Celebrity Teen Idols

IF Gabriella Cilmi’s fellow ARIA nominees had’ve known that was how the night was going to pan out, they just might’ve started drinking earlier.

The 17-year-old was like the Michael Phelps of the Australian music industry; no one else had a look in while she was in the award pool.

Winning 6 out of 6 ARIAs, no-one warned me Sunday night’s ceremony was to be “The Gabriella Cilmi Show.” It was like Delta all over again.

If not for the fact that the bore factor caught on after seeing Cilmi’s name announced like a broken record, no one should have to succumb to the pressure of 6 acceptance speeches in a row.

The demure 17-year-old proved she wasn’t quite given “the gift of the Gab,” when all she could manage to scrape together was:

“… um, yeh, cool, thanks.”

After just one album, two singles and a third on the way, the question has to be asked, is it right for a 17-year-old Melbourne schoolgirl to take out every ARIA award she’s possibly eligible for?

While not denying her incredible talent, where does an artist - especially one who hasn’t even finished school yet - possibly go from here?

On another note, while The Presets (who emphatically told us winning the ARIA’s meant “zero” to them) walked away with 3 of the ‘toilet-roll holder’ awards, you had to feel for Sam Sparro.

Sparro, heralded as Australia’s electro-pop hero, was left to fly the coop ARIA-less. Surely Gab could have spared at least one?

Let’s just say I wouldn’t like to have been in Sam Sparro’s shoes the mornign after to fulfill his barrage of media interviews. Awkward.

Cilmi spoke to NEWS.com.au post-ARIA’s and among other things assured us that no one has any reason now to mispronounce her name:

And if you’re not sick of her debut single Sweet About Me just yet, here’s an alternative. Gabriella bravely attempts to sing her signature song in another language - Simlish - from computer game The Sims.

For full coverage of the ARIA’s includin red carpet pics, video interviews and gossip click HERE.

Sophie Monk must be so busy carving herself a successful acting career in Hollywood she hasn’t had time to watch the news.

Monk flew from her US base back to Australia this week to launch underwear label Hollywood Fashion Shapes (see our interview with Monk tomorrow). At the launch she was asked whether she had been affected by the economic crisis in the States.

“The what? No, luckily in my industry it doesn’t really affect it, which is lucky because I don’t know much about the economy,” she said, AAP reported.

No kidding.

Hollywood is indeed in trouble. The big US banks who usually loan money to the studios to get the big budget movies made have pulled out of town, leaving many filmmakers unable to raise the dosh they need.

Hollywood heavyweight Steven Spielberg is said to be one of them. He was set to make a 3D animated version of Tintin, but when the budget came in at $US130 million film studio Univeral reportedly pulled out due to the economic downturn.

The TV industry over there is also scared advertisers are going to dry up, which could mean fewer TV shows being produced.

Things are looking so bad in California - the home of Hollywood - Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has just warned the White House the state may need a financial rescue package.

So it looks like Monk is probably the only person in Hollywood not worried about the economy.

Today’s best videos:

Jack White and Alicia Keys team up for the “weirdest ever” James Bond theme song

Talk of the Town: Foo Fighters fight McCain campaign

Today’s top showbiz questions:

1. Which porn star is Rose McGowan set to play in a new biopic?
2. Why is George Clooney a shirtless man who stares at goats?
3. What’s with Christie Brinkley filing a restraining order?
4. Why are Tina Turner and Aretha Franklin fighting?
5. How’s Travis Barker faring after surviving the plane crash?
6. Why is Scarlett Johansson’s hubby Ryan Reynolds running the NYC marathon?
7. Is Tila Tequila single again?
8. What was Michael Jackson and his kids wearing in a comic shop?
9. What does Lindsay Lohan fear will be leaked online?
10. What fertility procedure did Charlie Sheen try and why?
11. Why will Spider-Man, the musical, cost $40 million?
12. Why are The Wiggles taking off their skivvies?
13. Why are the Australian free-to-air TV networks axing and moving shows all over the place?
14. How good does swim star Stephanie Rice look in Who magazine?
15. Why do Hugh Hefner’s handpicked twin successors have a sordid past?
16. How many kids does Russell Crowe want to have?
17. What younger man has taken a fancy to Helen Mirren - and she doesn’t mind?
18. Who allegedly tried to take a chunk out of Zac Efron’s hair?
19. Where are those Angelina Jolie breastfeeding pictures?
20. How is Katy Perry allegedly linked to Jimi Hendrix?

WHEN your mum and dad are one of the showbiz world’s most powerful couples, it must be so easy to fall into a kind of fanciful stupor. Lulled by a big-spending, accessible environment, celebuspawn often mimic the (often disturbing) traits of their high-profile parents. How refreshing it was for The Nerve to hear Brooklyn Beckham has the common sense to know good music when he hears it. Who knows where his acumen will take him?

Andrea Grimes at Heartless Doll.com has some ideas for future careers of celebrity offspring. Take Suri Cruise:

This could go one of two ways. In the first way, Suri downs the Kool-Aid and competes forever with Violet Affleck for most loopy self-help videos. In the second way, SWAT teams extricate Suri from the inevitable hostage situation (we’re projecting c. 2013) resulting from the final battle between Tom and Xenu. She becomes a celebrity advocate for social workers dedicated to helping children find their real fathers. Stay strong, Suri. And remember, don’t drink from Daddy’s sippy-cup.

Today’s showbiz questions
1. Jude Law has a new woman in his life. Who is it? (Click here to find out)
2. Why do the police want to chat with Gerard Butler?
3. Who called Tom Cruise a maniac?
4. Why is Channel Seven upset with Today Tonight host Anna Coren?
5. What’s opening at the movies this week?
6. Who sang at the funeral of Australian Idol star Levi Kereama?
7. What happens when a schoolgirl agrees to a steamy shoot on Make Me A Supermodel?
8. Is Jamie-Lynn Spears pregnant again? Here’s the truth
9. What is Eva Longoria’s sexy new look?
10. What happened at Beyonce’s secret wedding?
11. What did Mischa Barton say about Posh Spice’s fashion sense?
12. Which former 90210 star has agreed to help out on the new series?
13. Who’s been tipped to direct Pirates 4?
14. Which latest non-celebrity has said no to Playboy?
15. Which gay actor has been found dead in an apparent suicide?
16. Why are the Foo Fighters upset with Senator John McCain?
17. Which celebrity tried botox and hated it?
18. Which singer/songwriter has been commissioned to write his first opera?
19. Have you read the Nailin’ Paylin porn film script?
20. Britney Spears goes near a car ... guess what happens?

Today’s entertainment news:

Dance diva Lady Gaga talks about the fame associated with being a self-made pop icon:

TELEVISION:
Anna Hutchison in a power play for new Underbelly role

Andrew of North Sydney writes:

Honestly they should never have allowed the first season of Underbelly to be shown in Australia. It is a disgrace and an insult to film making worldwide. They should remove this trash from TV altogether. (Posted at 6:50am today)

Todd McKenney deals with his ‘exaggerated’ life

Rachael Taylor joins new US TV pilot, Washingtonienne

Heroes stars Masi Oka and Milo Ventimiglia reveal the popular show’s third season gossip

MUSIC:
2008 Parklife the biggest party yet
Pictures: the punters
Pictures: the musos

Madonna tells Sarah Palin: Don’t party with me

MOVIES:
Halle Berry ‘sexiest woman alive’

Pictures: Halle Berry special

Sexy Sophie Monk keeps her shirt on

FASHION:
Stephanie Carta the next big thin in fashion world

Epsom Day racing fashions on the field (pictures and video)

It’s hip to be square as Pierre Cardin presents his latest collection in southern France

What we’re tracking:
Friends pay tribute to fallen Idol
Aussie Top Gear ratings hit bump
Kylie Minogue steps out with toy boy

What else are you missing?
THE Poms love a good whinge, as all Aussies know. Well now they’ve compiled their top 100 most annoying things of 2008.

Usmagazine - Holly Madison: “Hef and I aren’t together”

TMZ.com - David Crosby - Lowe nanny liked it big and black

Just Jared - Scarlett Johansson - “CosmoGirl” November 2008

People - inside Gwen Stefani’s birthday bash

People - details of Ashlee’s “White-Trash” birthday party revealed

Hot tickets:
Are you into wrestling? Don’t miss the RAW Live Tour, presented by WWE & Dainty Consolidated Entertainment.

Here are the 2009 Australia tour dates:
SYDNEY – Saturday 4th July - Sydney Acer Arena
BRISBANE – Sunday 5th July - Brisbane Entertainment Centre
ADELAIDE – Monday 6th July - Adelaide Entertainment Centre
MELBOURNE – Tuesday 7th July - Melbourne Rod Laver Arena
PERTH – Wednesday 8th July – Perth Burswood Dome

Tickets go on sale next Friday (October 17) through Ticketek

YOUR verdict on Top Gear Australia is in and the news isn’t promising for SBS.

We had an overwhelming response from readers to our story today - over 300 of you wrote comments - about the show’s plummeting ratings, with the majority of you saying it’s a pale imitation of the UK version.

“I would rather watch reruns of Bob Saget hosting Americas Funniest Home Videos than watch this crap again. Last night’s episode was an embarrassment,” said Brian of Perth.

“Terrible show. Forced, forced and more forced,” said Hootie.

“Far too scripted and very corny. Last night I switched off - the very first time I have ever done this to Top Gear (my wife almost fainted!),” said another reader.

“Yeah it’s a couple of stubbies short of a six pack alright,” said Bazza of Ipswich. “Just a bunch of bogans going on about Holden vs Ford and which ute is better. Who cares?”

“Why bother to watch a copy when you can get the original from the net without ads? Tastless. SBS is loosing viewers fast,” said John of Ryde.

Many of you complained about the casting, saying the three hosts were trying too hard to imitate their British counterparts.

“Concept is fantastic. Casting is woeful. All 3 of them are terrible. Almost caricatures,” said Maximus Rooke.

“Charlie Cox is about as entertaining as a visit to the dentist,” said Stephen of Sydney.

A lot of readers said the UK version was more about the chemistry between the hosts than the cars, including Susie of Perth.

“They’re forgetting that nearly half the audience in the UK are middle class females,” Susie said. “We’re not interested in the cars, it’s the chemistry, subtle humour and non-pc commentary that make it so hilarious to watch.

“The first two episodes of Australian Top Gear have been over-acted and overly blokey. Too much wheel-spinning and chest-thumping for my liking.”

On a positive note, some of you felt the second episode last night was a vast improvement on the first one and that it will only improve with time.

“Last night’s episode was much better. Hang in there guys!” said a supportive Rebecca of Canberra.

“The bar is pretty high from the English version, once the Aussie guys relax and actually talk to each other rather then recite lines, then the show may have a chance,” said Ben of Qld.

SBS says it’s confident ratings will improve and are still talking about a second series, but that remains to be seen.

As Phil of Sydney simply said, “RIP.”

THE Nerve was as shocked as anyone when Al Gore picked up a Nobel Peace Prize in 2007, but nothing could prepare us for former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell being named a best-selling author. We didn’t even think she could spell. She certainly couldn’t dance.

But prepare to be amazed, people. MX reports today:

Geri Halliwell has been named Britain’s best-selling 2008 children’s author and most successful celebrity author by UK book chain WHSmith. Halliwell has released five books this year about young heroine Ugenia Lavender in her six-book deal with Macmillan books. “Im so happy that everyone loves Ugenia as much as I do,” she said. Halliwell has also written a film screenplay.

Watch Geri thrill you with her literary genius:

Never heard of Ugenia Lavender, but as celebrity children’s authors go, she doesn’t have much competition.

Other celebrities who have turned to children’s writing:

John Lithgow has written The Remarkable Farkle McBride (2003), Marsupial Sue (2001), Micawber (2002); I’m a Manatee (2003); Carnival of the Animals (2004); Marsupial Sue Presents “The Runaway Pancake” (2005); and several others.

Jamie Lee Curtis has penned Where Do Balloons Go? (2000), When I Was Little: A Four-Year-Old’s Memoir of Her Youth (1995), It’s Hard To Be Five: Learning How to Work My Control Panel (2004), I’m Gonna Like Me: Letting Off a Little Self-esteem (2002), Today I Feel Silly: And Other Moods That Make My Day (1998), and Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born (1996).

Madonna managed to knock out The English Roses (2003), Mr. Peabody’s Apples (2003) and Yakov and the Seven Thieves (2004).

Jay Leno is the author of If Roast Beef Could Fly (2004) and How to Be the Funniest Kid in the Whole Wide World (or Just in Your Class) (2005).

Billy Crystal wrote I Already Know I Love You (2004), Grandpa’s Little One (2006) and 700 Sundays (2005).

Bill Cosby has written heaps, his latest book being Friends of a Feather (2003).

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s wife Maria Shriver wrote What’s Happening to Grandpa? (2004), What’s Heaven? (1999) and What’s Wrong with Timmy? (2001).

GEEZ, those Europeans can be odd sometimes. You only have to watch the Eurovision Song Contest to sample some of the outlandish fashions and quirky tunes to get a taste of European culture. So, while you can imagine The Nerve was somewhat surprised (but not alarmed) to hear that Rick Astley could be up for an award in 2008.

For anyone who can’t remember this 80s pop idol, walk with us down memory lane a moment.

It turns out Mr Astley is up for Best Act Ever at the MTV Europe Music Awards. Who knew?

The Daily Mirror online reports:

Fans’ votes gave the 80s singer, 42, his first nomination for the event – 21 years after Never Gonna Give You Up was No.1 in 16 countries. Rick last year featured in a craze dubbed Rickrolling, in which net users were tricked by fake links into seeing a clip of his big hit. MTV’s Richard Godfrey said of the unlikely name up against acts including U2 and Britney Spears: “The audience has spoken and MTV has been well and truly Rickrolled.”

To explore the RickRoll’D craze, click below.

You said you’d never give us up, mate. Where have you been? You can’t expect us to give you awards when we don’t hear from you. What happened?

ROBIN Wright Penn looks like her marriage turmoil with hubby Sean Penn - that reached breaking point in December last year - has taken it out of the Hollywood actress. While the pair is now happily back together, The Princess Bride actress looks like she could do with a good feed.

As this photo from the premiere of What Just Happened at the Museum of Modern Art in New York today attests:

No one knows for sure why the pair hit a rocky patch - some allege it had something to do with the infamous Sienna Miller. His recent text missive to ex-wife Madonna about his on-screen pash with the thoroughly heterosexual James Franco must certainly be keeping Robin Wright on her toes.

For more celebrities out and about today, visit our Shooting Stars gallery