Sir Elton John gig banned in Egypt

New York, May 4 (ANI): British pop icon Sir Elton John was banned from performing at an upcoming private concert in Egypt.

According to The Jerusalem Post, the 63-year-old singer, who is openly homosexual, was apparently barred from performing at the May 18 show by the head of Egypt’s Musician Union because of his “anti-religious sentiments.”

The head of the union, Mounir al Wasimi said to a foreign news agency that Sir Elton’s claim that Jesus was gay and his demand for Middle Eastern countries to allow sexual freedom amongst gays was ridiculous.

The multimillionaire star sparked off controversy in February, when he commented that there was no tolerance for homosexuals in the Middle East.

“I don”t know what makes people so cruel. Try being a gay woman in the Middle East — you”re as good as dead,” The New York Post quoted Sir Elton as telling U.S. magazine Parade.

He also claimed Jesus was a “super-intelligent gay man” who “understood human problems.” (ANI)

Lady GaGa ”Most Influential Artist of 2010”

London, April 30 (ANI): Lady GaGa has been voted the world”s most influential artist in a new poll by America”s Time magazine.

The singer clinched the top spot in the list of 25 stars, with Conan O”Brien coming second and Kathryn Bigelow and Oprah Winfrey coming third and fourth respectively, reports the Daily Star.

GaGa”s entry featured a tribute from veteran popstar Cyndi Lauper, who described the ”Poker Face” singer”s lyrics as “incredibly literary” and “sophisticated”.

Lauper wrote: “When I see someone like GaGa, I sit back in admiration… She isn”t a pop act, she is a performance artist. She herself is the art.”

The top ten also featured Robert Pattinson at number six and Taylor Swift at nine. Meanwhile, Glee star Lea Michele was a surprise entry at number 13, above established stars such as Simon Cowell and Sir Elton John. (ANI)

Aids death teen inspired Elton John to turn his life around

London, April 29(ANI): Sir Elton John has revealed that an American teenager, who died of Aids in 1990, inspired him to become sober.

Ryan White, 18, had passed away about five years after contracting HIV.

The singer met the boy after he was banned from a central Indiana school at 13. White’s case had drawn public attention to HIV/Aids education and the plight of children with HIV in the 1980s.

John was present at Riley Children”s Hospital when White passed away. He was a pallbearer at the funeral.

Now, the ‘Candle in the Wind’ hitmaker will perform in a benefit event in Indianapolis, marking the 20th anniversary of White’s death.

“It was one of the greatest things in my life to meet Ryan”s family, to be there the last week to try and help, and then for that wonderful message that he gave me to change my life around,” the Mirror quoted him as saying.

He added: “It was weird to take stock and think of it — I”m 20 years sober this year, and it”s 20 years since Ryan died, because I got sober shortly afterward.”

The funds raised will be forwarded to Elton John Aids Foundation and the Indianapolis Children”s Museum”s Power of Children exhibit. (ANI)

Elton John tells Whoopi Goldberg ‘Next Fall’ reflects his coming out struggle

London, Mar 13 (ANI): Sir Elton John has revealed on Whoopi Goldberg’s chat show The View that his new play, ‘Next Fall’, reflects some of the struggles he had coming out as gay.

John, 62, produced the play, which is a bittersweet comedy that opened on Broadway on March 12, with his partner David Furnish.

It was written by Geoffrey Nauffts, and tells the story of a gay couple, one of whom hasn’t come out as gay to his parents and struggles with the conflict with his religion.

John told Goldberg, 54, that he could totally identify with the troubled protagonist.

“I came out…at the height of my career and, yeah, it maybe hurt me a little bit but not that much and it gave me the freedom to be who I was for the rest of my life and I didn’t have to live my life in secret,” the Mirror quoted him as saying.

“I’m proud of who I am. The worst thing is to just hide and be afraid of who you are.

“I didn’t really want people to know. I didn’t have the courage in my convictions and I think as soon as I did that – when I was asked a simple question in a magazine and I said ‘yes’ – my life transformed itself.

“I don’t have any secrets now. I know it is very difficult for lots of people in different jobs but the best thing I ever did was be true to myself,” he added. (ANI)

New hope given to Sir Elton John in Ukrainian tot adoption bid

London, September 18 (ANI): Sir Elton John may still be hopeful of adopting the HIV positive Ukranian kid, whom he said he wishes to take home with partner David Furnish.

Ukraine’s family, youth and sports minister, Yuri Pavlenko, who had earlier dismissed any possibility of the musician adopting 14-month-old Lev, has apparently changed his stand.

According to the Telegraph, he said that Sir Elton “has the right and opportunity to invite the family of this boy to visit him, take them under his guardianship and help him grow into a good person.”

However, he mentioned that the child’s mother is alive which means he can’t be treated as an orphan.

He added: “I’d like to ask everyone to be tolerant to the boy. This is not an orphan, the child has a mother and an elder brother and so he cannot be adopted by law.

“He has a difficult fate, like his mother. Help has been provided to his mother to find strength to bring the family back together.”

The Ukranian law does not allow same sex couple to adopt a child. (ANI)

Sir Elton John plans to adopt 14-month-old Ukranian boy

London, September 13 (ANI): Sir Elton John is planning to adopt a child from Ukraine with partner David Furnish.

The singer revealed that a 14-month-old boy called Lev has apparently “stolen his heart.”

The child had performed at an orphanage in Ukraine while the ‘Candle In The Wind’ hitmaker was on a visit.

The 62-year-old confessed that he had always avoided adopting someone because of his age and continuous tours.

“David and I have always talked about adoption, David always wanted to adopt a child and I always said ‘no’ because I am 62 and I think because of the travelling I do and the life I have, maybe it wouldn’t be fair for the child,” the BBC News quoted him as saying.

“But having seen Lev today, I would love to adopt him. I don’t know how we do that but he has stolen my heart. And he has stolen David’s heart and it would be wonderful if we can have a home. I’ve changed my mind today,” he added.

The death of Elton’s long-term keyboardist, Guy Babylon, has influenced him too.

He said: “Last week I lost one of my best friends; my keyboard player died of a heart attack at 52.

“It broke my heart because he was such a genius and so young and has two wonderful children.

“What better opportunity to replace someone I lost than to replace him with someone I can give a future to.” (ANI)

Simon Cowell planning lavish £250k party for 50th b’day

Washington, Sept 9 (ANI): Celebrity judge Simon Cowell is planning an extravagant birthday bash for himself when he turns 50 next month.

Cowell is all set to shell out 250,000 pounds for a glamorous party to celebrate his birthday on October 7, say reports.t is believed 400 celebrity friends of Cowell will descend at Hertfordshire’s Wrotham Park to join the celebrations.

Contactmusic quoted a source as telling the Daily Mirror: “Simon’s been planning this party for months and the guest list is phenomenal – a ‘Who’s Who’ of the celebrity world.

“It’s going to be the highlight of the showbiz calendar. Simon’s not a massive party person, so when he says he’s going to do something, he does it in style.”

Stars expected to attend the party include music maestro Sir Elton John and his partner David Furnish, actor Kevin Spacey, actress Denise Richards, supermodel Kate Moss, Aussie pop princess Kylie Minogue, his co-judges from talent shows and most of his recording artists.

The insider added: “All his recording artists have been invited.And all the judges on his shows from both sides of the Atlantic.

“He’s always incredibly composed but he’ll definitely be toasting his birthday properly. There will be champagne on tap, plus a three-course banquet.

“But he can’t get up to too much, as his mother Julie is the guest of honour.” (ANI)

Elton John accused of using an autocue at concerts

Washington, Aug 31 (ANI): Brit singer Sir Elton John has been accused of using an autocue during his concerts, as he cannot remember the lines to his famous songs.

John, 62, was playing at a private birthday party in Monaco recently, when a photographer snapped a picture of a digital device buried in a flower arrangement, which clearly displayed the words to the singer’s 1970 hit ‘Your Song’.

“He really got stuck into the performance, giving it everything. But some people noticed a screen hidden in the flowers,” Contactmusic quoted an onlooker as telling British newspaper the People.

“Most fans could sing Your Song in their sleep so it’s funny Elton needed help with lyrics he’s been doing for four decades,” the onlooker added.

But a representative for the star hit back at the claims, insisting that the telepromoter was only used to remind the star of the running order of the show. (ANI)

Rolling Stones named ‘world’s most expensive wedding act’

London, Aug 23 (ANI): The Rolling Stones have been named ‘the world’s most expensive wedding act’ in a new poll.

With an estimated cost of 5 million pounds, Stones topped the poll, conducted for TV channel Living by a financial analyst, reports the Telegraph.

Both Sir Elton John and Kylie Minogue cost up to 2 million pounds.

Christina Aguilera can charge up to 1.5 million pounds and George Michael can come with an estimated cost of 1.3 million pounds.

Here are the 12 most costly wedding crooners, according to the Living poll:

1. The Rolling Stones (up to 5 million pounds)

2. Sir Elton John (up to 2 million pounds)

3. Kylie Minogue (up to 2 million pounds)

4. Christina Aguilera (up to 1.5 million pounds)

5. George Michael (1.3 million pounds)

6. Amy Winehouse (1 million pounds)

7. Sir Paul McCartney (1 million pounds)

8. Leona Lewis (1 million pounds)

9. Jennifer Lopez (1 million pounds)

10. Barry Manilow (750,000 pounds)

11. Rod Stewart (600,000 pounds)

12. Duran Duran (500,000 pounds) (ANI)

‘Billy Elliot’ bags 15 nominations for Tony Awards

London, May 6 (ANI): ‘Billy Elliot’ is heading the list of nominations at the US Tony Awards, with the Broadway production of the British hit musical running for 15 awards at the ceremony on June 7.

The musical has picked up nominations for both best musical and best original music for Sir Elton John, while its three young stars are jointly competing for best actor.

The play is pitted against other newcomers ‘Shrek’, ‘Rock of Ages’ and ‘Next to Normal’ for best musical.

British filmmaker Stephen Daldry, who also directed the 2000 Oscar-nominated film on which the original West End production is based upon, has been nominated for his direction of the musical.

According to the BBC, other nominations for ‘Billy Elliot ‘ include nods for costumes, scenic design, and other technical categories.

Behind the musical is ‘Next To Normal’, a play about a woman battling mental illness, that has received the most nominations-11.

Sir Elton, speaking on US television, said the show has “made an incredible impact on my life, and said it had been “an amazing experience”. (ANI)

Jacko’s ‘Bad’ outfit up for grabs

London, Apr 30 (ANI): Its good news for Michael Jackson fans: the much-hyped ‘Bad’ outfit is being auctioned and expected to fetch a whopping 35,000 pounds.

The famous gold and gem encrusted leather outfit, in which Michael did the ‘moonwalk’ in his Bad video, has gathered a lot of media attention.

The costume’s black jacket is decked out with 11 gold police-style badges on the chest, with crests on the sleeve and buckles on the arms.

The outfit also features an incredible belt with a Bad logo decorated with dozens of small amber crystals.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to get your hands on the most iconic costume in pop history,” The Daily Star quoted an auctioneers Profiles spokesman, as saying.

“Michael originally presented these pieces to the Hollywood Guinness World Records Mus­eum while being honoured there,” the spokesman added.

Other items included in the auction are Marilyn Monroe’s own bathing suit, a bright purple outfit worn by Sir Elton John, 61, on stage and items belonging to Elvis Presley.

The fans can bid for the items on liveauctioneers.com. (ANI)

Elton John gets standing ovation as he bids farewell to Las Vegas fans

Washington, Apr 24 (ANI): English singer Sir Elton John got a standing ovation from his fans in Las Vegas as he played the final show in his five-year residency.

John, 62, who has been a regular fixture at the Colosseum at Caesar’s Palace since signing on for a three-year deal in February 2004, was scheduled to play 75 shows over that time period, but a further 166 concert dates were added due to popular demand.

He brought the curtain down on The Red Piano show this week, paying tribute to the other superstars who have also enjoyed extended runs at the Colosseum.

The singer wowed the crowds with hits like Candle in the Wind, Tiny Dancer and Rocket Man, earning him a standing ovation from fans after each song.

“The ex-home of Celine Dion… and now it’s the ex-home of Elton John as well,” Contactmusic quoted him as saying.

“Who are you going to get to fill in our shoes now? You’ve got Bette Midler, you’ve got Cher. It’s gonna be the Village People next,” he said.

But the five-time Grammy winner isn’t ruling out a return to the Vegas stage.

“I really have enjoyed every single moment of this engagement. One day I might even see you in Vegas, OK? But until then, I love you,” he added. (ANI)

Andy Roddick, Brooklyn Decker tie the knot

Washington, Apr 18 (ANI): Andy Roddick tied the knot Friday evening in Texas with model love Brooklyn Decker.

People magazine has confirmed that the tennis pro, 26, and the swimsuit model, 21, exchanged vows in an intimate candlelit ceremony before a group of close friends and family.

“They are absolutely perfect for each other,” a family friend told People.

“I think they knew that from the moment they met that they were perfect for each other,” the pal added.

At the ceremony, bridesmaids were seen donning strapless, chocolate-colored gowns, and the setting was decorated with bright, tropical flowers.

Guests – including tennis greats Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi – were also treated to a musical performance by Roddick’s long-time friend, Sir Elton John.

The wedding was followed by dinner at Roddick’s local country club. (ANI)

Liz Hurley’s mum-in-law rubbishes break-up rumours

London, March 16 (ANI): Elizabeth Hurley’s mother-in-law has rubbished rumours that her Indian tycoon son Arun Nayar and Brit daughter-in-law were heading for splitsville.

It was recently reported that the couple’s two-year-old marriage was on the rocks, after Nayar allegedly complained of his model wife not spending much time with him due to her professional commitments.

His mother Gunnar Nayar, however, insists that it was all a cooked up story.

“This is just gossip. That’s all I can say. I don’t like commenting on family matters in public,” the Telegraph quoted her as saying.

The pair, who began dating in 2002, tied the knot in 2007 in two ceremonies-one in India and the other in Sudeley Castle, Gloucestershire.

The ceremonies, photos of which reportedly sold for a staggering two million pounds, were attended by Sir Elton John, Donatella Versace, Valentino, Leonard and Evelyn Lauder, among other celebrities. (ANI)

Liz Hurley’s mum-in-law rubbishes break-up rumours

London, March 16 (ANI): Elizabeth Hurley’s mother-in-law has rubbished rumours that her Indian tycoon son Arun Nayar and Brit daughter-in-law were heading for splitsville.

It was recently reported that the couple’s two-year-old marriage was on the rocks, after Nayar allegedly complained of his model wife not spending much time with him due to her professional commitments.

His mother Gunnar Nayar, however, insists that it was all a cooked up story.

“This is just gossip. That’s all I can say. I don’t like commenting on family matters in public,” the Telegraph quoted her as saying.

The pair, who began dating in 2002, tied the knot in 2007 in two ceremonies-one in India and the other in Sudeley Castle, Gloucestershire.

The ceremonies, photos of which reportedly sold for a staggering two million pounds, were attended by Sir Elton John, Donatella Versace, Valentino, Leonard and Evelyn Lauder, among other celebrities. (ANI)

Elton John to address 20,000 scientists at upcoming conference

Washington, Mar 13 (ANI): British singer Sir Elton John is set to speak at an upcoming convention of international scientists.

John, 61, will be addressing 20,000 people at the Biotechnology Industry Organisation’s annual conference in Atlanta, Georgia, in May this year.

The singer will be discussing the importance of Aids prevention, a cause his charity, the Elton John Aids Foundation, has been working on.

“For many years we have been deeply impressed by Sir Elton’s commitment to the fight against Aids and his efforts to raise money for charitable organisations since the mid-1980s,” Contactmusic quoted BIO chairperson James C. Greenwood as saying.

“We share a common vision and we are honoured to have him,” he added. (ANI)

Sir Richard Branson polled Britain’s Most Generous Celeb

London, March 4 (ANI): Sir Richard Branson has been named Britain’s most generous public figure in a new poll.

According to the first Volunteering Index, the Virgin boss contributed most time to social causes in the UK.

The 58-year-old billionaire beat the Prince of Wales to the second spot followed by former Test cricketer and captain Sir Ian Botham.

Football ace David Beckham grabbed the fourth spot tailed by the Princess Royal, reports The Scotsman.

Wrapping up the top 10 were Sir Elton John, Sir Cliff Richard, Esther Rantzen, Sir Paul McCartney and Sir Jimmy Savile.

The list of most generous public figures:

1. Sir Richard Branson

2. Prince of Wales

3. Sir Ian Botham

4. David Beckham

5. Princess Royal

6. Sir Elton John

7. Sir Cliff Richard

8. Esther Rantzen

9. Sir Paul McCartney

10. Sir Jimmy Savile (ANI)

Kate Beckinsale to have ‘tasty’ noodles named after her

London, Feb 24 (ANI): Kate Beckinsale is all set to get a rather ‘yummy’ honour to her credit-the actress is to have a Pot Noodle named after her, which will be called ‘Steak and BeckinsALE’.

It was when the ‘Pearl Harbour’ actress paid homage to the instant snack company after the Oscars that the noodle bosses decided to bestow her with the honour.

The 36-year-old actress’ lust for some calorific noodles was observed at Sir Elton John’s after show party.

“I am hoping for a Pot Noodle and a cup of tea!” the Sun quoted her as saying at the bash.

Pot Noodle Flavour Development Manager, Grahame Walker, said:

“We’re always on the look out for ideas for new flavours so when Miss Beckinsale announced her love for Pot Noodles we just had to make one in her honour. Steak and BeckinsALE is just like Kate – classically British and a tasty little number.” (ANI)

Sean Penn takes dig at ex-wife Madonna over toyboy ‘lover’

London, February 24 (ANI): Oscar-winner Sean Penn took a dig at his former wife Madonna when the two crossed paths at an after-show party.

The 48-year-old, who won the Best Actor gong for his performance in ‘Milk’, was congratulated by the Queen of Pop, who went public with her 22-year-old lover Jesus Luz at the bash after splitting with Guy Ritchie in January.

The Sun reports, gesturing towards Luz, Penn said: “Thanks. Another kid already?”

Madonna was also spotted with her Brazilian ‘toyboy’ at the pre-Oscars party, also attended by Sir Elton John, Sienna Miller and Josh Hartnett.

“She was all over him at the Grey Goose pre-Oscars party at Cecconi’s in Los Angeles,” the Daily Star quoted a source as saying.

“She was kissing his face off. Then she decided to invite him to join her at the actual bash – their first public outing together,” the source added. (ANI)

‘Rude’ Posh snubs Jordan at Elton John’s O-bash

London, February 24 (ANI): Victoria Beckham left Jordan a.k.a Katie Price fuming after giving her cold-shoulder at Sir Elton John’s Oscar bash.

The former ‘Spice Girl’ was reported to have blanked Peter Andre’s better half in front of Sharon Stone, Eva Longoria, Gordon Ramsay and Kate Beckinsale.

Kate dubbed the designer “rude” before heading out to chat with Simon Cowell.

“I saw Victoria and tried to approach her to say ‘Hello’,” the Mirror quoted her as saying.

“But she blatantly refused to make eye contact with me. It was so rude.

“Instead she muttered something under her breath. She was definitely slagging me off and couldn’t get away fast enough.

“I was pretty p***ed off but now I couldn’t care less. I won’t look her way again,” she added. (ANI)