GreatHollywood.com

New Delhi, Jan 31 (IANS) With two nominations for composer A.R. Rahman and one each for sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and tabla veteran Zakir Hussain at the 52nd Grammy awards, the country is keeping its fingers crossed for them to bring the Oscar glory back home Sunday night.

Rahman has been nominated for two Grammy’s in the best soundtrack for motion pictures, television or other visual media category for “Slumdog Millionaire”, and in the best song for motion picture, television and other visual media category for “Jai ho”.

Written by lyricist Gulzar, “Jai ho” has been sung by Sukhvinder Singh, Tanvi Shah, Mahalaxmi Iyer, Vijay Prakash and Rahman himself.

Nominated for the first time at the Grammy’s, Rahman triumphed at the 2009 Oscars by winning double golden statuettes and at the Golden Globe Awards by winning the best original score award.

Amjad Ali Khan has been nominated in the best traditional world music album category for his album “Ancient Sounds”, a joint-venture with Iraqi oud soloist Rahim Alhaj.

Zakir Hussain, who won a Grammy last year, has been nominated in the best classical crossover album category for his album “The Melody of Rhythm”, which features works by Leonard Slatkin, Bela Fleck, Hussain and Edgar Meyer (Detroit Symphony Orchestra).

The 52th edition of the Annual Grammy Awards will be held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

New York, January 31 (ANI): Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, Queen Latifah and Pharrell are ready to host a telethon to raise funds for Haiti earthquake victims.

The concert titled ‘SOS Saving OurSelves — Help for Haiti’ will feature Wyclef Jean, Chris Brown and Lil Wayne.

The show will take place at the American Airlines Arena in Miami, reports the New York Post.

The money raised will be forwarded to aid organizations including Yele Haiti, CARE, Project.

A 7.0 earthquake devastated Haiti on January 12. (ANI)

London, January 31 (ANI): Jessica Alba is learning Spanish in order to star in Latin movies.

The actress added that that many people think her to be Latino.

‘I didn’t want to misrepresent Latinos and I didn’t know how to defend myself. But I went to my room and I cried all night. Since then, I’ve preferred not to comment on the subject,” the Daily Express quoted her as telling Siempre Mujer magazine.

She added: ‘I tried to explain to them that, in this country (America), I’m considered Latina and, thus, I consider myself Latina as well. I grew up eating enchiladas… I identify with Mexicans. It’s in my blood whether or not I speak Spanish.’

She has decided to sign up for Spanish lessons, so she and her daughter Honor can become fluent.

She adds, ‘I know the basics, but I just hired a professor that specialises in Hispanic studies to teach me and Honor. God knows that I wish I was raised bilingual. But it wasn’t to be.

‘I want to make movies in Spanish… There are so many interesting themes and stories that are worth sharing, like the lives of immigrants, for example.

‘There’s a whole world that hasn’t been sufficiently explored and I want to be part of it – the violence on the Mexican borders, the political upheaval in Venezuela and Bolivia and the drug trafficking in Colombia.’ (ANI)

London, Jan 31 (ANI): Leonardo DiCaprio is set to testify against a former model, accused of smashing a bottle into the actor’s face at a party.

The ‘Titanic ‘star will be called as a witness Aretha Wilson appears in court.

Wilson, 39, is to be extradited to America from her home in Canada after five years on the run.

“She is going to be coming back to LA, but I just don’t know when,” the Daily Express quoted Los Angeles district attorney spokeswoman Jane Robison as saying.

She confirmed that DiCaprio has been cooperating with prosecutors in Los Angeles and is willing to give evidence in court.

Wilson allegedly attacked DiCaprio with a bottle at the party in the Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, in 2004.

The 35-year-old star needed 17 stitches for a deep gash on the right side of his face.

Wilson, who had gatecrashed the party, which was being thrown by Pamela Anderson’s ex husband Rick Saloman, told police she mistook DiCaprio for an old boyfriend and had been drunk. (ANI)

Washington, January 31 (ANI): An entertainment marketing expert has advised viewers to take the Grammy Awards seriously despite the fact that it recognizes popular music the most.

Brent Smith, Ph.D., an assistant professor of marketing at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, insists that the Grammys offer a chance for less popular artists to be recognized as well, unlike the American Music Awards and Billboard Music Awards determine winners by greatest gains in record sales or radio airplay.

Smith said: “To some degree, every brand must stay relevant with mainstream audiences. Yet, the Grammys still represent the most respected awards show in the music industry because the nominees and winners are elected by their peers.”

Smith distinguishes between the “art” and “commerce” of music, with the example of Herbie Hancock, a jazz pianist who won Album of the Year in 2008, beating out pop sensation Amy Winehouse.

He said: “Few pop music fans are familiar with Hancock. Yet, many of these fans’ favorite performing artists – Hancock’s peers – actually know and respect his contributions to the art (not commerce) of music.

“At a time when music is dominated by consumers more interested in downloads, ringtones, and ‘danceability,’ the Grammys afford music’s core community of creators an opportunity to preserve and project their voice.” (ANI)

London, Jan 31(IANS) Hollywood star Hugh Jackman made the day for celebrity talk show host Oprah Winfrey when he sang “Happy Birthday” for her for on her 56th birthday.

The “Wolverine” star surprised Oprah by singing her the song through a video on her chatshow, reports dailymail.co.uk.

As Oprah giggled while watching the video, Jackman blew her kisses and mimed a big hug.

“Happy birthday, Oprah,” he said.

“I wish I could be there to give you a huge hug. I love you and I will have a nice glass of red in your honour,” he added.

For her special day Friday, Oprah gifted herself two Springer Spaniel puppies.

London, Jan 30 (IANS) Hollywood actress Jessica Alba is taking Spanish lessons so that she can sign up for latino movies.

“I know the basics, but I have just hired a professor who specialises in Spanish studies to teach me. I wish I was raised bilingual. But it wasn’t to be,” starpulse.co.uk quoted Alba as saying.

“I want to make movies in Spanish… There are so many interesting themes and stories that are worth sharing, like the lives of immigrants. There is a whole world that hasn’t been sufficiently explored and I want to be a part of it,” she added.

Lady Gaga dead rumors is creating havoc among interntet users. Internet is source of information but sometime it becomes an important tool to spread false rumors like a wild fire.

Lady Gaga is not dead and she is hale and healthy. If this rumors was true, you should have heard it on big network like CNN or Fox by this time and there is no confirm report to lead us think that she is dead.

She is doing fine. the main reason that lady Gaga death rumors came at the top of the search is that some fans unofficially celebrating the Friday January 29th as Lady Gaga day and her name becomes the top search on the twitter. This is when some people were tyring to get attention to themselves begin creating rumors to capitalize of the popularity of someone else.

At this time, we can assure you she is doing great and will be back for Gramy 2010 on Sunday

Washington, Jan. 30 (ANI): As if losing his US Senate super majority to a Republican was not bad enough, American genealogists have prepared another shocker for President Barack Obama: that Scott Brown, the newly elected senator from Massachusetts, is Obama’s cousin.

The New England Historic Genealogical Society has revealed that Obama and Brown are 10th cousins.

Obama’s mother, Stanley Ann Dunham, and Brown’s mother, Judith Ann Rugg, both descend from Richard Singletary of Haverhill of Massachusetts, who died in 1687 aged102.

“I think it’s a really interesting thing, where you have the separation between a Democrat and a Republican, but you have one link,’ The Sun quoted David Allen Lambert of the society, as saying.

Lambert said the work would not have been possible without Brown’s cooperation with the society when researchers first contacted him in December.

“I’m glad to be in such distinguished company,” Brown said of the findings.

In 2008, the society discovered that Obama is related to seven prior presidents, including George H. W. Bush, George W. Bush, Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford, Lyndon Johnson, Harry S. Truman and James Madison. They also learned he was related to Hollywood actor Brad Pitt.

Brown, once a little-known state senator, came into the political spotlight after winning the Senate seat held for nearly a half-century by the late Democratic Senator Edward Kennedy. (ANI)

New York, Jan 30 (ANI): Fashion designer Anand Jon Alexander was brought to a Manhattan court yesterday to face accusations of sexual assaults against 12 young women and girls.

Jon, 36, is already serving 59 years to life in a California prison for sex assaults on seven other girls. According to authorities in Dallas he has still more crimes to his name.

Law enforcement officials say his New York victims were aged 15 to 26. Jon would invite them to New York from across the US after seeing their pictures online. He would tell them ‘You’re gorgeous,’ and that he wanted them to model in his fashion line.

In the court, Jon pleaded ‘Not guilty’. He was wearing a prison-issued beige pair of cargo pants and a white t-shirt.

Jon will be held here for the duration of a possible trial on the Manhattan charges, which include forcible sodomy and rape, carrying maximum sentences of 25 years to life in prison, reports the New York Post.

California authorities have made it clear that that any sentences he earns elsewhere must be served after he completes his West Coast time.

Jon’s allegedly assaulted women between 2002 and 2006, and targeted young aspiring models. His youngest California victim was 14.

Before he was taken into custody in 2007, Jon was named by Newsweek mag as an up-and-coming fashion star.

Jon, whose Indian-inspired frocks have been donned by Paris Hilton, Oprah and Janet Jackson, also appeared as a guest designer on the TV reality show, ‘America’s Next Top Model.’ (ANI)

Washington, January 30 (ANI): Drinking with Brad Pitt can lead to ‘alcohol poisoning,’ believes his ‘Inglourious Basterds’ co-star Samm Levine.

The actor said it was fun to hit the bottle with the director of the film Quentin Tarantino and the ‘Troy’ star.

‘Oh, he’s a fine drinking buddy. Between Brad and Quentin, I would die of alcohol poisoning on day two if I had to keep up with those guys!’ Us magazine quoted Levine as saying.

He added: ‘Brad’s just about the coolest guy. Everything rolls right off his back.’

Levine was present at the Sundance Film Festival to promote his new film ‘Drones’. (ANI)

London, Jan 30 (IANS) Michael Jackson’s father wants to investigate the death of his son and has filed papers in Los Angeles, demanding release of medical records.

Joe Jackson is convinced the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Centre documents will help him determine if anyone was to blame for the King of Pop’s death and how much he should sue them for.

Family members, including Joe, have accused the singer’s personal physician Conrad Murray of wrongful death of the star, but police have yet to charge the medic with any wrongdoing and he has maintained he’s innocent.

Joe Jackson’s lawyer filed papers in Los Angeles County Superior Court Friday in which he claimed: “The UCLA records will permit Joe to determine with medical experts and then present to this court, how much support he needs to pay for the prosecution of his wrongful death action against those responsible for his son’s death.”

Michael was pronounced dead on arrival at the medical centre.

London, January 30 (ANI): Kate Moss has ditched her greyish blue highlights to go back to her blonde colour in Paris.

The British supermodel left onlookers gasping after she was spotted with the bizarre streaks at the launch of a new range of Longchamp handbags.

But the 36-year-old catwalk queen, who coloured her strands for just one-night, returned to her usual honey blonde as she treaded fashion house Balmain, reports the Daily Express.

Stylist of the Year Mark Woolley said: “The revelation that Kate’s new streaks were for one night only simply cement her position as trendsetter extraordinaire. No doubt the look will be recreated up and down the country.” (ANI)

New York, Jan 30 (IANS) India-born fashion designer Anand Jon was faced with fresh multiple charges of sexually assaulting a dozen women, including teenagers, in a New York court. He, however, pleaded “not guilty” to the new charges.

Jon, who was sentenced to 59 years in jail by a California court in September last year for raping seven young women, faces similar charges of sexually preying on a dozen of young women – aged 15 to 26 – since 2002 by promising them modelling assignments.

The 36-year-old was extradited to New York to face the new charges in the Manhattan court Friday.

Prosecutors said the designer sexually assaulted at least two women by first drugging them. In one case, he allegedly threatened his young victim if she spoke about her molestation, prosecutors added.

Appearing in the Manhattan court for arraignment, the once celebrity designer pleaded “not guilty” to charges – of rapes, drugging and intimidation. He is charged with rape, criminal sexual acts, promoting a sexual performance by a child and an alleged attack on a minor.

The indictment statement said the designer preyed on innocent women by luring them with modelling assignments.

Defence lawyer Adam Freedman wouldn’t comment on the new allegations against the designer who was once profiled by Newsweek magazine as one of the 20 rising stars in different fields.

Jon’s lawyer did not ask for bail since the designer is technically a prisoner in Los Angeles, where he was sentenced to 59 years to life.

Jon, who was featured on reality television show “America’s Next Top Model” and socialized with America’s glitterati, including Paris Hilton, could face up to 25 years to life imprisonment if on the fresh charges.

Jon has maintained his innocence throughout the California case. His lawyers argued many of the women lied to get revenge against him after they didn’t get modelling jobs.

New York, Jan 30 (IANS) Indian-born celebrity fashion designer Anand Jon has pleaded not guilty in a New York court to dozens of new charges that he sexually assaulted nine women and underage girls.

Already convicted of raping women in California, Jon, 36, was extradited to New York to face charges he preyed on 15 to 26 year old wannabe models between 2002 and 2006.

Wearing a white shirt and tan drawstring pants, dark-rimmed glasses and handcuffs, the one-time rising design star said nothing but “not guilty” as he was arraigned Friday in a Manhattan court.

He is charged with rape, criminal sexual acts, promoting a sexual performance by a child and an alleged attack on a minor.

Jon’s lawyer did not ask for bail since the designer is technically a prisoner in Los Angeles, where he was sentenced to 59 years to life.

Jon, who worked with such celebrities as Paris Hilton and Mary J. Blige is due back in Manhattan court Feb 17.

He was among 20 people profiled by Newsweek in 2006 as up-and-coming players in various industries and was featured on “America’s Next Top Model.

According to the new indictment, Anand rendered at least two women physically helpless by drugging them, and he told one teenager he would hurt her if she reported her rape to authorities.

The Manhattan District Attorney’s office had disclosed some of its charges against Alexander in 2007, after his arrest in the California case. But new charges and details, such as the allegations of drugging and threats, emerged at his

arraignment Friday.

The Manhattan case had been on hold while the California prosecution played out. Alexander was convicted in Los Angeles in 2008 of sexually assaulting seven women and girls, some as young as 14. Some also were aspiring models allegedly lured with promises of jobs and stays at luxury hotels.

Anand has maintained his innocence throughout the California case. His lawyers argued many of the women lied to get revenge against him after they didn’t get modelling jobs.

London, Jan 29 (IANS) Hollywood actresses Demi Moore and Miley Cyrus are in talks to play mother and daughter on the big screen in a remake of 2009 French hit “L.O.L. Laughing Out Loud”.

The two stars are the frontrunners to recreate roles played by Sophie Marceau and Christa Theret in the Lisa Azuelos film, reports contactmusic.com.

Azuelos will write and direct the Hollywood re-do.

The film follows the exploits of a teenager and her divorced mother as they attempt to get on with their lives after break-ups.

London, Jan 29 (IANS) Hollywood star and environmental activist Leonardo DiCaprio has gathered stars including Edward Norton, Forest Whitaker and Chace Crawford for an internet campaign in an attempt to change America’s policy on pollution and climate change.

US senators are set to vote on a piece of legislation called the Clean Energy, Jobs and American Power Act, which aims to cut US reliance on foreign oil supplies, and pump up the use of sustainable energy sources. DiCaprio has filmed an online video urging the public to lobby politicians in a bid to push the bill through, reports imdb.com.

He has recruited Norton, Whitaker and Crawford, along with “Desperate Housewives” star Felicity Huffman, Justin Long and Emmy Rossum, who all address viewers in the short film for the “This Is Our Moment” campaign.

“There is a bill in the United States Senate that we need to pay attention to. Everyone as a nation. We’re going to be watching all you senators, very closely,” said DiCaprio.

The video provides viewers with a web link which they can use to e-mail politicians to register their approval of the bill, as well as instructions how to pass on the message via social networking sites including Twitter and Facebook.

New Delhi, Jan 29 (IANS) Louis Vuitton seems to be a hot favourite with stars across the globe. From singer Rihanna to Bollywood stars Priyanka Chopra and Genelia D’Souza, all have been spotted wearing the same Louis Vuitton creation on different occasions.

The dress has a shiny grey up-neck top with puffed half sleeves and red short skirt. A black belt completes the ensemble.

Priyanka was seen sporting the outfit on the cover of Verve magazine last year. Rihanna was pictured wearing it while attending a charity gala. And Genelia wore the dress at the launch of the Louis Vuitton store at Taj Land’s End in Bandra Jan 18.

While Priyanka sported short hair with the dress and Genelia left her hair loose, Rihanna had tied her hair back into a neat bun.

It seems Kangana Ranaut, who recently won a National Award for her performance in Priyanka Chopra starrer “Fashion”, is following suit.

At a recent event, the actress was seen in a very similar ensemble. The style was the same but Kangana’s top was off-shoulder and her dress was in a shade of beige.

New York, Jan 29 (ANI): Singing stars Victoria Beckham and Jennifer Lopez might have dramatically different figures – but they’re same size in clothing.

Lopez is famously known for her curves, and Beckham is known for her stick-thin figure.

However, according to ‘The Cut’, in an interview to 10 magazine, the former Spice Girl revealed that the friends fit into the same dress.

‘My dresses are for women of all different shapes and sizes,’ Beckham said of her fashion line. Actually, the one I tried on yesterday was the one Jennifer wore,’ the New York Daily News quoted her as saying.

‘Who’d have thought I’d be the same size as Jennifer Lopez!’ she added. (ANI)

London, Jan 29 (ANI): Hollywood couple Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem have promised to donate 31,250 pounds-a-year for five years to rebuild schools in earthquake-ravaged Haiti.

The Spanish stars joined writer-director Paul Haggis at his Los Angeles home on Sunday (24Jan10) when he hosted a celebrity brunch for his charitable organisation Artists for Peace and Justice to raise funds for Haiti.

The couple are among 100 guests including Nicole Kidman, Charlize Theron, Maria Bello and Gerard Butler at the event, reports People magazine.

At the event, the stars were also treated to a performance by Sheryl Crow.

The brunch raised 2.8 million pounds for the Caribbean nation’s relief effort – including Cruz and Bardem’s personal promises to support the country as it works to rebuild its school system.

Haggis, who has been doing charity work in Haiti for years, founded Artists for Peace and Justice with a group of friends last year (09) to improve schools and hospitals and help provide locals with access to clean drinking water.

The ‘Nine’ actress’ five-year pledge comes withing two weeks after she paid tribute to Haggis at the Golden Globe Awards, where she praised him for snubbing the red carpet to fly to Haiti and help relief workers.

‘We are very lucky to be here, celebrating cinema… but it’s impossible to think about anything else than the terrible disaster that is going on in Haiti,” the Daily Star quoted her as telling E! News.

‘Our dear friend Paul Haggis… is on his way there now… I encourage people to look at the website, Artists for Peace & Justice, and to do whatever they can because everything counts, everything will make a difference to somebody else’s life,” she added. (ANI)