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Is Kate Winslet Dating Richard Branson's Nephew?

2011-09-23T09:44:00.000-07:00

Ned and Kate in London

Talk about sparks flying!

Kate Winslet not onlyescaped a house firewhile vacationing at Richard Branson's Caribbean home last month, but apparently found chemistry with Branson's nephew "Ned Rocknroll," who was also staying on Necker Island at the time.

Though the recent Emmy winner, 35, was staying at Branson's home with her two children – Mia, 10, and Joe, 7 – and boyfriend at the time, model Louis Dowler, when she left the island to return to New York, it was Ned who accompanied her, according to Britain's Daily Mail.

It was an eventful trip for Winslet, who rescued Branson's 90-year-old mother from the blaze that destroyed the business mogul's vacation home.

"Ned was heartbroken and went to Necker to take his mind off things," a source told British tabloid The Sun of Rocknroll, 33, who separated from his wife, heiress Eliza Cowdray, earlier this year. "But when Kate came out they really hit it off."

The pair have been dating ever since, British reports say. They were photographed walking together in central London earlier this week, both in town to attend the funeral of Richard Branson's father, Ted.

Ned, who legally changed his name from Ned Abel Smith, works for Branson's space initiative, Virgin Galactic. A rep for Winslet had no comment.

Mark Walhberg: Entourage Movie Likely to Happen

2011-09-19T17:11:00.000-07:00

Don't say goodbye to the Entourage boys just yet. The rumor that they'll be back on the big screen happens to be true, the show's executive producer, Mark Wahlberg, tells PEOPLE.

Even before last week's finale aired and wrapped up eight years of adventures on HBO, there was loud chatter that the series would become a movie.

"It better happen," Wahlberg said over the weekend at Las Vegas's Palms Place Hotel and Spa. "We're working on [a movie] as we speak."

By ending the storyline on an upbeat note – Vinnie (Adrien Grenier) got married, Eric (Kevin Connolly) got back his bride-to-be, Drama (Kevin Dillon) got his series, Turtle (Jerry Ferrara) got his fortune, and Ari (Jeremy Piven) got his marriage back on track and a job offer to run a studio – Wahlberg says everything is "teed up for a movie."

So will Ari Gold opt to take the studio offer, or will he keep his word to his wife (Perrey Reeves) that they'll take a year off together? Reveals Wahlberg: "The dream job he got offered is too good to pass up."

Maria Shriver and Arnold Schwarzenegger: Why They Split

2011-05-10T15:49:00.000-07:00

Two months ago, Maria Shriver posed the question herself in a YouTube video: "How do you deal with transitions in your life?"

In the last two years, she had lost her parents, Sargent and Eunice Shriver, and her uncle Ted Kennedy. Her husband Arnold Schwarzenegger had been essentially run out of Sacramento after a disappointing term as California governor, and he was returning to action movies at age 63.

Shriver, 55, found herself with four children growing up and going off to college and no full-time job. She was no longer First Lady. Her TV news career had been put on hold for seven years while Schwarzenegger was in the statehouse.

"Everything she knows has been moving out from under her," a longtime friend tells PEOPLE. "She has been keeping this very quiet. I don’t know what she is going to do next; everything at the moment is on hold."

Everything, including her 25-year marriage.

Late Monday, whispers that one of the most famous Hollywood/political couples had been leading separate lives for weeks and perhaps months were finally confirmed: "We are living apart," they said in a joint statement that spoke to the fact they both were at a crossroads.

"This has been a time of great personal and professional transition for each of us," they said.

No Scandal

Although Schwarzenegger has faced allegations of misbehavior toward women, friends insist there's no third-party, no smoking gun.

"I don't think there was anything calculated about the timing," says a source close to the couple. "For seven years, they both took their jobs very seriously – he as Governor and she as First Lady – and they were very, very busy. They weren't concerned with how things look in the public eye. Whatever decision they made was after careful thought and through prayer and they did what they truly thought was right for themselves and their children."

Sources say the separation was decided upon recently, and photographs in the last week show them both without wedding bands. It appeared that in the end, despite their wealth, fame and privilege, they are facing the same challenges and problems of many others.

"It’s common for marriages at this point, where they are going through so many different things, to reach a period where they have to work harder at that marriage and work on it in their own way," says another source. "It's obviously very hard for him. He is doing the best he can. He’s a very optimistic person. He loves her dearly. They are working on this together."

Their split comes after an improbable love story between a member of the Democratic Kennedy dynasty and the Republican bodybuilder/action star from Austria. And those who know them say they'll rely on their faith and commitment to family – and will bounce back.

"She will make something of herself again," says a source close to her. "She is fantastic and smart and very motivated.

Nicolas Cage Celebrates His Son's Wedding – on a Yacht!

2011-05-10T15:34:00.000-07:00

It was a family affair for Nicolas Cage as he celebrated son Weston's recent nuptials, and now PEOPLE.com has exclusive photos of the big day.

The actor appeared to be in good spirits at his April 24 wedding, when Weston, 20, wed musician Nikki Williams, 22, in New Orleans.

Cage, 47, looked dapper in a black suit, while his wife, Alice Kim, donned a sparkly cocktail dress as they celebrated on a yacht in Lake Pontchartrain.

While Weston wore a black tuxedo for the event, his bride chose a short white dress. The two, who got engaged just one week earlier, enjoyed cake

Christina Aguilera & Her New Guy Share Christmas Spirit

2010-12-17T09:50:00.000-08:00

Christina Aguilera and her new guy Matt Rutler went seasonally traditional in Germany on Thursday, strolling through Berlin's elegant Christmas Market – all hot on the heels of their European travels, first to a London nightspot, then to a Paris strip club.

In the German city, with the premiere of her movie Burlesque about to take place with 1,000 fans already gathered outside the cinema, the couple meandered through the market stands and booths, even stopping to purchase some sugared almonds. Staving off the subfreezing cold, they also shared some hot mulled wine.

Decked out in miniskirt and black-and-white checkered lumberjack shirt under a large down parka, Aguilera went largely unrecognized during the hour's visit.

Then came show time, and the couple quickly returned to their hotel to change for the red carpet.

In a low-cut, hot pink halter-top dress, Aguilera again braved the cold – this time alongside her screen costar Cher.
– Karen Nickel Anhalt

Jake Gyllenhaal Dodges Taylor Talk

2010-11-08T16:02:00.000-08:00

If this isn't a definitive sign that two stars are dating, what is?

At his Love and Other Drugs press conference on Saturday at the Waldorf-Astoria in Manhattan, Jake Gyllenhaal dodged a question from a PEOPLE reporter about his relationship with Taylor Swift. And he wasn't alone in that pursuit.

Asked what's going on between the actor and the country star, Gyllenhaal's Love costar Anne Hathaway quickly interjected, mock-shouting at the reporter who inquired (seemingly in order to save her friend).

As an uncomfortable-looking Gyllenhaal kept silent, Hathaway yelled, "Hang on, hang on, I have to say something! I have been Jake's onscreen love interest for years, all right? You keep the conversation to me and only me, otherwise I'm going to get nasty!"

Gyllenhaal simply quipped, "You get Ella Enchanted pissed off ..." (Swift similarly avoided questions about her rumored beau on Ellen DeGeneres last month.)

Meanwhile, if Swift was also in New York City over the weekend, and if the pair did meet up again, they did a good job of keeping it under wraps. She was in Nashville Sunday to rehearse for the CMA Awards.

Tell us: When they are ready to go public, what should be Jake and Taylor's cutesy combined moniker?

Dina Lohan Admits Lindsay Lohan Is an Addict

2010-11-08T15:59:00.000-08:00

After years of downplaying Lindsay Lohan's struggles with substance abuse, Dina Lohan admitted Monday that her daughter is an addict.

In an interview with Today's Matt Lauer, Dina described her famous daughter, who is being treated at the Betty Ford Center in California, as "happy [and] relaxed."

"She's just a different person," Dina said. "She's been in a couple facilities, but this one to me has really changed her."

Dina had previously defended Lindsay on the Today show, instead placing blame on the judge in her case. When asked on Monday by Lauer why she was unwilling to admit Lindsay had a problem in the past, Dina said, "That was for Lindsay to admit. As a mother it wasn't for me to come to tell the world … about her problem."

"That was for her to do," she said. "I wasn't in denial."

Dina also somewhat revised her opinion about her daughter's tumultuous relationship with her father, Michael Lohan, saying she thinks it would be good for the two to reconnect.

When asked about online reports of an emotional reunion with Michael, Dina said she supported "whatever the facility wishes for her. It's all about Lindsay and her healing."

As to what will happen to her daughter, who has relapsed numerous times, once she is released from rehab on Jan. 3, Dina is cautiously optimistic.

"We take it one day at a time," she said. "Addiction is difficult. I don't know. I don't have a crystal ball. I pray hard ... We can only be positive and look to the future to help other families."

Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Wife Split

2010-06-03T13:55:00.000-07:00

After 14 years of marriage and two children, Saved by the Bell star Mark-Paul Gosselaar and his wife Lisa Ann Russell have separated.

"They both remain focused on their family and are jointly committed to their children,” his rep tells PEOPLE.

Gosselaar, 36, and Russell, 38, met on the set of Saved by the Bell when she had a small role. They got married in 1996, and have children Michael Charles, 6, and Ava Lorenn, 4.

Gosselaar next will be seen on TNT's new legal show Franklin & Bash.

Robin Wright 'Is a Ghost to Me Now,' Says Sean Penn

2010-06-03T13:52:00.001-07:00

Together since 1989 and married in 1996, Robin Wright was Sean Penn's longtime anchor. Then, after some false starts and changing of minds, the two finally divorced last August.

While Wright rhapsodized about relishing her independence and harboring no regrets when it came to her ex, Penn, looking back, says, "She is a ghost to me now."

Speaking to author-historian Douglas Brinkley for Vanity Fair's July issue, on the nation's newsstands next Tuesday, the Mystic River and Milk Best Actor Oscar winner says, "We spent all those years together … Now she's just gone."

The couple's $15 million northern California home was sold, and Penn, 49, now lives in Malibu near his mom, actress Eileen Ryan.

Shifts Focus

Penn's personal life, he says, now revolves around issues that concern him, such as aiding the victims and helping to rebuild Haiti after last January's devastating 7.0 earthquake.

As co-founder, with L.A.-based, Sarajevo-born philanthropist Diana Jenkins, of the relief organization J/P HRO, Penn's commitment to the Caribbean nation is long-term. "There is no exit for me until there is more life than death," he says.

As such, Vanity Fair reports, Penn was recently made official "camp manager" of a Port-au-Prince displaced persons facility that has assisted some 50,000 quake survivors – to whom he's dispensed medicine, among other tasks (sweeping floors, hauling bags of rice).

Reunited with Wright for Son

Yet he is also there for his family. When his 16-year-old son with Wright, Hopper – named for the recently deceased actor Dennis Hopper, a friend of Penn's – sustained a life-threatening head injury in a skateboarding accident, Penn joined Wright in the hospital to be there for the teen and pray for him.

"He underwent risky surgery due to intense bleeding of the brain," Penn says, "and he pulled through."

His son's brush with death was life-altering for Penn, writes Brinkley. With a karmic debt to be repaid, Penn began painstakingly re-assessing his life's priorities, and spent time with T Bone Burnett, the composer-producer who in the 1970s helped Bob Dylan find Jesus.

"I wanted to give back something more to help struggling people, but I didn't know how to best do it," says Penn. "I was for 20 years in a relationship with Robin and 18 years with children. I didn't have time to commit to anything – for real – in places like Iraq, except to denounce the war. But now I'm single. I can lend a hand."

Jessica Simpson: I Want to Be Michelle Obama

2010-05-02T10:05:00.000-07:00

Jessica Simpson is a singer, actress and reality star, but now she has a new goal: She wants to be Michelle Obama.

"I really do," Simpson told PEOPLE before the White House Correspondents' dinner in Washington, D.C., Saturday. "She's such an incredible woman, and she's with such a powerful man."

What does Simpson admire most about the First Lady? "Everything she does she exudes confidence," says the singer. "I'm really just here to celebrate her."

Simpson was just one among many celebrities who came out for the annual event and mingled at the packed pre-party. Other starts included Sex and the City star Kristin Davis, Michael Douglas and Bradley Cooper.

"It's sort of like Oscar night," mused comedian Bill Maher, who joked: "It's great to mingle with America's real intellectual heavyweights. I saw the Jonas Brothers, Justin Bieber, Jessica Simpson, Ryan Seacrest – I can't wait to talk politics."

Despite all the bold-faced names, the most mobbed star of the evening was teen heartthrob Bieber. "Look at that guy: He's got more secret service than [President] Obama,” quipped Entourage's Adrian Grenier.

Still, the star of the night was President Barack Obama, who got lots of laughs during his speech. "It's been quite a year, " he said. "Lots of ups, lots of downs – except for my approval ratings, which have just gone down."

Obama also poked fun at Tonight Show host Jay Leno, who was in attendance at the event. "I am glad that the only person's whose ratings fell more than mine last year is here tonight. Great to see you, Jay," the president quipped to loud laughter. "I'm also glad that I'm speaking first because we've all seen what happens when somebody takes the timeslot after Leno's."

Is Gwyneth Paltrow Feuding with Scarlett Johansson?

2010-05-02T10:02:00.001-07:00

If Gwyneth Paltrow and her Iron Man 2 costar Scarlett Johansson are feuding as some online reports suggest, it's news to the blonde star.
"People tell me, 'Oh you had a fight,' " Paltow tells PEOPLE at a party for Chopard's 150th anniversary at the Frick Collection in New York. "They're pitting you against each other and I just think, 'Why do we need to make a problem between women?' "

"I think that's the part that's lame," she says.

In fact, Paltrow, 37, says she found a kindred spirit in her 25-year-old costar.

"I adore Scarlett. I loved having her on set," the actress says. "She is really funny. She swears a lot. She has a dirty sense of humor. She loves to cook. She's like a girl after my own heart."

Paltrow, who got into top-notch shape for Iron Man 2 , which arrives in theaters May 7, slightly fell off the exercise wagon in order to get into character for another film. Still, she maintains that an active lifestyle is her priority. "I think a healthy lifestyle is really important," Paltrow says. "We're meant to be active and strong. We're not meant to be sedentary creatures who kind of sit at a desk all day."

Continues the actress: "It's so important to walk home or just take a bike ride because it's how you're connected to your body. It keeps all kinds of health problems at bay."

How does she keep in shape when not aggressively working out "I try to at least walk from point A to point B," says Paltrow, "or do some sit-ups before bed or anything to get the blood going."

Gabriel Aubry Sad About Split from Halle Berry

2010-05-02T10:00:00.001-07:00

Although Gabriel Aubry and Halle Berry have split up, the model says he has nothing but love and respect for the actress, with whom he has a 2-year-old daughter.

“While I will not comment on all of the wild inaccuracies being speculated about in the media, I am sad to say that Halle and I have decided together to separate at this time," Aubry, a model, confirmed Friday in a statement to Access Hollywood released through his agency, Wilhelmina Models.

Reports of the couple's break up first began circulating widely on Friday. Berry’s rep couldn’t be reached for comment.

Aubry says of his Oscar winning ex, "She is, and will forever be, one of the most special and beautiful people that I have ever known, and I am certain that we will continue to have only love and respect for one another."

The couple are putting daughter Nahla first, according to the model. "Her happiness and well-being are the most important thing for both of us," Aubry says. "Please respect our privacy during this very difficult time."

Berry, 43, and Aubry, 34, had been together four years. They first met at a Versace store opening in Manhattan in February

Nick Cannon's Anniversary Gift to Mariah Carey: Candy Bling!

2010-05-02T09:51:00.000-07:00

Nick Cannon and Mariah Carey have a shared love of candy ring pops – so why not combine that love with some serious bling for an anniversary gift?

Cannon did just that when he gave his wife a custom-made "Ring Pop" as a surprise gift during their small, private party for their second anniversary in Los Angeles Friday. But this sweet treat was no sucker: Hand crafted at Jason of Beverly Hills jewelers, the sparkler was made of white gold encrusted in white diamonds and pink sapphires.

"It also comes in a box complete with a spinner so that you can see it sparkle under the lights inside," Jason Arasheben, the CEO of Jason of Beverly Hills, tells PEOPLE.

And the candy ring has history in the happy couple's relationship: Three years ago when Cannon, 29, proposed to Carey, 41, it was with a diamond ring disguised in a ring pop candy wrapper. They got married in 2008 on Carey's Bahamian estate.

It's fitting that Carey's last album, Memories of an Imperfect Angel, has a track called "Candy Bling" on which Carey professes her love of old school candy ring pops.

Says Arasheben, "The ring pop design is something Nick knew Mariah would absolutely love."

Last month, Cannon said he and Carey planned to renew their vows as part of their anniversary celebration. "I encourage everybody to do it," he said at the time. "If you are happy and in love, celebrate it!"

Randy Quaid & Wife's Criminal Case Ends in Plea Deal

2010-04-28T14:05:00.000-07:00

The strange legal odyssey of Randy and Evi Quaid came to conclusion Wednesday when a judge dismissed charges against the actor while his wife pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor in their hotel bill-skipping case.

Under terms of the plea deal, hashed out behind closed doors in Santa Barbara Superior Court, both escaped additional jail time – they already served several hours for missing court dates – but Evi must perform 240 hours of community service within a year.

Outside of court, Randy Quaid said the case taught him "you pay your bills when you leave, and I suppose that's something we can work on in the future."

Joking that he sang Johnny Cash songs like "Folsom Prison Blues" when he was behind bars, Randy also tells PEOPLE he feels that he was treated a bit more harshly by authorities because of his celebrity status.

"Usually, with celebrities, they tend to try to make an example of you," Quaid says. "But I'll roll with that. I don't hold grudges."

Randy, 59, and Evi, 46, were accused of failing to pay a more than $10,000 hotel bill at an exclusive Santa Barbara resort. They had faced three felonies, but in the end Evi pleaded to the lesser misdemeanor of defrauding an innkeeper.

Since their arrest last September in Texas, the eccentric couple – Evi brought her husband's 1988 Golden Globe trophy to one court date – repeatedly skipped hearings and recently were declared fugitives. When they finally showed up to court Monday they were detained for approximately three hours before posting $100,000 bail each.

The Quaids had maintained that the charges were the result of a misunderstanding, and they thought they could pay the bills later by mail. Prosecutors said that the Quaids presented invalid credit cards and skipped out on bills for several thousand dollars.

Evi says she plans to do her community service by working with the homeless in Los Angeles and developing a theater program for them.

"We want to create a homeless theater for men in Los Angeles," she said outside of court. "The creative process is something that homeless men are cut out for, and they are a profound resource."

Bret Michaels Is Conscious and Talking Slowly

2010-04-28T14:02:00.000-07:00

In the past five days, Bret Michaels was rushed to a hospital after suffering a brain hemorrhage, underwent tests while remaining in critical but stable condition and found out he had a side effect that could lead to seizures. But there's a good chance the rocker won't remember any of it, says one expert.

"Most people [who suffer this type of brain hemorrhage] don't remember most of their hospitalization – they have no recollection," Dr. Melvin Field, director of the Florida Hospital Neuroscience Institute, tells PEOPLE.

Still, Michaels is conscious, talking very slowly and in good spirits, his rep tells PEOPLE.
Doctors usually "give patients some sedation so they don't have pain, and that can kind of make it so they don't remember too much," says Field, adding that having blood in the brain can also cause some confusion.

Michaels will remain under the care of doctors, who discovered the Celebrity Apprentice contestant has a side-effect called hyponatremia, a lack of sodium in blood that can cause seizures. His rep says he has not had any seizures.

Field says the hyponatremia shouldn't be considered a setback. "It's relatively common [in these cases]," he says. "I don’t think it’s going to cause permanent problems. It’s almost like a small road-bump – like having a fever."

While Field says the rocker, 47, who suffered a massive subarachnoid hemorrhage on April 22, will most likely have "a pretty good headache" during his recovery and be in the hospital three to four weeks, he shouldn't have any other significant side effects. "If he came into the hospital awake and talking with a bad headache, there is a very good possibility he'll leave the hospital the way he came,” says Field. "He should be fine."

Amanda Peet Hits the Red Carpet – 8 Days After Baby!

2010-04-28T14:00:00.000-07:00

Wow, that was fast! Just eight days after giving birth to daughter Molly June on April 19, Amanda Peet returned to the red carpet for the premiere of her new indie comedy, Please Give, in New York City Tuesday evening.

Sporting a sleek, pulled-back ponytail, the glowing actress hid her post-baby bump and played up her ample cleavage in a chic silk Lanvin baby doll dress paired with Christian Louboutin open-toe heels and a Marc Jacobs clutch.
We love her simple but sexy new mommy look.

Hilary Duff Is a 'Relaxed' Bride-to-Be, Says Sister Haylie

2010-04-27T07:35:00.001-07:00

Hilary Duff may be a crazy fan when she's cheering for her hockey-player fiancé Mike Comrie. But when it comes to wedding planning, the actress is a lot more calm.

"She's really relaxed and wants something comfortable and great," big sister Haylie Duff said Monday at the Tribeca Film Festival premiere of the documentary Earth Made of Glass. "She's just so excited to be engaged."

Comrie, 29, who plays for the Edmonton Oilers, proposed to Hilary, 22, over Christmas in Hawaii. Four months later, she and her sister are still in the early stages of planning the nuptials.

"We've started talking about the wedding stuff, but she's still just really happy in this sort of phase," says Haylie, 25. "It'll be a while, but it's fun to talk about it and think about it."

Luckily, Haylie hasn't to deal with any bridezilla-like antics from her little sister. "She's just not the [type]," she says. "One of my other best friends got married and was a complete bridezilla, so I'm not getting the signs from Hilary that that's the case."

Haylie was attending the Earth Made of Glass premiere to support her friends Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan, who were producers on it. The film is a documentary about about the Rwandan genocide.

Hugh Hefner Saves the Hollywood Sign

2010-04-27T07:14:00.000-07:00

Hugh Hefner just pulled a rabbit out of his hat to save Hollywood – the iconic sign, that is.

The Playboy founder has donated the final $900,000 needed to preserve 138 acres behind the film capital's most famous visual symbol on Mount Lee, just as time was running out.

"It would have been a real shame after having restored it if it wound up sold," Hefner, 84, told PEOPLE on Monday at the Hollywood premiere of Iron Man 2, with the legendary 45-foot white letters looming in the background. "It's become something iconic and represents not only the town but represents Hollywood dreams, and I think that's something worth preserving."

Developers have been eyeing the hillside, once owned by Howard Hughes, for luxury mansions, but a nonprofit land-conservation group was given the chance to buy the land for $12.5 million. As an April 30 deadline neared, the group was nearly $1 million short.

"I was aware of the fact that they were raising the money, but I only learned about a week ago that they were running out of time," said Hefner. "They only had about a week and a half left to go."

The sign was built in 1923 as part of a real-estate promotion, originally spelling out "Hollywoodland" (the "land" was removed in 1949). In 1978, after years of neglect, Hefner was one of a number of patrons who donated funds to restore it.

Meanwhile, Hefner continues to develop his own Hollywood fantasy: a feature film chronicling his life, with Iron Man star Robert Downey Jr. potentially in the lead role.

"It would be my hope and dream," said Hefner. "Right after Iron Man first came out, he called me the following week and said, 'When are we going to start the Playboy film?' So, we have to get a good screenplay."

Whitney Houston's Off-Key Night Disappoints London Fans

2010-04-26T11:17:00.000-07:00

Whitney Houston may have performed her megahit "I Will Always Love You" at her sold-out London concert on Sunday – but apparently scores of her fans didn't share the sentiment.

Despite paying up to $170 a ticket, disappointed concertgoers streamed out of the singer's show at the O2 Arena after Houston failed to hit the high notes and she rasped her way through several attempts at the song. To her credit, the singer, 46, knew she was disappointing the crowd, and she shook her head and tried to reassure the audience.

"Oh, it's going to come," Houston announced mid-song. "I wanna do it – but [my voice] just doesn’t want to. I have long talks with her. Well, tonight she's getting a little temperamental."

Houston, whose European tour has been plagued by her respiratory illness, also blamed her vocal troubles on the venue's air-conditioning, which she told fans "turned my soprano off." (Houston also cited the a/c as the cause of similar problems at her Birmingham, England, show weeks before.)

For real fans, though, the singer's apparent performance troubles were no problem at all. Many were just thrilled to see her in the U.K. again, since her last official tour date in the British capital in 1999.

"She was incredibly brave to come out and perform," concert attendee Maria Montague told PEOPLE at the show. "Even though she struggled at times, I think she did well considering what's she's been through."

According to longtime fan Kevin Hughes: "The voice has definitely deteriorated, but the showmanship and the sheer entertainment value is still there. She’s still a star."

The British press, however, didn't quite agree.

A Daily Mail critic said the performance "went from bad to worse," and said Houston's voice "was a former shadow of what it used to be." And a report in The Sun said Houston's performance and vocal troubles "highlighted the superstar's dramatic decline."

A rep for Houston could not be reached for comment.

Still, the singer's ardent admirers praised her for taking the stage – and admitting her own weaknesses. "I think it was a very honest performance," fan Howard Griffiths told PEOPLE. "She didn't try to hide anything ... it was honest."

Victoria & David Beckham Not Ruling Out a Fourth Child

2010-04-26T11:15:00.000-07:00

Family is a priority for David and Victoria Beckham. But adding a new member is not – at least for now.

"We've got a great family base. We've got an amazing three boys, and we protect them with every ounce of energy that we have," the soccer star, 34, said Monday on ABC's The View.

His wife, Victoria, 36, who was in the audience, said the couple have no immediate plans to expand the brood – though it's not out of the question. "I think one day, if we're blessed to have more children, it would be amazing," she said. "It's a lot having three boys. So, we're just enjoying the boys at the moment. But who knows, one day?"

David's dreams of playing in his fourth World Cup for England this summer were dashed by an Achilles injury last month, and he needed a cane to walk to the View stage. But the setback did allow him to return to L.A. – and sons Brooklyn, 11, Romeo, 7, and Cruz, 5 – after a stint playing in Italy.

"Obviously [the injury] is frustrating, but I get time to spend with the family, which I haven't done in the last few months," he said.

In general, the family is very comfortable in L.A., where David is a member of the Galaxy. "We love England. London is where we're both from," he said. "But this is a new phase of our life that we're really enjoying. We've been in Los Angeles now for three years, and we're so happy there. We're not going to be moving back anytime soon."

And the kids, he added, are fitting in just fine. "They're just three little normal boys who are enjoying school," he said.

Brother Approves of Anna Paquin's Engagement to Stephen Moyer

2010-04-26T07:49:00.000-07:00

Sibling revelry: Now that Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer are altar-bound, Anna's older brother has given his blessing to his sister's True Blood costar joining the family.

"I absolutely approve! Steve will be an amazing husband to Anna and a great brother-in-law," Andrew Paquin told PEOPLE at Saturday's Tribeca Film Festival premiere of his directorial debut movie, Open House, which also happens to star Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer.

Assuming the role of the protective older (by five years) brother, Andrew has no problem with the 40-year-old English actor marrying his 27-year-old sister. In fact, Andrew and Moyer have become close buddies themselves.

"She's in very good hands," says Andrew. "Steve's a lovely man and a really great guy. He's become a very good friend. Everything is great and I'm really happy for them."

A psychological thriller, Open House was filmed in Andrew's own home – before his sister and Moyer became engaged. Still, the director says he saw something special brewing between them.

"They have amazing chemistry together on and off the screen. There's something special going on, and they understand and respect each other."

Now with their plans to tie the knot, "They are certainly in love and very good to each other and very kind to each other," says Andrew. "That's important."

And while, like all siblings, they fought while growing up, when it came to directing his Academy Award-winning sister, "It was fantastic … but I was nervous because she's such a good actress," he says.

"We only had two days together and it was my first time directing and I wanted to do a good job. But she made my life pretty easy as a director. She knows her lines perfectly and she understands her character."

Carrie Underwood on Wedding: I Don't Know What I'm Doing

2010-04-21T05:41:00.000-07:00

Having already admitted she's not stressing about her upcoming wedding to Ottawa Senators hockey player Mike Fisher, Carrie Underwood is now claiming she's not even giving the big day a thought.

"Everybody would always ask me questions like, 'What have you always dreamt of? This is your day,' " Underwood, who on Sunday night in Las Vegas won the Academy of Country Music's coveted entertainer of the year prize for a second straight year, tells Ellen DeGeneres on The Ellen DeGeneres Show airing Wednesday.

Truth be told, says Underwood, 27, "I never thought about it until I was engaged. I wasn't one of those little girls that always dreamt about getting married. So I have no idea what I'm doing, basically."

Keeping the Date a Secret

When DeGeneres mentions the availability of professional wedding planners, Underwood responds that she and fiancé Fisher, 29, (who was playing for the Senators in Ottawa at the time of her big win in Vegas), are "both so laid back. We pick out food, and we know where we're going to be … but everything else we're easy about. We don't care."

In terms of how big a bash the wedding will be, "We're trying to keep it as small as possible," says Underwood, "but he has so many family members and all my friends are people that I work with and I love to death so."

Still, "We're trying to keep it as small as possible."

As for the date – which so far has not been formally announced – DeGeneres just had to ask. (She also had to give Underwood a Snuggie – fit for two.)

The bride-to-be says her and Fisher's calendars are marked with a wedding date, though "not one that were openly talking about."

Melanie Griffith No Longer Feeding the 'Monster' of Addiction

2010-04-21T05:39:00.001-07:00

After battling substance-abuse problems on and off for more than 30 years, Melanie Griffith says the "monster" has been contained.

"Addiction's a tough enemy to defeat," the Oscar-nominated actress tells Spain's ¡Hola! magazine in a new interview. "I think of it as a monster. If I feed it, it will always want more and more, so now I'm letting it starve to death in a corner. But it's always there."

Last August, the actress, 52, entered rehab for a third time, following stints in 1988 and 2000. She tells the magazine she became addicted to painkillers following a skiing accident.

"Now I feel free," she says. "I don't drink. I don't take pills. Nothing. And it's fantastic. It's like getting out of prison."

Griffith's husband of almost 14 years, Antonio Banderas, says dealing with his wife's struggles has brought them closer as a couple – and as a family with daughter Stella, who is 13.

"There were people who literally didn't give us more than six months!" Banderas, 49, tells ¡Hola!. "But we love each other, and above all we love our family. We've figured out how to get past obstacles … and if you get past those, you only get stronger."

Demi & Ashton's Late-Night Mac & Cheese Dinner

2010-04-21T05:37:00.000-07:00

• Demi Moore and husband Ashton Kutcher enjoyed a late-night bite at New York City eatery Cafeteria over the weekend. Arriving with another couple around 2 a.m., the lovebirds shared a plate of mac and cheese. "Ashton was so attentive and rubbed Demi's arm as she ordered," an onlooker tells PEOPLE. "They were adorable." (

• Pals Matthew McConaughey and Kenny Chesney kept the post-ACM Awards fun going in Las Vegas Monday night. Arriving at the sky-high ghostbar in the Palms Casino Resort around 1:30 a.m., the duo and several friends kicked back with a few festive drinks.

• He may have lost his spot on Dancing With the Stars, but that didn't stop soap star Aiden Turner from unwinding with some guy friends recently at SUSHISAMBA 7 in New York. The former All My Children actor and his buddies savored some taquitos and Samba rolls, then washed their dinner down with a round of tequila shots.

• Former president Bill Clinton held a private dinner for 50 guests Saturday night at Scarpetta in Miami's Fontainebleau Resort. Drinking water and Diet Coke, he was "well behaved" and flanked by security throughout the night. "It was insane how many women tried to get into the event," a source tells PEOPLE. "They all love Bill! He is still hot and was extremely polite."

• Is love in the air? Real Housewives of New York City star Luann deLesseps surfaced in Los Angeles recently for lunch with an older male at Mauro's Cafe inside Fred Segal. The two sipped Voss water and shared entrées including the almond salad and spaghetti with olive oil and fresh garlic. A witness tells PEOPLE the former Countess looked "radiant" in a sleek purple dress.

Sandra Bullock Not Seeking a Divorce Lawyer

2010-03-23T17:07:00.001-07:00

Sandra Bullock has not been looking for a divorce lawyer – and neither has husband Jesse James, their reps tell PEOPLE.

TMZ reported Tuesday the actress's representatives "had been in touch with several high-end divorce lawyers," while James's reps had "contacted several lawyers" in case Bullock filed for divorce following his reported infidelity.

Bullock's rep tells PEOPLE: "Neither she nor her representatives have contacted or shopped around for divorce lawyers."

James's rep says the report was untrue.

Bullock's rep also denied an Internet report that on Sunday night Bullock – who has moved out of the family home and has been lying low in the wake of the infidelity news – dined with producers to discuss an upcoming project in which she would play Meryl Streep's daughter.

"The entire report," says the rep, "is another piece of fiction."