Cher a natural diva in Burlesque

LOS ANGELES - POP diva Cher has returned to the big screen after a seven-year gap, showing her talents in the musical Burlesque - and helping Christina Aguilera make her feature film debut.

And the well-preserved singer-actress makes no bones about why she did the movie.

'I accepted this role because I was begged to do it,' the 64-year-old said on the eve of the film's opening for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend in the US.

'Most of the girls were half my age, beautiful, talented, and a blast to work with,' she told reporters gathered with some of the film's actors in Beverly Hills.

Cher in a scene from the movie 'Burlesque'. -- PHOTO: AP

Dressed in black and sipping soda, a relaxed Cher cracked jokes alongside actor Stanley Tucci, while 29-year-old Aguilera appeared more cautious, wearing heavy make-up and with pet dog Stinky in her arms.

Cher's talents were praised by her co-stars including Aguilera, who has separated from her husband of five years Jordan Bratman and said Cher has counselled her. 'She gave me so much advice, both personally and professionally. She didn't even have to open her mouth. She is just such an incredible presence and person,' said the four-time Grammy winner. -- AFP

Paris Hilton countersues

Los Angeles - Paris Hilton is countersuing the hair extension company which filed a lawsuit against her in August.

The hotel heiress was reportedly paid $3.5m by Hairtech International in 2007 to be the face of their Dream Catchers range of clip-in locks but is being sued for $35m after allegedly failing to promote the product and wearing extensions made by a competitor.

Now Paris has filed her own suit and is asking for $2.1m in damages, at least $400 000 in punitive damages and attorney fees, and $500 000 in declaratory relief.

In documents filed at Los Angeles Superior Court Hilton's lawyer alleges Hairtech International "sought to capitalise on Ms Hilton's brand and fame by offering to pay substantial 'guaranteed' royalties in exchange for the right to associate Ms Hilton's brand with their line of hair products".

Paris is also accusing the company of fraud claiming they failed to pay her "in excess of $1.7m", and accusing them of "secretly altering documents presented to Ms Hilton's company for signature".

Along with countersuing the hair extension company, Paris denies she was unprofessional and claims the company's CEO Chris Volek wrote her an e-mail praising her performance after she filmed a commercial for the company.

According to gossip website TMZ, the email said: "Hey Paris. I know it was a long day, but baby you 'Rocked.' Just from the takes I saw this is going to be one hellava commercial, you were genuinely amazing. - BangShowBiz

Rihanna's Strange Style. Covered, Uncovered

The singer rocked a leather studded Phillipe and David Blond corset after picking up two American Music Awards in Nov. 2008.

Rihanna, who has said she loves "very flirty" clothes, wore a highly structured, futuristic blouse with a bubble skirt at the DKMS gala in NYC in May 2009.

Rihanna wore a bouffant tuxedo by Dolce & Gabbana at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's annual Costume Institute gala in NYC in May 2009.

Rihanna took her love of denim to a new level with white skinny jeans and an acid-washed denim vest while out in NYC in Aug. 2009.

Model Miranda Kerr is not only stripping down to her underwear

Miranda Kerr is not only stripping down to her underwear but also posing txpless in the February issue of GQ magazine. In several images revealed to the press, Miranda Kerr is seen naked and only using her hands to cover her breasts.

Personally, Miranda Kerr has dated Orlando Bloom since late 2007. In December 2008, the couple was hit with engagement rumor but the representative for the Aussie model dismissed the report, saying “Miranda herself has clearly stated she is not engaged. There is nothing else to be said.”