Thursday, 31 January 2013

Beyonce 'I didn't sing live for Obama, but I will at the Super Bowl'

'I didn't sing live for Obama, but I will at the Super Bowl': Beyonce addresses lip-synching controversy with a LIVE rendition of the national anthem

Opened press conference by singing a cappella version of The Star Spangled Banner

PUBLISHED: 20:37, 31 January 2013 | UPDATED: 23:49, 31 January 2013

Beyonce has finally admitted that she didn't sing live during her performance of the National Anthem on Inauguration Day.

The 31-year-old singer explained that she sang over a pre-recorded track - because she didn't have time to rehearse with the orchestra for the big day on January 21.

Her admission came on Thursday as she attended a press conference in New Orleans ahead of her Super Bowl half-time spectacular on Sunday where, she insists, she will be singing live.

Scroll down for video

No backing track now! Beyonce began her Super Bowl press conference on Thursday by performing the National Anthem live

Clearly knowing she would be quizzed over the lip-synching controversy by the packed room of journalists, Beyonce first addressed the matter by singing another rendition of The Star Spangled Banner- this one a live, unaccompanied, a cappella.

The floor was then opened to questions, where Beyonce explained how she wanted her performance for President Barack Obama to be a memorable one - and called the day 'emotional'.

'Please stand': The pop star sang the anthem before taking any questions from the media

Controversial: The singer admitted sang over a pre-recorded backing track during her performance of the national anthem at President Barack Obama's inauguration on January 21

Beyonce, wearing a very short white dress with open back, said: 'I am a perfectionist, I will practise until my feet bleed but I didn't get a chance.

'The inauguration was about the president I wanted to make him and the country proud. I decided to sing along with my pre-recorded track which is something that is common in the music industry.

'I always sing live, the inauguration was unfortunately a time when I didn't have time to rehearse with the the orchestra because I was rehearsing for the Super Bowl.

Taking a twirl: Beyonce teamed her very short white dress, which gaped open at the back, with a pair of heels

Ready for a grilling: Seen here walking out onto the stage to the room full of media

'I'm very proud of my performance,' she added.

Speaking about the Super Bowl, she continued: 'I will absolutely be singing live, I am well-rehearsed. This is what I am born for.

'I've had a 16 year career and everything I've done has prepared me for this, I'm ready.

VIDEO Beyonce proves she can sing the National Anthem

Play Video

Putting her back into it: She refused to be drawn on rumour her Super Bowl performance will involve her Destiny's Child bandmates

Mane attraction: Beyonce wore her hair in curls, which tumbled over her right shoulder

Say cheese: The press conference was held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

'It is something we've been preparing for for about four or five months but I am nervous.'

THE QUESTION THAT TURNED HEADS AT BEYONCE'S SUPERBOWL JUNKET

She was well-prepared to answer a barrage of questions at Thursday's Super Bowl junket in New Orleans.

But as Beyonce graciously answered reporters' inquiries into forthcoming half-time performance and why she sang with a pre-recorded track for President Obama's inauguration, there was one burning question the singer wasn't expecting: 'What colour is your toothbrush?'

Heads turned toward a gentleman from Denmark who asked the singer the trivial question, in addition to, 'Why did you choose that color?', irritating journalists in the room looking for hard-hitting news.

Proving professional, the 31-year-old answered: 'It's blue and white. Blue and white, I think. Blue and yellow maybe?'

While it has been speculated Beyonce will be joined on stage at the half-time show by her Destiny's Child bandmates Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams, the singer refused to give away any details.

She said: 'I can't give away any details but I will say there is nothing like our connection and the sisterhood we have. It's always a pleasure to be around them personally and professionally.'

Beyonce, 31, also revealed she can't wait until her performance is over so that she can spend time with her husband Jay-Z and their 12-month-old daughter, Blue Ivy.

She explained: 'I can't wait until it's all over, I'm gonna enjoy my daughter. I miss her so much and I keep saying, "Mommy is so busy but I'll be done at 9pm on Sunday."'

The busy singer's HBO documentary Life Is But A Dream will air on February 16 and while she is nervous about sharing her ups and downs with everyone, Beyonce wanted to make the movie for Blue Ivy's sake.

She said: 'I'm very nervous about reaction to my documentary.

Legs on display: The songstress walks over to the lectern to start the press conference

Taking the mic: Beyonce looked stunning as she stepped on stage and belted out the unexpected son

Charming: The singer was full of personality throughout the junket

Flawless and heartfelt: The singer was a professional and candid throughout the Q&A

'It was interesting seeing the mistakes I've made and putting them in the documentary.

'It's time for people to see me and see a different side to me and I'm scared but I'm happy.

'My daughter has changed me and changed my life and given me so much purpose.

'This movie is necessary and shows a human side. My job is to protect her and I am happy to tell my life story on my own terms.'

Tangerine dream: Beyonce later backstage at the press conference in a stunning fitted number

Family support: Beyonce posed with her mother, Tina

Ready for some football! The singer sat down for an interview with former NFL player Deion Sanders

Pixie Lott leads celebrities at The Shard opening party

Living the high life: Pixie Lott leads celebrities at The Shard opening party... but looks washed out in yellow frock

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

PUBLISHED: 21:21, 31 January 2013 | UPDATED: 21:41, 31 January 2013

It's one of the most highly anticipated attractions in London and on Thursday night a string of exclusive guests were invited to party at the top of The Shard for the official opening.

And being girl of the moment, Pixie Lott, of course, was one of the stars on the guest list being wowed by the view from the London Bridge hot spot.

The Mama Do singer turned up to the launch party with her boyfriend Oliver Cheshire.

Is that the colour for you? Pixie Lott leads the celebrity guests at The Shard opening party on Thursday night in a yellow dress

And she decided to ignore the wintry British weather to show off some skin in a summery frock.

But the 22-year-old risked looking washed out as she opted for a vibrant yellow next to her skin.

Keeping in with her vintage style, Pixie tried out the quirky number with collar detailing and cream lace across the front.

Date night: The singer was joined by boyfriend Oliver Cheshire as they came to witness the astounding views of London

Dressed for summer: The 22-year-old posed for photos with a large grin on her face as she showed off her flesh next to the yellow frock

She completed her look with a white clutch bag and sky high platform shoes, while her blonde locks were worn down in a wavy half up 'do.

The pop star smiled sweetly for the cameras as her chiselled beau joined her as they posed up on entry.

Oliver looked dapper in skinny jeans and a white T-shirt, while smartening up his look in polished shoes and a black coat.

Bringing bump for a view: Pregnant radio DJ Annie Mac wore a loose dress as she joined the other guests

Mingling: TV presenter Ben Fogle went for a quirky green suit as wife Marina joined him

What a view! Ben posed for photos while showing off his stunning scenery he was surrounded by

And Pixie was clearly delighted with the invite, writing on Twitter during the evening: 'Best view ever at the shard! Thank you for having us #shardview XXX... Can't wait to come back and stay.'

Although she wasn't the only famous face invited to try out the attraction.

Pregnant DJ Annie Mac was also present, disguising her growing bump in a loose fitting dress.

But she seemed happy to show off her changing figure as she posed to the side to give the best view she could of her burgeoning belly.

Exclusive invite: Rapper Example scrubbed himself up as he attended with his fiancee Erin McNaught

TV presenter Ben Fogle, meanwhile, went for a quirky green suit as he turned it into a date night, bringing wife Marina along.

Fellow host Dan Snow also went for bright in a pink shirt, while TV chef Michel Roux Jr. was all smiles as he entered the building.

During their night the guests would have been enjoying the spectacular 40-mile views from the official viewing areas.

In the pink: It was also a colourful affair for Dan Snow, who went for a vibrant pink shirt to mingle at the event

Happy to be there? Michael Roux Jr. couldn't hide his delight at the special evening

Happy to be there? Michel Roux Jr. couldn't hide his delight at the special evening

The opening day for the attraction, known as The View from the Shard, February 1 is sold out as is the second day, despite tickets costing up to £24.95 for adults and £18.95 for children.

In the viewing areas visitors will be able to look through special telescopes known as Tell: scopes.

These are particularly useful if visibility is poor as they show not only a live 'as it is' image but, at the push of a button, what a clear-day view would be as well as a sunset view and a night view.

New attraction: The Shard will open to the public on Friday and offers guests the chance to see London from 244 metres up

The Shard is part of a £2 billion redevelopment of the London Bridge area. The glassy, triangular-shaped Shard has 600,000sq ft of offices, three floors of restaurants and a 200-room Shangri-La hotel which is due to open this summer.

There are also 10 luxury apartments which are expected to go for as much as £50 million each and which are expected to be let out.

Chris Brown's ex girlfriend Karrueche Tran poses topless

Naked ambition: Chris Brown's ex girlfriend Karrueche Tran poses topless for magazine, as she admits Rihanna love triangle was 'dysfunctional and negative'

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

PUBLISHED: 17:43, 29 January 2013 | UPDATED: 19:06, 29 January 2013

She shot to fame when she found herself in the midst of a love triangle between boyfriend Chris Brown and his on-off-on again beau Rihanna.

But following her split from Brown last year, model Karrueche Tran is grabbing a share of the spotlight for herself.

The 24-year-old leaves little to the imagination as she poses topless on the cover of the latest issue of Rolling Out magazine.

Daring to bare: Karrueche Tran poses in just a necklace and flesh coloured pair of panties on the cover of the latest issue of Rolling Out magazine

The star's modesty is only just protected by her long black hair and a pair of flesh coloured panties.

The steamy photographs show off the model's copious tattoos on her back and wrists, while a chunky necklace, ring, and smoky eye make-up complete the look.

Tran is more tactful than candid in an accompanying interview where she discusses the negative attention she received from fans - and sometimes seemingly from Rihanna herself - when she was dating Brown.

'It was very hard,' she admits. 'I first realised there was a change [when] more people would talk about me in blogs and such.

Moving on: The model speaks out about the 'negativity and misconception' surrounding her when she was dating Chris Brown

Naked reflections: Tran posed seductively in a trick shot where she showed off another tattoo on her hand

Former love: Tran pictured with ex-boyfriend Chris Brown back in 2011

'The paparazzi would take pictures and follow me when I wasn’t around Chris. I was like "Chris is not here, why are you following me?" But I was constantly seeing myself on blogs and websites. It was kind of weird.'

Cryptic tweets and Instagram posts from Rihanna were interpreted by some fans at being directed at Tran who says she tried to stay positive throughout.

'The most challenging part about the attention was the negativity and the misconception from some people,' she says. 'People only see you in blogs and they think they know everything about your life. There are things that go public and everything that comes out is not the truth.'

However, Tran is capitalising on her new found fame by bringing out a clothing line called The-Kill later this year.

'I've learned to find happiness within myself,' she told the magazine. 'I've also built a strong core. The past year was a big growing-up process for me. I'm not saying I was immature before, but the past year, my eyes were opened to a lot of things.'

'Honestly, all I want is happiness. There was a lot of dysfunction and negativity. I hope people can learn from my story. I want to be remembered as someone who remained positive through such a negative situation.'

The white stuff: Tran sported a sheer negligée in one steamy shot

Karrueche Tran: Going in for The-Kill | Rolling Out - Black News, Celebrity Videos, Entertainment, Business & Politics

Brazilian bombshell Gracie Cavalho shows off her bikini beach body for Victoria's Secret

Move over Gisele! Brazilian bombshell Gracie Cavalho shows off her bikini beach body for Victoria's Secret

By ESTHER BRADBURY

PUBLISHED: 00:07, 31 January 2013 | UPDATED: 10:57, 31 January 2013

When it comes to finding the next big bikini model it seems Brazil is the only place to look.

And following fast in the footsteps of Gisele Bündchen, Adriana Lima, and Alessandra Ambrosio is 22-year-old São Paulo beauty Gracie Cavalho.

The brunette showed she had the bikini body to match any of her countrywomen as she modeled the latest in the Victoria's Secret line on the beach in St Barts.

Picture of health: Gracie Carvalho shows off her delectable curves and toned abs on the Victoria's Secret photshoot in St Barts on Wednesday

Having fun in the sun: Gracie, 22, laughs as she poses in the Caribbean sunshine

Having fun in the sun: Gracie, 22, laughs as she poses in a selection of swimwear in the Caribbean sunshine

The underwear brand's Angels are known for being some of the best looking women in the world, and Gracie didn't disappoint as she posed for the cameras on the Caribbean island.

The model looked stunning in a pink twopiece with lemon trim, and then a pastel pink and blue creation from the brand's latest range.

She then modelled two patterned bikinis, one with a white shirt and straw hat, as she smiled in the Caribbean sunshine.

Natural beauty: the model's hair blows in the Caribbean breeze between takes on the Victoria's Secret photoshoot

Nice job: The Brazilian beauty looked stunning in a pink and blue pastel two-piece

Nice job: The Brazilian beauty looked stunning in a pink two-piece trimmed with yellow with bow detail, before changing into a pastel blue and pink bikini which showed off her perfect figure

Gracie was obviously delighted with her new role.

Tuesday the beauty tweeted: 'On my way to the airport ! St Barths here I go'.

And on Wednesday she shared a photograph of the view from her hotel room, saying: 'Summer summer !!!! Love it!! St Barths'.

Gracie debuted on the fashion scene in 2009, where she walked the runway at the fall Rio and São Paulo fashion weeks.

It's a bit chilly! Gracie grimaces as she heads into the ocean for her shoot

Strike a pose: As soon as the camera started snapping away, Gracie was on top form

Getting in on the action: Anne V, real name Anne Vyalitsyna, shows off her bikini body

Then aged 19, she caught the eyes of casting agents, and by June she was the most requested model during the spring Rio Fashion Week, walking in 35 of the 39 shows.

Gracie then landed the covers of Brazilian L’Officiel in as well as editorials for Brazilian Elle and Brazilian Vogue.

The model then strutted the catwalks in New York, where she walked the runway for Carolina Herrera, Ralph Lauren, and Vera Wang before jumping to Paris to model for Stella McCartney.

She also sashayed down the catwalk at the Diane Von Furstenberg and Miu Miu resort shows.

Victoria's Secret model Gracie Carvalho tweets about her trip to St Barts

Sharing the view: Victoria's Secret model Gracie Carvalho tweeted the picture from her room in St Barts

Victoria's Secret girls Candice Swanepoel, Karlie Kloss and co. perform a cringey lip sync in their latest video ... but it's ok because they are all wearing BIKINIS!

By TONI JONES

PUBLISHED: 16:29, 30 January 2013 | UPDATED: 16:52, 30 January 2013

Another season means another Victoria's Secret video, and the latest offering from the lingerie megabrand is the summer 2013 swimwear special.

Featuring a bevvy of sun-loving 'angels' the two minute video is billed as 'The world's hottest 5-piece meet the world's sexiest 2-pieces and the Supermodels that wear them' and sees models Candice Swanepoel, Lindsay Ellingson, Barbara Palvin, Lais Ribeiro, Sara Sampaio, Karlie Kloss, Erin Heatherton and Behati Prinsloo lip synching to the new Maroon 5 song 'Woman'.

Scroll down for video

The video, shot in Turks and Caicos, opens with Hungarian model Barbara Palvin mouthing the words to the 'Woman' track

The lip synching is brilliantly bad, but the VS team aren't afraid of a bit of cheese in their promotional videos.

And when the girls look this hot in the product they can be forgiven for taking themselves a little seriously.

The video, shot in Turks and Caicos, opens with Hungarian model Barbara Palvin mouthing the words to the gentle 'Woman' track: 'If I'd be so inclined to come up beside you would you tell me that the time just isn't right?'

VS favourite Candice Swanepoel stretches her 5.9" frame out on the white sand

The South African model is one of the first 'angels' to be seen posing in a red strappy bikini

Handily Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine has been dating one of the stars of the video Behati Prinsloo since last year.

In the clip Behati is seen wearing a bright floral triangle style bikini in front of a dramatic sunset, her wet hair artfully covered in sand.

Americans Karlie Kloss and Linday Ellingson are also seen getting down and dirty on the picturesque beach.

Karlie is styled in a leopard print bikini while Lindsay rocks a rainbow vibe in a technicolour two-piece.

Candice Swanepoel, one of the brand's most prolific models, shows us how a red bikini should be worn, posing on her knees in the surf.

While Erin Heatherton keeps it classic in a black set worn with a statement cuff and killer pout.

Elsewhere in the video their fellow angels pose and play in eternity pools, in hidden caves and around fires on the beach.

American Erin Heatherton's cute freckles have a starring role

But it's the 23-year-old's body that will guarantee ringing tills for the swimwear and lingerie brand

Behati Prinsloo has been daiting Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levigne since last year

Portugese model Sara Sampaio pouts prettily underneath sunlit leaves

Talking about the tropical shoot Lindsay Ellingson said: 'I basically got to swim in a pool and roll around in sand all day.

'I'm a huge fan of Maroon 5 and this new song is such an essential beach song.'

Beachy hair, rainbow-coloured bikinis, sun-dappled waves, freckles on noses and, of course, amazing sun-kissed bodies all feature in this summer spectacle that will have you booking a flight and wishing you hadn't eaten that baguette for lunch before the first verse.

Enjoy.

VIDEO Oh no! Cringe worthy Victoria's Secret Swim 2013 lip synch

Play Video

California girl Lindsay Ellingson spent the day posing in the pool and rolling around in the sand wearing a multi-coloured push-up bikini top

Brazilian brunette Lias Ribeiro takes a paddle as she models the brand's zebra print set

America model Karlie Kloss gets involved in a little rock climbing while wearing her leopard print bikini

KATCHING MY I

Pages

Thursday, 31 January 2013

Beyonce 'I didn't sing live for Obama, but I will at the Super Bowl'

'I didn't sing live for Obama, but I will at the Super Bowl': Beyonce addresses lip-synching controversy with a LIVE rendition of the national anthem

VIDEO Beyonce proves she can sing the National Anthem

THE QUESTION THAT TURNED HEADS AT BEYONCE'S SUPERBOWL JUNKET

Pixie Lott leads celebrities at The Shard opening party

Living the high life: Pixie Lott leads celebrities at The Shard opening party... but looks washed out in yellow frock

Chris Brown's ex girlfriend Karrueche Tran poses topless

Naked ambition: Chris Brown's ex girlfriend Karrueche Tran poses topless for magazine, as she admits Rihanna love triangle was 'dysfunctional and negative'

Brazilian bombshell Gracie Cavalho shows off her bikini beach body for Victoria's Secret

Move over Gisele! Brazilian bombshell Gracie Cavalho shows off her bikini beach body for Victoria's Secret

Victoria's Secret girls Candice Swanepoel, Karlie Kloss and co. perform a cringey lip sync in their latest video ... but it's ok because they are all wearing BIKINIS!

Victoria's Secret girls Candice Swanepoel, Karlie Kloss and co. perform a cringey lip sync in their latest video ... but it's ok because they are all wearing BIKINIS!

VIDEO Oh no! Cringe worthy Victoria's Secret Swim 2013 lip synch