Joe Bonamassa

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Jennifer Lopez is back to her bootylicious best in a very tight dress

By Daily Mail Reporter

Charitable: Jennifer Lopez showed off her curvy shape in her signature look - a very tight dress at a charity event in Los Angeles yesterday

After giving birth to her twins Max and Emme, Jennifer Lopez took on a rigorous fitness regime to get back in fighting shape.

Her devoted fans feared the Latina might take her quest for a pre-baby body too far and lose her most famous asset, but the singer put any concern to rest yesterday when she wore a stunning skin tight dress by Herve Leger which showed off her curves to perfection.

The 41-year-old was joined by Denzel Washington and Mario Lopez at the event, held to announce that she has become the national spokesperson for The Boys And Girls Club Of America.

Curvaceous: Jennifer shows off her famous derriere as she walks to take her place for the announcement

The singer is credited with kicking off the curvy trend in the late Nineties when she bounced on to the scene with her first album On The 6.

Her infamous derriere made headlines around the world and paved the way for other bountiful stars like Beyonce and more recently Kim Kardashian.

Lopez complemented the flattering cream dress with some nude platform pumps by Brian Atwood and simple jewellery.

Quick change: Jennifer Lopez started off in a warm brown coat dress which she later whipped off to reveal a stunning white mini dress yesterday in Los Angeles

Her long thick glossy chestnut and gold coloured hair was styled to perfection, falling in waves around her shoulders.

The newly appointed American Idol judge appeared to be in great spirits, laughing and joking around and grinning from ear to ear as she posed with Denzel and Mario, and later on with a bunch of excited children from the Boys and Girls Club.

Lopez will be joining Denzel as the club's joint spokesperson, the first time they have appointed two people into the role in the organization's 104-year history.

All smiles: Lopez happily posed between Mario Lopez (L) who was filming for his TV show Extra and joint spokesperson Denzel Washington (R)

Giving back: Lopez was a member of the Kips Bay club in the Bronx and learned to sing and dance as part of the club's K Company performing arts program

Denzel has been a tireless active advocate for the non-profit since his appointment in 1992, appearing regularly in billboard ads, filming PSAs and fundraising on the organization's behalf.

The 55-year-old has participated in five national advertising campaigns, has served as an active member of BGCA's Board of Governors since 1996, appeared before Congressional leaders on Capitol Hill, and wrote a book about mentorship - A Hand To Guide Me - with proceeds benefiting Boys & Girls Clubs.

In 2008 Denzel also launched the BE GREAT campaign, asking more than 20 fellow Club alumni to give back by supporting the organization that helped them open the door to a great future.

On great form: Lopez appeared thrilled to be named spokesperson for the charity alongside Denzel Washington

Lopez will be the first ever female spokesperson and will participate in print and commercial ads across the U.S.

A press release for the group announced: 'By inviting fellow-alumnus Jennifer Lopez to join him as national spokesperson, Denzel is expanding this key role to two people for the first time in the organization's 104-year history.

'The announcement commemorates the 20th anniversary of the organization's name change from Boy's Clubs to Boy's and Girl's Clubs of America, marking the expansion of the mission to reach all young people in need.'

Lopez has a long history with and a vested interest in the BGCA.

She was a member of the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club in the Bronx, N.Y. and she learned to sing and dance as part of the Club's renowned K Company performing arts program.

The organization have been running an ad campaign incorporating Lopez's old membership photograph.

In the adorable picture little Lopez gazes at the camera with her big, beautiful brown eyes, her hair in pigtails, curled up either side Princess Leia style, dressed in a smart tartan dress.

Past member: The BGCA have been using Lopez's old membership picture in their current ad campaign

Source:Dailymail

Rebecca Ferguson fears X Factor has been 'geared up for Cher Lloyd to win'

By Sara Nathan

Doubts: Rebecca Ferguson, pictured at the Narnia premiere in London last night, fears Cher Lloyd is being set up to win The X Factor

She is a clear favourite to make the X Factor finals - and has been praised for her ‘beautiful, distinctive voice'.

But Rebecca Ferguson broke down in tears following the results show on Sunday night - and told show producers she feared the show is being geared up for Cher Lloyd to win.

The pressure of the ITV talent show had clearly taken its toll on the mother-of-two after she gave a rather subdued performance on Saturday that prompted Simon Cowell to say he could ‘see the nerves'.

Miss Ferguson, 24, was then pictured weeping as she left the studios in Wembley, North London, and was comforted by ousted Katie Waissel.

A show source told the Daily Mail: ‘Rebecca was in absolute tears backstage, I’ve never seen a contestant so upset before.

‘She really feels that Cher is getting preferential treatment over her and that this is going to ruin her chances of winning.

‘Rebecca’s put everything into this competition and she’s finding it extremely stressful. It’s very hard for her to see Cher get so much attention from their mentor Cheryl. She thinks the show is being geared up for Cher.

‘And besides which, Rebecca was very close to Katie and now that she has gone, she only has Cher left, and she can be very hard and cold.’

Determined to win: Cher Lloyd, pictured at rehearsals on Monday, has bounced back from being in the bottom two

The situation was only aggravated after Miss Lloyd, 17, was given the plum spot of performing last on Saturday night – which keeps the performance fresh in viewers minds before they vote.

Miss Ferguson performed her version of U2’s I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For – only to be told by judge Dannii Minogue that she wanted to see ‘more performance’ from her and not ‘always just standing in the middle.’

Cowell said: ‘Once again, as next week is semi-finals, I can see the nerves, that was a little bit stiff in some parts of the performance…having said that you have the most beautiful distinctive voice.’

However, Miss Lloyd - who has struggled with performance anxiety and panic attacks throughout the series - was praised for her rendition of Walk This Way by Aerosmith.

Tears: Rebecca is comforted by Katie Waissel as they leave the X Factor studios on Sunday night

Mixed reviews: Rebecca was told she was a 'little stiff' on Saturday, while judges universally praised Cher's sets

Cowell said: ‘I think you’ve had a fantastic night tonight, you’ve reminded us this is not a karaoke competion,’ before declaring: ‘I absolutely love you.’

Mrs Cole added: ‘We have never seen anyone like you on The X Factor, and you’re not everyone’s cup of tea, but you’re my cup of tea with two sugars in it.

‘That was dreamy and I believe in you, that you have a future and a credible future as an artist after this show.’

Miss Ferguson tried to shrug off her tears by saying that she was simply missing her children, Lilly May, five, and son Karl, four, who have been cared for by relatives at home in Liverpool during the competition.

A mother's love: Rebeca kisses her five-year-old daughter Lilly May goodbye on Sunday night

She wrote on Twitter: 'I was upset leaving the studio tonight because I miss my kids.

She added: 'Gonna do my best Sat just been reminded of why I'm here.'

Rebecca said during the audition stages of the show that she wanted to give her son and daughter the best possible life.

The semi-finalist had been awarded plenty of visits with her children during the live shows.

But her participation has required that she move from Liverpool to the finalists' house in North London.

Call the fashion police: One Direction members Louis Tomlinson (left) wearing a OnePiece playsuit and Harry Styles in a trench at rehearsals yesterday

Eyes on the prize: Niall Horan (left) and Zayn Malik wrap up warm yesterday

Meanwhile, Miss Lloyd looked ecstatic after avoiding the bottom two, smiling and waving as she left the studio.

Her father Darren Lloyd insisted yesterday she was determined to win and said: ‘It’s more important than ever that people pick up the phone and vote for her if they like her performances.

‘She had a feeling that she was going to be in the bottom three on Sunday night, so we were all delighted when she made it through.’

Dapper: One Direction traded their winter woollies for smart suits as they attended the Narnia premiere

Out on the town: Recent X Factor reject Katie Waissel at Shoreditch House in London last night

Source:Dailymail

Will Cheryl Cole's assault conviction prevent her from getting a green card and becoming U.S. X Factor judge?

By Ben Todd

Cheryl Cole’s American dream may be scuppered – as a result of an assault conviction seven years ago.

The Daily Mail told yesterday how Mrs Cole had landed a place on the judging panel of the U.S. version of the X Factor in a deal worth up to £3million.

However, now Mrs Cole’s American dream may be jeopardised by her conviction for assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH) in 2003.

Judge's problem: The fact that Cheryl Cole - seen here with Simon Cowell on last weekend's X Factor - has an assault conviction may prevent her being granted a U.S. visa

U.S. law states that all convictions - indeed, all arrests - have to be disclosed on visa application forms.
Some less serious offences may not affect work visas.

However, according to Susan McFadden - a partner with Gudeon and McFadden law firm who specialise in U.S. visa and immigration - in more serious cases an appeal to the U.S. authorities may be necessary.

‘If the conviction is for something that triggers ineligibility the person would have to appeal for a waive,' she said.

Miss McFadden added that her firm had been instructed by the U.S. embassy that with regards to more serious crimes it would depend on ‘facts regarding the conviction' before a decision is made.

However, she said this can lead to 'permanently ineligibility' from being allowed a U.S. work visa in certain cases.

Before she was the nation's sweetheart: Cheryl was found guilty of punching a woman at a nightclub in January 2003

Mrs Cole attacked Sophie Amogbokpa, a toilet attendant, at Drink nightclub in Guildford, Surrey in January 2003.

In October that year, Mrs Cole was found guilty as assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

At the time, Mrs Cole – who had been catapulted to stardom the previous December after her band Girls Aloud emerged from TV show Popstars: The Rivals - was sentenced to 120 hours unpaid community service.

She was also ordered to Miss Amogbokpa £500 compensation and prosecution costs of £3,000.

Mrs Cole – who was 19 at the time - punched Miss Amogbokpa after she tried to stop the singer taking some lollipops.

Despite the shame, Mrs Cole’s career has since gone from strength to strength.

As well as achieving huge success with Girls Aloud, last year she launched a solo music career. She has since secured two No1 albums on her own.

She has also been a hugely successful judge on the X Factor.

As we said yesterday, on Saturday night Mrs Cole was officially offered the job as a judge on the US edition of the talent show.

The singer had already been in discussions to launch her music career in the U.S. next spring.

A show source said: 'When Cheryl goes to America she will also launch her music career there too.

Snapped: Cheryl Tweedy, as she was then, arriving for sentencing at Kingston Crown court in October 2003

'It's the next part of her big plan, she's an incredibly hard worker and she will definitely get a boost by appearing on the X Factor, which is set to be a sure-fire hit.'

X Factor Svengali Simon Cowell, 51, has revealed he plans to officially announce the judges for the U.S. version later this month.

Mrs Cole, who has an estimated £10million fortune, will earn £1.5million for this series of the X Factor - but will make up to twice as much from her U.S. television deal, as the budget for the show is considerably larger.

She is already accustomed to the U.S. lifestyle, having spent weeks in Los Angeles working on her music and spending time with her close friend Derek Hough as she recovered from malaria.

She was in California as her divorce from her footballer husband Ashley Cole was finalised in October.

Source:Dailymail

Kanye's means prosperity and Cheryl's is a symbol of love: The Hindu charms the A-list love - and what their choices say about them

By Tamara Abraham

With the band: Cheryl Cole, arriving at the X Factor studios on Saturday, wearing her 'Heart' Chakra bracelet

With a slender red cotton band around his wrist, the uninitiated might think Kanye West was the latest celebrity devotee of Kabbalah.

But on closer examination, they might notice that it bears a gold disc with a flower motif on it. And that fellow A-listers including Sienna Miller and Cheryl Cole also wear similar bracelets in different colours, each bearing a different design.

Thankfully they have not all joined the latest religious cult - though these bracelets they are all sporting do take their lead from religion.

They are bracelets designed by London jewellery label Daisy, and each corresponds to one of seven Chakras - a Hindu concept relating to different kinds of energy.

Each colour has a different meaning, for example Cheryl's green 'Heart' Chakra band is supposed to remind the wearer that they are worthy of love. Telling, given that she has just been through a divorce.

Sienna has been photographed wearing the 'Brow' Chakra bracelet, which relates to 'intuition, perception and imagination' - all characteristics she might need to call upon in her work as an actress.

And Kanye West's 'Base' Chakra relates to 'stability, grounding and prosperity'.
Well, as long as something keeps him grounded.

Grounded: Kanye West wearing his 'Base' Chakra band at a party for Jade Jagger's Jezebel label last month

High brow: Sienna Miller arriving at LAX airport earlier this month, wearing her 'Brow' Chakra bracelet

The company, which began life as a Portobello Market stall, has also taken orders for the £75 wristbands from Katy Perry, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Alexa Chung, while Jude Law apparently 'wears his constantly'.

Of course the bracelets do not promise to 'protect' or 'guide' the wearer - rather, they are a reminder of affirmations associated with each Chakra. Sienna's comes with the phrase 'I am open to the wisdom within'; Kanye's with the line: 'I am here. I am real.'

Nor do you need to buy into the meaning behind the designs - they are pretty pieces to wear regardless, though given the price, they are likely to appeal more to people who have an understanding of the Chakra concept.

Joining the Daisy chain: Katy Perry, Alexa Chung and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley all own Chakra bracelets

Daisy's James Boyd, who designed the bracelets after an illness led him to discover yoga and the Indian healing system of Ayurveda, is delighted by the success of his design, and has expanded the collection to include chain necklaces as well.

'Since launching the Chakra Bracelets 3 weeks ago we've sold out 3 times over,' he told MailOnline.

'In Daisy's history we've never seen such an amazing amount of initial interest and sales in a new collection.

'People seem totally enchanted and enamoured by the bracelets and that makes me extremely happy and proud.'

Source:Dailymail

Is Lembit engaged for the third time? Opik, 45, takes his 21-year-old girlfriend ring shopping at Tiffany & Co

By Jessica Satherley

Special shopping trip: Lembit Opik, 45, and 21-year-old Merily McGivern take a break from the beach in Queensland, Australia, to go ring shopping at Tiffany & Co

Lembit Opik must have been doing some serious thinking about his future while in the jungle, because he was spotted shopping for engagement rings with his girlfriend yesterday.

Since departing I’m A Celebrity, the 45-year-old has been romancing 21-year-old Merily McGivern in the Australian sun, before the pair head back to the UK.

And their most recent shopping trip has sparked speculation that Lembit has popped the question to his young girlfriend, who's 24 years his junior.

The couple was photographed shopping in Tiffany & Co in Surfers Paradise, Queensland, where Merily was seen trying on a diamond encrusted band on her wedding ring finger.

Merily then walked out of the store, arm in arm with her beau, holding onto a little blue Tiffany’s bag, but refused to tell photographers what they had bought.

The wide grins on their faces indicated the little bag was definitely holding onto something special though and the happy couple looked overjoyed with their purchase.

And after shopping for rings, the couple took a dip in the Versace Hotel swimming pool to celebrate, where they've been staying since Lembit left the show.

If the couple are planning a wedding, it wouldn’t be the former MPs first engagement, Lembit was once engaged to ITV weather presenter Sian Lloyd, followed by his engagement to Cheeky Girl Gabriela Irimia.

Engaged? Lembit and Merily check out were rings at Tiffany & Co

He has also dated lingerie model Katie Green, making him quite the ladies’ man, but perhaps he’s now ready to finally settle down.

Lembit was the second star to leave the I’m A Celeb camp, after spending 14 days in the jungle.

Since his release, he decided to spend some extra time in Australia to soak up the sun and enjoy a romantic holiday with Merily.

And Merily was definitely making the most of the summer Down Under by wearing a tiny black miniskirt, tight white T-Shirt and sky high heels while shopping for rings.

Happy couple: The love birds strolled out of the store arm in arm with a little blue Tiffany's bag - indicating that they definitely purchased something special

Celebratory swim: After shopping for rings, the couple took a dip in the Versace Hotel swimming pool, where they've been staying

During their stay in Surfers Paradise, the love birds have also been enjoying the beach and playfully frolicked in the waves on the weekend.

After leaving the jungle on Friday night, Lembit said: ‘The experience exceeded my expectations in a good way.

‘I know now I can survive the jungle. Secondly, I know I can survive in times of relative hardship and thirdly, I’ve never been bitten by a snake before.’