Star Trip

The Saturdays announce tour of UK

2010-08-31T18:14:11Z

The Saturdays have announced a 17-date UK tour, which is good news for anyone who wants to see The Saturdays in concert. The girls will embark on their second headlining tour in February 2011, playing dates in Liverpool, Manchester and London among others. But not Ireland... well... not yet anyway.

]]> No dates in Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland were announced. However, Una Healey said on Twitter: "BTW we in the process of sorting out an Irish date or two don't worry it was the first question I asked!!"

Tickets for the announced dates go on sale at 9am on Friday, September 3. Here are the tour dates.

February

5 - Liverpool Philharmonic
6 - Glasgow Clyde Auditorium
7 - Newcastle City Hall
9 - Carlisle Sands Centre
10 - Manchester Apollo
11 - Sheffield City Hall
12 - Nottingham Royal Centre
14 - Wolverhampton Civic
15 - Brighton Centre
17 - London HMV Hammersmith Apollo
19 - Oxford New Theatre
20 - Southend Cliffs Pavilion
21 - Leicester De Montfort Hall
22 - Bristol Colston Hall
24 - Plymouth Pavilions
25 - Cardiff International Arena
26 - Bournemouth International Centre

Maroon 5 are not a boyband... OKAY?

2010-08-31T18:06:06Z

What is a boyband? A band made up of boys? Well, most metal bands are made up of boys so it can't be that. Is it a pop band, made up of boys? Well, I don't think you'd call The Klaxons a boyband would you? Guess who else isn't a boyband? Maroon 5. Because they said so.

]]> The group, who have been together for a decade, insisted that they are a rock group and believe that the public view them in the wrong light.

"The general perception of our band still needs work," frontman Adam Levine told Billboard. "On paper we're really no different than any other rock band. We're a group of guys who've been friends for years who write songs and release them.

"But there's definitely this strange disconnect over who we are and what roles we play in making our music. I do a lot of work and write the lion's share of our music. As much as the band plays a huge role in helping me put it together and writing certain parts, it's all done in-house. No-one has ever written a note for this band who wasn't in the inner circle. I'm not sure people know that.

"I do feel like if I had long, shaggy hair and wore a hat with a feather in it and refused to do interviews I'd probably have a different reputation. But I look kind of like an architect, so people get confused. I upset their rock 'n' roll norms."

Upset rock norms? Now, now... don't get ahead of yourself. There's a lot of bands out there who write boring songs whilst dressing in boring clothes.

Tut tut.

Peter Andre sticks up for X Factor hopeful

2010-08-31T18:00:41Z

As you may have read elsewhere (while Star Trip was on holiday - and yes, it was lovely thanks), X Factor contestant Shirlena Johnson was axed from the show and the footage of her performance went unaired. Johnson has been forced to withdraw from the ITV1 competition after producers discovered medical problems. Now, Peter Andre is showing his support for her and offering kind words.

]]> "I read that Simon Cowell was forced to let Shirlena Johnson go from this year's X Factor after he was advised she may not be able to cope with the pressures of the show," Andre wrote in his New column.

"Although some people have said she wasn't the greatest singer, I feel so sad for Shirlena and feel that she should have a chance to make a better life for her and her daughter."

Andre added that he believes Johnson should be allowed to pursue a singing career, regardless of her issues.

"I know Simon is acting in her best interests," he said. "But we have a saying in the industry that music has no barriers and it doesn't matter about your ability or disability, sex or race - everyone is an equal."

Rihanna's new single is delayed

2010-08-31T17:50:03Z

Oh Rihanna. You make men's hearts go-a-flutter (and their mind's race). The ladies too. In fact, everyone thinks you're just swell and we just can't get enough of you. Which is why we're all crying into our pots of tea over the news the premiere of your new single has been delayed. DON'T DO THIS TO US! Unless your new single is like the rubbish ones from your first album.

]]> The singer's new single 'Only Girl' was rumoured to premiere on UK radio today, but the claims have since been dismissed by her record label.

Responding to fans' questions via their Twitter page, the label revealed that the song will premiere "soon", adding:

"We have never once given a date-..we will only say it when there is something definite."

They later added: "Fans are confusing themselves LOL all we have said is 'soon'. Decisions are still being made.

"Its ok,we just wanna thank all u guys for caring so much and being so excited-we are too!

"We are so anxious for you to hear the new [Rihanna] music-we are almost ready 4 liftoff!"

Will it be dancey like 'Don't Stop The Music' or will it continue in the GaGaist seam of Weird RiRi? We'll just have to wait, but our money's on a dancefloor monster!

Lindsay Lohan released from rehab early

2010-08-25T18:06:11Z

Lindsay Lohan left jail early and now she's leaving rehab early because... well... it's hard to think of a reason that's more that 'she's famous'. Anyway, LiLo has been released from a court ordered rehab center after serving just 23 days of her 90 day sentence. Ed McPherson, her civil attorney confirmed: "She has been released from inpatient rehab." No, not impatient.

]]> LiLo was ordered to serve 90 days in jail followed by the same stint in rehab earlier this summer. She spent 13 days in jail and will now receive outpatient care instead of staying at the UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles.

A source said: "Lindsay may have taken prescription medication, but she doesn't have 'an addiction'. She's been through detox, but had no withdrawal symptoms so doctors don't believe her issues were as serious as they were led to believe initially."

Let's just hope she gets herself sorted this time 'round and she goes back to being an actress rather than a celebrity carwreck for everyone to stare at.

Susan Boyle stands up to bullies on train

2010-08-25T17:58:56Z

First, the country sniggered at Susan Boyle for having the audacity to stand on a stage without looking like one of The Saturdays, then they all let their jaws hit the ground when she sang an Elaine Paige song. Then she got a new leather jacket and everyone starting sniggering at her again. Sad times. Poor ol' SuBo has been through the mill but now, after a scrape with some idiots on a train, she's coming out fighting.

]]> Boyle was apparently riding alone on a train journey home from Edinburgh to Blackburn (the one in West Lothian, not the town in Lancashire) on Sunday afternoon, when suddenly, she was set upon by fellow commuters who began laughing at her.

The Sun reports that she said: "I'm normally patient but I am about to greet, greet, greet. I don't normally get angry with people. I'm ashamed of you all - shut up. I'm warning you, it's not funny. You wouldn't like it."

A source said said: "Susan was minding her own business on the train. Some people were taking pictures. There were people laughing at her - it was not nice. People noticed she was sobbing. Something was upsetting her.

"She then turned to the people sitting opposite her and told them off. Susan certainly put them in their place - and good for her. It can't be easy dealing with the fame she has but she handled it well."

Good on you Ms Boyle!

Lady GaGa makes video about being most followed person on Twitter

2010-08-25T17:54:06Z

Lady GaGa is great isn't she? She's really good value for money by virtue of being just about the most interesting popstar on the planet right now. So it's little wonder that she's the most popular person on Twitter now, after overtaking Britney Spears in the popularity stakes. GaGa currently has 5,806,037 followers (and counting) while Britney Spears has, well, less. To celebrate, GaGa has made a delightfully odd video to thank her followers, which you can see over the jump.

]]> Gaga says: "Thank you for beginning my reign as Twitter queen. May you always have soft cuticals whist tweeting and never have carpal tunnel [syndrome]."

The singer now officially has more followers than US prez Barrack Obama and the creepy Justin Bieber.

Anna Paquin to star in new Scream movie?

2010-08-25T17:42:13Z

Anna 'likes taking her clothes off for vampires' Paquin and Kristen Bell will reportedly appear in Scream 4 in what already promises to be a star-studded cast. According to USA Today, True Blood's Paquin and Veronica Mars star Bell are to cameo in Wes Craven's horror sequel, currently filming in home of Iggy Pop, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

]]> Although the pair's roles have not been revealed, it is thought that they'll appear in the customary Scream roles where they'll be killed to death in the opening minutes.

Fun!

Drew Barrymore was Ghostface's victim at the start of the first Scream, Jada Pinkett Smith and Omar Epps died in the Scream 2 intro and Liev Schreiber, Kelly Rutherford and Jenny McCarthy were killed at the beginning of Scream 3.

Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Emma Roberts, Hayden Panettiere, Rory Culkin, Adam Brody and Marley Shelton are among the cast for the latest Scream and Jennifer Aniston has also been rumoured for a cameo role.

Cowell devestated to axe singer with mental health problems

2010-08-25T17:16:45Z

There's been a lot of fuss about autotune on the X Factor, but Simon Cowell isn't a complete swine as he's admitted to being "devastated" after having to let Shirlena Johnson from The X Factor on grounds of her mental health. Yesterday, it was claimed that the contestant would be removed from the competition after a medical report revealed that she had been diagnosed with serious mental health problems.

]]> "I'm devastated. It's heartbreaking," Cowell told The Sun.

Johnson stunned viewers with her bizarre performance of Duffy's 'Mercy' in the first show of the new series. Producers may now be forced to scrap footage of the singer's appearance at Boot Camp.

Cowell continued: "I really feel for her. I'm very upset and disappointed. The advice I'm given is she can't do the show. But there's another argument that we're depriving her of the chance to make some money. Even if she didn't win, she could have picked up money for personal appearances."

He added: "On the other hand, if we don't take the advice we're irresponsible."

The newspaper revealed that Johnson had performed Lady GaGa's 'Bad Romance' in a leopard print bra and hotpants at Boot Camp - filmed last month in front of Cowell, Louis Walsh and Nicole Scherzinger.

"Nicole and Louis kept giggling and Simon was in disbelief," a source said.

Johnson told the paper that she did not hide her medical problems intentionally.

"I just wasn't sure how much I was supposed to say," she said. "I'm very upset. I think people want to hear more of me and they will be disappointed by this."

She added: "It's not fair. I want another chance."

Lady GaGa and Susan Boyle to team up?

2010-07-30T13:21:06Z

There's been some weird duets in pop-history. Bing Crosby and David Bowie's Christmas song springs immediately to mind. Texas and Method Man from the Wu Tang Clan also comes to mind. Now, we've got another as Lady GaGa reportedly wants Susan Boyle to feature on a song for her upcoming album. The Bad Romancer, who is currently working on the follow-up to The Fame Monster, is said to have asked Boyle to record a duet.

]]> GaGa has previously praised the Britain's Got Talent star's efforts, saying: "I love Susan Boyle. She is my woman of the year. She has achieved more in this year than most artists will in a lifetime."

Boyle has also expressed an interest in recording with GaGa, saying: "I'd love to do a duet with her, complete with telephone hat, too!"

GaGa recently explained why she is delaying her new album, revealing that she wants to spend more time making public appearances.

Apparently, she will reveal the title of the new LP over New Years when she gets it tattooed on her body.

Interesting!

Morrissey to sing at Katy Perry and Russell Brand's wedding?

2010-07-30T13:15:47Z

Katy Perry has stated that she wants Morrissey to sing at her wedding with Russell Brand. She told Q Magazine that she recently met the former Smiths frontman for the first time. An odd clutch of people don't you think? We're not sure how well 'Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now' would go down at a wedding reception, but there you go.

]]> Asked what band would play at her wedding, Perry said: "It's going to be small so I don't think we'll have a proper band. I'd love to have Morrissey. I met him for the first time the other day.

"Russell is a mate of his and we had tea together. He is fascinating but he was giving us a hard time about getting married.

"He sort of swooned and sighed and said, 'Oh left hand third finger, don't do it'. It was just so eloquent and poetic like one of his songs."

She added: "My favourite Smiths song is 'Cemetry Gates', but little did I know he talks in this florid language the whole time in real life.

"It would be great to have him at the ceremony but he's not exactly entering into the spirit. I said, 'We can't have a Mr Misery like you messing things up'.

"What will be our wedding song? Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds' '(Are You) The One That I've Been Waiting For?'. That's our special song."

Peaches Geldof and Eli Roth to get married?

2010-07-30T13:00:11Z

Ah. Good old Peaches Geldof. She's famous for... well... being famous. It's quite amazing really. And now, she's looking to get married more times than Liz Taylor. Yep, after tying the knot with Max Drummey for about 30 seconds, she's now looking at getting married to Eli Roth.

]]> Apparently, Geldof will bunk up with Hostel director Roth in January at a rooftop ceremony in New York.

A source said: "They are confident this is the real deal. They plan to invite about 50 friends including Quentin Tarantino. Apart from the trendy venue it will be a traditional Jewish ceremony in keeping with Eli's family faith.

"They are trying to keep it secret - I don't know if Peaches's dad (Bob Geldof) knows yet."

He does now.

Someone else added: "We wouldn't be surprised if they started a family together very soon."

The couple were first rumoured to be dating in March after they were photographed holding hands at an Academy Awards after party.

Cheryl Cole is getting better

2010-07-14T15:22:57Z

After being hours from death (from catching a really weird tropical disease that no-one ever catches), you'll be pleased to know that Cheryl Cole is getting better! Aaw! That's the news according to her father who has spoken of his relief that his daughter is recovering from malaria. However, Gary Tweedy told The Mirror that he did not know when Cole, who left intensive care last week, would be allowed to leave her private clinic.

]]>
Tweedy said: "She has been in a bad way and we have obviously been worried. But she's on the mend now.

"We don't know how long she'll be in hospital, I don't think the doctors know. We're just all so relieved she's all right."

Cole has been forced to pull out of the audition and Boot Camp phases of this year's X Factor but is hoping to return for the live shows.

Get well soon!

Neighbours - The Musical?

2010-07-14T15:15:05Z

Neighbours trades almost entirely in students and camp people, right? Well, in that case, have the best thought you'll ever have in your whole life. Neighbours star Alan Fletcher has revealed that he would like the soap's bosses to organise a stage musical based on the show. The actor, who of course, plays Ramsay Street fave Karl Kennedy, suggested that fans should start campaigning for a theatre production celebrating the programme's 25-year history.

]]> Fletcher admitted: "The idea of Neighbours on stage has always been very attractive to me. I think it could be extremely funny. I think we'd have to have a spoofish context to it.

"It's been very successful for other shows and the word is that Corrie is going to do it for their 50th, so I think we should do it."

He added: "Come on, people out there who write to us - get writing!"

Imagine! Bouncer's Dream put to music! Helen Daniels doing martial arts in the garden while Dahl the parrot sings a song at her! Imagine the scene when Des meets Daphne, singing "Yoooou! You were taking your clothes off for money when I met yooooou!"

It. Would. Be. Brilliant.

Date for new Amy Winehouse album?

2010-07-14T15:06:46Z

Since Amy Winehouse released Back To Black she's basically done little more than get blind drunk, muck a marriage up and have some new boobies put in. Shame really because everyone loved her for her talent as opposed to her soap operas. Since that time, a spate of singers have come along to fill the void (Paloma Faith and Co), showing that we all still have an appetite for her noirish '60s pop. Well, there may be good news on that score!

]]> Basically, pop-pickers, Amy Winehouse hopes to release her new album by the New Year.

A source told the Mirror: "It's been an incredible past few weeks for Amy. She has completely turned her life around. It has been a long time coming - and she's been writing songs for what seems an eternity - but finally Amy is satisfied and believes she has an album worthy of a four-year wait."

"She's held meetings with the record label, Universal, and they are putting everything into promotion. A lot of the material covers her romance with Blake Fielder-Civil and their acrimonious split, plus, or course, her battle with the booze and drugs," the source said.

"It is very raw and very personal - it promises to be another classic. She is now narrowing down the material and hopes it'll be on shelves by the New Year."