performances
King of Pop, Michael Jackson, King of Auction Too
by anamus on Nov.24, 2009, under Acts, auction, celebrations, fashion, honour, performances, remembrance, spotlight
This isn’t surprising at all. At a memorabilia auction held on Saturday, Michael Jackson’s famous white glove was sold for $350,000. Another black jacket the King of Pop wore during a 1989 world tour fetched $225,000. Although the auction constituted of hundreds of rock ‘n’ roll items, including many not associated with the Pop King, yet Jackson memorabilia stole all the limelight.
The white glove of the late pop star was referred as “the Holy Grail of Michael Jackson” by Darren Julien, CEO of Julien’s Auctions, the organization that ran the auction. A pre-sale estimation for the master piece was about $50,000, which was surpassed by large counts. Hoffman Ma, who is a Hong Kong based business man, paid $420,000 as the final price along with the added commission (excluding taxes).
Jackson’s black, strap and zipper-laden jacket that he wore during the 1989 “Bad” tour was sold at $275,000 including commission. The bidding soared to $225,000, which is 20 times higher than what was estimated earlier.
Huge fans as well as dealers gathered at Times Square, New York’s Hard Rock Cafe for the auction. The primary attractions of the sale also included a car driven by Jackson, a guitar of David Bowie and memorabilia from the Beatles to Bo Diddley.
Jazmynn Moore, a 19 year old student from Manhattan, said, “I never got to see Michael, and now that he’s gone this is the closest I could get”.
The white glove of MJ was worn by the King of Pop during the 1983 Motown 25 television special when he first staged the famous moonwalk dance. The opening bid for the glove was $10,000, which immediately leaped to $120,000 before finally closing it at $350,000.
There were about 80 items belonging to Jackson that mostly comprised of items donated by family and friend to whom Jackson had gifted the items. A sum of about $100,000 was collected by selling Jackson’s belongings from the auction, which is close to 20 times the estimates.
Faux Pas at the American Music Awards 2009
by Eva on Nov.24, 2009, under Acts, American Music Award, Entertainment, awards, clothes, gossip, incidents, performances, protest, song, songs, spotlight, stage

J Lo, Adam Lambert and Kate Hudson at the AMA, 2009
Faux Pas one is the fall. Jennifer Lopez while performing on stage had an almost terrible accident. Louboutins, the Pop diva’s new single, was being performed with a number of dancers and acts. During one of these acts, J-Lo lost her balance after jumping from the top of the human-stairs. That must been embarrasing huh?! But she didn’t show it. She went on performing the routine after that. Later, while talking to the press, she said “that was part of the choreography”. Really? That is difficult to believe!
This piece of news has got the maximum “view count” on youtube. More than 750,000 have viewed her 13 second fall video on youtube. Also, there are many blogs that have given a link to the whole act and it was disabled because of copyright claims by Dick Clark Productions, the AMA producers.
The second faux pas has pulled more than 6,500 results from googlenews. Type ‘Adam Lambert’ in a few days from today and he might just cross the 7 figure search result that google gives in his name. Because, this “happily gay guy” believes in the “freedom of expression and artistic integrity”. His new single, “For Your Entertainment” says so and so does he in his performance at the AMA. His performance included quite some vulgar moments that might have been “funny” for the nondescripts, “artistic freedom and expression” for Lambert and his fans, but “indecent or profane material” for the Federal Communications Commission. Reuters reported that ABC television received over 1,500 complaints for this “sexually-charged performance”. Michael Slezak from the Entertainment Weekly well describes this performance as “a carefully planned stab at dominating the post-AMA blogosphere/water-cooler discussion.”
In conclusion to this faux pas, a question might arise, did Lambert wow the people or did he initiate a tow for himself? That will depend on FCC, if they really will fine the channel and him or not.
Our last faux pas for AMA, 2009, is a now normal one. ‘Now normal’, because it seems like in every awards show there is always one or some of the celebs that go the “malfunction” way with her or their wardrobe. But, surprisingly, it is always an eyebrow raiser. This time, this crime was committed by Kate Hudson. Her plunging neckline was more than just plunging, more like winging actually! When she came on stage to announce the Black Eyed Peas performance next, with Nicole Kidman, her silver “glitzy” dress made heads turn and mobile phones active.
It is high time that Kate Hudson and all wardrobe malfunctioners to understand that these ceremonies might not be the best place for skin shows.
Faux pas over. But is that all?
Is it not that award ceremonies are about awards and winners and great performances? Why then do these social blunders get so much footage?
The reality is that they get footage. People watch them. Read them and talk about them. And later forget about them! That’s it.
3rd Largest Film Debut on Record: New Moon Wolfs $140.7M
by anamus on Nov.23, 2009, under Entertainment, box office, celebrations, charts, grossing, lists, movies, performances, premieres, rankings, releases, roles, spotlight, stardom
It was speculated something such and the makers of the vampire saga were not let down. “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” wolfed $140.7 million in its opening weekend. On the first three days the movie minted total $258.8 million worldwide as per reports of studio estimates on Sunday.
A year back “Twilight”, the first installment of Stephenie Meyer’s popular vampire series, grossed $69.6 million haul over the same weekend. A year after the picture was completely changed. The No. 1 domestic debut for Summit Entertainment’s “New Moon” was more than twice.
“Obviously, with the success of ‘Twilight’ itself, sequels being what they are will generate X-number of dollars more, particularly if it’s a satisfying sequel”, Richie Fay, head of distribution for Summit, was quoted as saying.
“New Moon” ranked third on the all-time domestic chart, with Batman blockbuster “The Dark Knight” ranking 1st with a gross of $158.4 million opening weekend and “Spider-Man 3″ ranking 2nd with a gross of $151.1 million. On the opening day itself, “New Moon” earned $72.7 million, which is an all time domestic high for opening day. This surpassed the previous record of $67.2 million by last year’s “The Dark Knight”. “New Moon” is also the second-biggest non-holiday weekend ever in Hollywood, the top being none other than the July 18, 2008 release of “The Dark Knight”.
Outside “New Moon” debuted in 25 countries and took in $118.1 million over the first weekend. There was no doubt that “New Moon” would emerge this big.
The third installment of Meyer’s next “Twilight” chapter, “Eclipse,” arrives in the heart of summer, next June 30 and is expected to do as big as this.
Twilight had showcased the supernatural teen romance between a school girl and a vampire (Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson) and New Moon adds a love triangle with a werewolf (Taylor Lautner) to the plot. Both the films have been hot favorite among female fans resulting to around 80% of the audience for “New Moon” being female. The “Twilight” franchise “taps into something primal and visceral that drives women crazy, and they’re willing to pay for the privilege” commented Dergarabedian. The viewers for the film were mostly young who apparently left to chance to fall in love with vampire and werewolf heartthrobs.
The five films that grossed highest during last weekend are:
1. “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” ($140.7 million)
2. “The Blind Side” ($34.5 million)
3. “2012″ ($26.5 million)
4. “Planet 51″ ($12.6 million)
5. “A Christmas Carol” ($12.2 million)
Michael Jackson, Taylor Swift Makes it Big at AMA
by anamus on Nov.23, 2009, under American Music Award, Entertainment, Music, Shows, album, awards, career, celebrations, honour, nominations, performances, remembrance, song, songs, spotlight, stage, stardom, tribute
Kanye West might just have a major problem and several other issues with Taylor Swift’s growing popularity, but who really cares? West like it or not this is definitely Swift’s year.
The country crooner Taylor Swift overshadowed the late Michael Jackson by picking up 5 leading awards as the King of Pop pocketed 4 nods at the American Music Awards. Swift’s 5 nods included the prestigious artist of the year award at the AMA held on Sunday.
The 19 year old country singer proved all MJ fans wrong who expected the Pop King to get a clean sweep. Swift have him a head to head competition in the ceremony’s final prize, the artist of the year category. Besides winning the favorite female artist in the pop/rock and country categories Swift also won favorite adult-contemporary artist award. “Feerless”, the 2008 release of Swift, was named favorite country album. Feerless became the best-selling release in the United States this year.
Among the other multiple winners hip-hop singer Jay-Z and the Black Eyed Peas won two each.
While accepting her award for the artist of the year, live via satellite from backstage at London’s Wembley Arena, Swift said, “Music has never been ultimately about competition”. Swift also added she feels its an “unimaginable honor” for her to be nominated in the same category as Jackson. The country crooner will be performing at a concert in Wembley Arena on Monday.
“I just want to say that music has never been ultimately about competition and to even be mentioned in a category with Michael Jackson who we’ll miss and love forever is an unimaginable honor”, she added. “And I just want to say I’m sending my love to the Jackson family and Janet”.
Jackson won four posthumous including favorite male artist in the pop/rock and soul/R&B categories. “Number Ones”, a hits collection of the Pop Star, was named favorite album in both those categories too. Jermaine, MJ’s brother, accepted the awards on the Late singer’s behalf. “We love you, Michael. It’s not just about the winnings, the awards, it’s mainly the message. The message that Michael had will live on forever…and he saw good in everyone and he wanted them to do good. To start with love and let’s love each other”, said Jermaine Jackson.
Eminem, who was nominated in 4 categories, went home empty handed. While Jay-Z won the favorite male artist and favorite album in the rap/hip-hop categories, Black Eyed Peas were named favorite group in both the pop/rock and soul/R&B categories.
Green Day, the punk rock trio, bagged the favorite alternative artist title. The favorite country group went to Rascal Flatts for the fourth year in a row.
Thanks to Adam Lambert, Lady Gaga, Rihanna and Whitney Houston who gave some of the most outrageous performances at the event. Janet with her medleys put the stage of fire.
Surprise Appearance by Heidi Klum @ Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
by anamus on Nov.20, 2009, under Entertainment, Shows, TV, career, celebrations, fashion, modelling, performances, spotlight, stage
Are you still holding on to your seats tightly? You might just have got bowled over by Heidi Klum comeback cat walk, who stole the show with her sex appeal once again. Klum simply put the ramp on fire at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show – A show where angels dare to bare!
Its been 5 weeks the supermodel gave birth to her forth child, and she made all her fans awestruck by making a comeback to the runway at the Victoria’s Secret lingerie fashion show Thursday night at the 69th Regiment Armory.
A reliable source mentioned Klum said at the backstage before the show began that she preferred to play a host instead of modeling because she “wasn’t quite ready yet. This kind of takes a lot of planning. When you have a baby, you can’t really know if in five weeks’ time you’re like everyone else over here”.
When the mother model was asked about her newest addition, daughter Lou, she said, “She’s great. We’re so excited that we had a little girl. Especially (older daughter) Leni is super-excited. (Lou’s) in our room at night. Leni is waiting for her to go into her room. Her brothers share a room and she doesn’t have anyone in her room”.
The 36 year old German Model, Klum, earlier was scheduled to host the desired fashion show on November 18. But she walked down the runway on November 19 simply enthralling the crowd. Klum wore a corset and full skirt instead of a bikini. But who cares to choose!
“You have less pressure. You definitely have less pressure when you don’t shake your booty in front of millions around the world”, Klum was quoted by the People magazine as saying about only hosting the show.
During the show, the models flashing in two part under wears, walked down a jet-black, diamond-dusted V-shaped runway while the Black Eyed Peas performed. The show began with Ambrosio walking first in neon wings, with Miranda Kerr following in over sized space-like armored wings along with Peas’ Boom Boom Pow.
Ambrosio, who was lounged on a sofa before the show, said, “I have three houses and they are packed with lingerie. I don’t even try to count”. Girl, this proves you simply love your job.
The Victoria’s Secret fashion show will be aired on December 1st on CBS at 10 p.m.
A Second “Sexiest Man” Title for Johnny Depp
by anamus on Nov.19, 2009, under Acts, Entertainment, career, celebrations, honour, movies, performances, roles, spotlight, stardom, upcoming
Johnny Depp has been irresistible, not only for his fans but also for the People Magazine, it seems. The 46 year old actor is People Magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive” for the second time.
Upsetting quite a large number of teenage beauties, Depp overtook the Twilight hunk Rob Pattinson to win the People magazine’s sought after title. Like Brad Pitt, George Clooney and Richard Gere, the other double winners of the coveted endorsement, Depp had bagged the title earlier in 2003.
The senior editor at People, Kate Coyne, explained the reason behind choosing Depp for the title on CBS’ Early Show Wednesday by adding, “Johnny Depp was someone who was sexy 10 years ago. He’ll be sexy 10 years from now. He appeals to multiple generations of women — and for many different reasons to different kinds of women”.
People magazine also described the flamboyantly adventurous “Pirates of the Caribbean” star as “the king of cool with the killer cheekbones”. The 46 year old Depp, succeeded the 2008 winner Hugh Jackman this year.
Depp was seen ruling the screen with roles like 1930s gangster John Dillinger in “Public Enemies” and the murderous London barber “Sweeney Todd” in the recent past. In his forthcoming film, “Alice in Wonderland”, the actor will be seen in the role of the Mad Hatter. The film, directed by Tim Burton, is due for release in March 2010.
An overwhelmed Coyne said, “He’s sort of everything. He’s a guy’s guy, kind of a bad boy, he’s a respected artist and actor. You know, he’s got a little bit of everything”.
The previous winners of People’s sexiest man alive title include Matt Damon (2007), Matthew McConaughey (2005), Jude Law (2004) and Ben Affleck (2002).
People’s sexiest men alive issue featuring the 2009 winner, Johnny Depp, hits newsstands on Friday.
Britney Spears Speaks About Aussie Lip-Syncing Fiasco
by anamus on Nov.12, 2009, under Bizarre, Entertainment, Music, Shows, incidents, performances, song, songs, spotlight, stage, tours
Britney Spears is back to news and this time with a new controversy. The singer fumes a message for the critics who blasted her performance while she was on her first tour of Australia. Britney stated that it’s all for the fans.
It is reported that her her first Australian performance last weekend was boring, stiff, mimed and lacking interaction with the audience. Spears’ manager along with the tour promoter hurried to support the U.S. pop singer after much of those present took a leave from the show due to the same.
The 27 year old pop diva was back to rebuild her career after much of a roller-coaster personal life that created controversial headlines, has responded to the outburst.
“I hear there is a lot of controversy in the media about my show. Some reporters have said they love it and some don’t. I came to Australia for my fans”, said Spears that has been widely criticized by the Australian media.
Paul Dainty, the promoter of Spears’ Australian tour, have been quoted as saying earlier this week that the criticism roused by the media about Spears’ lip-synching and a lackluster performance had left her “extremely upset”. He also claimed that it was a total fabrication to suggest that fans stormed out. The debate over lip-synching has been surrounding Spears since she arrived in Australia last week.
Spears’ personal website and Twitter account was flooded with personal messages from her thousands of Australian fans, who stated the her comeback as “amazing,” “awesome” and “brilliant”.
Beyonce Dazzles in Racy Red Costume at MTV Europe Music Awards
by anamus on Nov.10, 2009, under Entertainment, MTV Music Awards, Music, Shows, awards, performances, song, songs, spotlight, stage
Thousands went bonkers after Beyonce appeared at the MTV Europe Music Awards in a racy red costume.
In the memory of the fall of the Berlin Wall the MTV Europe Music Awards was held in Berlin on Monday November 9. This was the 16th annual MTV Europe Music Awards held in the honor of the 20th anniversary of the fall of Berlin Wall. Beyonce in her saucy red dress have been enough to make any wall go tumbling.
After performing the hit “Sweet Dreams” in red garters and a plunging neck-lined body suit, Beyonce undoubtedly became the star of the show. Besides giving a rocking performance the singer also swept the awards winning three major categories: best female artist, best song for “Halo,” and best video for “Single Ladies”.
While giving the acceptance speech for the best video, the singer thanked Jay-Z, her hubby. Jay-Z was also present in the audience and bagged an award as well, for Best Urban Act.
Other winners included Lady Gaga for best new act; Green Day, for best rock act; Eminem, for best male artist; German pop group Tokio Hotel for best group; and U2, for best live act. Lady Gaga was not present for the show.
Besides Beyonce’s heart stealing performance, the Irish rockers too stole the heart of many with a free 6-song concert in front of Germany’s Brandenburg Gate earlier Thursday. The band had earlier recorded “Achtung Baby” in Berlin.
Salt Trailer Gives a Glimpse of Hot Angelina Jolie
by anamus on Nov.06, 2009, under Entertainment, Music, acting, performances, roles, upcoming
The trailer of upcoming film “Salt” simply floored millions across the globe. A look at the very hot and sizzling Angelina Jolie stole the mind and hearts of all her fans.
The Oscar nominated actress is back and she looks as sexy as ever. Trailers of Angelina Jolie’s forthcoming film, “Salt” was posted on the internet this week. The mother of 6 looks as appealing as ever. Jolie and Brad Pitt parents three adopted children and three biological. Right before the filing of Salt began Jolie gave birth to twins.
Salt, which stars Jolie as Evelyn Salt, who is a CIA officer accused of being a Russian sleeper spy out to prove her innocence, is directed by Phillip Noyce. Fans are critics are still wondering how Jolie got back in shape in such a short period of time right after giving birth to twins.
Well, if you watch the trailer thoroghly your doubts will be cleared. In a particular scene, featuring Jolie in her underwear, her taut stomach is clearly displayed.
Intially the lead role for Salt was offered to Tom Cruise. But when the actor turned it down the role was rewritten for Jolie. The movie will hit the theaters on July 23rd, 2010.
Elton John Rushed to Hospital for Flu Treatment
by anamus on Nov.02, 2009, under health, performances
Sir Elton John has been rushed to the hospital after he battled much with flu for over two weeks. A reliable source confirmed to Access Hollywood that the singer fell much ill before he was checked into the hospital.
A source close to John mentioned that the musician is in a better state and is “feeling much better” now. The 62 year old star was rushed to the King Edward VII Hospital in Marylebone, London, on Friday after he started showing some serious health issue, reported UK’s Daily Mail.
David Furnish, the partner of Elton John was reported to spent the entire day with the musician on Saturday.
John was supposed to perform the final of his Red Piano tour on Friday reportedly had to cancel it due to unwellness. He had performed in Barcelona last Tuesday. Earlier he had called off several UK dates due to the illness.
Presently the British musician is being treated for “serious” case of E. coli infection after he suffered from a round of influenza for the past two weeks.
“He is recovering from a case of serious influenza with minor complications. We are confident he will be back on stage in the near future”, said Sir John’s spokesperson.










