Willow Smith finally raises a smile on Sasha Obama's face at White House Easter party

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Picture of misery: Nine-year-old Sasha, centre, looks less than amused as her parents read out Chicka Chicka Boom Boom to a young audience at the White House. Her sister Malia, 12, does a much better job


Willow's mother and Michelle Obama cheered her on at event

One thing was clear for the President today - his daughter's far more interested in watching a pop star perform that letting him read her bedtime stories.

Nine-year-old Sasha Obama looked the picture of misery as she listened to Barack read out a story at the White House's annual Easter Egg Roll.

But she cheered up remarkably once her father's story was over, dancing and smiling as Will Smith's daughter, Willow, performed in a concert later in the afternoon.


What a transformation! Sasha looked much happier once Willow Smith, right, took to the stage for a concert


While her elder sister Malia managed to summon at least a hint of interest, Sasha seemed thoroughly bored by the whole affair, propping her head up with her hand as she struggled to stay awake.

But Sasha was much happier when 10-year-old Willow Smith proved to be quite the consummate as she performed to a packed crowd at the White House.

The singer delighted crowds who assembled on the lawn at the U.S. President's residence for the annual Easter party, complete with games, storytelling and a visit from the Easter Bunny.


Whip it! Willow Smith, the daughter of actor Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, performs her hit song Whip My Hair at the annual White House Easter Egg Roll in Washington today


Support: Her mother Jada and the U.S. President's wife Michelle Obama cheered her on from the packed crowd, which assembled on the famous South Lawn


Get me out of here: Sasha, left, looks distinctly unimpressed by her parents' storytelling, while elder sister Malia, 12, looks to the family's dog Bo to keep her entertained



Cheer up dear: Sasha manages a brief smile when Bo joins in the storytelling at the White House Easter Egg Roll


Mrs Obama said it was 'pretty amazing' that a record 30,000 were expected to attend. All 50 states and Washington, D.C., were represented, according to the White House.

'We are so excited about this year's Easter egg roll,' she said. 'The theme is "Get Up and Go!" because, as you know, I'm a big proponent of getting up and going, making sure we're moving and eating healthy, and this Easter egg roll reflects all of that.'

The event began at 7.30am and ran all day. Tickets were allocated to five groups, each of 6,000 people, who were allowed to spend two hours on the South Lawn.

Mrs Obama has travelled around the country stressing healthy eating and exercise as part of a nationwide campaign against childhood obesity.


Nice work, sis: Willow was also supported by her 12-year-old brother Jaden


On a roll: Children take part in the annual event on the South Lawn of the White House


Doting parents: Actor Will Smith and Jada flick peace signs to the cameras as he leave the White House after their daughter Willow's soundcheck yesterday


source: dailymail

'A British singer convicted of assault': How hot favourite for U.S. X Factor Cheryl Cole is being introduced to America

By Sarah Fitzmaurice


'A Brit singer convicted of assault': An influential U.S. blogger doesn't seem overly impressed with Cheryl Cole


She’s hardly known over in the states and Jennifer Lopez only just seemed to be aware of what she does so it’s fair to say that Cheryl Cole has certainly got her work cut out in cracking America.

But now an influential U.S. blogger has described England’s sweetheart as ‘a Brit singer convicted of assault’ and referred to her as ‘this Cole woman’ - not the best introduction she could have hope for.

In an interview with music mogul and X Factor supremo Simon Cowell, Nikki Finke, editor of Deadline Hollywood has revealed that Cheryl is a ‘shoo-in’ for the U.S. version of the show alongside Paula Abdul – but she isn’t holding back on the fact she isn’t convinced by the Geordie singer.


And Finke's opinion matters - not only has she set up Deadline.com before selling it in 2009 for a reported $14million while still remaining as editor-in-chief, but she also writes for L.A. Weekly and is renowned for her strong views.

Finke writes that none of the contestants auditioning for the American version of the show will ‘have a clue about Cole’.

Strong support: Cowell has told Finke that Cheryl is a very special person and said he always wanted Paula to be on the show


The blogger also details Cheryl’s ‘rough’ history including her conviction for assault and subsequent community service.

However the interview does clearly show Simon’s strong support for the pop princess he gushes about Cheryl to Nikki.

Speaking about when he initially hired Cheryl for the British version of the show Cowell told Finke: ‘I’d only met her literally once when I offered her the job on X Factor.

Final lineup: LA Reid will join Cowell on the judging panel while Nicole Scherzinger, who was at one stage tipped to be a judge, will host the show


'I thought she was bright, cute, knew what she was talking about, ambitious. And you meet someone special a few times in your life.. And this girl is special.’

He also quashes rumours, widely reported, that Fox wasn’t convinced by Cheryl.

Cowell said: ‘Mike Darnell and Peter Rice will tell you they wanted her all the time.’

‘They absolutely fell in love with her. In a way, the deal, it was almost conditional on Cheryl having the gig. They were desperate for her.’

And Cowell also reveals he has wanted Paula Abdul all along he said: ‘I've always wanted Paula. Always been very vocal about that. I missed her the second she left the show.’

Deals haven’t been finalised for Cheryl and for Paula- and the only officially confirmed judge being LA Reid- but the final four is quiet clear, Cowell, Cole, Abdul and Reid, with Nicole Scherzinger as host.

But for Finke the lineup doesn't impress and she ponders: ‘Will Cowell with this panel that's more of a "ZZZZZZ Factor" than The X Factor?’

And while she isn't particularly complementary about former Popstars contestant Cheryl, perhaps her most scathing comments are reserved for Cowell himself.

She concludes: 'Cowell wants himself to be the only celebrated celebrity on his new show.'



source:dailymail

Glee's Lea Michele lights up Times Square in a technicolour coat

By Daily Mail Reporter


I've arrived! Lea Michele films scenes for Glee in a colourful outfit in the middle of Times Square New York today


Lea Michele found a sure fire way to stand out from the crowd as she filmed in New York's Times Square today.

The 24-year-old donned a vibrant multi-coloured striped coat with red tights, yellow shoes and a cream beret hat to shoot scenes for the hit show.

The actress threw her arms in the air with a delight while cameras rolled on the first ever episode of the show to be filmed in the Big Apple.


While the exact plot details surrounding the New York visit remain under wraps, Lea is thrilled at the chance to film on the East Coast.

'Now it’s time to get movin because my dream of shooting Glee in NYC is finally coming true! Hope u r ready NYC…Miss Rachel Berry is here!!' she tweeted before the shoot.

She was joined on location by co-stars Cory Monteith, Diana Agron, Jenna Ushkowitz, Heather Morris, Chris Colfer, Mark Salling and Ashley Fink.

Glee-full: Lea wore a vibrant outfit as she excitedly performed scenes on the location set

Singing in the street: Lea was joined by the rest of the Glee cast as they shot a musical number in the middle of Times Square


The girls were spotted filming a musical number which involved dancing their way down a huge flight of stairs in the middle of Times Square.

The boys were spotted watching from behind the scenes.

Lea recently revealed quite how close she is with her female cast mates admitting they even have a regular girlie night that they call the 'First Wives Club.'

In an interview with Marie Claire Michele says: 'It started a year and a half ago.

She's got the moves: Heather Morris strikes a pose while Lea Michele and Jenna Ushkowitz giggle


'The girls would get a bottle of red wine and stay a few hours after work to hang out and catch up in my trailer.

'Now we do it whenever we want.

'Occasionally we'll let one of the boys in and it's so funny to hear them talk about it. They're like: "Have you been to First Wives Club?"

'''I've been once... did they let you in? They let me in last week but they wouldn't let me in this week".'

Lunch break: The cast enjoyed sandwiches on the steps in between takes

Bright sight: Dianna Agron donned an orange trench while Chris Colfer rocked a purple shirt and fur hat for the shoot


'We also hang out a lot together off the set - I'm with Dianna, Amber and Jenna [Ushkowitz who plays Tina Cohen-Chang] nearly every day.'

Michele also admits to having a good relationship with her male cast mates, revealing that she teases Cory Monteith - who plays Finn Hudson - about the day he dropped her on set.

She says: 'In the Rocky Horror episode I had a scene where I fainted and Cory would catch me.

'We did it 600 times, but on one take he forgot to catch me and I hit the deck, hard.
'I will never let him live that one down - the day he dropped me.'

Lazy boys: Cory Monteith and Mark Salling had a more relaxed appearance than the girls

All together: Lea Michele, Diana Agron, Jenna Ushkowitz, Heather Morris and Ashley Fink danced their way down a flight of stairs as they filmed the musical number


source:dailymail

New Doctor Who episode billed as scariest yet sees ratings FALL by 1.5m (And Britain's Got Talent is also on the slide)

By Simon Cable


Losing out to the weather? The latest episode of Dr Who starring Matt Smith (right), Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill, attracted a smaller audience than last year's series opener


It was billed as one of the scariest Doctor Who episodes ever. But when the series returned on Saturday, the Time Lord found himself facing an unexpected enemy – the sunshine.

The first episode was watched by an average of 6.4million viewers, according to overnight figures, down by almost 1.5million on the equivalent episode last year.

With many choosing to make the most of the good weather, it meant it was the lowest-rating series opener since the much-loved drama was revived on Easter weekend in 2005 with Christopher Eccleston in the lead role.


However Saturday’s episode, The Impossible Astronaut – which pitted Matt Smith’s Doctor against creepy new alien menace the Silence – still drew an impressive 36.7 per cent of the available audience, with figures peaking at seven million.

And when ‘time shift’ figures for those who recorded the show to watch later are added in, the final figure is expected to be much higher.

When Doctor Who returned to television screens in 2005 after a 16-year absence the opening show attracted a peak audience of 10.5million. The following year, 9.8million tuned in to see David Tennant’s debut as the Time Lord.

The BBC pointed out that low audience figures were recorded across all channels this weekend because of the weather and the bank holiday.

The same fate befell Britain’s Got Talent, which recorded yet another drop in audience figures on Saturday night.

ITV had hoped the show would see a ratings recovery after the series opener last week pulled in 10.9million, a drop of 1.3million from the first show of last year’s series.

However, it recorded a peak of 10.6million and an average audience of just 9million – 900,000 less than last week’s average audience.

Fans say the show has been weakened by Simon Cowell’s absence. He has pulled out as a judge during the audition rounds to focus on the launch of The X Factor in the U.S., but will return for next month’s live shows. Former judge Piers Morgan has also quit.

Doctor Who returned to television screens in 2005 after a sixteen year absence. The opening show of the series attracted a peak audience of 10.5million. The following year, 9.8million fans tuned in to see David Tennant’s debut as The Timelord.

In 2010, eight million watched Matt Smith’s debut, while an almost identical audience was recorded for last year’s Easter Saturday episode.

Scariest yet: Saturday's episode saw the doctor travel to Utah, where he witnessed a gruesome murder


This weekend’s episode was the first time in seven years that ratings had fallen below eight million.

Saturday’s episode began with a dedication to the memory of the late Doctor Who actress Elisabeth Sladen who died of cancer this week at the age of 63.

Ahead of broadcast, the show’s head writer and producer Steven Moffat said the first two episodes of the new series – which feature a mystery alien species known as the Silents – is the scariest opener to any Doctor Who series yet.

He said: ‘The Doctor’s darkest hour is coming. Shows like Doctor Who should have big colourful, memorable moments that make you go, “What the hell?” Well, this is one of them.’

However, fans were not wholly impressed. Eunice Ann Green wrote on the BBC Points of View messageboard: ‘Doctor Who was one of the best programmes and as a family never missed watching no matter where we are or what we are doing.

‘But tonight we lost all interest and feel the cast and stories have had an injustice served upon them. Please bring it back to how and what it should be - that is a great British programme loved by all, not just sci-fi fans.’

Matt Smith replaced David Tennant last year and at 26, he became the youngest actor to be given the role since it began in 1963.

There was a mixed reception for last year’s series, the first overseen by Moffat, with ratings down year on year.

The new series will feature guest appearances from Downton Abbey star Hugh Bonneville, David Walliams, James Corden, Lily Cole and the voice of Michael Sheen.

The series will be split into two, with seven episodes running until June before it returns with another six episodes in the autumn.

New line-up: New judges Michael McIntyre (left) and David Hasselhoff (right) joined Amanda Holden for the latest series


At the end of Saturday night’s programme, a tribute to Elisabeth Sladen - who starred opposite Jon Pertwee and Tom Baker as the Doctor’s assistant between 1973 and 1976 - was screened on CBBC.

Doctor Who was not the only show to suffer from the fine bank holiday weather this weekend.

Britain’s Got Talent recorded yet another drop in audience figures on Saturday night.

ITV had hoped that this week’s auditions show would see a ratings recovery after the series opener pulled in 10.9million – a drop of 1.3million from the first show of last year’s series.

However, it recorded a peak of 10.6million and an average audience of just nine million – 900,000 less than last week’s average audience.

It is also the lowest viewing figures for the show since 2007.

Gone but not forgotten: Piers Morgan (left) and Simon Cowell both quit the show to pursue careers in the U.S.


It is a blow for ITV, with fans already claiming the long-running show has been weakened since Simon Cowell’s absence.

However, the broadcaster pointed out that television viewing figures were reduced across the board over the holiday period and said that the show still pulled in a 44 per cent share of the audience.

The music mogul has pulled out as a judge during the audition rounds to focus on the launch of his U.S. X Factor series. He will return for next month’s live shows.

Former judge Piers Morgan has also quit. The pair have been replaced by comedian Michael McIntyre and actor David Hasselhoff, who sit alongside Amanda Holden.

Saturday’s show featured 21-year-old former model Pippa Langhorne singing a version of Pie Jesu with her puppy Buddy.

Big break: Singer Pippa Langhorne impressed the judges


Impressionist Les Gibson also impressed the judges after mimicking hosts Ant and Dec, while 92-year-old Ted Hall performed a duet with his 21-year-old granddaughter Grace Bower.

Fans took to social networking sites to complain about Cowell’s absence. Axel Yachef wrote: ‘I hate Simon Cowell but his presence is massively missing from the show.’

Another calling themselves Brooksyonair added: ‘BGT really missing Simon Cowell! Like all 3 judges but they just don’t work together.’



source:dailymail

Amy Childs leads the pack as the TOWIE cast film scenes in their native Brentwood in typically Essex style

By Daily Mail Reporter


Girls on film: Amy Childs, Chloe Sims and Billie Faiers hit Brentwood in typical TOWIE style


They've become famed for their excess, so it's hardly shocking to see the cast of The Only Way Is Essex dressed slightly over the top while going about their daily business.

And today the ladies in particular really took their exuberant approach to fashion to new heights as they hit Brentwood to film scenes for the ITV2 show.

Amy Childs, 20, led the spectacle, squeezing her rather ample chest into a slinky white dress with a beige bag and red heels.

Soaring temperatures: The Essex girl squeezed her pneumatic chest into this slinky white number


Of course, the outfit wouldn't have been complete with an obligatory pair of sunshades, and the puffy-lipped reality star didn't disappoint with a large pair of Eighties style glasses.

The rest of the TOWIE girls followed suit, with almost all of them joining Amy in summery light shades.

In fact, it was only Chloe Sims who bucked the trend in a fuchsia chiffon dress with matching strappy wedge heels.

Service with a smile: Sam Faiers and Gemma Collins make their way down Brentwood hight street as the TOWIE cast spend the day filming in the Essex town


She also donned a large pair of sunshades, the kind you might see Victoria Beckham wearing, as the group made their way into affluent Brentwood.

Sam Faiers, who recently opened her own boutique named Minnie's, was also in town with the TOWIE gang.

She arrived looking more casual than the rest of the Essex girls, wearing a light summer dress with an asymetric hemline but kept it sensible in a pair of flip-flops.

Essex and proud: Joey poses in his casual outfit as he makes his way to girlfriend Sam's boutique


Sister Billie joined the light brigade in a one-shoulder, cream dress.

Gemma Collins made a bit of a faux pas in her silver mini dress. With her larger frame the shimmering number made her look like the tin man from The Wizard Of Oz.

One of TOWIE's most popular boys, Joey Essex, was on hand to fill the male contingent during filming.

The man who wore bright orange UGG boots and skinny jeans for a 'glamping' trip on one of last week's shows, this time played it a little more understated.

Man in the middle: Arg pounds the streets with the TOWIE girls


He wore a hooded tracksuit top with jeans and a pair of Nike Air Rift trainers, which have a slit in the front of them to divide the wearer's toes.

For some odd reason he left the Velcro straps undone, possibly a fashion statement or maybe his shoes were just a little too tight for him?

Completing the line was James Argent, or Arg as he's known.

The 23-year-old has a penchant for dressing beyond his years and today's outing was no different.

With his standard combed over, slick hairstyle Arg walked in among the ladies wearing a V-neck jumper, grey trousers and a light pink shirt.

The TOWIE hunk has been at the centre of an ongoing love story, battling to win back his ex-love Lydia.

In a recent interview, he denied he'd cheated on her, as it's been rumoured recently.

He told The Mirror: 'I’m not a cheat. I don’t want to do anything with other girls because Lydia is my soulmate.'



source:dailymail

Dec 'wasn't ready to commit'... Georgie Thompson's heartbreak over Donnelly break-up

By Daily Mail Reporter


Couldn't commit? Friends of Georgie's told the tabloid that Dec 'wasn't ready to commit'


Following the news of Georgie Thompson and Declan Donnelly ending their two-year relationship, the Sky Sports presenter has revealed her heartbreak.

Georgie posted on her Twitter page yesterday: ‘Breaking silence momentarily simply to say thank you for all your kind messages this morning. It means a great deal at a difficult time.’

And friends of the 33-year-old have revealed that Dec, 35, called time on the relationship after a heart-to-heart at his London home, telling her he couldn't 'commit'.


A pal of the blonde star told the Sunday Mirror: ‘Georgie really didn’t see this coming and thought things were going well with Dec.

‘She is really hurting because she thought he was ‘The One’ and didn’t want to break up.’

Her Britain’s Got Talent former boyfriend is said to have sprung the news on her once she’d returned from Jamaica.

Georgie had been conducting an interview with athlete Usain Bolt, but was surprised with the breakup on her return to the UK.

The heartbroken star was reportedly hoping for marriage to be the result of their relationship, but Dec apparently ‘wasn’t ready to commit’, according to the tabloid.

The couple were originally set up by their mutual friend, TV host Kirsty Gallacher, and were smitten after just a few dates.

Finding solace in work: Georgie has continued to work as a Sky Spots presenter amidst the split to keep her mind off the breakup


But last week, a spokesman for Donnelly told the Mail: ‘Dec and Georgie’srelationship has sadly come to an end.

‘Nobody else was involved and they remain good friends.

Just last August, Miss Thompson had revealed that Donnelly was her perfect match – and said that her parents loved him.

She said at the time: 'Family is a big thing for both of us, too. We come from completely different backgrounds, but there are certain things in life that I think draw you together and attract you to another person.

‘We have a lot of common threads and a lot of our ideas about life and how you live it are the same, so I think those things pull us together.’

Georgie is apparently being comforted by her family and friends at Sky, such as co-host Millie Code and football pundit Jamie Redknapp.

Happier times: The couple, who dated for two years, at the British Academy TV Awards at the Natural History Museum last year


source:dailymail

Wedding fever for Keira! Knightley plays bridesmaid at her brother's ceremony

By Daily Mail Reporter


Step to it: Actress Keira Knightley helps his eldest brother, Kaleb, celebrate his wedding to web designer Kerry Nixon at the Pollokshields Burgh Hall in Glasgow


Less than a week before the Royal wedding, Keira Knightley got into the spirit by playing bridesmaid at her brother’s ceremony today.

The actress arrived at the venue in Glasgow to witness Caleb, 32, marry his designer fiancée Kerry Nixon in front of family and friends.

The 26-year-old Pride and Prejudice star looked lovely in an above-the-knee purple bridesmaid dress, which tied up at the shoulders and boasted a V-neck cut.


Wedding fever: Keira stood by her soon-to-be sister in law, Kerry Nixon, and the other bridesmaid ahead of the ceremony in Glasgow


Her frock was accompanied by simple black heels and a minimalist hairdo, which appeared to have not been styled.

Meanwhile, the bride seemed to be inspired by the 1950s when choosing her gown, which was a long-sleeved cream dress.

The wedding took place at the Pollokshields Burgh Hall and Keira is said to have taken her new boyfriend, Klaxons star James Righton, 27, as her guest.

Soon-to-be-sisters: The 26-year-old Pride and Prejudice star looked lovely in an above-the-knee purple bridesmaid dress

White cab: Instead of a black cab, the wedding car was a white cab to pick up the bride and groom

Having fun: Keira shares a joke with Kerry as they walk along ahead of the ceremony

She has been dating Righton for two months, after being introduced by their mutual friend Alexa Chung.

Her new relationship came after splitting with ex-boyfriend of five years, Rupert Friend, just before Christmas.

Keira’s mother is Scottish, so it is no surprise that the family chose the wedding venue in Glasgow, where some family members decided to wear traditional kilts.

Despite having a starring role in her older sibling’s big day, Keira will have to quickly jet back to London after the ceremony to appear in The Children’s Hour in the West End on Monday night.

The actress returned to the London stage to take part in the production which sees her character and co-star Elisabeth Moss run a girls’ boarding school in 1930s New England.

They soon become entangled in a devastating story of deceit, shame and courage in the Ian Rickson-directed production.

But before flying back to London, Keira will no doubt take part in the festivities tonight to celebrate her brother’s special day.

Family roots: Keira's mother Sharman, who is Scottish, dressed in red, while the groomsmen all wore kilts

Food glorious food: A guest carries in the elaborate cake while another holds the menu for the day (right)

Grand entrance: The bride pulled up to the venue in a special white taxi cab

Picturesque: The beautiful Pollokshields Burgh Hall in Glasgow where the wedding took place


source:dailymail

Shakira and boyfriend's PDA as they cheer his team to victory

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER


Affectionate: Shakira and Gerard Pique share a passionate kiss in Barcelona, Spain, today where his Barcelona thrashed Osasuna 2-0


Shakira and her footballer boyfriend share a series of passionate kisses as they watched his team steam to victory today.

The very affectionate couple were spotted putting on a touchy feely show in the stands in Spain, where Gerard Pique's Barcelona teammates thrashed Osasuna 2-0.


Pique was not playing today, but a short bench at Camp Nou Stadium meant he had to sit in the spectator area.


Eyes not quite on the ball: Gerard enjoys being showered with affection by his pop star girlfriend while keeping a tentative eye on the match


Not that he was complaining.

The 24-year-old sportsman could barely wipe the grin off his face as his Columbian girlfriend, 34, showered him with affection.

Just days ago she was seen consoling Pique following Barcelona's defeat against bitter rivals Real Madrid in the Copa Del Rey Cup Final.


Happy couple: The Columbian singer only revealed she was dating the sportsman last month


Cheers: Shakira applauds after Barcelona's Lionel Messi's goal against Osasuna


Joy: Barcelona's players celebrate David Villa's goal


But thanks to goals from his teammates Lionel Messi and David Villa, things went much better for Barcelona today for the La Liga match.

Columbian singer Shakira only revealed she was dating the soccer ace last month, but they have proved how close they are on a number of occasions since then.

She confirmed her relationship with Pique last month when she posted a picture of the two of them on her Twitter account with the caption, 'I present to you my sunshine'.


source: dailymail