‘Idol’ elimination leaves a singer brokenhearted

Didi Benami became the third girl in a row to get voted off of “American Idol.”

Wasn’t this supposed to be the year of the girls on “American Idol”?

So far, not so much. Didi Benami became the third in a row voted off, finishing in 10th place. Unlike Lacey Brown and Paige Miles, who went before her, she’ll get to sing in the “Idol” summer tour, and if she can channel the vocals she brought to her version of “Rhiannon” on Wednesday, we may not have heard the last of her.

Sadly, however, Tuesday’s theme was R&B and soul rather than Fleetwood Mac songs, and she hadn’t done enough to justify using the judges’ save on her. You could tell Simon Cowell and company were thinking, “Why, why, WHY couldn’t you have done this last night and allowed us to send Tim Urban home instead?” But she didn’t, so out she goes. Maybe her voice is just made for a recording studio, and not a competition like this one.

Sandra Bullock Steps Out to Visit a 'Dear Friend' and More

Sandra Bullock, who has remained out of the public eye since news broke of her husband's alleged infidelities, surfaced Wednesday afternoon in Los Angeles, where she visited a "dear family friend," a source tells PEOPLE.

Bullock, 45, was seen at the home of Gabriel Brener, the head of the Brener International Group, LLC, a private investment firm based in Beverly Hills.

According to a friend of the actress, the visit was strictly personal. "She's not there on business," says the pal. "They've been friends for decades."

Brener and his family were guests at Bullock's 2005 wedding to Jesse James near Santa Barbara, Calif. The Oscar winner has also vacationed with the Breners on numerous occasions, including a 2001 trip to Greece.

"She spends a lot of time at his house," adds the friend.

This marks the first time Bullock has been spotted in public since she moved out of the family home on March 15. Meanwhile, James, 40, is seeking help at a treatment facility "to deal with personal issues," his rep has confirmed.

Cast Of “Glee” Covers Rolling Stone Magazine

The cast of Glee (at least some of it) goes wild on the cover of this week’s issue of Rolling Stone!


It has been a big week for the Golden Globe-SAG-winning series: in addition to launching a nationwide talent search for new cast members, Glee, ABC’s Modern Family, and CBS’ Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson led the list of winners at the prestigious Peabody Awards on Wednesday.

First iPad reviews hit the net

The first iPad reviews, from tech grand-daddies David Pogue and Walt Mossberg among others, are live. Go read. Don’t have the patience? Shame on you, and TL;DR follows.

Pogue says it’s no laptop replacement, but as a giant iPod touch, it’s a huge success. Mossberg says he enjoys doing most tasks on it much more than on his laptop, and considers it 80% a laptop replacement. Pogue hates the keyboard, Mossberg likes it. Both found the battery life to be exceptional — over the quoted 10 hours in both cases, which surprises me hugely. We talked about the iPad’s potential and competitors in today’s podcast, and the consensus was that, as both reviews stress, the flagship apps are the real indicator of the device class’s potential.

More info on iPhone 4.0 OS: multitasking via Expose-like interface

It’s not the first time we’re hearing about multitasking being featured in Apple’s upcoming iPhone 4.0 OS, but now it looks like someone actually knows how Apple will do it.

According to Apple Insider, multitasking (which may not be supported by Windows Phone 7) on iPhone 4.0 will, of course, allow third-party apps to run in the background, and it should be done via an interface that resembles Exposé – the feature that Apple launched for its desktop computers many years ago.

Reportedly, “a key combination (i.e. hitting the Home button twice) will trigger an expose-like interface that brings up a series of icons representing the currently running apps, allowing users to quickly select the one they want to switch to directly.” Sounds pretty simple.

Google, China now playing cat and mouse?

The search firm now blames China for recent site access problems

The Chinese government apparently slowed access to Google Web sites earlier this week, as the search giant last night backed off earlier statements that access to the site was blocked by changes Google made to the engine's search parameters.

That change prompted analysts today to speculate that the two sides might soon become embroiled in a "cat-and-mouse" game over search access in China.

Google had disclosed early this week some users in China were unable to complete Google searches or had intermittent trouble accessing any of Google's Chinese-language sites.

That disclosure prompted some immediate speculation that China was blocking access to the sites because of Google's decision to stop censoring search results in the country.

The speculation abated yesterday afternoon when Google announced that it had accidentally caused the blockage itself.

Lee Hyori: Full song ‘Swing’ and Tracklist revealed

As we await for the release of Lee Hyori’s comeback track Swing from her H-Logic album, the whole tracklist of her album has been revealed through YesAsia!


We reported earlier that Jiyoon of 4minute, Bekah of After School and Daesung of Big Bang would be participating in Lee Hyori’s album. Well, the title of their songs have all been revealed as well! The album contains a total of 14 tracks, and the title track is currently unconfirmed. Check out the list below!

New “Twilight Eclipse” Promo Pictures


Just three more months to the latest Team Edward/Team Jacob battle: On Wednesday, Summit Entertainment released three new promotional snaps from The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, the upcoming third film in the ever-popular vampire-themed series.

Twilight author Stephenie Meyer has a new novella coming out based on the life of one of the minor characters featured in her novel Eclipse. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers will release The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner on June 5. The book will be free to online readers.

Jen Aniston Says She's Open to Botox

Would Jennifer Aniston mind having a little work done?


When asked about botox in the April issue of British Harper's Bazaar, Aniston admits, "I could do it." The 41-year-old star says, "These lines are getting deeper every day."

But the actress wants to embrace her wrinkles, too: "These lines are just about living. Look, I eat really well and I work out, but I also indulge when I want to. I don't starve myself in an extremist way. You're not taking away my coffee or my dairy or my glass of wine because I'd be devastated."

Katy Perry squeezes into a very tiny bikini as she goes down Mexico way with fiance Russell Brand

With her millions in the bank, you'd expect Katy Perry to be able to afford a decent bikini.


But as the American singer holidayed with fiance Russell Brand in Mexico yesterday, it appeared she had taken a red two-piece a few sizes too small for her.

Showing off her impressive figure in the bright bikini, it seemed the top could barely contain the 25-year-old's ample cleavage.

Perry and Brand, 34, jetted to sunny resort of Cabo San Lucas on Sunday after the pop star attended the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards the previous night.

Quashing recent reports their six month romance was on the rocks, Perry admitted they have started to plan their wedding.

Critics Slam Miley for "Stiff, Unconvincing" Acting in New Film

Thumbs way down, Miley!


Despite Miley Cyrus' popularity with the tween set, critics nationwide have panned her performance in the romantic drama The Last Song, in theaters Wednesday.

"A more convincing star could make this a degree more tolerable, although in Cyrus's defense not much more," writes the Boston Globe. "Allegedly, this is the film in which Cyrus gets all, like, dramatic. If by 'dramatic' one means pouty, sullen, and cute, then OK."

“Paranormal Activity 2″ To Take On “Saw VII” Oct. 22


Get ready for a bloody battle at the box office this October: Paramount Pictures has announced that Paranormal Activity 2 will open to theaters on October 22nd, the exact same date Lionsgate already selected as the opening day for Saw VII, the latest in its annual Halloween-themed slasher series.

The low-budget Paranormal Activity was produced for $15,000 and ended up taking in more than $190 million at the international box office after buzz about the frightfest spread by Twitter late last year. In fact, the sixth film in the lucrative Saw franchise fell to No. 2 behind the horror newcomer at the box office last Halloween.

Microsoft Attacks Google Chrome on Privacy

Microsoft has apparently decided that a good way to promote Internet Explorer 8 is by attacking Chrome over privacy concerns. Like, say, right here in this video. But something doesn't add up.

The claims, leveled by IE project manager Peter LePage, sound ominous:

"As I start to type an address into the address bar... for nearly every character I type, Chrome sends a request back to Google. I haven't even hit enter yet to load the website and Google is already getting information about the domain and sites I'm visiting."

Garmin-Asus M10 brings Windows Mobile 6.5.3 to India

Officially announced less than two months ago, the Garmin-Asus M10 has just been launched in India, being the country’s first Windows Mobile 6.5.3 smartphone.


The M10 offers maps for 62 major Indian cities, Garmin turn-by-turn navigation, lane assistance, and a Ciao feature that keeps you informed on the roads your friends are traveling on.

SharesPost Report Values Facebook At $9 Billion, Estimates 2010 Revenues At $1 Billion

SharesPost, a private equity market that allows employees and founders to convert some of their shares into cash launched a publication platform to include reports that give greater insight into the valuations of companies like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. We examined last year’s report, which estimated Facebook’s valuation between $4 to $6 million. Today’s report pegs Facebook’s valuation at around $9 billion, which is higher than last year’s number but lower than the $10 billion valuation the social network earned during its latest funding round last year.

The report, which is embedded below, estimates Facebook’s current valuation between $8.4 and $9 billion after using two methods of analysis comparing revenues with steady-state enterprise valuation ($9 billion) and comparative enterprise valuation ($8.4 billion). The steady-state valuation estimates use a 25x market multiple and normalized net margins of 30%. Assuming that Facebook will make $2.5 billion in 2014, the report arrives at a target 2010 enterprise value of $9 billion. For the comparative valuation, the report uses a secular growth rate of 25% and EBITDA margins of 50%, to arrive at a conservative valuation of $8.4 billion (assuming the company’s revenue to be $1.3 billion in 2011.)

Early MeeGo code released to developers (for Nokia N900 and Intel Atom-based devices)

When Nokia and Intel announced MeeGo, the companies said that the first devices based on the new platform would be available in late 2010. But way before this to happen, Nokia and Intel have just released the first MeeGo code to developers.


The MeeGo repositories that are currently available only include “the operating system base from the Linux kernel to the OS infrastructure up to the middleware layer,” so they’ll probably be of interest only to hardcore devs.

Reportedly, the downloadable images will boot from a USB stick or a CD. Note that, “since the MeeGo User Experiences are not yet included in today’s MeeGo core, these images will boot into terminal”.

Scarlett Johansson in Iron Man 2 Black Widow Poster

Yesterday we got a glance at the domestic poster for Iron Man 2, which left much to be desired, especially since two of the best actors (Mickey Rourke and Sam Rockwell) were cut out of it. Today we’ve stumbled across a solo character poster that features Scarlett Johansson as Natasha Romanoff aka Black Widow, and it confuses the hell out of me. Take a look…


In the comic, we’re given the illusion that Black Widow wears some type of form fitting, leather cat-suit. In the trailers for Iron Man 2 it looks like it’s made out of a synthetic (not spandex) material, maybe Lycra? Yet, on this one sheet it features a close up of the character and she appears to be wearing a dark denim jumpsuit. I’m confused. Another interesting tidbit is that you can see a partially exposed patch that says “S.H.I.E.L.D. on her right arm. Dun,dun, dun, dun!

Justin Bieber Tops Billboard 200 With 'My World 2.0'


Justin Bieber debuts at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart with "My World 2.0," after shifting 283,000 copies in its first week. It's the teenager's second album and first No. 1. His first set, "My World," debuted at No. 6 upon its release last November. This week it rises to a new peak, scooting from No. 10 to No. 5 with 50,000 (up 50%).

At 16-years old, Bieber is the youngest solo male artist to reach No. 1 on the Billboard 200 since Aug. 24, 1963, when the then-13-year old Stevie Wonder spent one week at No. 1 with "Little Stevie Wonder/The 12 Year Old Genius." (Wonder recorded the album when he was 12, but released it after turning 13.) "My World 2.0's" opening frame is also Bieber's best sales week, surpassing his previous high, when the first "My World" sold 157,000 copies over Christmas week of 2009.

Jen Aniston Returns to Wearing Black After "Prom Dress" Disaster

This week, Jennifer Aniston experimented with color while promoting her comedy dud The Bounty Hunter in Europe -- and the results weren't always successful (one blogger called her salmon-colored Lacroix gown a "prom dress" gone bad).

So it was no surprise Tuesday when Aniston, 41, hit the Madrid premiere wearing her fashion staple: a little black dress, designed by Valentino.

Critics were mixed on the look. E! News said the dress seemed more appropriate for "Demi Lovato. Oh, Jen, why do you do this to our poor Fashion Police?"

Fashion site uk.stylelist.com was undecided, saying that while the dress incorporates "sheer ruffles, sequins and a faux-leather central panel that's adorned with rhinestones," it seems "a little too much for one very small dress. The beauty of an LBD should be that it is both classic and uncomplicated...."

But Grazia praised "the frock’s unconventional decoration - the leather paneling, drop waist, shimmering embellishments - plus those on-trend heels ensure

New Samsung Galaxy S i9000 preview. The phone will apparently cost €600

We’ve already previewed the Samsung Galaxy S i9000 at CTIA 2010, but a new preview of it has been published at Mobile-review, and it includes some extra details.


Coming as Samsung’s second phone to feature a Super AMOLED display (and the world’s first Android device to have such a display), the Galaxy S should be commercially available starting in Q2. According to Mobile-review, it’s actually late Q2, namely June.

An interesting piece of info is related to the price of Samsung Galaxy S. In Russia, the smartphone will reportedly cost about 30,000 rubles – that’s the equivalent of €755. However, it’s said that the handset’s price in other European countries will be of only €600 (about $808).

Zune HD 64 confirmed; 16GB & 32GB prices slashed


Remember the Zune HD 64 spotted on the Microsoft’s site earlier this week? The company has just been in touch to let us know that it is indeed launching a 64GB version of the OLED touchscreen PMP, together with reducing the price of the existing 16GB and 32GB models. The new Zune HD 64 will arrive April 12th for $349.99.

It will be available in Platinum, Black, Blue, Red, Green, Purple and Magenta, and otherwise have the same specifications of the current models. As for the Zune HD 16, that will be cut to $199.99, and the Zune HD 32 will be reduced to $269.99. So far there’s no sign of the new 64GB version on Microsoft’s Zune.net site, though it will apparently go up for sale at ZuneOriginals.com in mid-April.

Han Geng: Public appearance after case of contract termination, avoid talking about contract issues.

Han Geng made first public appearance after case of contract termination, avoid talking about contract issues.

Yesterday night (Night of 26th March), Han Geng attended the finals of the Migu Show. Since the news breakout of his contract termination last year, he made his first public appearance. This attracted large amount of media and fans, causing chaos at the studio. Before the activity starts, he accepted a short interview from the media. As for the news everyone cared for, the progress of his contract termination case and about his new company, he kept mum about it. He stated that, ‘Now isn’t the time to discuss about this issue’.

His interview: watch on Youtube
Han Geng’s first interview after contract termination.
*credit: sheracheung

Ent.163 reported on 27th March (Report:Zhang Jun Na, Pictures: Wang Ran)
Han Geng attended finals of the Migu Show. Since the news breakout of his contract termination last year, it was his first public appearance. This attracted large amount of media and fans, causing chaos at the studio. Before the activity starts, he accepted a short interview from the media. As for the news everyone cared for, the progress of his contract termination case and about his new company, he kept mum about it. He stated that, ‘Now isn’t the time to discuss about this issue’.

Veil to Lee Hyori’s comeback album lifted

The veil for singer Lee Hyori’s upcoming 4th album ‘H-Logic’ has been lifted.


The MV to the title song of the album ‘그네’ will be released on 2nd April on Mnet.com. Hyori’s company Mnet Media said, “Lee Hyori will reveal a new song with a brand new feel. It will be a pleasant surprise to fans since it is her comeback album after 2 years and she has put in much effort to prepare for it.”

The song ‘그네’ will be a song with hiphop code and strong feel. It also feature the collaboration with hiphop artiste LeeSsang.

Lady Gaga Bond Theme Song

Gaga’s getting a crack at Bond: Pop charttopper Lady Gaga is in negotiations with MGM Studios to record the theme to the next James Bond film.

Film chiefs hope to have the “Poker Face” hitmaker perform the lead track for the upcoming 23rd 007 movie, which will be directed by American Beauty director Sam Mendes, a source told British newspaper The Sun on Wednesday. Word is Studio executives are expected to ask the 24-year-old singer to write and record a song for consideration in the next few weeks.

The outrageous pop star looks likely to follow in the footsteps of Madonna and Tom Jones who have performed the title track to previous movies in the British spy franchise.

“Bond bosses are all huge Gaga fan. Her sound and sense of drama make her the top choice. Gaga has the look as well as the voice to tackle a thundering ballad. She’s a great songwriter too. This is perfect on every level,” says a spy.

Rumor: Drew Barrymore Dumped by Justin Long?

DREW Barrymore is single again.

The Charlie’s Angels star has been dumped by on-off boyfriend Justin Long because he just couldn’t cope with the actress’ hard-partying lifestyle, insiders claim.

“The split was Justin’s decision,” said one source, “and he did it with a heavy heart.

“The bottom line is Justin was tired of having his heart broken by Drew and her sometimes strange behavior.

“He said the relationship was slowly killing both of them. Justin finally had enough of Drew’s crazy approach to life. He’s just a lot more normal and laid back than she is. They were torturing each other.

“Their different personalities screwed things up. This is a case of both hearts being shattered at the same time.”

'Step Up 3-D' trailer: Feels like we've been served

Does the plot even matter anymore? There’s a hot guy and a hot girl, much dancing, and some hilarious trailer language: “This summer… take the biggest step of all… in 3-D.” You’re in or you’re out.

Say what you want about whether we needed another Step Up, but watch the trailer after the jump, and you’ll have to admit it does do a great job of showing us how the movie makes good use of the 3-D technology. From the splashing and the lasers, to the bodies falling and flipping toward us… It’s kinda fun feeling served.

HP Envy 15 shipping for $950 after rebate


We know that you really had your heart set on that 14-inch Envy, but until they finally arrive from Shangri-La, the "mystical, harmonious valley, gently guided from a lamasery, enclosed in the western end of the Kunlun Mountains" (the same place whose Apple Stores stock the iPhone nano, incidentally) might we offer you a cut-rate 15-inch model as a consolation prize? As brought to our attention by the savvy shoppers at I4U News, the company is currently offering a $450 rebate on your next HP Envy 15 Core i5 (2.26GHz) lappy. And what's more, your $950 sale price includes shipping -- and not on the back of a unicorn, either. Just head on over to the HP store (hit the coverage link), throw in a 640GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive (you have to do this part -- it'll bring your total up to $1,399 and make you eligible for the free shipping) and apply coupon code NBMY33241 at checkout.

Secret releases Magic MV

Girl group Secret has finally returned after a long break from their last single, I Want You Back.


While other rookie girl groups have moved on with new songs, Secret has not done much musical-wise. Fans have been waiting patiently for their comeback and their wait is finally over with the release of their new sexy dance track, Magic, a radical transformation from their debut image.

Secret will really have to step up because they are coming back in the same week as Rain and Lee Hyori but they must be feeling they have what it takes.

Butterfly conquers both males and females, snatching an endorsement worth millions

Butterfly Sister overpowers Yao Yao, Shu Shu, and Dou Hua Mei to snatch the endorsement of an online game (Rainbow Bubbles). This game's company had previously conducted a survey and found that only males liked Otaku Goddesses while females do not hold a favorable impression of such girls. Only Butterfly receives almost one hundred percent acceptance from males and females, earning her 1,000,000 (TWD).

For her, the company had a theme song composed specially and tailored to her. Because she had previously only sung kiddie songs, she was extremely nervous. This is her first time singing a theme song and insert song, and as internet users enter the game they will be able to listen to her singing voice. She shyly said, "While I was recording, the staff kept on encouraging me. They even said they would sign me up for the Golden Melody Awards. Because of how the dance movements are big, though, if I sang and danced at the same time I'd probably lose my breath."

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