Archive - Jun 29, 2010

Hulu Plus announced, coming to iPad, Xbox 360, PS3, others

After being rumored for so long, it’s finally confirmed: a premium Hulu service for iPad, iPod, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3, not to mention connected TVs and Blu-ray players from Samsung, Vizio and Sony.

As previously speculated, it shall be known as Hulu Plus, and will cost $9.99 a month. Whole seasons of shows that are available in limited quantities on the free service will be accessible for Hulu Plus subscribers.

Contrary to earlier suggestions, Microsoft won’t be getting first dibs. Hulu for Sony’s PlayStation 3 will be available from July, while Xbox 360 owners will have to wait for “early 2011″. The latter will feature a “custom Hulu experience” for Xbox Live Gold members, featuring controller-free navigation (thanks to Kinect) and the ability to watch in Xbox Live parties. That said, it’s still a coup for the PS3 to beat its rival to launch by more than six months.

Hulu Plus will boast full seasons of current ABC, NBC, and Fox television shows, and in glorious HD at that. S’later, cable TV!

[Via press release]



Jennifer Aniston Gets Baby Coach


Jennifer Aniston has been visiting a life coach to make her baby dream come true.

The ‘Bounty Hunter’ actress has reportedly been having meetings with Hollywood life strategist Suzannah Galland in a bid to make the right decisions in her life, and fulfil her wish to become a mother.

Suzannah, whose clients reportedly include Naomi Campbell, Demi Moore and Gwyneth Paltrow said, “So many of my clients are walking around with a big hole in their hearts if they don’t have a family. Many of them think that because they can’t have a family the traditional way it won’t ever happen to them – they don’t consider other viable means, firstly, adoption.

“There are so many children who don’t have parents, or anyone to love them, and so many women who would make amazing mothers. It’s a matter of making them see that there is still a part of themselves that can make motherhood happen.”

The 41-year-old actress, who divorced husband Brad Pitt in 2005, following a five-year marriage, has remained largely single since then, apart from short-term romances with Vince Vaughn, Paul Sculfor and John Mayer.

Suzannah claims she has been working with the screen beauty to help her “process her feelings”.

She is quoted by Britain’s Grazia magazine as saying, “Everyone wants a positive outcome in their lives and I help them create it. I find that my clients who live and work in Hollywood often don’t have time to process their feelings. They live their life in the fast lane and they’re surrounded by yes people but they don’t know who they can really trust. They can also feel incredibly lonely.”

Jennifer was recently interviewed for a September issue of US magazine Harper’s Bazaar, where it is reported the actress claims to want a child “as soon as possible”.



Oprah Winfrey Named World’s Most Powerful Celebrity


Oprah Winfrey has been named the world’s most powerful celebrity.

The TV star, who fronts ‘The Oprah Winfrey Show’ and is the president of media company Harpo Productions, has topped the annual Most Powerful Celebrity poll conducted by Forbes magazine, knocking Angelina Jolie off the top spot with earnings of $315 million last year.

The 56-year-old star was previously named top of the coveted list in 2007 and 2008, before Angelina, who is now in 18th position – took over from her in 2009.

The 2010 figures also include a number of new stars, with Lady Gaga flying into fourth place with earnings of $62 million, behind Beyonce Knowles with $87 million in second, and film director James Cameron in third with $210 million earned last year.

The Forbes Most Powerful Celebrity list looks at wealth, TV/radio popularity, press rank, web rank and social status, with even twitter followers being taken into consideration.

The 2010 poll placed ‘Twilight’ star Robert Pattinson on the list for the first time, in 50th position following the success of the vampire movies, and after earning $17 million last year.

His co-star and rumoured girlfriend Kristen Stewart came 66th after earning $12 million from the franchise and working on new movie ‘The Runaways’.

Despite a tumultuous year in her personal life, Oscar-winning actress Sandra Bullock was placed eighth in the poll after pocketing $56 million in the past 12 months. She was just behind golfer Tiger Woods, who was placed fifth, Britney Spears, sixth, and rock band U2 – consisting of Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. – who were placed seventh.

The top 20 Forbes Most Powerful Celebrity 2010 poll and their earnings from the past 12 months:

1. Oprah Winfrey – $315 million

2. Beyonce Knowles – $87 million

3. James Cameron – $210 million

4. Lady Gaga – $62 million

5. Tiger Woods – $105 million

6. Britney Spears – $64 million

7. U2 – $130 million

8. Sandra Bullock – $56 million

9. Johnny Depp – $75 million

10. Madonna – $58 million

11. Simon Cowell – $80 million

12. Taylor Swift – $45 million

13. Miley Cyrus – $48 million

14. Kobe Bryant – $48 million

15. Jay-Z – $63 million

16. Black Eyed Peas – $48 million

17. Bruce Springsteen – $70 million

18. Angelina Jolie – $20 million

19. Rush Limbaugh – $58.5 million

20. Michael Jordan – $55 million



Jennifer Hudson Breaks Silence Over Family’s Brutal Murder


Jennifer Hudson has spoken out about her depression following the brutal murders of her mother, brother and nephew.

The Oscar-winning star lost her mother Darnell Hudson Donerson, 57, brother Jason Hudson, 29, and seven-year-old nephew Julian King in a grisly shooting spree in October 2008.

Admitting the grisly incident was like a “blur”, the 28-year-old star went into seclusion following the family tragedy.

The singer-and-actress revealed to VH1 documentary ‘Behind the Music’, that she was in shock for a long time, saying, “It was like I was outside of myself.”

As the reality of what had happened hit home Jennifer fell into depression.

She said, “For almost two weeks straight… [I was] inside one room with just family and friends coming in and out.”

William Balfour, Jennifer’s sister Julia’s estranged husband, has been charged with first degree murder and home invasion in connection with the killings and has pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Jennifer also opened up about how becoming a mother has helped her come to terms with her loss.

She said that ‘Little David’ – her 11-month old son with fiance David Otunga, “reminds me of my nephew” and he also helps her remember her mother.

She explained, “In so many ways I channel her because she was such a great mom. I want him to get the same love and the same upbringing my mother gave us.”



Mel Gibson and Oksana Grigorieva’s Court Hearing


Mel Gibson and ex-girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva will go to court next month for a hearing about their daughter.

The former couple, whose separation has turned increasingly bitter over the past few weeks, are set to appear in front of a judge on July 20 to fight over the welfare of their eight-month-old child Lucia.

Mel’s lawyer Stephen Kolodny told RadarOnline.com, “His primary interest is in not having his time and relationship with his infant daughter, Lucia, interfered with.”

Following their split in April, which they initially insisted was amicable, Oksana has made a series of allegations claiming Mel was abusive towards her.

The Russian singer filed for a restraining order against the actor, allegedly saying he is “extremely violent”, but attorney Stephen has sine claimed she only went to court because she regrets agreeing to share equal custody of Lucia.

Stephen said, “Having entered into an agreement that allows for overnight, unrestricted visitation, and would soon result in Mel having 50/50 custody of their daughter, an agreement reached after a two-day mediation with two retired Superior Court judges, Mel was hopeful their break-up was behind them and Lucia would be the beneficiary of co-operative parenting. Apparently Lucia will be denied that good fortune. Making sensational allegations is not the way to resolve this.”

After seeking the order last Monday, June 21, which barred 54-year-old Mel from any contact with Oksana, 40, or Lucia – the actor’s lawyers returned to court the following day to have it modified so he could see his daughter.

Stephen also insists Mel, who has seven children from his marriage to estranged wife Robyn, has been paying child support, despite claims to suggest otherwise.

He said, “Mel has generously supported Lucia and will continue to do so. Oksana currently lives in a four bedroom, multi-million dollar house with Lucia and her older son Sascha purchased by Mel. Mel also purchased a brand new car for Oksana. He provides health insurance for Lucia and has given Oksana tens of thousands of dollars to support her and Lucia over the past months.”



Sandra Bullock & Jesse James’ Divorce Finalized


Sandra Bullock and Jesse James have finalized their divorce.

A spokesperson for the ‘Blind Side’ star, who split from husband Jesse in April following allegations he had cheated on her with a string of women, confirmed the couple signed papers last week to formally put an end to their five-year marriage.

Citing “discord or conflict of personalities” as the reason behind the split, the official divorce allows the Oscar-winning actress to complete her adoption of son Louis as a single parent.

The pair adopted the baby boy from New Orleans shortly before they split amid the avalanche of affair claims, which included tattoo model Michelle ‘Bombshell’ McGee revealing she’d had an 11-month affair with Jesse.

Jesse, who went to rehab following the separation to be treated for sex addiction, is also believed to have slept with at least five other women during his relationship with Sandra.

A representative from the Travis County District Court in Texas has confirmed the divorce documents are now sealed.

Motorcycle enthusiast Jesse – who tied the knot with Sandra in 2005 – recently publicly spoke out about his split from the actress, saying he deserves “everything bad” that comes his way.

He said, “There is only one person to blame for this whole situation, and that is me. It’s because of my poor judgment that I deserve everything bad that is coming my way.”



Megan Fox and Brian Austin Green Got Married


Megan Fox and Brian Austin Green have got married.

The couple tied the knot in secret last Thursday, June 24, in Hawaii at a small ceremony with only half a dozen guests.

The nuptials took place at the Four Seasons Resort on the Big Island and Brian’s eight-year-old son Kassius, who he has from a previous relationship with Vanessa Marcil – gave his dad away, according to gossip website TMZ.

The couple met in 2004 on the set of ‘Hope and Faith’ and got engaged two years later.

In February 2009, they decided to call off their wedding plans but got back together and earlier this month it was revealed they had got engaged again.

The 24-year-old actress previously hinted when she did wed it would be a discreet affair.

She said, “It’s not going to be a big wedding. I’m not one of those girls – if it happens, it will be very low-key and quick and unplanned.”

Brian, who made his name in TV show ‘Beverley Hills 90210′ – also admitted the pair would prefer discreet nuptials, saying, “Originally we were talking elopement and now we might have a few people there.”



Kesha Loves Fat, Bearded Men


Kesha loves fat men.

The ‘Blah Blah Blah’ singer, who is currently single, admits she has a less-than-traditional taste in men and can’t stand the thought of dating someone too well-groomed.

She said, “My ideal man would be funny and fat with a beard. I love fat men. I like real men. I don’t like really feminine men who tan. I don’t understand that. I like a funny man, though. Russell Brand’s not quite my type, but if he had a fat, bearded friend, that would be perfect.”

The outspoken 23-year-old star also admitted her biggest turn off would be to date someone who spends longer in the bathroom than she does.

She told heat magazine, “I could not bear to go out with a guy who takes longer than me to get ready. I don’t want someone who’s going to steal my moisturiser.”

Though she has a lengthy list of specifications for a partner, Kesha insists she isn’t ready to settle down just yet.

She said, “I’m far from lonely. Far, far from it. But I don’t want to settle down yet. Gross!”



Sharon Osbourne Keeping Kelly’s Childrood Bedroom


Sharon Osbourne won’t redecorate her daughter’s childhood bedroom.

The outspoken star and husband Ozzy Osbourne have been renovating their home in Buckinghamshire, South East England, and their 26-year-old child Kelly Osbourne is amazed that her old room is to remain untouched by the makeover.

Speaking about the property, Kelly wrote in her column for Closer magazine said, “I grew up there, and until recently hardly anything had changed, but mum felt it was time for a refit. It used to be very Victorian, now it’s much more modern. It looks amazing.

“My mum’s funny though, she won’t change anything in my old bedroom – it’s still got fairies on the walls and a little blue bed from when I was little.”

Kelly, who is engaged to model Luke Worrall, has also recently been forced to have work done to her home after her bath was flooded with faeces following a plumbing disaster.

She revealed recently, “You won’t believe what happened to me last week! I went to have a bath and found all sorts of poo in my bath tub – yes actual poo! We had to call out a plumber and Luke and I had to stay in a hotel for two nights while they sorted out the problem.

“It turns out tree roots were growing underground into our pipes and the whole drainage system clogged up and had to be cleaned out.”



Taylor Lautner Still Lives at Parent’s Home


Taylor Lautner still lives with his parents.

The 18-year-old actor, who is best known for playing werewolf Jacob Black in the ‘Twilight Saga’ – admits he is still expected to carry out domestic tasks in the home, despite his celebrity status.

He said, “I help out with the lawn, garbage, dishes”.

Even when he is away filming, Taylor’s parents don’t let him off his duties when he returns to the family home.

He joked, “When I come back, I have extra mowing to do.”

However, the actor insists he loves his home life and wants to retain normality for “as long as possible”.

He added to ‘The Today Show’ presenter Matt Lauer, “It’s very important to me. I describe it as I live two different lives. I have this life and do what I love to do, but I also have the same exact life as before and nothing has changed.”

Taylor recently admitted he didn’t think he could be in the ‘Twilight’ movies if he didn’t get on with his co-stars Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart.

He said, “The great thing about this series is how the whole cast is so close. It would be a nightmare if we weren’t. It would be impossible to make this series because the characters are so tight. We’re really thankful that we all get along so well.”