'Gangnam Style' takes top song prize at 'K-pop Grammys'

REUTERS
South Korean rapper Psy's quirky viral hit "Gangnam Style" took the prize for top song on Wednesday at the 27th annual Golden Disk Awards, a Korean pop event dubbed the "Korean Grammys."

The two-day celebration of all things K-pop, including performances by superstars such as the boy band Super Junior, was held in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur before hordes of screaming fans, a testimony to the soaring popularity of Korean pop music around the world.

Nowhere has that been more apparent than with "Gangnam Style," an infectious hit that made history last month when it became the first ever video on YouTube to reach 1 billion views, the latest record on the song's surge into mainstream pop.

The tune won the Song of the Year award, the final prize.

The awards were only the latest accolades for Psy, 35, in what has been a whirlwind year for the chubby rapper, the first K-pop artist to achieve mainstream success in the United States as a result of "Gangnam Style."

Decked out in a bow tie and suit jackets varying from pink to baby blue, and only a towel for one sequence set in a sauna, Psy raps in Korean and busts funky moves based on horse-riding in venues ranging from playgrounds to subways.

The song, released in July, was meant as a commentary on the rampant materialism of today's South Korea - particularly in relation to the Gangnam section of the city, which Psy has termed Seoul's Beverly Hills.

"My goal in this music video was to look uncool until the end. I achieved it," Psy told Reuters in August.

The popularity of the song, which has prompted many copycat and parody videos, has added fuel to growing international interest in Asian pop music, especially the K-pop industry, which now aims to follow Psy into mainstream Western pop music.

Thanks to their youth, glowing image and the style of their songs and dances, K-pop fans have grown rapidly in Southeast Asia, formerly dominated by stars from the West as well as Hong Kong and Taiwan.

A Malaysian fan who queued for three days to get into the first night of the awards ceremony said she loved how the K-pop stars strived for perfection.

"K-pop stars have been working very hard, even before they make their first debut. They spend a lot of time practicing to become a perfect artist," said the 20-something Tay Ching Ee. "This is what other artists should learn from them."

The Golden Disk Awards began in 1986, with winners chosen based on album sales and digital downloads. The ceremony first ventured overseas in 2012, when it was held in Japan.

On Tuesday, the first night, Super Junior again won the best album award with their album "Sexy, Free & Single." Boy band Shinee scooped the Most Popular Star prize.

Gaga to restore Neverland

AGENCIES
LONDON: Lady Gaga is keen to invest in Michael Jackson’s Californian Neverland Ranch and see it restored it to its former glory.

The Bad Romance singer is a huge fan of the late eccentric pop star and would love to see his old home restored it to its former glory.

A source told The Sun newspaper, “Lady Gaga is obsessed with Michael. She’s become good friends with his sister La Toya and would love more than anything else to restore Neverland to its original state.

“His kids are all desperate to hold on to their childhood home so they can decide what they want to do with it properly when they’ve grown up. “Gaga would love to help with the financial costs by buying a share.”

Gaga, also recently bought 55 items in an auction of Jackson’s costumes. After making the purchases she tweeted, “The 55 pieces I collected today will be archived & expertly cared for in the spirit & love of Michael Jackson, his bravery, & fans worldwide (sic).”

Tamara Ecclestone prepares to invade USA

AGENCIES
Tamara is embracing single life for the chance to learn more about herself.
LONDON: She had a turbulent year in 2012 after splitting from her long-term love.

And after spending increasing amounts of time with her pregnant sister, Petra, in Los Angeles, Tamara Ecclestone looks as though she plans to take the States by storm, reported the Daily Mail on Wednesday.

Showing off her incredible bikini body in a sexy new photoshoot, the 28-year-old heiress paraded her stunning curves and killer tan for all to see.

The brunette socialite preened and posed to perfection as she showed off her animal magnetism in a skimpy zebra print bikini with gold chain detailing while getting to work on set in Los Angeles.

Leaning up against a wall seductively, the daughter of Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone ensured her toned and tanned physique were the centre of attention as she worked the camera like a true professional.

After a brief cosmetic touch-up, where she was laughing and joking with her make-up artist, Tamara changed into swimsuit number two.

Leaving even less to the imagination, the barely-there zig-zag Missoni two-piece did little to contain the Billion $$ Girl star's incredible curves.

Teetering on a pair of skyscraper heels, the heiress completed her look with her long voluminous brunette locks flowing around her shoulders and dramatic smokey eye make-up.

Tamara seemed to be in great spirits as she got to work on the shoot, giggling away as an army of assistants catered to her every wish.

And the socialite seemed keen to get to work on the three-day shoot, tweeting: 'Another coffee needed then time for first photo shoot of 2013 #newbeginnings.'

She later added: 'Great shoot today @alanstrutt nice to see you x.'

With her younger sister Petra, 24, - who is currently expecting her first child with husband James Stunt - already based in Los Angeles, Tamara is reportedly eyeing up the lavish Fleur de Lys estate in Bel Air to add to her existing property portfolio.

Undeterred by the mansion's £78million price tag, the star is said to be planning a relocation to the US in the not too distant future.

But although Petra is pregnant and happily married, Tamara is embracing single life for the chance to learn more about herself.

Speaking to the MailOnline about her relationship status recently, Tamara said: 'There’s no men in my life at the moment.

'I’m not looking for love but if it happens, it happens, and that would be nice. It happens when you least expect it.

'I’ve always been in long-term relationships and this is the first time I’ve lived alone and been single and it’s actually good to be able to be alone.

'I’m not looking, but I’m not adverse to the idea. I’m just having fun.'

Prince Harry beats out Clooney as most eligible Bachelor

As far as we’re concerned, Prince Harry tops the list of royals caught up in scandals in recent years, but he’s now shot to the top of another (much more desirable) list. The mischievous redhead was just named Town & Country magazine’s most popular bachelor in the world. The list, featured in the mag’s February issue, is comprised of 39 other lust-worthy men and includes a variety of the hottest guys in film, politics, and sports from all over the world.

Harry beat out perennial bachelor George Clooney, who barely hung on, coming in at number 33 on the magazine’s list.

Paris Hilton heats up Mexico with toy boy lover

AGENCIES

River posted a collage of loved-up images of him and Paris on his Twitter page.

LONDON: Paris Hilton shows off every inch of her stunning figure as she poses in a series of sexy snaps on holiday, reported British daily The Sun on Monday.

The 31-year-old heiress is currently enjoying a luxurious trip to Mexico with her 21-year-old boyfriend River Viiperi.

In the images posted to her blog Paris wears a skimpy geometric print bikini as she stands in a swimming pool pushing her boobs and bum out as she leans forward with her face pointing towards the sun.

Another shot sees her standing on the edge of the pool dressed in the same colourful design, with her arms raised as she sexily runs her fingers through her hair.

Paris also uploaded an image of herself standing near a water feature in a tiny blue two-piece as she lapped up the sizzling sunshine.

And River posted a collage of loved-up images of him and Paris on his Twitter page.

He wrote: "Today with my gorgeous blondie!! #Beach #Pool #Paradise #Fun #Memories #Love."

Paris then reposted the image and replied: "Amazing day lovey! ¿¿."

Justin Timberlake brings sexy back with new song

REUTERS
LOS ANGELES: Pop star Justin Timberlake has brought his trademark sexy crooner voice back with his first new song in five years, receiving a warm welcome from fans and critics on Monday on his long-awaited return to music.

The singer released "Suit & Tie" featuring Jay-Z on Sunday night, and within hours, the song had topped the U.S. iTunes chart. The new single also came with the announcement of a new album, "The 20/20 Experience," to be released later this year.

The new song, produced by Timberlake's long-time collaborator Timbaland, features the singer's falsetto voice over a laid-back, hip-hop beat, fusing R&B and pop sounds.

Critics drew on Timberlake's newly married status - the singer wed actress Jessica Biel last October - as a possible inspiration for the track.

Rolling Stone Magazine reviewer Jody Rosen called the single "a gift to the world's wedding DJs ... an ode to dressing to the nines and going dancing."

Pitchfork music website reviewer Stephen Deusner said the track was "one hell of a wedding reception jam, as bubbly as champagne," while Billboard's Jason Lipschultz called the song a "sleek, wholly assured dance number."

Timberlake, 31, who teased fans with cryptic Twitter messages last week, quickly became a trending topic on social media, along with the song.

MTV Buzzworthy's editor, Tamar Anitai, said the avid online response was no surprise, given Timberlake's vast fan base and the long wait for new music.

"None of his fans have gone anywhere. He's the type of artist who can take 7 years between albums and his fans are still waiting outside his studio door," Anitai told Reuters.

The singer's last album, "FutureSex/LoveSounds" in 2006, produced six hit singles including "SexyBack," which brought the singer four Grammy awards.

ROOM FOR TWO JUSTINS IN POP MUSIC?

Timberlake rose to fame as one-fifth of 1990's boy band N'Sync, becoming a pin-up for his good looks. He dated fellow singer Britney Spears.

After N'Sync parted ways in 2002, Timberlake launched his solo career with a new look and edgier sound in his debut solo album "Justified," with songs like "Cry Me A River" and "Rock Your Body," becoming chart hits. The album won a Grammy award.

His "FutureSex/LoveSounds" album arrived at the forefront of a new sound in the pop charts, fusing pop, R&B, hip hop and dance.

"'FutureSex' is what people are holding onto because it had that really futuristic sound from Timbaland," Anitai said.

Timberlake took a musical hiatus the last five years to focus on his acting career. He appeared in 2010 Facebook film "The Social Network," 2011's "Friends with Benefits" and last year's "The Trouble With The Curve," alongside Clint Eastwood.

During Timberlake's time away from music, a new Justin blazed a trail onto the pop charts, Canadian teenage pop phenomenon Justin Bieber, who has drawn comparisons to Timberlake for his inclusion of hip hop and R&B in his music.

Bieber, who has more than 32 million Twitter followers, tweeted a tip of the hat to Timberlake after the "SexyBack" singer posted his teaser on Thursday, saying "i have heard some stuff. u got a good reason to be ready. #greatmusic."

"There is room for two Justins, but Justin Timberlake is the original Justin and I think there's always going to be room for him," Anitai said.

Kesha paid $1.63 cents to pen song for Cyrus

AGENCIES
LOS ANGELES: Singer Kesha says she was paid a meagre sum of $1.63 cents to write a song for Miley Cyrus.

The singer, now famous for her own music, used to pen songs for other artistes also, reports dailystar.co.uk.

“It was like $1.63 cents for a song I wrote — I think for Miley Cyrus. It was an embarrassingly tiny amount. But I never cashed it and it’s on a bulletin board in my house,” Seventeen magazine quoted her as saying.