The web is abuzz with reports that Britney Spears will not return to the judging panel of The X Factor US next season. "Britney will get the boot," a source told US Weekly, claiming the pop star had not earned her US$15 million (Dh55m) paycheck for the show. In an interview with E! Online, the show's producer and head judge Simon Cowell said: "I don't know yet, to be honest with you. I haven't had the conversation with her whether she'd want to, what other commitments she's got." - IANS
McConaughey welcomes baby son
Matthew McConaughey and his wife Camila Alves have welcomed another son to their family, the actor announced on Twitter on Saturday. "Camila gave birth to our third child yesterday, Livingston Alves McConaughey. Happy new year and just keep living," McConaughey, 43, posted. The couple, who married in June, are parents to Levi, 4, and Vida, 2. - IANS
Quentin Tarantino to be honoured in Italy
Quentin Tarantino will be honoured with a lifetime achievement award by the Rome Film Festival on Friday. The award ceremony will take place alongside the European premiere of his new film Django Unchained. The veteran Italian film composer Ennio Morricone, who composed Django's music, will present the award to the director. "Quentin Tarantino's vision has radically influenced our collective imagery over the past 20 years," said the festival's head, Marco Mueller. - IANS
Taylor Swift continues Billboard chart reign
Taylor Swift retained the top spot of the Billboard 200 album chart this week after strong sales during the holiday season that helped her album Red mark its sixth week at No 1 since its release two months ago. The rapper TI's new album, Trouble Man: Heavy is the Head, came in at No 2. Other acts that placed in the top 10 are Mumford & Sons, One Direction and Michael Bublé. - Reuters
Haiti leader sings with Julio Iglesias
Haiti's president performed a duet on Friday with the Spanish crooner Julio Iglesias in a celebrity-studded concert in the Dominican Republic to help raise money for impoverished children. Among the attendees were the fashion designers Oscar de la Renta and Carolina Herrera and the journalist Barbara Walters. President Michel Martelly, better known by his stage name of "Sweet Micky", thanked Iglesias for doing the concert. "I've been a singer my whole life but I never thought I'd be here next to you, singing," Martelly told him. - AP
