Elton John slams Madonna: 'Her career is over'

Plus: Natalie Portman marries her Black Swan love, Michael Clarke Duncan still in hospital after heart attack, Australian art critic Robert Hughes dies, and stars get together for Special Olympics.

Madonna on her current world tour. Jacek Turczyk / EPA

In an interview on an Australian TV show on Sunday, Elton John blasted Madonna, saying: "Why is she such a nightmare? Her career is over, I can tell you that. Her tour has been a disaster." John added: "If Madonna had any common sense, she would have made a record like Ray of Light, stayed away from the dance stuff, and just been a great pop singer and made great pop records, which she does brilliantly. But no." He also slammed Madonna for being "so horrible" to Lady Gaga, who is the godmother to John's son Zachary. Madonna has taken aim at Gaga for what she feels are similarities between their songs.

Natalie Portman weds Black Swan love

Natalie Portman married the French dancer Benjamin Millepied, the father of her 14-month-old son, on Saturday in Los Angeles. Photos leaked on Twitter showed a grinning Portman in a tea-length, A-line Rodarte dress with a sheer overlay and a long veil. The vegan meal - following the actress's preferences - skipped the wedding cake and ended with French macaroons. The couple, who live in New York, met in 2009 while filming Black Swan, the ballet thriller for which Portman won an Oscar. * AFP

Michael Clarke Duncan remains hospitalised after heart attack

The Green Mile star Michael Clarke Duncan remains hospitalised in Los Angeles more than three weeks after suffering a heart attack. According to his publicist, the 54-year-old actor "was just moved from the intensive care unit, but remains hospitalised". "His family have asked that you keep him in your prayers during this time," the statement said. No further information was available on Duncan's condition. * AP

Australian art critic Robert Hughes dies at 74

The renowned Australian art critic and historian Robert Hughes died on Monday after a long illness. He was 74. Hughes was best known for his 1987 bestselling epic about Australia called The Fatal Shore and his acclaimed eight-part documentary about art history, The Shock of the New. Hughes was also the art critic for Time magazine for more than three decades. His final book was last year's Rome, a personal history of the Italian city. * AP

All-stars band for Special Olympics

Christina Aguilera, Michael Bublé and Dave Matthews are among the acts helping the Special Olympics celebrate the 25th anniversary of its A Very Special Christmas album series. Two albums will be released on October 16 to celebrate the partnership, which has raised more than US$100 million (Dh370m) for the event. Other artists involved in the project include Jason Mraz, Rascal Flatts and The Band Perry. * AP