just after news of Bar and Leo splitting up, the supermodel has been launched as the new face of Rampage.

What a coincidence! Some say Bar Refaeli just keeps on trying to outshine Gisele Bündchen. Nah, this isn't impossible for a stunning supermodel who's also one of the top models around today. Why, she's 13th on the COED Magazine's list of The Best Natural Breast of All Time last year (Gisele was on the 3rd spot). She sure got a name (and a body) of her own.

Supermodel Bar Refaeli teams up with photographer Gilles Bensimon for the series of sexy new adverts for Rampage's autumn campaign.

Susan Boyle: Fame Is A Giant Demolition Ball

Unlikely singing sensation Susan Boyle is having a hard time adjusting to her new life as a celebrity and says that sudden fame has hit her like a "giant demolition ball."


On NBC's "Today" morning show, the former Church singer revealed to interviewer Meredith Vieira that fame has overly affected her:

"The impact, like a demolition ball. You know, and anyone who has that kind of impact - finds it really hard to get a head around it."

After an exhausting finale on Britain's Got Talent that has sent her to hospitalization, Susan Boyle is now working on an upcoming album with American Idol and Britain's Got Talent judge (and famous talent manager) Simon Cowell.

"I've got to be honest here. I guess I had to get my head around it, but through the - the guidance of a great team, and they are very good, I was able to see that in perspective and really turn that around a little," she added.

Back in April, Susan Boyle was just a 48-year old spinster from Scotland who was hoping to change her life through the reality singing competition. Then it turned out that beneath her dowdy appearance lies the angelic voice. Her rendition of Les Miserables' I Dreamed A Dream has been revered by both celebrities and ordinary people throughout the world, especially after the live video performance was uploaded on YouTube. It attracted 275 million views and made her an international star.

Now, the new Susan Boyle is just as anxious as she is hopeful with her overnight rise to fame.

"Being plucked from obscurity is a bit like, you know, going on a long journey. You don't know what's going to happen. You don't know how it's going to end. I don't want it to end."

Vogue Italia's Black Barbie Issue

To celebrate the success of Vogue Italia's "Black Issue" last year, editor-in-chief Franca Sozzani has come up with a new issue featuring black Barbie dolls and calls it the "most iconic edition."


"Barbie has been an icon for whole generations which is why I really wanted to give a strong sign in step with the times, and dedicate the anniversary issue to Black Barbie," says Sozzani.

The magazine recalls how the first black doll was introduced as a friend of Barbie called Francie in 1967. To celebrate Barbie's 50th anniversary, this autumn will feature black Barbies through the launching of the So In Style dolls designed with "more authentic-looking black features" - facial sculpt with fuller lips, wider nose, distinctive cheek bones, and curlier hair.

The black Barbies are believed to reflect today's recognition of black models. Senior Vice President Richard Dickson says "Barbie has been a mirror of the times for 50 years and continues to reflect the trends and interests of the day."


But while Vogue Italia has been praised for it's so-called recognition of the presence and importance of black people in the fashion industry, some question why the magazine just have to publish a yearly "Black Issue" for the black models and not include them in its EVERY issue.

As for the black Barbies, it's a good reminder that beauty lies in diversity. Little girls will not be made to believe that they have to be white, blond, and blue-eyed to be beautiful. The black Barbies will discourage racism and encourage healthy body images. However, Vogue is still criticized for featuring so much lingerie and fetish-wear on black Barbies - going back again to that issue of black women as mere exotic creatures, often overly sexualized in the media.

Still, Vogue Italia has to be complimented for its pioneering efforts to feature diversity in fashion magazines through the black supermodels and the black Barbies. There may be questions that are not yet resolved but the intention is basically good. As for the criticisms, hopefully the fashion industry will work towards that aspired diversity, one step at a time.

David Arquette Apologizes For Saying "Latina Women Are Nuts"

Here's one of those statements, intentionally made to crack a laugh but wasn't quietly analyzed before it got out of the mouth and into the media. But just as David Arquette was quick to express his opinion, he was also prompt to issue an apology statement to justify his analysis of Latina women.

On Wednesday, the American actor joined the hosts of "FOX and Friends" to talk about his hunger awareness campaign in America. Then his discussion has probed deeper to actually include matters of equal importance - Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor and Latina women. Tsk tsk:

"I think Latina women are, I mean, it depends on the woman, but I think they are very, they have great judgment, but there are some that are just nuts. I'm just saying."

When David Arquette's co-host Gretchen Carlson pointed out how he came to know about Latina women when his wife is not Latina after all, he reasoned, "But I'm from Los Angeles so we know all about the Latina women."

Before any news of Latina women taking offense of the comedian's statement, David Arquette readily issued an apology on Friday for his remark:

"I would like to issue an apology for the comments I made on Fox and Friends. My intent was to be humorous and not offensive. I have nothing but love and respect for Latina women and women in general of all cultural backgrounds. What saddens me most is that it took away from the issue of Hunger in America, for which I was on the show to begin with. I work and a pantry in Venice California with a hispanic women named Delpia (who has been feeding people at St. Joseph's Center for 29 years) and she is my personal hero. Having been raised in Los Angeles I have grown up with a deep and profound love for the Latino culture."

By the way, this whole David-Arquette-and-Latina-women thing has not garnered much publicity. Good thing Latina women keep their cool and not turned nuts over the "issue."

World's Ugliest Dog Wins Modeling Contract

Who says modeling is just a thing for humans? And a thing for the gorgeous?

Meet Pabst - the 2009 winner of the World's Ugliest Dog contest. He puts his ugliest face forward and takes home $1,600 in prize money, pet supplies, a trophy bigger than him, professional photo shoot with Grace Chon of Shine Pet Photos, and a modeling contract with House of Dog.


Under the contract, Pabst will model elegant canine couture and dog products - from collars to leashes, apparel to beds, carriers to toys, and even bowls, wedding sets, and displays.

Amazing, isn't it?

Days ago, Pabst was just a toothy boxer-mix rescued from a shelter, with a prominent under-bite, scrunched face, and floppy ears. According to his owner, he got his name from a well-known cheap adult beverage because he had a "bitter beer face."

Now, he becomes the standard of canine modeling after winning the annual ugliest dog contest on Friday at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Northern California.

Haha. How come humans don't celebrate the beauty of queerness the way they see it on dogs?

60-Year Old Twiggy Models Olay

Iconic 60s supermodel Twiggy will inspire women again with her upcoming commercial advertisements for the Olay skincare line.


25 years ago, Twiggy also did commercials for the skin care range while gracing the covers of fashion magazines.

Now in her 60th year, the mature model still glows with beauty as she becomes the star in the skin care campaign due to launch this year.

Olay spokesperson confirmed this report and says, "We were thrilled to welcome Twiggy back to the brand. She is a true beauty icon who continues to be an inspiration to millions of women across the UK."

The 60-year old Twiggy is equally excited for her upcoming skincare commercial as she commented:

"I was delighted when asked to front the new advertising campaign for Olay because I am a strong believer in clinically proven skin care products that deliver on their promises. As a woman over 50 I know there is more to ageing than just lines and wrinkles, such as brown spots, and I look for skin care that is specifically tailored to meet my needs."

Twiggy is known as the 1960s supermodel with the iconic boyish looks and the original waif figure.

Vanessa Hudgens: Musical, Nudity, And Marriage

Young Hollywood actress Vanessa Hudgens knows how to set up her priorities – get busy on career (even if it means doing nudity on films) and not rushing in to get married.

As a passionate actor, the High School Musical lead star loves playing different roles and looks up to musicals as great start for her career.

"I think the best part about being an actor is playing different characters. I'm definitely going to revisit musicals later, once I feel accomplished at a certain point, that I've gone somewhere with my acting career. Then I'll go back, because that's where I grew up – in musicals."

As of the moment, her busy schedule includes experimenting on nudity and mature role as she plays a foul-mouthed prostitute in an indie movie.

"I'm playing a character named Blondie and it's set in a brothel in the 1950s, so there's not a whole lot of clothes. I think this is my time to really step it up and get to grow up. It will be somewhat different with the content and a few more foul words but that's the biggest difference," shares the young actress for her new film, Sucker Punch.

With this new role on film, Vanessa Hudgens has just realized how exciting it is to grow as an actress. Definitely, marriage is not on her list:

"I think (marriage and starting a family) is great... but I'm so focused on my career right now that it doesn't really cross my mind."

Is Ryan Seacrest The Richest Reality TV Host?

Who could have thought that hosting a reality TV show would command a rate as high $45 million for just three years?


Ryan Seacrest has made the biggest deal in reality TV history as he signed $45 million contract extension with CKX, parent producer of American Idol's 19 Entertainment.

Under the contract, the 34-year old "momma's boy" will be exclusively working with CKX as host of the top-rating TV singing competition American Idol and for any CKX-produced show - for three years.

Aside from the whooping paycheck, Ryan Seacrest was also given freedom to develop new projects with CKX, under his Ryan Seacrest Productions.

The lucrative deal will triple the host's $5 million-a-season salary.

"I'm truly appreciative of being part of a show that has had such an enormous impact on popular culture across all ages. I look forward to expanding the relationship with Simon Fuller (Idol mastermind) and Bob Sillerman (CKX Chairman), who share the same visionary approach to entertainment media that I strive for with every project," says the very excited Ryan Seacrest.

Meanwhile the CKX Chairman believes that the host rightfully deserves the $15 million per year salary:

"Ryan is an essential ingredient to American Idol's success, and I am so happy that we will continue our relationship beyond 'Idol' into the future. Ryan is without doubt one of American television's most talented stars."

Top Model Runner-Up Chooses Boyfriend Over Modeling

Judges of the Australian version of the most popular reality modeling competition were very discouraged with Australia’s Next Top Model runner-up Cassi Van Den Dungen's decision to choose her soon-to-marry boyfriend over a promising career in modeling.


The Kate Moss-look-alike was offered representation by Priscilla Leighton Clark in Australia and by Elite New York in America, but turned both contracts down.

"Elite in New York are desperate to sign her. The phrase used was, 'They are completely obsessed.' Contracts are with both parties," says Priscilla to the Herald Sun.

The 17-year old Cassi Van Den Dungen was just so inlove that she refused offers of international career to return back to her Sunbury hometown and marry her 25-year old bricklayer boyfriend Brad Saul.

It was this decision that made Australia's Next Top Model judge Charlotte Dawson not to cast the vote for her:

"After seeing him in the audience at the finale, I thought, 'That guy's going to ruin her life.' We gave her so much love and support, maybe even more than the other girls, but at the back of my mind I knew she would do this and that's why I couldn't vote for her."

Cassi Van Den Dungen lost the title to 17-year old Tahnee Atkinson, a proud size-10 model.

Top 10 Hype-Worthy 2009 Models

Ask Men, an online web portal, has recently listed the most promising models today who they believe will achieve longevity in the fashion industry.


These fashion models are predicted to stand-out among the sea of working models and are destined to make headlines this year with their "it" factor - "that distinctive presence that breathes excitement and life into clothes, and that provokes a curiosity and following in us that has nothing to do with what they’re wearing."

Ladies and Gentlemen, the Top 10 Hype-Worthy Models of 2009:



1.) Sasha Pivovarova
Known for her recognizable fierce feline features - pronounced jaw line, small pupils and dark under-eyes, this young Russian model became the face of Prada for six consecutive seasons. She has also bagged campaigns for Chanel, Giorgio Armani, and Biotherm. Her painting and drawing skills has been featured on Vogue France.

2.) Lara Stone
This Dutch beauty has appeared on the cover of French Vogue in February. She has upcoming endorsements for Zara, Givenchy, and in the 2009 Pirelli Calendar. Her unique features include the gap in her teeth, tiny feet, and her unique, wobbly walk.

3.) Natasha Poly
Another Russian beauty, this Eastern European model has appeared on countless shows in the spring/summer 2009 season, including a catwalk appearance for Victoria's Secret. She has upcoming campaigns with Gucci and Jil Sander.

4.) Catherine McNeil
This Australian model started with high-profile shows and a debut cover shot for V magazine. She has an upcoming campaign for Narciso Rodriguez as well as editorials for American Vogue. Her full lips, sultry eyes and especially tall frame greatly contributed to her "it" factor.

5.) Jourdan Dunn
This British babe has earned the Model of The Year title in 2008 at the British Fashion Awards. She was the first black model to walk the Prada show after Naomi Campbell. She was the covergirl for the best-selling edition of Italian Vogue. Her upcoming campaigns include retail giants H&M and Benetton.

6. Karlie Kloss
Standing tall at 5'11", the long and slender frame of this 16-year old American model greatly helps her modeling career, as well as her ballet dancing. She has booked this season's Dolce & Gabbana campaign and has upcoming editorials with Vogue U.S., UK and Italy.

7. Lakshmi Menon
This beauty-and-brain Indian model combines her striking exotic features with a degree in developmental economics and sociology. She has walked for major shows including Hermes and Stella McCartney. She will be featured in upcoming campaigns for Max Mara and Givenchy.

8. Chanel Iman
This 19-year old model from California has an iconic name to back her up and a diverse African-American and Korean background that contributes to her unique features. She regularly walks in shows for Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors and Diane Von Furstenberg.

9. Raquel Zimmermann
She has booked all the major runway shows and designer campaigns while appearing on the covers of international magazines at the same time. This 25-year old Brazilian model has upcoming campaigns for Oscar De La Renta and Marc Jacobs.

10. Lily Donaldson
The wide-set eyes possessed by this British model has helped her booked major shows and campaigns including Burberry and Gucci. She is one of the highest-paid among the generation of new and upcoming models today.

Rachel Weisz: Botox Should Be Banned For Actors!

Posing for the August issue of Harper's Bazaar UK, 39-year-old English actress Rachel Weisz says that Botox should be off-limits from actors:

"It should be banned for actors, as steroids are for sportsmen. Acting is all about expression; why would you want to iron out a frown?"


She goes on to say that American women are too self absorbed and ridiculously "appearance-obsessed."

"I love the way girls in London dress; it’s so different to the American 'blow-dry and immaculate grooming' thing," she adds.

Ouch. This vanity in American grooming is quiet ridiculous at times, but maybe not as bad as botox, as the actress says. It's something you just get when Hollywood is around the corner.

Rachel Weisz, by the way, is famous for playing the role of Evelyn "Evy" Carnahan-O'Connell in the hit Hollywood flicks The Mummy and The Mummy Returns.


Botox: The Fountain of Eternal Youth? Read on.

Michael Jackson's Memorial Service

Michael Jackson's memorial service yesterday at the Staples Center was heart-breaking and a glittering celebration all at the same time.


Tributes flooded for his farewell, and so did many top Hollywood celebrities who made the event star-studded and a global happening witnessed by millions of the King of Pop's fans around the world.

The two-hour celebration began with a private service at around 8:00 am in Forest Lawn mortuary in the Hollywood Hills. A motorcade procession then followed, with the singer's golden-plated casket being hovered by 20 media helicopters overhead while heading to the Staples Center where Michael Jackson's family, friends, celebrities, and ordinary fans gathered together to bid goodbye to the singer in his final curtain call.

Tears and eulogies then followed. But the most-heartbreaking was the message of Michael Jackson's 11-year old daughter Paris Michael who addressed the singer in a name that he was not quiet popular of, "Daddy."


"I just wanted to say... Ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine. And I just wanted to say I love him so much!"

Rupert Grint Talks About Swine Flu And Harry Potter

Rupert Grint, who plays Ron Weasley on the Harry Potter series, was diagnosed with a "mild bout" of swine flu and had to take a few days out of filming.

Good thing the young actor has fully recovered from the disease. In fact, he joined his fellow stars Danielle Radcliffe and Emma Watson for the press conference of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince in Mayfair.


Aside from talking about his film, he also shared his "very scary" experience with the dreaded disease:

"It was quite scary when they first told me I had swine flu, after what's been in the press and stuff. I thought, 'Am I going to die?'

"But it was honestly fine. I just had a sore throat and was in bed for a while."

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince will be released nationwide on July 15. Meanwhile, the cast are already working on the last part of the series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Like her fellow lead stars, Rupert Grint has started on the Happy Potter films barely a child. Looking back, the 20-year old actor revealed how his early years with Harry Potter has given him excitement and great memories:

"I have great memories, really. It's weird looking back on the first few Harry Potter films because it just doesn't really seem like us. It was such an exciting time in my life - everything was new, I had never been on a film set. I missed out on a lot of school and with that comes a lot of normality. But I don't regret that, to be honest."

Who Is Supermodel Daria Werbowy?

She is one of the most sought-after supermodels of today, ranking 9th on Forbes' latest release of world's top-earning fashion models. But when asked to describe herself, Daria Werbowy says "I can't analyze my appeal."

The 25-year old Canadian-Ukranian model whose always on commercial advertisements and fashion events but whose personal life remains unbeknownst to many people, has recently sat for an interview with Telegraph.

The supermodel reveals a very humble person behind the glamorous life we see of her on cam as she said, "I can't analyse my appeal. If I did I'd be in a straitjacket."

Respected for being one of the top models without an attitude, Daria Werbowy politely answers to her interview:

"I sometimes find myself staring at it (pointing at one of her fashion pictorial shot) because I don't really know who that girl is. I guess a lot of people don't realize, but I'm always playing a character when I'm working. When you're always having people's images projected on you, who "Daria" is as a person sort of disappears."


MODELING AS A PROFESSION

Daria Werbowy has won in a modeling contest when she was 14. She then modeled part-time in high school and when she graduated she was "really anxious to get out in the world. I thought modeling was just the best thing on the planet. The freedom and the traveling all just sounded so glamorous."

But like every model, she also had her low times especially when she was just starting out. She recalled her first booking as an adult model in New York fashion week in September 2001. "Obviously they were all canceled and nothing else happened."

Not wanting to give up just yet, she lived in the international cities of Paris, London and Greece. "There were loads of castings, but no work. Looking back, it was one of the greatest times of my life. There was no responsibility, I was doing road trips with my boyfriend of the time, I met a lot of great people, but at the time it was depressing."

After eight months of rejection, the frustrated model had to return to Canada. "I was crying, saying, 'Dad, I don't want to do this anymore, it's not for me.' He said, 'You wanted it. Get back out there!' I said, 'Noooo!"

The young model was so frustrated that she planned to art school instead. To raise money for her education, she resorted back to modeling. "I returned to New York, met my agent and the next day I had an exclusive deal with Prada. From then on it was all a bit of a blur."

What Daria described as a "blur" was really the hectic schedule she had as a full-pledged professional model - she had "non-stop traveling, waking up in places and not knowing where I was."

One of her memorable modeling experience was with the late Helmut Newton. "I was actually really sick so he kept me at a 10ft distance. He made me wear rubber nipples and had me lying on a bed of nails and eating grass with a fork. It was all really... grrr!"

Working with photographer Steven Meisel paved the way for her successful modeling career. It was the famed photographer who booked her first Prada campaign and her first two Italian Vogue covers. It was also Steven Meisel who taught her "all the old-school tricks; how to move, how to jump, how to pull back my ears to prepare my face for the camera. Working with him is a little like modeling school."


MODELING AS AN INSPIRATION

Now as a spokesperson for a giant cosmetics company, the once frustrated model has rightfully earned her title as a "supermodel." Though she's no longer frequent on catwalk shows like she used to do, she remained grateful for her catwalk struts just the same.

"I really enjoyed them in the beginning. It was really empowering to stride out there, but eventually you start walking and on the way you're, like, 'What am I going to eat tonight?' But I'm lucky now; I can come in and do a couple instead of the whole three-countries-and-six-shows-a-day thing, when you just get exhausted...

"The great thing about my Lancôme deal is I get to be not just a model, I get a voice. Sometimes I wish I didn't have one because I get really insecure about what I say. But at the end of the day, it is what it is, and I always try to speak the truth."


MODELING AS A DESTINY

Supermodel Daria Werbowy has now come to realize that modeling is her destiny.

"Modeling was kind of like a shadow that followed me everywhere since I was eight. I'd have people stop me in the street or the supermarket and say, 'You should try it.'

"I am very lucid in relation to the reality of this industry, the ephemeral nature of beauty and fame and that gives me a certain distance and quite a bit of humour.

"I'm asking more questions about life in general. It's like, 'Oh my God, there's a whole world of things to learn about.' So I'm just taking it easy."

Embracing life, she continues with her modeling while breaking into other fields at the same time - she's sculpting and painting and is also considering studying philosophy or psychology.

"Whether that'll ever evolve into anything I don't know. I'm still trying to search for what will be next."

A true artist by heart, Daria Werbowy wants to make the most of her crafts. But with a busy schedule, some wonder if there was a time when she tells her agency, "backoff!"

"I... they just sort of… Yeah, I tell them that a lot, actually, 'I shouldn't lie," the supermodel admits, laughing.

Forbes Most Powerful Celebrity And Actress Is Angelina Jolie

Forbes has released this year's Celebrity 100 list, ranking the world's most powerful celebrities from June 2008 to June 2009.

Angelina Jolie has made it to the top list, edging media maven Oprah Winfrey on the no. 1 spot for most powerful celebrities and snatching from Jennifer Aniston (not again!) the top spot for the most powerful actresses.


Angelina Jolie has made an estimated earning of $27 million last year, courtesy of her action movies Kung Fu Panda, Wanted, and the soon-to-released spy thriller Salt. The media attention from the birth of her twins, humanitarian efforts, and endless gossips and fashion citations have also contributed to her ranking.

Angelina Jolie's husband Brad Pitt ranked 9th on the list, thanks to constant media attention of his family life with the most powerful woman in the world and oh, his Academy Award nomination for doing the lead role in hit flick The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

Brad Pitt's former wife Jennifer Aniston is on the 8th spot with a $25 million-earning from romantic comedies Marley and Me and He's Just Not That Into You and from the media gossips on her on-again, off-again romance with John Mayer.

Top 10 Most Powerful Celebrities:

1. Angelina Jolie
2. Oprah Winfrey
3. Madonna
4. Beyonce Knowles
5. Tiger Woods
6. Bruce Sprinsteen
7. Steven Spielberg
8. Jennifer Aniston
9. Brad Pitt
10. Kobe Bryant

Top 10 Most Powerful Actresses:

1. Angelina Jolie
2. Jennifer Aniston
3. Meryl Streep
4. Sarah Jessica Parker
5. Cameron Diaz
6. Sandra Bullock
6. Reese Witherspoon
8. Nicole Kidman
8. Drew Barrymore
10. Renee Zellweger

Forbes' 100 Most Powerful Celebrities is measured based on money and fame. Money is estimated from earnings made on films, television shows, endorsements, books and other entertainment ventures. Fame is calculated through Web hits on Google Blog Search, TV/radio mentions on LexisNexis, overall press mentions on Factiva, and the frequency of a celebrity's image appearance on the cover of 25 consumer magazines.

This 2009, Forbes' Celebrity 100 list couldn't help but admire La Jolie:

"She's rich. She's talented. She's beautiful. And now Angelina Jolie is the most powerful celebrity in the world."

Models And Celebrities Speak Out On Issues!

Opinionated beauties now stand on hot issues, including political and moral beliefs.

Shine Magazine, a publication promoting "inner and outer beauty" in a woman's life, gives credit to the beauty icons who speak out their minds on contemporary issues - believing that a new era is dawning for beauty personalities.

According to magazine founder Michelle Borquez, the time has ended for celebrities to have to remain smiling and beautiful and just keep silent on issues in order to survive in Hollywood. Beauty and belief can now co-exist, thanks to the influence of opinionated beauty and fashion figures.

There's ex-Miss California Carrie Prejean, who reportedly lost the Miss USA crown after saying no to the gay marriage stance. With her marriage-should-only-be-between-man-and-woman belief, the dethroned beauty queen says her future includes "me speaking out and taking a stand for what I believe in."

There's also Elisabeth Hasselbeck, former contestant of CBS reality show "Survivor," who argues with her liberal co-host on ABC's "The View" on topics including abortion, gun control, and war in Iraq. The conservative host, according to Borquez, is a representative of the glamorous women with "moral absolutes and have families."

And then there's former supermodel Kathy Ireland who now runs a $1.4 billion company with her faith-centered campaigns. As a pro-life advocate, she believes that she was not able to send the right message to people in her modeling heyday:

"I regret that a few times in my modeling career, I may have contributed to… messages (parents find objectionable). Today, as an older and wiser mom, there are a few photo shoots I wish I'd passed on. When you know better, you do better..."

Because there's a favorable attention given to these beauty figures, a blogger has wrote that the fashion culture may be heading to a time when conservative role models may not be anymore rare:

"Whether you are 13 or 30, we all look for role models. We want to say, 'I want to be like that.' There are a whole lot of women doing amazing things, living what they believe and not afraid to show it."


Well yeah, some models and celebrities are starting to speak out their conservative opinions on issues. But nah, fashion models have long been speaking their minds on issues. If there's something new here, it's that some beauty figures with conservative opinions are getting support - whether or not the general public favor them.

Ex-Supermodel Karen Mulder, Arrested!

Former supermodel Karen Mulder was arrested in France after making threatening phone calls to a plastic surgeon.


The 39-year old French-Dutch beauty reportedly became aggressive when the female surgeon refused to reverse an earlier operation she had undergone.

"She was screaming and shouting about the operation and became extremely threatening. There were repeated calls to the female surgeon who was extremely scared.

"She is being interviewed by detectives and is expected to be released on bail. Her phone records are being checked. It is not yet known if any charges will be brought," a police source had it.

Karen Mulder was just as crazy as she was beautiful. She had a long-time reputation for being troubled, especially during her "time."

She was one of the brightest fashion models in the 80s and 90s, reigning the catwalk with fellow supermodels Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, and Carla Bruni. She earned up to £10,000-a-day at the peak of her career and has been given the title "The Blonde With Class."

However, she ended her modeling career in 1998 and made an announcement that she "always hated being photographed:"

"From the beginning, I hated being photographed. For me, it was just an assumed role, and in the end, I didn't know who I really was as a person. Everybody was saying to me, 'Hi, you're fantastic.' 'But inside, I felt worse from day to day."

She joined the music industry later but it obviously did not become successful.

In 2001, Karen Mulder made a public controversy for claiming in a TV interview that she and other girls had been used as sex slaves by senior figures in the French police, government and fashion industry. She also claimed being raped by Prince Albert of Monaco. She withdrew the allegation days later.

She was then committed for treatment of chronic depression in a psychiatric hospital, blaming it on drug addiction during her modeling days.

In the year that followed, she attempted suicide by taking an overdose of sleeping pills. She then shunned publicity for several years after. However in 2007, Karen Mulder returned to the catwalk at Christian Dior's Paris show with 1990s supermodels Naomi Campbell, Helena Christensen, Linda Evangelista, and Stella Tennant.


Karen Mulder now faces a charge of threatening behavior, but is likely to be released later in the day. In the first place, the supermodel still has the right to demand a reverse surgical operation, crazy or not!