Adam Lambert Encourages Gay Fans In ‘It Gets Better’ Video

Adam Lambert in his "It Gets Better"

Adam Lambert is the latest celebrity to lend his voice to the “It Gets Better” project, aimed at sending strong, positive messages to LGBT youth in light of recent gay teen suicides.

The singer — one of the few openly gay major pop stars — encourages his fans to be who they are and not let bullies win. “It gets better,” the “American Idol” runner-up says in the black-and-white clip that appears to have been filmed backstage at one of his shows, as evidenced by the rack of glam-tastic clothes behind him.

“It seems hard,” he says. “I think being different is always going to be a tough climb. There’s always going to be people that are going to be scared of it. But at the end of the day, if you give those bullies and those people that are so ignorant and fearful of your lifestyle, if you give them the power to affect you, you’re letting them win, and they don’t deserve that. What you’re doing by being who you are is you’re keeping it real and being really brave.”

In the 90-second clip, Lambert encourages viewers to have pride in themselves and tells them that he loves them just that way. Lambert is the latest star to post a video in the series, started by “Savage Love” columnist Dan Savage in response to the suicide of a 15-year-old Indiana boy who took his own life after being taunted by classmates for being gay. Ke$ha, Nicki Minaj and Aubrey O’Day have also posted clips or spoken out against bullying over the past few weeks.

“I believe in you. I think it’s great,” Lambert says. “There are a ton of us out here in this world that are just like you, that believe in you.” He goes on to say that despite his success since leaving “American Idol,” which has included world tours, a hit album and big-budget videos, he still struggles with homophobic bullying.

“Even someone like me, someone that has recently come into some success in his career,” he says. “I’m touring the world, I have a CD out, I do music videos, I’m living my dream. Even I get bullied. You look under any comment section on any article, and there’s bullies in there telling me that I’m a f—-t, that I’m ugly, that I’m gross — ‘Ew, gross, nasty, he’s a girly’ — all this crap. I’m singled out and it’s all ‘gay, gay, gay, gay, gay,’ even though there is so much more to me than just who I choose to sleep with. …

“So the thing at the end of the day is, ladies and gentlemen, that you are so much more than your orientation,” he continues. “You know it and I know it. So don’t let those bullies and those ignorant, fearful, small-minded people prove you wrong. You have to be strong, and you have to pay attention to the positive. And in doing so, you will push through and you will rise up and you will live your life to the fullest. It gets better, but it’s up to you.”

The Biggest H-Artistry Party of 2010 Is Finally Here!

After months of resonating through clubs around Kuala Lumpur, Penang and even Kota Kinabalu, H-Artistry “The Global Art of Mixing” looks all set to end the year with a bang! Its annual highlight event will be creating waves across the country as more than 4,000 party-goers can look forward to being treated to one incredible night where sights, sounds, and tastes will collide to form an eclectic and explosive clubbing experience.

And as previous years around this time where H-Artistry’s famed contemporary clubbing platform is elevated on to a whole new level, 2010’s big bash will be no different. Come this Saturday, October 23, the H-Artistry “The Global Art of Mixing” will see the capacious Malaysia International Exhibition & Convention Centre (MIECC) at Mines Resort City transformed into one enormous club where revelers can expect to be blown away in what will undoubtedly be one of the largest and most sophisticated clubbing events the country has ever seen.

Completely revolutionizing the arena into a classy world-class club set-up, the hall will feature countless plasma screens displaying head-turning visuals and futuristic bars that will be serving delectable concoctions of Hennessy V.S.O.P signature long drinks such as: Hennessy Apple, Hennessy Berry, Hennessy Ginger, and Hennessy Citrus.

Dubbed as the H-Artistry party of the year, the event will see a blend of musical talents from Malaysia, Taiwan, Canada and the USA belting it out on a night that promises to be bold, daring, and fresh, ultimately, culminating in a blend of urban sounds and cultures that come together through electrifying performances that will leave guests awestruck and craving for more.

Leading the line-up at the upcoming H-Artistry party is Canadian Hip-Hop icon, Kardinal Offishall. Having started rapping at the age of eight and winning competitions by the time he was 12, Kardinal is the result of a mix of pure talent and an obsessed passion for music. Credited as Canada’s “hip-hop ambassador” Kardinal teamed up with iconic music mogul, Akon and released the infamous “Dangerous” track that echoed around the globe peaking at No. 5 on the Billboard 100. Now back with his latest Mr. International album, Kardinal Offishall is ready to infect the dance floors once again with his blend of dancehall reggae and hip-hop mesh.

Justin Bieber To Release Acoustic Album

Justin Bieber (Photo: Gerardo Mora/ Getty Images)

Justin Bieber has revealed that this holiday season he’s going to release an acoustic album. He made the announcement via Twitter.

“Curious…What is your favorite song on MY WORLD and MY WORLD 2.0?? If you could remix any song with another artist which would it be? And who would you want me to duet with?? and on which song?? Thanks,” he initially tweeted before spilling a few more beans about the forthcoming release.

In addition to old tunes, it seems this album will feature a brand-new song as well. “hey dankanter I think it’s time to make an UNPLUGGED album for the fans for the holidays….or maybe we already did…hmmmm,” he then tweeted to Dan Kanter, the singer’s musical director and guitarist. “Maybe we need to give everybody an UNPLUGGED acoustic album with that new song I cut in Hawaii for the holidays…thoughts???”

Bieber, who plays acoustic guitar during many of his live performances, then revealed that he has already recorded songs for the album. Further information, including the release date and the album’s title, was not available at press time. “So I’m thinking about breaking out the acoustic guitar and having some fun… …so an UNPLUGGED album for the HOLIDAYS????” he wrote. “Listening to tracks from the new UNPLUGGED acoustic album. feeling really good about it. dankanter u excited. back to the roots.”

Kanter tweeted about the vibe of the album. “@justinbieber Loving the percussion… Cajones and congas!” he teased. “Definitely an influence from our travels around the world!”

At the VMAs, Bieber revealed that he is working on an album of all-new music as well. “[It'll] probably [come out] fourth quarter next year,” he said. “Drake is gonna be on that album; I’m not sure [who else]. I’m gonna ask him if he can get [Lil] Wayne on there.”

Kristen Stewart Describes Picking ‘Breaking Dawn’ Wedding Dress

Kristen Stewart (Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)

Will it be lacy or silky, modern or vintage? Will there be sleeves, a long train or a plunging neckline? Maybe a bodice, buttons or a bustle?

These are just a few of the pressing questions fans have about easily the most important wardrobe choice in the entire “Twilight” series: Bella Swan’s wedding dress. Production on the two parts of “Breaking Dawn” is about to begin, and everyone’s wondering what Bella will be wearing when she finally ties the knot with Edward Cullen.

We put that very question to Kristen Stewart on the red carpet for “Welcome to the Rileys” Monday night. Turns out that the 20-year-old actress has, in fact, gone through a fitting, but they haven’t yet selected the exact gown she’ll be wearing in front of the camera when the shoot gets under way.

“I haven’t put the one on yet,” she said.

Though she didn’t delve into detail about what she’s looking for in Bella’s dress, Stewart did admit that it’s a hugely important choice — for herself and for fans — and that she’s happy to have the opportunity to make her preference known about the dress she feels is the right fit.

“To be honest, it’s such a big deal. It’s such a big decision. I have a little hand in having a decision — or having an opinion more — but I think it’s pretty much up to Stephenie,” Stewart said, referring to “Twilight” author Stephenie Meyer.

“I’m not quite sure exactly what it’s going to look like, but it will be beautiful, I’m sure,” she added.

Justin Bieber Displays His Rap Skills In New Twitter Video

Justin Bieber

Having given fans a taste of his rapping skills during live performances of “Baby” when he tackles the verse Ludacris recorded for the tune, Justin Bieber is now displaying his keen spitting prowess in a new video posted on his Twitter. In the grainy clip titled “Speaking in Tongues,” Bieber raps his own lyrics over Cam’ron and Vado’s “Speakin Tongues,” and in a message posted on the webpage, he announced that his rap alias is Shawty Mane.

“Speaking in tongues freestyle… who knew I could rap lol,” he wrote. “My alter ego rap name is Shawty Mane… hah.”

The video features shots of Bieber in the studio and hanging out in the streets rocking some glasses. Early on, he gives a shout-out to Lady Gaga: “Call up Lady Gaga on my on my telephone/ Hello doll/ You’re my girl/ Beats no metronome.”

He then talks up his own capabilities, rhyming, “So I’m raptor/ Tearing it up like a tractor/ Matter fact you’re not feeling this track, you’re a slacker.” Later, he raps, “Stop, drop and roll/ Justin Bieber’s on fire/ It’s time to realize it’s time to call me young sire.”

At the end of the clip, Bieber — who hangs out with such hip-hop heavyweights as Drake, Kanye West and the aforementioned Luda — has a little message for those listening to the track. “You guys might know me as the guy who sings ‘Baby’/ You know, uh, I’m a singer, pop singer/ I’m white/ But, um, you know I just wanted to do this just to prove that/ You know I got skills, on, on, on the rap game.”

Last December, Bieber’s pal, rapper Asher Roth, defended his buddy’s rapping skills to MTV News. “He lived like a block away from me. Watching him is like watching your little brother. It’s crazy,” Roth said, referring to their time in Atlanta together. “He can rap. I put him on a remix, but I don’t think his mom would like that very much.”

Christina Aguilera Files For Divorce

Christina Aguilera and Jordan Bratman in 2006

Christina Aguilera has filed for divorce from her husband of nearly five years, Jordan Bratman. The singer filed papers on Thursday (October 14), according to TMZ, citing “irreconcilable differences.”

On Tuesday, the singer confirmed the couple was splitting. She issued a statement after rumors about the couple’s marriage began to circulate earlier that day. “Although Jordan and I are separated, our commitment to our son Max remains as strong as ever,” Aguilera said.

The petition notes the existence of a prenuptial agreement that maintains “earnings and accumulations of [Aguilera] before marriage, during marriage and from and after the date of separation” be considered separate property. The singer is being represented by powerhouse lawyer Laura Wasser. September 11, 2010 is reportedly listed as the date of separation. The petition also seeks to block any attempt by Bratman to receive child support from the singer, who is seeking joint physical and legal custody of their 2-year-old son, Max.

After meeting the music marketing executive at her music management firm, Azoff Music Management, in 2002, Aguilera and Bratman married in November 2005 in Napa Valley. They had their son, Max, in January 2008. Before the release of her album Bionic earlier this year, Aguilera talked about married life and gave no indication of the impending split, noting that she and Bratman still enjoyed “naked Sundays.”

“I think it’s important that [Max] sees mommy not be ashamed for her sexuality. … We’re art collectors, there are a lot of female nudes around the house. Max will be growing up in a house where it’s just the norm. … It’s only weird when you shame it,” she said. “I’m more confident and comfortable in my own skin. I think I’m even a more sexual Christina.”

Fruitful games show India's weaknesses

Indian workers carry a small staircase as they pack up at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, the main venue of the Commonwealth Games.

INDIA'S Commonwealth Games ended on a triumphant note, but analysts say the event still fell short in its bid to showcase the strengths and aspirations of an emerging global power.

An impressive last-ditch, round-the-clock effort to put the Games back on track was largely successful, but only after shambolic preparations and months of negative publicity had raised the humiliating spectre of cancellation.

But several analysts argued that relief at having staved off looming disaster was a sentiment that highlighted India's weaknesses, rather than its strengths.

"It's a classic example of management by crisis, which is precisely the sort of stereotype of India that these Games were supposed to dismantle," said Robinder Sachdev, head of the New Delhi-based Imagindia Institute think-tank.

"The idea of being able to 'get it right in the end' is an image India neither needs or wants to perpetuate in corporate boardrooms overseas," Sachdev told AFP.

"If it wants to grow, it has to prove that large scale projects can be planned and executed on time and on budget," he added.

The final cost of the 12-day event has been estimated at around six billion dollars the most expensive Commonwealth Games ever and Sachdev estimated that it could cost billions more in lost investor confidence.

Poor infrastructure is a drag on Indian growth and the haphazard implementation of a major upgrade of Delhi's transport system underlined the difficulties in executing large projects to high standards.

A footbridge next to the main stadium collapsed days before the opening ceremony, a train link to the airport remained unopened, and many new venues, metro stations and road flyovers were shabbily finished.

Newspapers were filled with stories about treadmills hired for 20,000 dollars, toilet paper bought for 80 dollars a roll, and contractors feasting on the multi-billion-dollar budget.

Samuel Paul, founder of the Bangalore-based Public Affairs Centre, which lobbies to improve government standards in India, said the Games had exposed India's problems with governance, transparency and accountability.

"All this is not unexpected, but what amazes me is the systematic problems that exist even at the highest levels," he said.

Under the headline "I declare the games shut. Let the audits begin", Times of India columnist Rajesh Kalra on Thursday called for all venues to be sealed for a count of what had actually been delivered against what had been paid for.

"The list of mismanagement, misappropriation of funds, nepotism, favouritism, goes on and on," he said.

Foreign media coverage of the Games, which had been extremely critical in the run-up to the opening ceremony, was far more positive in its final verdict.

Despite the incompetence displayed by the organisers, Delhi had picked up the pieces and shown that "even the biggest mess can be cleaned up ", The Sydney Morning Herald said.

"They've pulled it off admirably and deserve better than the carping, nit-picking and borderline racism that has masqueraded as informed coverage of the Games," wrote journalist Peter Hanlon.

As to whether the whole event was worth it, analysts said the enduring legacy of the Games in terms of infrastructure, image and prestige would only become apparent with time.

"If we really learn lessons from this and if it leaves public opinion more demanding of our business and political leaders, then yes, I think then it will have been worth it," said Sachdev.