Snoop Dogg’s gotta say this is a good day.

A jury found Friday that the rapper wasn’t at fault for injuries a Seattle man suffered at a 2005 concert when he tried to get onstage while Snoop was performing, clearing the 39-year-old Doggfather of assault and battery allegations.

The panel did determine, however, that plaintiff Richard Monroe Jr.—who sued in 2006 claiming he thought he had been invited onstage, only to be jumped on by Snoop’s entourage once he got up there—had suffered major injuries and should be compensated.

Record label Doggystyle Records and Soopafly, another of the performers Snoop shared the bill with, have been ordered to pay Monroe nearly $449,000 in damages for medical expenses, etc. The plaintiff had been asking for at least $22 million.

Snoop Dogg has told jurors he did not strike a fan, who is suing him for $22m (£15.1m), with a microphone with a knuckleduster-style handle at a gig.

The artist, real name Calvin Broadus, said he went straight to his tour bus after Richard Monroe Jnr jumped on stage and was challenged by security.

Mr Monroe has told the Santa Monica court he was “left for dead” by security at the 2005 Seattle gig.

A 12-person jury must decide if Mr Broadus should compensate Mr Monroe.

The best way for the injuries not to have occurred was for him to stay in his seat and enjoy the show like the rest of the fans
Snoop Dogg

Mr Monroe says that, as Mr Broadus launched into his hit, Gin and Juice, he thought the rapper had called on fans to get up on the stage.

Lawyers for Mr Broadus have said Mr Monroe should not have gone on stage and that security staff thought the rapper was being attacked.

Rihanna is looking to put the sparkle back in her life.

The 21-year-old singer filed a motion Tuesday requesting that Los Angeles authorities return the jewelry she wore to Clive Davis‘ Pre-Grammy Gala Feb. 7—and was still wearing when she fought with Chris Brown after the event.The baubles—a loaner pair of earrings and three rings said to be worth $1.4 million—were taken into evidence, along with the bloodstained Gucci gown Rihanna partied in that night, after Brown was arrested for allegedly hitting, biting and choking her.

Four different companies loaned Rihanna the jewels and now want the goods back, according to the motion.

The singer – whose smash hits include “Umbrella,” “Take a Bow” and “Rehab” – has been writing songs about “different situations in her life, just things that inspire her,” according to one of her producers.

“She’s ready, ready to make hits,” producer Brian Kennedy Seals told PEOPLE Wednesday at the ASCAP Pop Awards in Hollywood, adding that they’ve already worked on three songs, including an up-tempo number and a ballad.As for the lyrics, “We’re not there yet,” says One Republic’s Ryan Tedder, who is also working with Rihanna, 21, as a writer and producer. “She’s someone … who has something to say, so I will let her lead whatever she wants to say.”

As for how Rihanna is doing these days, Tedder says, “She’s phenomenal. She’s confident and strong and doing what she does.”

The singer – whose bid to adopt Malawian orphan Mercy James was rejected last week – called the “RocknRolla” director’s London home to talk to their son Rocco, eight.

But just minutes into their conversation, the 50-year-old singer reportedly began sobbing and asked to speak to Guy, who she divorced in January because of his “unreasonable behavior.”
Madonna has been in tears on the phone to her ex-husband Guy Ritchie.

A source said: “Civil conversations between them have been few and far between in the past year. But over the last week things have improved.”

“Guy had Rocco over for a visit when Madonna called to see if he was OK, as she always does when she is away from the kids.”
“Rocco was speaking to her and suddenly turned to Guy and said, ‘Daddy, daddy. Mommy is crying.’ He then handed Guy the phone.”

Guy spent an hour comforting his ex, and now calls Madonna every day to see how she is.

The source continued to Britain’s The Sun newspaper: “It’s unusual for Madonna to cry but this has really upset her. Explaining to Rocco why Mercy wasn’t coming home has been difficult.”

“Guy was incredibly sympathetic, calmed her down and told her to be happy with the family she had.”

Madonna and her children Lourdes, 12, Rocco and David, three, flew into Malawi last week to finalize the adoption of Mercy, four.

The singer was expecting to be granted custody immediately but Judge Esme Chombo rejected the case because Madonna has not lived in Malawi for 18 months or more.

Guy, 40, has publicly supported the adoption bid and was “saddened” when it was turned down.

He said: “I fully supported Madonna in her decision to apply for this adoption, and I am saddened her application has been rejected.”

“She is motivated only by being a caring parent who seeks to share some of the advantages and opportunities that her life has given her.”

Katy Perry says men are ”like artichokes.”

The “I Kissed A Girl” singer – who recently split from her boyfriend, Gym Class Heroes star Travis McCoy – blasted boys as she performed in New York this week.

Katy told the crowd: “Men are like artichokes, it’s impossible to find the heart. You can be searching and searching but only get the tough stuff!”

“Girls have an intuition, they can tell when a player doesn’t have a heart. I’m using my intuition.”

The tastiest part of an artichoke is the base of the plant which is called the “heart” and is hard to find as it is buried under layers of thick leaves.

Katy also blamed her hormones for her man trouble, saying she can’t help “freaking out.”

The 24-year-old pop star added: “How many girls have freaked out in front of their boyfriends? I suffer from Satan’s period. It’s a beast.”

In January, following her split from Travis, Katy revealed she has sworn off men for a whole year.

She said: “I’ve actually taken a vow of celibacy this year. No kissing anyone. Well, just my cat, Kitty Purry.”

Katy Perry is on tour throughout the US in April and May and comes to Europe in June.

Miley Cyrus is the world’s favorite teenage idol.

The “Hannah Montana” actress has topped an online poll about young celebrities, with almost a third of voters – 32 per cent – naming her the biggest rising star.

However, only 10 per cent of participants believe the 16-year-old singer-and-actress is a good role model.

Squeaky-clean band the Jonas Brothers finished second in the favorite idols poll with 27 per cent of votes, while former winner Britney Spears was demoted to third position.

According to the survey, fans are frustrated by the “Womanizer” singer’s turbulent personal life.

The pop princess received less than a quarter of votes and only four per cent of voters believe the mother-of-two is a positive influence.

Meanwhile, 19-year-old singer Taylor Swift – who starred alongside Miley in “Hannah Montana: The Movie” – was named the celebrity with the most influence over adolescents.

The online questionnaire by PopEater.com – which was completed by 57,000 members – also saw the Backstreet Boys named as the greatest teen idols of the 90s, while Kirk Cameron won the award for the 80s and David Cassidy was the most popular star from the 70s.

Britney Spears stormed off stage because the arena was too smoky last night (April 8, 2009).

The “Toxic” singer, who is a smoker, had only performed three songs during her show in Vancouver, Canada, when she walked off for over 40 minutes.

Shocked concertgoers were then told the concert would not continue if people continued to smoke cigarettes and marijuana in the arena as it was “unsafe” for Britney and her performers.

A source said: “We were concerned for the lighting guys and everyone else working on the show.”

Britney then returned to the stage and continued with the show, much to the relief of the thousands of fans who splashed out on tickets for her “Circus” tour.

After the concert, the 27-year-old singer told the audience: “Thanks Vancouver. You were wonderful. Drive safe. Don’t smoke weed!”

A representative for Britney
said: “We want to apologize to all the fans who attended our Vancouver show for the brief pause in Britney’s set. Crew members above the stage became ill due to a ventilation issue.”

Snoop Dogg wants to make ”gangsta pop” with Miley Cyrus.

The rap star – who has just finished producing and performing on a Johnny Cash Remixed album – is open to experimenting with new styles of music and would happily collaborate with the 16-year-old singer, as well as pop trio the Jonas Brothers.

When asked if he would work with the Disney favorites, Snoop replied: “Hell yeah. We can make some gangsta pop music.”

Snoop performed at the Our World Live event at Hollywood’s Avalon nightclub last night (April 8, 2009) and showed he has been inspired by working on the country legend’s remix record.

Introducing “My Medicine,” his Johnny Cash inspired rap-infused country track, he said: “Country musicians are just like us. They smoke weed, get drunk, talk s**t, go to jail. But they just wear the little hats.”

Eminem was rumored to be joining Snoop at the show but pulled out because he was busy in the studio.

Pink and her estranged husband Carey Hart are back together.

The “Sober” singer and her husband of three years are giving their relationship another chance following their separation last February.

Professional motocross racer Carey confirmed: “We’re sorting s**t out, I admit it. She’s just totally normal and low-key.”

The 29-year-old singer – who wrote about her split in chart-topping hit “So What” – has remained close to the 33-year-old racer since their separation.

The pair have been spending more and more time together in recent months sparking speculation of a reconciliation.

Rumors the pair had got back together were first sparked when Pink spent New Year’s Eve (Dec 31, 2008) with Carey at his Las Vegas nightclub Wasted Space.

A source said shortly afterwards: “Pink is still head over heels for Carey and wants to try it again, but she is proceeding cautiously.”

“They just took a break on the marriage because they couldn’t make it work never seeing each other. She never gave up hope that it would work.”

Pink – real name Alecia Moore – first met Carey at the 2001 X Games. They split for a short period in 2003, but got back together and tied the knot in Costa Rica in January 2006 before their second separation.

Chris Brown is ”a mess” and has turned to alcohol.

The 19-year-old singer – who has pleaded not guilty to felony assault and making criminal threats in relation to his alleged attack on Rihanna – is believed to be struggling to cope with the fallout from his court case.

A source told gossip website X17Online: “Chris is a mess. He lost a lot of weight, about 15 lbs.”

“I do know that Chris is also in a depression and is drinking a lot. He almost got his butt kicked about a week ago.”

While Chris is becoming increasingly reclusive, Rihanna, 21, is determined to put the incident behind her and move on with her life.

Although the pair briefly reunited after the incident, they are now said to be spending time apart to contemplate the future of their relationship.

The source explained: “Rihanna is doing great. She is trying to put Chris on the back burner.”

“They still have joint business assets so they are still keeping in touch indirectly. She is focusing on her new album.”

“She has a lot of creative control so she is doing it her way. This is the first time she has been able to do that.”

Chris is accused of punching, biting and choking Rihanna until she was unconscious during an altercation in his rented silver Lamborghini on February 8.

If convicted he faces over four years in prison, although he is expected to broker a plea bargain for lesser charges which would see him gain a reduced jail sentence or probation.

50 Cent spent the night with Ciara in an exclusive hotel.

The 33-year-old US rapper and 23-year-old singer recently retired to one of the penthouse suites at New York’s AKA Times Square Hotel and Residences on West 44th Street.

A source told the New York Post newspaper: “There was only one bed in that penthouse.”

This is not the first time the pair have been romantically linked.

They met while working on Ciara’s track “Can’t Leave ‘Em Alone” and rumors they were dating first emerged when they posed topless together for the music promo in 2007.

Ciara said at the time: “Everybody turns everything into something else.”

“They said we have a ranch in Atlanta. I just died laughing. It’s amazing to hear the things people make up. It’s funny.”

Last year, 50 rejected claims he had married the singer in a secret ceremony after he was pictured wearing a wedding ring.

A spokesman for the rapper said: “50 Cent is not engaged or married.”

Chris Brown has pleaded not guilty.

The 19-year-old singer appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom yesterday (April 6, 2009) to answer charges of felony assault and making criminal threats in relation to his alleged attack on Rihanna in February.

Wearing a black sweater, tie and trousers, Chris was joined in the courtroom by his mother and lawyer Mark Geragos.

Chris waived the right to have a preliminary hearing within 10 days, with the judge setting the next hearing – which Chris is not required to attend – for April 29.

Geragos said “more discovery was needed” in the case, meaning there is more evidence to review.

Chris is accused of punching, biting and choking Rihanna until she was unconscious in his rented silver Lamborghini on February 8.

If convicted, he could be sent to prison for over four years.

Rihanna, 21, did not attend the hearing, but her lawyer Donald Etra confirmed she is co-operating with proceedings.

Etra said outside the courtroom: “Nothing’s changed with regard to Rihanna’s stance toward this case. She will testify if subpoenaed and will do everything that’s required of her to do.”

It is believed Chris will eventually accept a plea bargain for lesser charges, which could lead to him gaining a reduced jail sentence or probation.

Asked about the likelihood of a plea deal, Etra said: “I believe there are efforts by all parties involved to resolve this case expeditiously. That would be beneficial to everyone. Rihanna would be pleased if this case were resolved quickly and fairly.”

Rihanna’s father Ronald Fenty has expressed his concern at Chris’ not guilty plea, claiming the teenager should take responsibility for his actions.

He said: “Chris needs to stop being in denial. So what happened? Somebody else did this to Rihanna then? I would like to see justice go in the right direction.”

“Who did it – that’s the question now. If he’s not guilty, who did it? He should say ‘guilty’ and let the court be leaning into him and try himself to the mercy of the court, see if he gets a fine.”

“I think he’s a talented guy, but everybody should have to pay. When you do the crime, you do the time.”

Madonna has injured herself after ”flying off” a treadmill.

The 50-year-old singer twisted her ankle yesterday (April 2, 2009) when she fell off the running machine she had flown to Malawi so she could keep fit while waiting for the adoption of her second African child to be finalized.

A worker at the Kumbali Lodge Hotel – where the star and her children Lourdes, 12, Rocco, eight, and David, three, are staying – said: “There was a bang and she came suddenly flying off the back of the running machine. She looked hurt.”

The injury was quickly treated by Madonna’s trainer and the star was ordered to rest for the day, forcing her to cancel her planned visits to local orphanages.

The worker added to Britain’s The Sun newspaper: “In Malawi most people do not even know what a gym is. Our staff are fascinated by the fact you can run but not go anywhere on a treadmill. They say, ‘What is the point?’”

Madonna is due in court in the country’s capital Lilongwe today (April 3, 2009) to learn if her bid to adopt four-year-old orphan Mercy James has been approved.

High Court
Judge Esme Chombo has reportedly already told the star she will be granted custody.

Once the final papers have been signed, Madonna is expected to fly her family – including her new daughter – to her home in London, where staff have been preparing for the new arrival for months.

A new nursery has been constructed and the star has even hired a Chichewa-speaking nanny.

Employees in Madonna’s New York home have also been getting ready for Mercy. A friend said: “Madonna has been preparing for months, if not years.”

Jennifer Lopez loves ”everything” about being a mother.

The singer-and-actress – who has 13-month-old twins Max and Emme with her husband Marc Anthony – says she adores all aspects of motherhood and is forever gushing about her babies.

She explained to Us Weekly magazine: “What’s the best thing about being a mom? Everything! Oh God, I could talk for a year about that!”

The 39-year-old beauty – who gave birth to the tots in February last year – likes nothing better than watching her “wonderful” babies.

She said: “They’re walking, they’re talking, they’re babbling a lot – all that kind of stuff. It’s wonderful to watch! They’re very in tune with each other.”

Jennifer – who gained almost 50lbs during her pregnancy – claims her now-slender figure is down to a good night’s rest.

She added: “Sleep is key to staying in shape. It makes everything better.”

The star recently revealed she wants to expand her brood in the future.

Jennifer said: “I definitely want to have more. I don’t know if it’s in the cards for us, but I would like to.”

Madonna’s bid to adopt another Malawian child has been approved.

High Court Judge Esme Chombo is not due to make an official ruling on the adoption of four-year-old orphan Mercy James until Friday (April 3, 2009), but Chombo has reportedly told the singer she will be granted custody.

A senior Malawian official said: “This is all very confidential, and Judge Chombo must still make her ruling – but that ruling will be in favor of Madonna.”

“Madonna is a very good mother and ambassador for Malawi. She has improved the lives of thousands of orphans.”

The 50-year-old star was photographed with Mercy for the first time yesterday (March 31, 2009) and the child is believed to be spending all her time with Madonna and the pop beauty’s other children – Lourdes, 12, Rocco, eight, and three-year-old David, who was also adopted from Malawi.

Madonna spent an hour in court in the African country’s capital Lilongwe on Monday (March 30, 2009), telling Chombo she would be “a deeply loving mother” to Mercy, whose Malawian name is Chifundo.

In adoption papers, the singer said: “To deny Chifundo the opportunity to be adopted by me could expose her to hardship and emotional trauma which is otherwise avoidable.”

Madonna and her family – including her new daughter – are expected to fly to Britain on Saturday (April 4, 2009) and the “4 Minutes” hit maker has reportedly told staff at her London home to “prepare for the arrival of my new little girl.”

Madonna – who has been accused of using her fame to bend Malawi’s adoption laws to her advantage – knew her decision to adopt a second child would attract criticism but insisted she didn’t care.

Her friend, British filmmaker Ben Fellows, said: “Once Madonna puts her mind to something, she achieves it – and this adoption is no different.”

“She told me she thought it was very important that David had a sister from the same background as him and she had unconditional love to give another child.”

“She knew exactly what she was walking into. She sent me an email just before she left for Malawi and signed it off, ‘Let the storm commence!’”

Fellows insists Madonna – whose ex-husband is British director Guy Ritchie – is an excellent mother, and will be able to offer Mercy a wonderful home.

He said: “Despite her reputation, Madonna is a warm, loving woman. She speaks from the heart.”

“She couldn’t understand the criticism. Surely it shows how loved Mercy James is going to be that Madonna is prepared to go through all of this again in order to adopt her?”

Madonna’s three-year-old adopted son doesn’t recognize his father.

David – who has been living with Madonna since 2006 – was reunited with his dad Yohane Banda in Malawi yesterday (March 30, 2009) and asked: “Who are you?”

Yohane was also left shocked after learning they would need an interpreter to communicate because David has forgotten his native tongue.

He said: “He asked me in English who I was and what I do. When I told him, ‘I am your daddy,’ he looked surprised.

“We spent three hours together. He played with my nose and although he did not know who I was he asked me lots of questions.”

“David is quite chatty and intelligent. He asked whether I ride horses but I told him horses are for the rich. He asked me why I am poor.”

Yohane – who put David in an orphanage when his mother died shortly after childbirth – misses his son but is glad Madonna adopted him.

He said: “I sometimes shudder to think what would have happened to David if Madonna had not rescued him. I am really grateful to her for saving him from a possible early death.”

“It’s amazing how David has grown. I can’t believe he is the same small and sickly baby.”

David and Yohane’s family reunion took place at the Kumbali Lodge Hotel, where Madonna and her other children Lourdes, 12, and Rocco, eight, are staying while the singer finalizes her adoption of a second Malawian child.

The 50-year-old star and her family flew into the African nation on Sunday (March 29, 2009) to sign the final papers to adopt four-year-old orphan Mercy James.

Madonna attended a court hearing in the country’s capital Lilongwe yesterday morning (March 30, 2009).

She was expecting to take Mercy back to America immediately, but the judge delayed a ruling until Friday (April 3, 2009).

Madonna said it was “amazing” to be back in Malawi but refused to answer questions about the adoption, saying her critics should “mind their own business.”

The singer angered human rights groups when her adoption of David was finalized in 2008. They accused her of using her fame to manipulate Malawi’s adoption laws.

Britney Spears has consulted a lawyer to try and get her conservatorship lifted.

The “Womanizer” singer – whose father Jamie and lawyer Andrew Wallet were made co-conservators of her personal and professional affairs following her breakdown last year – reportedly left a worried voicemail for an attorney on January 29.

According to JFXOnline, Britney revealed she was concerned Jamie may stop her seeing her sons Sean Preston, three, and Jayden James, two.

In the message, Britney says: “Hi my name’s Britney Spears. I called you earlier. I’m calling again because I just wanted to make sure that during the process of the eliminating the conservatorship that my father has threatened me several times, that you know, he’ll take my children away.”

“I just want to be guaranteed that everything will be fine with the process and that you guys are taking care of everything, that things will stay the same as far as my custodial time. That’s it, bye.”

It has been claimed the person leaving the message is definitely Britney, with a source telling America’s OK! magazine: “It’s the real deal. This is what convinced Jamie to go back to court to have the restraining orders reinstated against Sam Lutfi and Adnan Ghalib.”

Jamie returned to court earlier this year to get the temporary restraining orders against Britney’s ex-manager Sam and her ex-boyfriend Adnan extended.

During the case, it was alleged Sam was continually trying to contact Britney via text message leaving her terrified.

Michael Jackson will sing with his eldest son on the opening night of his London residency.

The 50-year-old singer is planning to invite 12-year-old Prince Michael I on stage to perform a surprise musical number during the first of his 50 “This Is It” shows at London’s O2 arena in July.

A source said: “What better way to introduce his son to the music world than to have him come on stage during the most anticipated concert in history?”

“Of course nothing’s set yet, and Michael is always changing his mind.”

But friends claim Jackson has an ulterior motive for the father-son performance – he is hoping it will distract people from talking about the likelihood of him completing all the shows.

The source said: “He knows what people are saying about him not being able to do all 50 shows. Don’t expect him to address it publicly.”

The “Thriller” singer is also planning to ask Leona Lewis to join him on stage.

He reportedly wants her to sing his sister Janet Jackson’s part in their 1995 hit “Scream.”

Another source said: “Michael has a list of singers he feels could do Janet justice – and Leona is top.”

“He hasn’t approached her yet but he’s a big fan of everything she has achieved.”

“She’s massive all around the world and he feels this duet would give both their careers an even bigger boost.”

Madonna is expected to leave Malawi with her new daughter today (March 30, 2009).

The 50-year-old singer arrived in the African nation yesterday (March 29, 2009) with her children Lourdes, 12, Rocco, eight, and David, three, who was also adopted from Malawi.

She is due in court in the nation’s capital Lilongwe today to sign the final papers to adopt four-year-old orphan Mercy James.

If the hearing – in which a High Court judge will assess Madonna’s parenting ability – goes to plan, the “4 Minutes” singer will be able to take Mercy back to America this afternoon.

A court source said: “Madonna will appear before a judge to petition the court to certify her adoption. Madonna will definitely be granted a temporary court order to allow her to take the child away with her.”

Mercy – whose unmarried teenage mother died two weeks after giving birth to her – grew up in an orphanage in the southern town of Bvumbwe.

Madonna was introduced to Mercy when she visited the area in 2006.

Her remaining family is reluctant to let her move to America, claiming Madonna is putting unfair pressure on them.

Uncle Peter Baneti said: “We never wanted to let Mercy go. She’s part of our family.”

“My mother, brother John and I said no three times to the orphanage, which was pressing us on Madonna’s behalf.”

“Now we have been persuaded Mercy can have a better, healthier life somewhere else in the world with this rich white woman.”

“We need more advice but everything is going so fast.”

Madonna and Lourdes spent Sunday afternoon meeting kids and handicraft workers in the impoverished village of Chinkhota.

Madonna said it was “amazing” to be back in Malawi but refused to answer questions about the adoption, saying her critics should “mind their own business.”

The star then took her eldest daughter to the Kumbali Lodge Hotel to meet the girl they hope will be the newest addition to their family.

After the court hearing this morning, Madonna is expected to take David to meet his father Yohane Banda, who hasn’t seen his son for two years.

The singer angered human rights groups when she adopted David in 2008. They accused her of using her fame to manipulate Malawi’s adoption laws.