Madonna‘s “Express Yourself” was a bold new chapter for the Material Girl, as it changed her musical style and persona. The Queen of Pop said she included “extreme” images of herself in the music video. This caused controversy, and the “Like a Virgin” singer elaborated on what was going through her head when he made the clip.
Madonnas’ ‘Express Yourself’ music video is based on a classic movie
“Express Yourself” is an important milestone in Madonna’s career for two reasons. First, it was the “Holiday” singer‘s first feminist anthem. As time went on, feminism became a huge part of her image. Second, it was her most extravagant music video yet, with sets modeled on the epic science fiction film Metropolis. Even today, the special effects look impressive.
In the video, Madonna plays the empowered leader of a futuristic city. At one point, she is chained nude to...
Madonnas’ ‘Express Yourself’ music video is based on a classic movie
“Express Yourself” is an important milestone in Madonna’s career for two reasons. First, it was the “Holiday” singer‘s first feminist anthem. As time went on, feminism became a huge part of her image. Second, it was her most extravagant music video yet, with sets modeled on the epic science fiction film Metropolis. Even today, the special effects look impressive.
In the video, Madonna plays the empowered leader of a futuristic city. At one point, she is chained nude to...
- 5/27/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Few singers were as good at making music videos as Madonna. Madonna’s “Express Yourself” inspired one of her best clips but it has a major error. The video doesn’t totally sync with the music! One of Madonna’s most famous producers explained why this is the case.
The music video for Madonna’s ‘Express Yourself’ has nonsensical horns
Shep Pettibone is a dance music artist who is most known for his work on Madonna’s “Vogue,” as well as some of her lesser-known singles such as “Deeper and Deeper,” “This Used to Be My Playground,” and “Erotica.” Before that, he crafted remixes for the Material Girl. During a 2015 interview with Billboard, Pettibone explained how one of his remixes created an incongruity in the “Express Yourself” music video.
“[The ‘Express Yourself’ remix] was a total reproduction and I totally rewrote the music,” he recalled. “And I really started from scratch with ‘Express Yourself.
The music video for Madonna’s ‘Express Yourself’ has nonsensical horns
Shep Pettibone is a dance music artist who is most known for his work on Madonna’s “Vogue,” as well as some of her lesser-known singles such as “Deeper and Deeper,” “This Used to Be My Playground,” and “Erotica.” Before that, he crafted remixes for the Material Girl. During a 2015 interview with Billboard, Pettibone explained how one of his remixes created an incongruity in the “Express Yourself” music video.
“[The ‘Express Yourself’ remix] was a total reproduction and I totally rewrote the music,” he recalled. “And I really started from scratch with ‘Express Yourself.
- 5/25/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The world should value consent. However, Madonna‘s “Erotica” was banned from MTV for depicting consensual roleplay. The Queen of Pop had a surprising reaction to this development. One of the musicians behind Madonna’s album Erotica also had some perceptive things to say about the controversy.
Madonna’s ‘Erotica’ was pulled from MTV for being ‘repellent’
Madonna’s music video for “Erotica” looks like a rediscovered print of a black-and-white silent film about the Folsom Street Fair. It’s grainy, disorientingly edited, and niche in a way that’s generally anathema to a mass-market pop offering. The video has a lot of images that nobody would want to watch with their grandma. The Material Girl had previously explored Bdsm in her music videos for “Express Yourself” and “Justify My Love,” but she took things to a new level of explicitness with “Erotica.” After all, the music video had to...
Madonna’s ‘Erotica’ was pulled from MTV for being ‘repellent’
Madonna’s music video for “Erotica” looks like a rediscovered print of a black-and-white silent film about the Folsom Street Fair. It’s grainy, disorientingly edited, and niche in a way that’s generally anathema to a mass-market pop offering. The video has a lot of images that nobody would want to watch with their grandma. The Material Girl had previously explored Bdsm in her music videos for “Express Yourself” and “Justify My Love,” but she took things to a new level of explicitness with “Erotica.” After all, the music video had to...
- 5/23/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
To most, Madonna‘s Like a Virgin was a fun slice of dance music. On the other hand, her father found it mortifying. He wasn’t any happier when pictures of his daughter appeared in Playboy. The “Express Yourself” singer once released a ballad about her father, and the picture it paints is not flattering.
Madonna’s father didn’t want to talk about ‘Like a Virgin’
During a 1991 interview with Rolling Stone, Madonna was asked about how her father, Silvio Anthony “Tony” Ciccone, reacted to a risque performance from her film Madonna: Truth or Dare. She avoided the question. “I don’t know if he’s seen all the other things I’ve done,” she said. “I’m sure when the nude pictures in Playboy and the album Like a Virgin came out, he went through a period of extreme shock.” While tame today, nude pictures and Like a...
Madonna’s father didn’t want to talk about ‘Like a Virgin’
During a 1991 interview with Rolling Stone, Madonna was asked about how her father, Silvio Anthony “Tony” Ciccone, reacted to a risque performance from her film Madonna: Truth or Dare. She avoided the question. “I don’t know if he’s seen all the other things I’ve done,” she said. “I’m sure when the nude pictures in Playboy and the album Like a Virgin came out, he went through a period of extreme shock.” While tame today, nude pictures and Like a...
- 5/23/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Madonna‘s “Into the Groove” is one of the best dance songs of the 1980s if not all time. The Material Girl said that a certain ex-boyfriend of hers made the song work. She also revealed why she doesn’t like singing “Into the Groove.”
Madonna doesn’t like ‘Into the Groove’ and some of her other hits
“Into the Groove” encapsulates Madonna’s early catalog like few other songs. It’s a catchy slice of post-disco music that seems innocent enough at first glance. However, upon repeat listens, it’s clear that the tune might be a metaphor for risque behavior. It straddles the line between innocence and innuendo in a way that made Madonna’s first two albums (Madonna and Like a Virgin) irresistible.
During a 2009 interview with Rolling Stone, the Material Girl said she didn’t have much faith in “Into the Groove.” “I’ve never been...
Madonna doesn’t like ‘Into the Groove’ and some of her other hits
“Into the Groove” encapsulates Madonna’s early catalog like few other songs. It’s a catchy slice of post-disco music that seems innocent enough at first glance. However, upon repeat listens, it’s clear that the tune might be a metaphor for risque behavior. It straddles the line between innocence and innuendo in a way that made Madonna’s first two albums (Madonna and Like a Virgin) irresistible.
During a 2009 interview with Rolling Stone, the Material Girl said she didn’t have much faith in “Into the Groove.” “I’ve never been...
- 5/17/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Madonna and Marilyn Monroe would be compared to each other no matter what, simply because they are two of the biggest female celebrities ever. On the other hand, some fans claim that the similarity between the Material Girl and the Some Like It Hot star goes deeper than that. Madonna’s brother, Christopher Ciccone, had a different take on the situation.
Madonna’s brother said she’s not ‘self-destructive’ like Marilyn Monroe
Monroe’s influence can be seen throughout Madonna’s career. The “Like a Virgin” singer based her video for “Material Girl” on a scene from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, one of Monroe’s most famous films. Monroe is also one of several Hollywood stars mentioned in the lyrics of “Vogue.” The cover of Madonna’s greatest hits album Celebration is also based on Monroe, and the singer appropriated a famous sequence from The Seven Year Itch for her “Give Me All Your Luvin'” clip.
Madonna’s brother said she’s not ‘self-destructive’ like Marilyn Monroe
Monroe’s influence can be seen throughout Madonna’s career. The “Like a Virgin” singer based her video for “Material Girl” on a scene from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, one of Monroe’s most famous films. Monroe is also one of several Hollywood stars mentioned in the lyrics of “Vogue.” The cover of Madonna’s greatest hits album Celebration is also based on Monroe, and the singer appropriated a famous sequence from The Seven Year Itch for her “Give Me All Your Luvin'” clip.
- 5/17/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Madonna‘s “Material Girl” music video helped her meet Sean Penn. It also caused fans to compare her to another famous blonde. The Queen of Pop’s brother said that Madonna’s fans drew false conclusions from that music video.
Madonna met Sean Penn on the set of ‘Material Girl’
In his 2008 book Life With My Sister Madonna, Christopher Ciccone gave fans some fascinating insight into the “Material Girl” video shoot. “On the LA set of the ‘Material Girl’ video, as Madonna is sashaying down a staircase, decked out in a fuchsia satin replica of the Travilla gown Marilyn wore in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, she comes face-to-face with hot actor Sean Penn,” he wrote. “He is 24, she is 26, their birthdays are just one day apart, and — for both of them — it is love at first sight.
“Afterward, she will claim that Sean reminds her of pictures she’s seen of...
Madonna met Sean Penn on the set of ‘Material Girl’
In his 2008 book Life With My Sister Madonna, Christopher Ciccone gave fans some fascinating insight into the “Material Girl” video shoot. “On the LA set of the ‘Material Girl’ video, as Madonna is sashaying down a staircase, decked out in a fuchsia satin replica of the Travilla gown Marilyn wore in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, she comes face-to-face with hot actor Sean Penn,” he wrote. “He is 24, she is 26, their birthdays are just one day apart, and — for both of them — it is love at first sight.
“Afterward, she will claim that Sean reminds her of pictures she’s seen of...
- 5/16/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Madonna‘s Like a Prayer has a suggestive title track, but it also has some moments of innocence. For example, one of the tracks from the album was inspired by a little girl. The response to the track in different countries was polarized. Notably, the song in question inspired one of the most uncharacteristic videos of Madonna’s career.
Madonna’s ‘Like a Prayer’ era was a change of pace for her
Like a Prayer was the moment Madonna’s music became a lot more personal. It deals with the Materials Girls’ feelings about religion, her family, and her divorce from Sean Penn. The album was co-produced by Patrick Leonard, the unsung songwriting maestro who co-wrote “Like a Prayer,” “Express Yourself,” and other Madonna hits.
During a 2017 interview with Boy Culture, Leonard discussed why Madonna’s music became more personal with Like a Prayer. “I think it happens naturally,” he replied.
Madonna’s ‘Like a Prayer’ era was a change of pace for her
Like a Prayer was the moment Madonna’s music became a lot more personal. It deals with the Materials Girls’ feelings about religion, her family, and her divorce from Sean Penn. The album was co-produced by Patrick Leonard, the unsung songwriting maestro who co-wrote “Like a Prayer,” “Express Yourself,” and other Madonna hits.
During a 2017 interview with Boy Culture, Leonard discussed why Madonna’s music became more personal with Like a Prayer. “I think it happens naturally,” he replied.
- 5/9/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Here’s a look at this week’s biggest premieres, parties and openings in Los Angeles and New York, including events for The Fall Guy, The Idea of You and Unfrosted.
AFI Life Achievement Award
The American Film Institute presented the 49th AFI Life Achievement Award to Nicole Kidman on Saturday in Hollywood, with Meryl Streep, Reese Witherspoon, Morgan Freeman, Naomi Watts, Zoe Saldaña, Aaron Sorkin, Zac Efron, Miles Teller, Joey King, Mike Myers and Kidman’s husband Keith Urban all on hand to honor the star.
Miles Teller, Reese Witherspoon, Lee Daniels, Nicole Kidman, Meryl Streep and Zac Efron Michelle Pfeiffer and David E. Kelley
The Idea of You premiere
Anne Hathaway, Nicholas Galitzine, Reid Scott and Ella Rubin joined producer Gabrielle Union and director Michael Showalter at the New York premiere of their Prime Video rom-com on Monday.
Reid Scott, Ella Rubin, Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine Gabrielle...
AFI Life Achievement Award
The American Film Institute presented the 49th AFI Life Achievement Award to Nicole Kidman on Saturday in Hollywood, with Meryl Streep, Reese Witherspoon, Morgan Freeman, Naomi Watts, Zoe Saldaña, Aaron Sorkin, Zac Efron, Miles Teller, Joey King, Mike Myers and Kidman’s husband Keith Urban all on hand to honor the star.
Miles Teller, Reese Witherspoon, Lee Daniels, Nicole Kidman, Meryl Streep and Zac Efron Michelle Pfeiffer and David E. Kelley
The Idea of You premiere
Anne Hathaway, Nicholas Galitzine, Reid Scott and Ella Rubin joined producer Gabrielle Union and director Michael Showalter at the New York premiere of their Prime Video rom-com on Monday.
Reid Scott, Ella Rubin, Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine Gabrielle...
- 5/3/2024
- by Kirsten Chuba
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Madonna released more hits than just about anyone but not all of them are vocally challenging. Despite this, her co-writer said one of her hits proves the Material Girl has the best singing voice ever. He also revealed what he thinks of people who don’t see her as a real artist.
Madonna’s songwriter said 1 hit proved she could singer better than these rock stars
Though he is not a household name, Patrick Leonard is one of the most important songwriters in pop history. He worked with Madonna on many of her best songs from the 1980s and 1990s, including “Like a Prayer,” “La Isla Bonita,” “Live to Tell,” “Cherish,” and “Frozen.” During a 2017 interview with Boy Culture, the songwriter said he was upset by critics who felt Madonna was not a real artist, whatever that means.
“There’s people with a more controlled voice — the word ‘better’ is not fair,...
Madonna’s songwriter said 1 hit proved she could singer better than these rock stars
Though he is not a household name, Patrick Leonard is one of the most important songwriters in pop history. He worked with Madonna on many of her best songs from the 1980s and 1990s, including “Like a Prayer,” “La Isla Bonita,” “Live to Tell,” “Cherish,” and “Frozen.” During a 2017 interview with Boy Culture, the songwriter said he was upset by critics who felt Madonna was not a real artist, whatever that means.
“There’s people with a more controlled voice — the word ‘better’ is not fair,...
- 4/24/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Cyndi Lauper is sounding off.
The 63-year-old '80s pop icon stopped by Watch What Happens Live on Wednesday and shared her disapproval over Madonna's speech at the Women's March on Washington.
Watch: Scarlett Johansson and America Ferrera Deliver Powerful Speeches at Women's March on Washington
“I don’t think that it served our purpose,” Lauper said to host Andy Cohen. “Anger is not better than clarity and humanity. That is what opens people’s minds.”
Instead, Lauper pointed out that Scarlett Johansson, who spoke about her experience with Planned Parenthood, had a much better speech.
“It was clear, it was eloquent,” Lauper said. “Yelling just jacks people up. It doesn’t communicate any kind of humanity or story that would open another person’s mind.”
Watch: Madonna Clarifies Her Comments About Blowing Up White House Given During Women's March Speech
On Sunday, Madonna took to Instagram to clarify her controversial speech after saying she has "thought...
The 63-year-old '80s pop icon stopped by Watch What Happens Live on Wednesday and shared her disapproval over Madonna's speech at the Women's March on Washington.
Watch: Scarlett Johansson and America Ferrera Deliver Powerful Speeches at Women's March on Washington
“I don’t think that it served our purpose,” Lauper said to host Andy Cohen. “Anger is not better than clarity and humanity. That is what opens people’s minds.”
Instead, Lauper pointed out that Scarlett Johansson, who spoke about her experience with Planned Parenthood, had a much better speech.
“It was clear, it was eloquent,” Lauper said. “Yelling just jacks people up. It doesn’t communicate any kind of humanity or story that would open another person’s mind.”
Watch: Madonna Clarifies Her Comments About Blowing Up White House Given During Women's March Speech
On Sunday, Madonna took to Instagram to clarify her controversial speech after saying she has "thought...
- 1/26/2017
- Entertainment Tonight
Madonna is setting the record straight! The “Material Girl” singer took to Instagram on Sunday to clarify her controversial speech at the Women’s March in Washington D.C. on Saturday.
The pop icon spoke at the historic event and gave an expletive-laden speech in which she declared, “Yes, I am angry. Yes, I am outraged. Yes, I have thought an awful lot about blowing up the White House. But I know that this won’t change anything.”
Watch: Madonna, Scarlett Johansson and America Ferrera Deliver Powerful Speeches at Women's March on Washington
Madonna posted a picture of herself to Instagram, writing, “’I choose love.’ Are you with me?”
In her caption, she explained her comments from Saturday’s march.
“Yesterday’s Rally was an amazing and beautiful experience,” she began. “I came and performed 'Express Yourself' and that’s exactly what I did. However, I want to clarify some very important things.”
The mother...
The pop icon spoke at the historic event and gave an expletive-laden speech in which she declared, “Yes, I am angry. Yes, I am outraged. Yes, I have thought an awful lot about blowing up the White House. But I know that this won’t change anything.”
Watch: Madonna, Scarlett Johansson and America Ferrera Deliver Powerful Speeches at Women's March on Washington
Madonna posted a picture of herself to Instagram, writing, “’I choose love.’ Are you with me?”
In her caption, she explained her comments from Saturday’s march.
“Yesterday’s Rally was an amazing and beautiful experience,” she began. “I came and performed 'Express Yourself' and that’s exactly what I did. However, I want to clarify some very important things.”
The mother...
- 1/23/2017
- Entertainment Tonight
Madonna is clarifying a statement made during her controversial speech at yesterday's Women's March on Washington D.C. The pop singer joined celebrities including America Ferrera and Scarlett Johansson onstage to speak out in support of women's rights and equality, at one point telling the crowd that she's "thought an awful lot about blowing up the White House." One day later, Madonna took to Instagram with a lengthy message claiming the provocative statement should not be taken for face value. "Yesterday's Rally. was an amazing and beautiful experience. I came and performed Express Yourself and thats exactly what i did," she...
- 1/22/2017
- E! Online
Madonna was among the many high-profile celebrities who delivered speeches at the Women’s March in Washington, D.C., Saturday, but her profanity-ridden, confrontational speech raised a few eyebrows.
After stating that she’s “thought an awful lot about blowing up the White House” and dropping three f-bombs, the 58-year-old singer took to Instagram to clear up any confusion.
“Yesterday’s Rally. was an amazing and beautiful experience. I came and performed Express Yourself and thats exactly what i did. However I want to clarify some very important things. ” she captioned a photo of herself with the words “I choose love!
After stating that she’s “thought an awful lot about blowing up the White House” and dropping three f-bombs, the 58-year-old singer took to Instagram to clear up any confusion.
“Yesterday’s Rally. was an amazing and beautiful experience. I came and performed Express Yourself and thats exactly what i did. However I want to clarify some very important things. ” she captioned a photo of herself with the words “I choose love!
- 1/22/2017
- by Stephanie Petit
- PEOPLE.com
America Ferrera, Scarlett Johansson and Madonna are taking a stand.
All three women took the stage to deliver speeches at the Women's March on Washington in the nation's capital on Saturday, just one day after President Donald Trump's inauguration.
Related: Katy Perry, Drew Barrymore, Charlize Theron, Ariana Grande and More Attend Women's Marches Across the Nation
A crowd of over 500,000 people showed up to participate in the event -- expected to be the largest inauguration-related protest in U.S. history, according to The New York Times -- to advocate for the rights of women, minorities and the Lgbtq community over the course of Trump's administration.
Ferrera, who serves as the event's Artists' Chair, kicked things off with an impassioned speech, claiming that we are all "under attack."
"It's been a heartrending time to be both a woman and an immigrant in this country," she said. "Our dignity, our character, our rights...
All three women took the stage to deliver speeches at the Women's March on Washington in the nation's capital on Saturday, just one day after President Donald Trump's inauguration.
Related: Katy Perry, Drew Barrymore, Charlize Theron, Ariana Grande and More Attend Women's Marches Across the Nation
A crowd of over 500,000 people showed up to participate in the event -- expected to be the largest inauguration-related protest in U.S. history, according to The New York Times -- to advocate for the rights of women, minorities and the Lgbtq community over the course of Trump's administration.
Ferrera, who serves as the event's Artists' Chair, kicked things off with an impassioned speech, claiming that we are all "under attack."
"It's been a heartrending time to be both a woman and an immigrant in this country," she said. "Our dignity, our character, our rights...
- 1/21/2017
- Entertainment Tonight
I'll be filling in for Ed today and tomorrow while he continues his journey of self-discovery.
What happens when a Broadway star supports Chick-Fil-a?
Remembering Sister Boom-Boom, divine hell-raiser.
There's good news in the kidnapping case of Isabella Miller-Jenkins. "A Mennonite minister was found guilty on Tuesday of aiding and abetting international kidnapping by helping a woman flee to Nicaragua with her daughter to evade court orders giving visitation rights to her former lesbian partner." I've been following this case since it started, and hopefully this is just the beginning of prosecutions.
Inside The Rapidly Growing World Of Cat Fashion Modeling.
Squee! Raiders Of The Lost Ark is set to be released for an exclusive one-week engagement in select IMAX theaters beginning September 7th.
Don't kill the messenger: Are anal tattoos the next big thing?
Did Chick-fil-a keep Adam Lambert from winning American Idol? "While every measurable indicator favored an...
What happens when a Broadway star supports Chick-Fil-a?
Remembering Sister Boom-Boom, divine hell-raiser.
There's good news in the kidnapping case of Isabella Miller-Jenkins. "A Mennonite minister was found guilty on Tuesday of aiding and abetting international kidnapping by helping a woman flee to Nicaragua with her daughter to evade court orders giving visitation rights to her former lesbian partner." I've been following this case since it started, and hopefully this is just the beginning of prosecutions.
Inside The Rapidly Growing World Of Cat Fashion Modeling.
Squee! Raiders Of The Lost Ark is set to be released for an exclusive one-week engagement in select IMAX theaters beginning September 7th.
Don't kill the messenger: Are anal tattoos the next big thing?
Did Chick-fil-a keep Adam Lambert from winning American Idol? "While every measurable indicator favored an...
- 8/15/2012
- by snicks
- The Backlot
It's been an incredible year in the world of showbiz, with the usual headline-grabbing antics, scandal, sleaze, celebrity births, star weddings, and bitter break-ups. Here, WENN takes a look back at the first six months of 2011...
January
The new year began with wedding bells for many couples including singer Shania Twain, who married her fiance Frederic Thiebaud in Puerto Rico on New Year's Day, while country star Kellie Pickler and actress Valerie Bertinelli also walked down the aisle on 1 January.
The new year brought baby news for a number of celebrity couples - Orlando Bloom and his wife Miranda Kerr became first-time parents with the birth of their son Flynn. Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem also welcomed a son, and Owen Wilson became a father just days after he announced his girlfriend's pregnancy. Nicole Kidman also hit headlines when she and her husband Keith Urban revealed they welcomed a daughter called Faith via a surrogate mother over the holidays.
There was also pregnancy news for actress Kate Hudson, who announced she was expecting a baby with Muse rocker Matt Bellamy, as well as Marion Cotillard, Jewel, Selma Blair and Victoria Beckham, who confirmed she was pregnant with her fourth child.
However, the first few weeks of 2011 also brought a slew of celebrity splits - Keira Knightley ended her longtime romance with actor Rupert Friend, Shakira parted ways with Antonio de la Rua, her boyfriend of more than 10 years, and Mila Kunis and Macaulay Culkin separated after eight years together.
Many stars saw in the new year by addressing their personal problems, and a number of famous faces went in and out of rehab in the first few weeks of 2011. Lindsay Lohan and Demi Lovato both ended long treatment stints in January, while David Arquette, Backstreet Boys star A.J. McLean and his bandmate Nick Carter's younger brother Aaron all enrolled in programs. Troubled actor Charlie Sheen also admitted himself to a clinic just weeks after he was hospitalised to treat a hernia, and he later admitted he turned to booze to blot out the pain of the medical condition. Sheen’s rehab stint forced TV bosses to shut down production on his show Two and a Half Men.
Another colourful character to hit the headlines in January was British funnyman Ricky Gervais, who managed to cause controversy during his stint as Golden Globes host. The comedian was condemned by organisers for poking fun at celebrity guests including Robert Downey, Jr., Johnny Depp and Tom Hanks during the glitzy prizegiving.
The month held good news for veteran actor Michael Douglas as he was given the all-clear after a gruelling battle with throat cancer. His wife Catherine Zeta-Jones subsequently admitted she cried tears of joy when doctors told the couple the actor had beaten the disease. Poison rocker Bret Michaels also overcame a health crisis after undergoing successful surgery to close a hole in his heart.
January also saw the loss of a number of great stars including Oscar-winning James Bond theme composer John Barry, and Scottish musician Gerry Rafferty, who passed away after suffering liver failure. The world of Hollywood was again plunged into mourning following the death of British actor Pete Postlethwaite, who died at the age of 64.
February
As awards season got into full swing, The King's Speech was the toast of Hollywood after scooping four Oscars including Best Picture, Best Actor for the movie's star, Colin Firth, and Best Director for Tom Hooper, while Natalie Portman fought back tears as she walked away with the Best Actress honour for her role as a tormented ballet dancer in Black Swan. It was a different story at the Independent Spirit Awards, where Black Swan trounced its rivals, picking up four honours including Best Director for Darren Aronofsky.
In the world of music, Lady Gaga's incredible rise continued as she picked up three Grammy Awards, including Best Pop Vocal Album, but her achievements were overshadowed by country trio Lady Antebellum, who scored five accolades, and the shock win for Canadian rockers Arcade Fire in the prestigious Album of the Year category for their disc The Suburbs. Across the pond at the Brit Awards in London, Arcade Fire were again bathed in glory when they were handed the International Group and International Album honours, while newcomer Tinie Tempah crowned a triumphant 12 months by taking home the British Breakthrough Act and British Single titles. Rihanna was named Best International Female solo star, and Justin Bieber was named the International Breakthrough Act of the year.
Away from the red carpet, it was a bleak month for My Name Is Earl actress Jaime Pressly, who was charged with driving under the influence after failing a field sobriety test, Dirty Dancing star Jennifer Grey, who was underwent an operation to remove a growth from her foot, Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman, who was hospitalised with a flesh-eating bug, and Dame Judi Dench, who broke two of her toes on the set of her new movie J. Edgar.
There were also woes for Rihanna, whose raunchy promo film for single S&M provoked outrage around the world and was banned in 11 countries, actress Eliza Dushku, who broke a finger on holiday, and fashion king John Galliano, who was suspended and later sacked by Christian Dior after he was filmed launching an anti-Semitic rant at stunned drinkers in a bar in Paris, France.
Rock duo the White Stripes stunned the music world when they announced they were splitting up after 14 years, and Lady Gaga's much-hyped new single Born This Way was unveiled to a barrage of accusations she had ripped off Madonna's classic Express Yourself. But there was good news for older music fans, as '60s icons The Monkees announced they were reuniting for a U.K. tour.
Loved up celebrity couples Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez, and Anna Friel and Rhys Ifans, both confirmed their engagements, and there were wedding bells for Kelsey Grammer - who married for the fourth time - and Mark Ronson and Katherine Jenkins, who both announced their respective engagements.
Among the stars hearing the pitter-patter of tiny feet this month were Christina Applegate, who gave birth to a daughter, magician David Blaine, who became a first-time father to a baby girl, reggae star Zac Marley, rocker Rod Stewart, Sex and the City's Cynthia Nixon, and No Doubt star Tom Dumont.
Jude Law continued his unlucky-in-love streak when he split - yet again - from Sienna Miller, Iron Man star Terrence Howard was hit with divorce papers, Olivia Wilde split from her husband after eight years, and celebrity couple Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz announced their marriage was over.
The world of showbiz bid farewell to guitar legend Gary Moore, who died aged 58, blues legend Eddie Kirkland died in a car crash at the age of 88, Seinfeld star Len Lesser succumbed to pneumonia aged 88, and The Dukes of Hazzard actress Peggy Rea, who passed away at the age of 89.
March
Tinseltown lost one of its brightest lights in March after movie icon Dame Elizabeth Taylor died of congestive heart failure at the age of 79. Tributes from the world of showbiz poured in for the Cleopatra legend, with Sir Elton John, Jane Fonda, Barbra Streisand and Liza Minnelli leading the heartfelt remembrances. The acting great was interred at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California, where her dear friend Michael Jackson was also laid to rest in 2009.
March was also marked by controversy as a host of famous faces found themselves in the headlines for all the wrong reasons.
Pop star Christina Aguilera was arrested for drunkenness in West Hollywood, while Boardwalk Empire beauty Pas de la Huerta was also apprehended after a bar fight in New York City. Jackass daredevil Steve-o was taken into custody in Canada on an outstanding warrant, and rapper Rick Ross got caught smoking marijuana in a Louisiana hotel room.
But it was Charlie Sheen who really gave fans something to talk about after he was fired from Two and a Half Men following months of public feuding with writer/creator Chuck Lorre. Days later, cops raided Sheen's Los Angeles home to investigate a tip that the troubled star was in violation of a court order by keeping a gun in the house.
March also brought one of the year's most devastating tragedies as Japan was hit by a massive earthquake, which then created an enormous tidal wave. More than 15,000 people perished in the disaster and Slash, Lady Gaga, the Black Eyed Peas and the Foo Fighters were among the big-name acts who staged gigs to raise money for victims, while actresses Sandra Bullock and Demi Lovato also donated $1 million (£625,000) each to boost relief efforts.
Back in Hollywood, there was plenty of heartache as Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel ended their romance, Renee Zellweger called it quits with Bradley Cooper and Twilight beauty Ashley Greene split from Joe Jonas.
But love was most definitely in the air for Oscar winner Reese Witherspoon, who married showbiz agent Jim Toth in a romantic ceremony at her California home. Canadian crooner Michael Buble also wed stunning supermodel Luisana Lopilato in a civil ceremony in her native Argentina.
Celebrations were in order for former Spice Girl Melanie Brown, who announced she and husband Stephen Belafonte were expecting their first child together. Actors Robert De Niro and Mel Gibson became proud grandfathers in March, while Elizabeth Banks also became a first-time mother to a baby boy, born via surrogate.
Emily Deschanel confirmed she was expecting her first child with actor husband David Hornsby, while Cruel Intentions star Ryan Phillippe also had baby news after the tabloids reported that his ex-girlfriend, actress Alexis Knapp, was pregnant.
There was a health scare on the cards for tennis ace Serena Williams after she was hospitalised with a blood clot in her lungs, while fears for Zsa Zsa Gabor's wellbeing mounted when she began coughing up blood and suffered circulation problems in her left leg.
There was a close call for actor David Arquette after he was in a head-on car crash in Los Angeles, and Glee star Lea Michele was also involved in a smash when her car was struck by a drunk driver.
Hip-hop star Wyclef Jean had a lucky escape after he was shot in the hand during a visit to his native Haiti, while James Taylor suffered a broken leg in a skiing accident in Utah.
Courtroom battles loomed for Britney Spears, who was hit with a $10 million (£6.25 million) lawsuit over a perfume deal, and Jay-z was accused of trademark infringement over the logo for Roc Nation.
Even clean-cut teen pop sensation Justin Bieber found himself named in court papers after a songwriting duo sued over claims they hadn't received royalties for his hit song One Less Lonely Girl.
April
There were births, marriages and bust-ups galore as Spring sprung in April, but only one subject was on everyone's lips - the royal wedding. Celebs and commoners alike got carried away in the buzz of the big day on 29 April, when brunette beauty Kate Middleton walked down the aisle with her very own Prince Charming, William. Who would design the dress? Who would be invited? Would best man Harry fall for bridesmaid Pippa? But all questions fell by the wayside on the morning of the magical day, as Britain and two billion viewers across the world came to a standstill to watch the future Queen of England step out of her Rolls-Royce wearing a stunning Alexander McQueen lace gown to huge cheers from the crowd. The pair wed in front of 1,900 quests, including Queen Elizabeth II, the entire royal family, and even showbiz royalty Victoria and David Beckham, and left London's Westminster Abbey to great fanfare as the new Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. But Kate didn't hog all the limelight - who can forget the backing support of her sister Pippa, hailed Her Royal Hotness thanks to that figure-hugging dress and her much-discussed derriere?
The wedding was of fairytale proportions, one even our favourite celebs couldn't compete with - but that didn’t stop them from trying! Canadian crooner Michael Buble was one of the biggest stars to walk down the aisle in April - his second set of nuptials to stunning fiancee Luisana Lopilato following their original wedding day in March. Controversial couple LeAnn Rimes and Eddie Cibrian also wed in a private ceremony in Malibu, which was a surprise for guests - they thought they were there for the pair's engagement party! Funnyman Rob Schneider also joined the marriage club, exchanging vows with fiancee Patricia Azarcoya Arce over the Easter Weekend. The marriage mood of the month gave many stars ideas; the likes of Kate Hudson and Matt Bellamy, and Tom Fletcher and his longtime girlfriend became engaged.
Despite love being in the air, some unions were destined to end - Elizabeth Hurley started divorce proceedings against her millionaire husband Arun Nayar, while Christina Aguilera's five-year marriage to Jordan Bratman was declared officially over. After marriage must come babies, and April was awash with stars welcoming newborns. Superstar Mariah Carey welcomed twins Moroccan and Monroe, and in true diva style, gave birth to them on her fourth wedding anniversary to Nick Cannon. The Killers frontman Brandon Flowers and Black Eyed Peas rapper Taboo both welcomed their third sons, while Jane Krakowski, Kevin James, Toni Collette and Drea De Matteo all also became parents to baby boys. Mexican actor Gael Garcia Bernal was an exception to the rule - he became the proud father of a baby girl.
But with ups, there must be downs - and nobody does scandal like the stars. Teen sensation Demi Lovato stunned her legions of loyal fans by opening up about the emotional issues which landed her in rehab earlier in the year, revealing she was battling an eating disorder and cut herself at her lowest moments. Charlie Sheen continued his madcap ways by embarking on a comedy tour following his sacking from Two and a Half Men - only to get booed offstage on his first night, with critics calling his stand-up debut an "epic failure". Bond fans mourned April as the month Sir Sean Connery announced he was retiring from public appearances after he failed to show up to a charity event in New York. Lindsay Lohan was back in trouble - and in court - when a judge decided she'd had enough of the actress' antics and sentenced her to 120 days behind bars for violating her probation. Nicolas Cage hit the headlines when he was arrested on domestic violence charges following a street bust-up with his wife in New Orleans, and Vince Neil was also in hot water for domestic violence - his ex-girlfriend accused him of jabbing a finger at her during an argument. However, the biggest shock came when Welsh beauty Catherine Zeta-Jones checked into a mental health facility to overcome her bipolar disorder. The stint in the clinic came after a tough year for the Oscar-winner following husband Michael Douglas' cancer battle.
April was a sad month for actor Tim Robbins, who tragically lost his father, Gil, and his mother, Mary, within days of each other. The punk world was left in mourning when X-Ray Spex legend Poly Styrene lost her battle with cancer at the age of 53, while British actress Elisabeth Sladen, Dr Who's longest running sidekick, also passed away after a fight with the disease.
May
May was a shocking month as Hollywood tough guy Arnold Schwarzenegger split from his wife of 25 years Maria Shriver, only to reveal later on in the month he had fathered a lovechild with their housekeeper 13 years earlier. Although the scandal rocked Hollywood, he wasn't the only one heading for splitsville - Charlie Sheen and Brooke Mueller became officially divorced, as did actress Neve Campbell and James Bond star George Lazenby. Lady Gaga also split from boyfriend Luc Carl, while Hayden Panettiere ended her romance with her boxer boyfriend Wladimir Klitschko. Girls Aloud beauty Nadine Coyle also became single after calling off her engagement to American footballer Jason Bell.
But it wasn't all doom and gloom - Beatles legend Sir Paul Mccartney announced he was engaged to marry for the third time, to American Nancy Shevell, while director Sophia Coppolla and reality star Kim Kardashian also announced plans to walk down the aisle.
As for marriages, Marie Osmond remarried her first husband Stephen Craig, 29 years after they first exchanged vows and in the same wedding dress. Wedding bells also rang for Kings Of Leon frontman Caleb Followill and Victoria's Secret supermodel Lily Aldridge, while country king and queen Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert also became man and wife in Texas.
New romances between Sienna Miller and Tom Sturridge, as well as Nick Jonas and Australian pop star Delta Goodrem also came to light.
It was a baby boom month, with many stars becoming parents for the first time. Rockers Bryan Adams and Matthew Followill, actors David Schwimmer and Mike Myers, and actresses Alicia Silverstone, Marion Cotillard and Lost's Evangeline Lilly all became first-time parents. Former Spice Girl Emma Bunton welcomed her second son. French first lady Carla Bruni and actress Bryce Dallas Howard were also celebrating pregnancies. But it was a sad month for British actress Kelly Brook, who suffered a miscarriage.
Other sad news in May came when Grease actor Jeff Conaway passed away at the age of 60, sending Hollywood into mourning. Boxing legend Sir Henry Cooper died two days before his 77th birthday and Superman star Jackie Cooper also died, aged 88. The month started with the shock news that al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden had been shot dead in Pakistan. Other stars facing struggles included Sean Kingston, who was involved in a horrific jet-ski crash, while veteran actress Zsa Zsa Gabor was also hospitalised with pneumonia-type symptoms and fell into a coma.
It was also a controversial month for Lindsay Lohan, who started a 120-day jail term in the comfort of her own home for parole violation. British rocker Pete Doherty was also jailed for six months for cocaine possession. Other stars facing woes included Amy Winehouse, Whitney Houston, Friends star Matthew Perry and boxer/singer Oscar De La Hoya, who were all submitted in to rehab programs. It was an embarrassing month for British singer Cheryl Cole, who was hired, then fired to sit on the judging panel of America's The X Factor. In music news for the month, Silverchair announced they were to split, Rod Stewart announced a Las Vegas residency, while it was a big movie month as the Cannes Film Festival in France also kicked off. While Brad Pitt was hailed at the glitzy event, with his film Tree Of Life winning the coveted Palme d'Or prize for Best Film, it was a bad experience for director Lars Von Trier, who was banned from the festival for controversial statements he made about Nazi leader Adolf Hitler during the festivities.
June
As summer blossomed, June marked a baby boom in Hollywood. Pop star Pink became a first-time mum at the beginning of the month when she welcomed little Willow, while drummer Adrian Young added to the No Doubt family with daughter Magnolia. Natalie Portman became a yummy mummy to son Aleph, actress Tia Mowry also welcomed a little boy, and model/actress Devon Aoki was another addition to the first-time mum club with the arrival of Hunter. Denise Richards made headlines when she announced she'd adopted a baby, Eloise, into her brood, while Meat Loaf became a grandfather when his daughter Pearl Aday gave birth to a baby boy. Lindsay Price and Nia Long also announced their pregnancies in June, as did Lily Allen - whose baby news went public on the same day she married partner Sam Cooper.
Lily's wedding wasn't the only one at the start of summer - Rachel Weisz married actor Daniel Craig following a whirlwind romance and Noel Gallagher put his wild ways behind him after exchanging vows with longterm partner Sara MacDonald.
However, the month was marred by a string of high-profile splits - David Duchovny and Tea Leoni separated just two years after reconciling following the actor's sex addiction admission, Jack White parted ways with model/singer wife Karen Elson after six years of marriage, and Hugh Hefner was dumped by fiancee Crystal Harris - just days before their planned wedding. Elizabeth Hurley's divorce from Arun Nayar was granted, and George Clooney split from Elisabetta Canalis.
There were health dramas aplenty - pop princesses Selena Gomez and Jennifer Hudson were hospitalised within days of each other. Both stars were forced to pull performances, and getwellselena even became a top trending topic on Twitter.com as fans rallied to support the Disney idol. Gomez later revealed she was malnourished and feeling exhausted, while Hudson was diagnosed with a severe bout of food poisoning.
The music world was left reeling when legendary saxophonist Clarence Clemons, who had worked with Bruce Springsteen and Lady Gaga, died from complications stemming from a major stroke. The rocker led the tributes to his pal, declaring, "His loss is immeasurable and we are honoured and thankful to have known him and had the opportunity to stand beside him for nearly forty years." TV fans were also left in mourning following the passing of Columbo star Peter Falk at the age of 83, while legendary TV cowboy James Arness also died.
In other June news, the vampires from Twilight overpowered the magical Harry Potter kids at the MTV Movie Awards, taking home five golden popcorn prizes to their film franchise rival cast's one. The Cmt Awards took place in Nashville, Tennessee just days later and newlyweds Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert dominated the ceremony - picking up three of the nine top honours between them. But it was a bad month for their country music rival Trace Adkins when his Tennessee home was destroyed by fire.
The month was special for U2 when they headlined Britain's iconic Glastonbury festival after a year-long wait - they were forced to pull out of the event in 2010 after frontman Bono underwent surgery on his back. In a spooky echo of U2's concert drama, pop star Jessie J was forced to axe several summer shows after undergoing emergency surgery on her broken foot – but still fulfilled her duties at Glastonbury, performing while perched on a red and gold throne.
January
The new year began with wedding bells for many couples including singer Shania Twain, who married her fiance Frederic Thiebaud in Puerto Rico on New Year's Day, while country star Kellie Pickler and actress Valerie Bertinelli also walked down the aisle on 1 January.
The new year brought baby news for a number of celebrity couples - Orlando Bloom and his wife Miranda Kerr became first-time parents with the birth of their son Flynn. Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem also welcomed a son, and Owen Wilson became a father just days after he announced his girlfriend's pregnancy. Nicole Kidman also hit headlines when she and her husband Keith Urban revealed they welcomed a daughter called Faith via a surrogate mother over the holidays.
There was also pregnancy news for actress Kate Hudson, who announced she was expecting a baby with Muse rocker Matt Bellamy, as well as Marion Cotillard, Jewel, Selma Blair and Victoria Beckham, who confirmed she was pregnant with her fourth child.
However, the first few weeks of 2011 also brought a slew of celebrity splits - Keira Knightley ended her longtime romance with actor Rupert Friend, Shakira parted ways with Antonio de la Rua, her boyfriend of more than 10 years, and Mila Kunis and Macaulay Culkin separated after eight years together.
Many stars saw in the new year by addressing their personal problems, and a number of famous faces went in and out of rehab in the first few weeks of 2011. Lindsay Lohan and Demi Lovato both ended long treatment stints in January, while David Arquette, Backstreet Boys star A.J. McLean and his bandmate Nick Carter's younger brother Aaron all enrolled in programs. Troubled actor Charlie Sheen also admitted himself to a clinic just weeks after he was hospitalised to treat a hernia, and he later admitted he turned to booze to blot out the pain of the medical condition. Sheen’s rehab stint forced TV bosses to shut down production on his show Two and a Half Men.
Another colourful character to hit the headlines in January was British funnyman Ricky Gervais, who managed to cause controversy during his stint as Golden Globes host. The comedian was condemned by organisers for poking fun at celebrity guests including Robert Downey, Jr., Johnny Depp and Tom Hanks during the glitzy prizegiving.
The month held good news for veteran actor Michael Douglas as he was given the all-clear after a gruelling battle with throat cancer. His wife Catherine Zeta-Jones subsequently admitted she cried tears of joy when doctors told the couple the actor had beaten the disease. Poison rocker Bret Michaels also overcame a health crisis after undergoing successful surgery to close a hole in his heart.
January also saw the loss of a number of great stars including Oscar-winning James Bond theme composer John Barry, and Scottish musician Gerry Rafferty, who passed away after suffering liver failure. The world of Hollywood was again plunged into mourning following the death of British actor Pete Postlethwaite, who died at the age of 64.
February
As awards season got into full swing, The King's Speech was the toast of Hollywood after scooping four Oscars including Best Picture, Best Actor for the movie's star, Colin Firth, and Best Director for Tom Hooper, while Natalie Portman fought back tears as she walked away with the Best Actress honour for her role as a tormented ballet dancer in Black Swan. It was a different story at the Independent Spirit Awards, where Black Swan trounced its rivals, picking up four honours including Best Director for Darren Aronofsky.
In the world of music, Lady Gaga's incredible rise continued as she picked up three Grammy Awards, including Best Pop Vocal Album, but her achievements were overshadowed by country trio Lady Antebellum, who scored five accolades, and the shock win for Canadian rockers Arcade Fire in the prestigious Album of the Year category for their disc The Suburbs. Across the pond at the Brit Awards in London, Arcade Fire were again bathed in glory when they were handed the International Group and International Album honours, while newcomer Tinie Tempah crowned a triumphant 12 months by taking home the British Breakthrough Act and British Single titles. Rihanna was named Best International Female solo star, and Justin Bieber was named the International Breakthrough Act of the year.
Away from the red carpet, it was a bleak month for My Name Is Earl actress Jaime Pressly, who was charged with driving under the influence after failing a field sobriety test, Dirty Dancing star Jennifer Grey, who was underwent an operation to remove a growth from her foot, Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman, who was hospitalised with a flesh-eating bug, and Dame Judi Dench, who broke two of her toes on the set of her new movie J. Edgar.
There were also woes for Rihanna, whose raunchy promo film for single S&M provoked outrage around the world and was banned in 11 countries, actress Eliza Dushku, who broke a finger on holiday, and fashion king John Galliano, who was suspended and later sacked by Christian Dior after he was filmed launching an anti-Semitic rant at stunned drinkers in a bar in Paris, France.
Rock duo the White Stripes stunned the music world when they announced they were splitting up after 14 years, and Lady Gaga's much-hyped new single Born This Way was unveiled to a barrage of accusations she had ripped off Madonna's classic Express Yourself. But there was good news for older music fans, as '60s icons The Monkees announced they were reuniting for a U.K. tour.
Loved up celebrity couples Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez, and Anna Friel and Rhys Ifans, both confirmed their engagements, and there were wedding bells for Kelsey Grammer - who married for the fourth time - and Mark Ronson and Katherine Jenkins, who both announced their respective engagements.
Among the stars hearing the pitter-patter of tiny feet this month were Christina Applegate, who gave birth to a daughter, magician David Blaine, who became a first-time father to a baby girl, reggae star Zac Marley, rocker Rod Stewart, Sex and the City's Cynthia Nixon, and No Doubt star Tom Dumont.
Jude Law continued his unlucky-in-love streak when he split - yet again - from Sienna Miller, Iron Man star Terrence Howard was hit with divorce papers, Olivia Wilde split from her husband after eight years, and celebrity couple Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz announced their marriage was over.
The world of showbiz bid farewell to guitar legend Gary Moore, who died aged 58, blues legend Eddie Kirkland died in a car crash at the age of 88, Seinfeld star Len Lesser succumbed to pneumonia aged 88, and The Dukes of Hazzard actress Peggy Rea, who passed away at the age of 89.
March
Tinseltown lost one of its brightest lights in March after movie icon Dame Elizabeth Taylor died of congestive heart failure at the age of 79. Tributes from the world of showbiz poured in for the Cleopatra legend, with Sir Elton John, Jane Fonda, Barbra Streisand and Liza Minnelli leading the heartfelt remembrances. The acting great was interred at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California, where her dear friend Michael Jackson was also laid to rest in 2009.
March was also marked by controversy as a host of famous faces found themselves in the headlines for all the wrong reasons.
Pop star Christina Aguilera was arrested for drunkenness in West Hollywood, while Boardwalk Empire beauty Pas de la Huerta was also apprehended after a bar fight in New York City. Jackass daredevil Steve-o was taken into custody in Canada on an outstanding warrant, and rapper Rick Ross got caught smoking marijuana in a Louisiana hotel room.
But it was Charlie Sheen who really gave fans something to talk about after he was fired from Two and a Half Men following months of public feuding with writer/creator Chuck Lorre. Days later, cops raided Sheen's Los Angeles home to investigate a tip that the troubled star was in violation of a court order by keeping a gun in the house.
March also brought one of the year's most devastating tragedies as Japan was hit by a massive earthquake, which then created an enormous tidal wave. More than 15,000 people perished in the disaster and Slash, Lady Gaga, the Black Eyed Peas and the Foo Fighters were among the big-name acts who staged gigs to raise money for victims, while actresses Sandra Bullock and Demi Lovato also donated $1 million (£625,000) each to boost relief efforts.
Back in Hollywood, there was plenty of heartache as Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel ended their romance, Renee Zellweger called it quits with Bradley Cooper and Twilight beauty Ashley Greene split from Joe Jonas.
But love was most definitely in the air for Oscar winner Reese Witherspoon, who married showbiz agent Jim Toth in a romantic ceremony at her California home. Canadian crooner Michael Buble also wed stunning supermodel Luisana Lopilato in a civil ceremony in her native Argentina.
Celebrations were in order for former Spice Girl Melanie Brown, who announced she and husband Stephen Belafonte were expecting their first child together. Actors Robert De Niro and Mel Gibson became proud grandfathers in March, while Elizabeth Banks also became a first-time mother to a baby boy, born via surrogate.
Emily Deschanel confirmed she was expecting her first child with actor husband David Hornsby, while Cruel Intentions star Ryan Phillippe also had baby news after the tabloids reported that his ex-girlfriend, actress Alexis Knapp, was pregnant.
There was a health scare on the cards for tennis ace Serena Williams after she was hospitalised with a blood clot in her lungs, while fears for Zsa Zsa Gabor's wellbeing mounted when she began coughing up blood and suffered circulation problems in her left leg.
There was a close call for actor David Arquette after he was in a head-on car crash in Los Angeles, and Glee star Lea Michele was also involved in a smash when her car was struck by a drunk driver.
Hip-hop star Wyclef Jean had a lucky escape after he was shot in the hand during a visit to his native Haiti, while James Taylor suffered a broken leg in a skiing accident in Utah.
Courtroom battles loomed for Britney Spears, who was hit with a $10 million (£6.25 million) lawsuit over a perfume deal, and Jay-z was accused of trademark infringement over the logo for Roc Nation.
Even clean-cut teen pop sensation Justin Bieber found himself named in court papers after a songwriting duo sued over claims they hadn't received royalties for his hit song One Less Lonely Girl.
April
There were births, marriages and bust-ups galore as Spring sprung in April, but only one subject was on everyone's lips - the royal wedding. Celebs and commoners alike got carried away in the buzz of the big day on 29 April, when brunette beauty Kate Middleton walked down the aisle with her very own Prince Charming, William. Who would design the dress? Who would be invited? Would best man Harry fall for bridesmaid Pippa? But all questions fell by the wayside on the morning of the magical day, as Britain and two billion viewers across the world came to a standstill to watch the future Queen of England step out of her Rolls-Royce wearing a stunning Alexander McQueen lace gown to huge cheers from the crowd. The pair wed in front of 1,900 quests, including Queen Elizabeth II, the entire royal family, and even showbiz royalty Victoria and David Beckham, and left London's Westminster Abbey to great fanfare as the new Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. But Kate didn't hog all the limelight - who can forget the backing support of her sister Pippa, hailed Her Royal Hotness thanks to that figure-hugging dress and her much-discussed derriere?
The wedding was of fairytale proportions, one even our favourite celebs couldn't compete with - but that didn’t stop them from trying! Canadian crooner Michael Buble was one of the biggest stars to walk down the aisle in April - his second set of nuptials to stunning fiancee Luisana Lopilato following their original wedding day in March. Controversial couple LeAnn Rimes and Eddie Cibrian also wed in a private ceremony in Malibu, which was a surprise for guests - they thought they were there for the pair's engagement party! Funnyman Rob Schneider also joined the marriage club, exchanging vows with fiancee Patricia Azarcoya Arce over the Easter Weekend. The marriage mood of the month gave many stars ideas; the likes of Kate Hudson and Matt Bellamy, and Tom Fletcher and his longtime girlfriend became engaged.
Despite love being in the air, some unions were destined to end - Elizabeth Hurley started divorce proceedings against her millionaire husband Arun Nayar, while Christina Aguilera's five-year marriage to Jordan Bratman was declared officially over. After marriage must come babies, and April was awash with stars welcoming newborns. Superstar Mariah Carey welcomed twins Moroccan and Monroe, and in true diva style, gave birth to them on her fourth wedding anniversary to Nick Cannon. The Killers frontman Brandon Flowers and Black Eyed Peas rapper Taboo both welcomed their third sons, while Jane Krakowski, Kevin James, Toni Collette and Drea De Matteo all also became parents to baby boys. Mexican actor Gael Garcia Bernal was an exception to the rule - he became the proud father of a baby girl.
But with ups, there must be downs - and nobody does scandal like the stars. Teen sensation Demi Lovato stunned her legions of loyal fans by opening up about the emotional issues which landed her in rehab earlier in the year, revealing she was battling an eating disorder and cut herself at her lowest moments. Charlie Sheen continued his madcap ways by embarking on a comedy tour following his sacking from Two and a Half Men - only to get booed offstage on his first night, with critics calling his stand-up debut an "epic failure". Bond fans mourned April as the month Sir Sean Connery announced he was retiring from public appearances after he failed to show up to a charity event in New York. Lindsay Lohan was back in trouble - and in court - when a judge decided she'd had enough of the actress' antics and sentenced her to 120 days behind bars for violating her probation. Nicolas Cage hit the headlines when he was arrested on domestic violence charges following a street bust-up with his wife in New Orleans, and Vince Neil was also in hot water for domestic violence - his ex-girlfriend accused him of jabbing a finger at her during an argument. However, the biggest shock came when Welsh beauty Catherine Zeta-Jones checked into a mental health facility to overcome her bipolar disorder. The stint in the clinic came after a tough year for the Oscar-winner following husband Michael Douglas' cancer battle.
April was a sad month for actor Tim Robbins, who tragically lost his father, Gil, and his mother, Mary, within days of each other. The punk world was left in mourning when X-Ray Spex legend Poly Styrene lost her battle with cancer at the age of 53, while British actress Elisabeth Sladen, Dr Who's longest running sidekick, also passed away after a fight with the disease.
May
May was a shocking month as Hollywood tough guy Arnold Schwarzenegger split from his wife of 25 years Maria Shriver, only to reveal later on in the month he had fathered a lovechild with their housekeeper 13 years earlier. Although the scandal rocked Hollywood, he wasn't the only one heading for splitsville - Charlie Sheen and Brooke Mueller became officially divorced, as did actress Neve Campbell and James Bond star George Lazenby. Lady Gaga also split from boyfriend Luc Carl, while Hayden Panettiere ended her romance with her boxer boyfriend Wladimir Klitschko. Girls Aloud beauty Nadine Coyle also became single after calling off her engagement to American footballer Jason Bell.
But it wasn't all doom and gloom - Beatles legend Sir Paul Mccartney announced he was engaged to marry for the third time, to American Nancy Shevell, while director Sophia Coppolla and reality star Kim Kardashian also announced plans to walk down the aisle.
As for marriages, Marie Osmond remarried her first husband Stephen Craig, 29 years after they first exchanged vows and in the same wedding dress. Wedding bells also rang for Kings Of Leon frontman Caleb Followill and Victoria's Secret supermodel Lily Aldridge, while country king and queen Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert also became man and wife in Texas.
New romances between Sienna Miller and Tom Sturridge, as well as Nick Jonas and Australian pop star Delta Goodrem also came to light.
It was a baby boom month, with many stars becoming parents for the first time. Rockers Bryan Adams and Matthew Followill, actors David Schwimmer and Mike Myers, and actresses Alicia Silverstone, Marion Cotillard and Lost's Evangeline Lilly all became first-time parents. Former Spice Girl Emma Bunton welcomed her second son. French first lady Carla Bruni and actress Bryce Dallas Howard were also celebrating pregnancies. But it was a sad month for British actress Kelly Brook, who suffered a miscarriage.
Other sad news in May came when Grease actor Jeff Conaway passed away at the age of 60, sending Hollywood into mourning. Boxing legend Sir Henry Cooper died two days before his 77th birthday and Superman star Jackie Cooper also died, aged 88. The month started with the shock news that al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden had been shot dead in Pakistan. Other stars facing struggles included Sean Kingston, who was involved in a horrific jet-ski crash, while veteran actress Zsa Zsa Gabor was also hospitalised with pneumonia-type symptoms and fell into a coma.
It was also a controversial month for Lindsay Lohan, who started a 120-day jail term in the comfort of her own home for parole violation. British rocker Pete Doherty was also jailed for six months for cocaine possession. Other stars facing woes included Amy Winehouse, Whitney Houston, Friends star Matthew Perry and boxer/singer Oscar De La Hoya, who were all submitted in to rehab programs. It was an embarrassing month for British singer Cheryl Cole, who was hired, then fired to sit on the judging panel of America's The X Factor. In music news for the month, Silverchair announced they were to split, Rod Stewart announced a Las Vegas residency, while it was a big movie month as the Cannes Film Festival in France also kicked off. While Brad Pitt was hailed at the glitzy event, with his film Tree Of Life winning the coveted Palme d'Or prize for Best Film, it was a bad experience for director Lars Von Trier, who was banned from the festival for controversial statements he made about Nazi leader Adolf Hitler during the festivities.
June
As summer blossomed, June marked a baby boom in Hollywood. Pop star Pink became a first-time mum at the beginning of the month when she welcomed little Willow, while drummer Adrian Young added to the No Doubt family with daughter Magnolia. Natalie Portman became a yummy mummy to son Aleph, actress Tia Mowry also welcomed a little boy, and model/actress Devon Aoki was another addition to the first-time mum club with the arrival of Hunter. Denise Richards made headlines when she announced she'd adopted a baby, Eloise, into her brood, while Meat Loaf became a grandfather when his daughter Pearl Aday gave birth to a baby boy. Lindsay Price and Nia Long also announced their pregnancies in June, as did Lily Allen - whose baby news went public on the same day she married partner Sam Cooper.
Lily's wedding wasn't the only one at the start of summer - Rachel Weisz married actor Daniel Craig following a whirlwind romance and Noel Gallagher put his wild ways behind him after exchanging vows with longterm partner Sara MacDonald.
However, the month was marred by a string of high-profile splits - David Duchovny and Tea Leoni separated just two years after reconciling following the actor's sex addiction admission, Jack White parted ways with model/singer wife Karen Elson after six years of marriage, and Hugh Hefner was dumped by fiancee Crystal Harris - just days before their planned wedding. Elizabeth Hurley's divorce from Arun Nayar was granted, and George Clooney split from Elisabetta Canalis.
There were health dramas aplenty - pop princesses Selena Gomez and Jennifer Hudson were hospitalised within days of each other. Both stars were forced to pull performances, and getwellselena even became a top trending topic on Twitter.com as fans rallied to support the Disney idol. Gomez later revealed she was malnourished and feeling exhausted, while Hudson was diagnosed with a severe bout of food poisoning.
The music world was left reeling when legendary saxophonist Clarence Clemons, who had worked with Bruce Springsteen and Lady Gaga, died from complications stemming from a major stroke. The rocker led the tributes to his pal, declaring, "His loss is immeasurable and we are honoured and thankful to have known him and had the opportunity to stand beside him for nearly forty years." TV fans were also left in mourning following the passing of Columbo star Peter Falk at the age of 83, while legendary TV cowboy James Arness also died.
In other June news, the vampires from Twilight overpowered the magical Harry Potter kids at the MTV Movie Awards, taking home five golden popcorn prizes to their film franchise rival cast's one. The Cmt Awards took place in Nashville, Tennessee just days later and newlyweds Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert dominated the ceremony - picking up three of the nine top honours between them. But it was a bad month for their country music rival Trace Adkins when his Tennessee home was destroyed by fire.
The month was special for U2 when they headlined Britain's iconic Glastonbury festival after a year-long wait - they were forced to pull out of the event in 2010 after frontman Bono underwent surgery on his back. In a spooky echo of U2's concert drama, pop star Jessie J was forced to axe several summer shows after undergoing emergency surgery on her broken foot – but still fulfilled her duties at Glastonbury, performing while perched on a red and gold throne.
- 12/31/2011
- WENN
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