The boys kick off the live shows... as Jennifer Lopez and Steve Tyler experience what American Idol is really about

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

On trial: It wasn't just the contestants who got to perform live for the first time, it was also a first for new judges Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez on tonight's American Idol


After the long rounds of auditions and the drawn out knock out stages, the final 12 male contestants finally got the chance to perform for America tonight.

After months of vying to win over the judges, suddenly it was all about the viewer at home, as contestants including Casey Abrams, Scotty McCreery and Jacob Lusk sang their hearts out.

But it wasn't just their dreams on the line.

For the first time viewers got the chance to see the new judges in action, unedited. And their personalities shone through, with Steve Tyler keeping producers on their toes, bleeping out his colourful language.


First time experience: The judges got chance to comment on performances from the top 12 boys in the competition


Jennifer Lopez was equally passionate, although kept her comments suitable for a family audience.

But while opinionated, both seemed reluctant to criticise their hand-picked contestants, leaving Randy Jackson to take on the role of the bad guy, to much booing from the crowd.

But there were some contestants that even Lopez and Tyler had to let down, however gently.

First up was Clint Jun Gamboa who kicked off the show with Stevie Wonder's Superstition


Thumbs up: Clint Jun Gamboa got the show off to a good start with Stevie Wonder's Superstition; the judges praised him, although said he looked a little 'jittery'


With his round glasses and cheeky smile he won a big cheer from the audience, although seemed a little nervous.

But the judges couldn't have been more positive.

Jackson praised him, adding: 'There's no karaoke singer in the world that's got that kind of vocal talent. This is a singing competition and that was brilliant.'


Heartthrobs: Jovany Barreto was next to take to the stage, before Jordan Dorsey performed Usher's OMG

Daunting: The live show was the first time many of the contestants have performed in such a large audience


Lopez said she hoped the audience could see what a talent he was, adding: 'You must have felt good, you got it out.'

Not getting as positive a reception was Jovany Barreto, the former port worker who sang Edwin McCain's I'll Be.

Lopez loved it. 'People got to see you I think for the first time, I mean really really see what you can do, and you know what you did it,' she said excitedly.
But Barreto was brought back down to earth to Jackson.


Getting ready: Tim Halperin chats to host Ryan Seacrest ahead of his performance


Impressive: Tim won praise from the judges for his rendition of Rob Thomas' Streetcorner Serenade
'For me it felt very karaoke,' he said bluntly. 'The thing about doing cover songs is that you can bring whatever you want to it but it doesn't sound as good as the original.'


Angry Lopez responded, telling him: 'You should be very, very proud.'
But Jackson replied: 'You've had to many biscuits.'

Next up was Jordan Dorsey, who performed Usher's O.M.G.
The judges seemed unanimous in their dislike of the song choice.

Lopez told him: 'You know I love you, I do, and I have from the beginning. But I'm not sure that's who you really are. Is that who you want to be?'

After Dorsey admitted that the song didn't suit him, she finished: 'It didn't show off your voice, the voice that we know you have.'


He then told host Ryan Seacrest: ''I had to act because it's an Usher song and he moves a lot. I had to add some extra.'

Next up was Tim Halperin, who distinguished himself throughout the audition process with his use of instruments.

But tonight it was just his voice on show as he sang Rob Thomas's Streetcorner Symphony (Come On Over).

The judges missed his individual style.

To boos from the audience Tyler told him: 'Tim, I'm not sure if that song did you any justice man. I've heard you sing so many other better songs behind the piano.'

Lopez backed him up: 'It's not that you didn't do it well, you did do it well, but it didn't show America who you are as an artist.'

'That song is a cool, song but that's what I wouldn't equate you with,' finished Jackson. 'It really wasn't the best try today.'

But the criticism didn't dent Halperin's confidence: 'I felt it went pretty good to me and I hope America would agree with that.'

Following him on stage was the undeniably individual Brett Loewenstern.


Tossing his red curls around he bounced around the stage singing The Doors' classic Light My Fire.

Tyler loved it: 'You brought it home man you were on fire.'

And Lopez was impressed: 'That was like more hair tossing than me and Beyonce over the last ten years!'

Jackson had been counting.

'There were 14 hair shakes, that's a lot man. The things that were cool about that was that you were definitely fun and definitely bold.'

Next up was James Durbin who brought a new level of energy to the stage as he rocked the room with the unexpected choice of Judas Priest's Got Another Thing Coming. He also added the unusual touch of a zebra print scarf trailing behind him like a tail.

Tyler was thrilled, with the censors jumping into action to bleep out his dirty language.

'I think that's the first Judas Priest song that we've had on the show, ever,' he said.

Equally impressed was Lopez: 'I love the way you perform. I love the way you sing, where it comes from, it's organic it's real. You do it so naturally, it's insane.'

Jackson thought the performance should inspire the other performers.
'This is right here how you do it,' he told him. 'That was great man.'


Here comes Brett: Brett Loewenstern, the last boy to make it through to the top 24, sang The Doors' Light My Fire


Robbie Rosen performed Sarah McLachlan's Angel and with his puppy dog eyes and thick hair seemed designed to appeal to a female audience.

Tyler told him: 'Beautiful. Everyone right in the audience was hearing right what I'm hearing.'

Lopez agreed: 'I've said to you before that when you sing songs you have to tell a story and you do.'


Judgement time: Brett nervously awaits his comments from the judges, but received only praise from the judges


Young stars: James Durbin (left) and Robbie Rosen impressed the judges with their performances


Lopez agreed: 'There are just some people who are born to do something. You're born to sing country music.'

And Jackson found nothing to criticise.

'You know what's cool about you, you're like a throwback country boy. You're not trying to crossover. You're pure country.'

McCreery was the only one without a thing to say. 'It's been a dream,' he said. 'But I don't even know man, what in the world!'


Country strong: Scotty McCreery, who was voted through on account of his astonishingly low voice, impressed yet again


Stefano Langone couldn't have been a bigger change as he belted out Bruno Mars' Just the Way You Are.

Jackson loved it, despite the occasional duff high note.

'This kid could be on the radio right now and that's what we're looking for. A real star,' he told him.

And Langone was looking for extra votes as he told Seacrest: 'That song it was for all the ladies out there. I love all you jut the way you are.'


Taking on a modern hit: Stefano Langone took a risk by performing one of the biggest hits of last year - Bruno Mars' Just The Way You Are


Paul McDonald chose Rod Stewart's Maggie May.

Tyler was impressed: 'The way you shake it off and just are, I love that character in you.'

As were his fellow contestants, with Lopez saying: 'You have real character in the way you move.

'That smile you have it lights up the whole place. I love someone who smiles when they are singing.'


Rocking out: McDonald impressed the judges with his rendition of Rod Stewart's Maggie May


Jacob Lusk then added some soul to the proceedings with Luther Vandross' A House Is Not a Home, which frequent viewers will remember from the audition stage.

It was clear he was Lopez's favourite, as she led the judges in comparing him to Luther Vandross: 'He's gone, but now we have you.'

Ending the show was Casey Abrams, the contestant who nearly dropped out of Idol this week when he was hospitalised.


The new Luther Vandross: Jacob Lusk floored the judges with his performance of Luther Vandross' A House Is Not A Home


With anticipation for his performance heightened, he belted out I Put A Spell On You, flirting with Lopez throughout with little smiles.

He was the first contestant of the night to get the audience on their feet for a standing ovation, ending the show on a high note.

'Girls, what do you think about this man?' asked Tyler, to screams from the audience. 'As good as it get's, crazy good.'

Lopez told him: 'Casey, you're sexy Casey. I don't have to tell you, they told you.
'You took it, you ate it. I loved it, I loved it.'


Belting it out: Casey Abrams sings his heart out as he performs I Put A Spell On You; he was hospitalised earlier in the week with stomach problems, putting his appearance on the show in doubt


After his performance Seacrest questioned him about his hospitalisation.
'My stomach just wasn't in the right place,' Abrams admitted, honestly.

The girls will perform on Wednesday at 8pm before the final 12 are revealed on Thursday night's show.

Ten finalists will be voted for by the public, with another two selected as 'wild cards' by the judges.


American Idol Scotty McCreery March 1, 2011


American Idol Jordan Dorsey March 1, 2011


American Idol 2011 Top 12 Guys Perform - Brett Loewenstern (Light My Fire)


American Idol Jovany Barreto March 1, 2011


American Idol Casey Abrams March 1, 2011


American Idol 2011 Top 12 Guys Perform - Tim Halperin (Sweet Corner Symphony)


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'I have to start building my way back up': Lindsay Lohan breaks her silence in first post-rehab interview

By SARAH BULL

Honesty is the best policy: Lindsay Lohan breaks her silence in her first post-rehab interview with US TV show Extra


Lindsay Lohan has broken her silence about rehab in her first interview since leaving the treatment facility.

The 24-year-old actress was treated in the Betty Ford Centre from September to January after she was ordered back for treatment by a judge after failing a drugs test.

However, Lohan told US TV show Extra's Jerry Penacoli that she is determined to get her life back on track once and for all.

Asked how she was feeling, Lohan replied: 'I feel great. I feel happy. There's always bumps we have in the road and as long as I'm focusing on the one thing I know I need to put first in my life, which is my recovery and stuff, then I'm doing good and that's important to me.'


Exclusive: Lindsay talks to Extra's Jerry Penacoli in the two-part interview


The Mean Girls star also appeared to have adopted a pensive outlook on her new lifestyle, and refused to answer when she was asked if there was anyone she is hoping to work with when she gets back into the acting industry.

She replied: 'I think that's that something I will be able to say when I've taken the steps I need to take to prove that I can be insurable again. I think that will come in time that I will be in the position to say that because I don't think I am right now.


Accusation: Lindsay was in court last week after being charged with felony theft

'I don't think it would be fair to say, "Oh, this is who I want to work with", and expect that to happen. I have to build my way back up and I get that.'

Lohan's rehab stint was in connection with her 2007 DUI conviction, after she repeatedly failing to meet the terms of her probation.

And the actress, who appeared to have a slightly puffy face during the interview, acknowledges that she has got a long way to go before she is able to reaffirm her status as an established movie star.

'But I’m willing to do what I have to do to get there. I miss being on set - I really do miss it.'

Meanwhile, Lohan is currently facing jail time after being charged with felony theft in connection with a $2,500 necklace she is accused of shoplifting from a jewellery store in Venice Beach.





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'I don't have any parts of my body that I hate': Kate Winslet shows off her figure in skin-tight Victoria Beckham dress

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

'There's nothing I hate': Kate Winslet shows off her hourglass curves in a Victoria Beckham dress in the April edition of U.S. Glamour magazine


Watching oneself onscreen for hours at a time would cause body issues for even the most confident.

But Kate Winslet has revealed that she has no intention of using plastic surgery to keep her youthful appearance.

'No, I have never tried any of that stuff. I don’t have parts of my body that I hate or would like to trade for somebody else’s or wish I could surgically adjust into some fantasy version of what they are,' she said.

Kate was talking to the April edition of U.S. Glamour magazine, for which she posed in a figure-hugging Victoria Beckham dress.

Kate admitted that she hadn't always been as confident in her looks.


On trend: The Oscar-winner pulls up her skirt as she poses in a Sophie Theallet outfit


‘When I was heavy, people would say to me - and it was such a backhanded compliment - they would say, 'You've got such a beautiful face.'

'In the way of, like, 'Oh, isn't it a shame that from the neck down you're questionable.' ‘

The 35-year-old also recalled the moment she won her best actress Oscar in 2009.

Kate joked: ‘I was the kid who never won the races. I never jumped the highest.
'I wasn't on the list of the high-achieving.

‘Winning the Oscar was like winning all the prizes in one single night that I never won as a kid.

'For me, it was an internal-fist-pumping moment of yes.’


Stunning: Kate Winslet poses for the April issue of US Glamour


She said the recognition hadn't changed her aims as an actress.

'I have just wanted to be an actress,' she said. 'That’s always been my goal.


'I didn’t want to be famous. I wanted to play incredibly challenging, multifaceted characters. Because we are all a puzzle.'


But although she didn't aim to become famous, there is no denying that Kate is now a household name.

That, she revealed, had brought problems of it's own - not least the difficulty of raising a 'normal' family.

‘The challenge is making sure that they’re never treated different just because I sometimes am,' she said of her children Mia, 10, and Joe, seven.

‘I always want them to be regular kids who are grateful and respectful of other human beings.’

Kate, who last year split from her film director husband of six years, Sam Mendes, also revealed how proud she is of her children.

‘I want them to know that when we fly first-class, that they are lucky,' she said.
'The highest compliment I could ever receive about my kids — and I can say that this does happen frequently — is when the in-flight crew say to me, "Your children are wonderful. They are so well-behaved."

'Every time I am told that, I could weep.’


No Nip and Tuck for Kate Winslet


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Hilarious video of the baby who laughed hysterically as dad tore up rejection letter

By MARK DUELL

10-month-old Micah McArthur laughs hysterically as his dad Marcus rips up a professor job rejection letter...


Video gets more than 750,000 hits after actress Alyssa Milano tweets it

Another clip posted of ten-month-old laughing at the laundry basket

Parents can spend thousands of dollars trying to make their children smile, but all Marcus McArthur needed to entertain his son was a worthless piece of paper.


...and he squeals with delight so much that 'you almost wonder if he's stopped breathing', said Mr McArthur


Ten-month-old Micah laughed hysterically in his pink all-in-one suit as his dad ripped up a job rejection letter piece by piece in front of him.

Mr McArthur, 33, who is finishing his doctorate at Saint Louis University and applying for professor jobs, was looking at ways to entertain Micah at home in St Louis, Missouri.

‘But he starts laughing again and you think: "Yeah, he's OK". At that moment I thought: "Yeah, this is a really great clip".’


No money: Mr McArthur said he will not be selling the video, despite receiving offers, as it is just for fun


The video was posted five weeks ago but went viral after being tweeted by actress Alyssa Milano on Friday. It has now been viewed more than 750,000 times.

Micah enjoyed watching his father rip up the letter in front of him so much that Mr McArthur moved onto credit card statements, which resulted in more laughter.

Mr McArthur told KSDK: 'Around the 22-second mark he does an extremely hearty laugh where you almost wonder if he's stopped breathing.


Watch the hilarious video of baby Micah McArthur laughing hysterically in front of his dad



Not laughing enough yet? See baby Micah chuckle with his dad at the laundry basket



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Reunited: Russell Brand and Katy Perry back in each others' arms after I Kissed A Girl star jets to LA to appear on Oprah

Me and my girl: Katy Perry and Russell Brand after the singer's surprise performance on Oprah Winfrey's post-Oscar show


Russell Brand and Katy Perry have been reunited after the singer flew back from her world tour to make a surprise guest appearance on Oprah Winfrey's post Oscars show in Los Angeles.

Wearing a tight gold floor length dress with a maroon bow around the middle, the star had flown 13 hours just to sing her single Firework with a children's choir on the show, Oprah's Ultimate After Oscar's Party, held at the city's Kodak Theatre.

The I Kissed A Girl star's surprise performance on the show, backed by PS22 from Staten Island, even included indoor fireworks to go with the song - and afterwards, her husband Russell picked her up to whisk her home so they could re-create their own...


Glamorous: Despite jetting in overnight to appear on Oprah, the star still looked stunning


Katy had flown straight from her show in Vienna, Austria, on a red eye flight to sing with 'these beautiful children who I saw on YouTube.'

After the performance, the youngsters students huddled around Katy, exchanging high fives.

Earlier, Katie had Tweeter: '13 hours later I’m back in sweeeet Los Angeles… and boy do I have a secret for you! GOOD MORNING!'


Beaming: The couple seemed thrilled to be reunited after time apart while Katy launched her California Dreams world tour in Europe



Let's go! The funnyman got ready to drive off his wife in his brand new Range Rover after her appearance on the show


Afterwards, she gushed that it had all been worthwhile, even though she had to fly straight back to Europe today ready for her next date on the tour.

Posting on her Twitter: 'Today was such a beautiful day. PS 22 & Oprah made ME feel like a firework... refocused me & reminded me of my purpose. Thank you.'


Surprise: There were screams from the audience when Katy appeared in the middle of the school choir onstage at the Kodak Theatre


Big fans: The star was mobbed afterwards by the PS22 choir, who are all from Staten Island


Her husband was clearly as blown away by her performance as the others in the audience, posting on his official Twitter afterwards: 'Did you see my missus on Oprah? With that PS 22 kids choir! So cute! So sexy! (Kids cute, missus sexy- if that needs clarifying)'

Katie looked glamorous in over-the-knee tan stiletto boots and a big fluffy fake fur gilet over a nude coloured belted mini sweaterdress, with aviator-style shades as they left the studio.


On song: The I Kissed A Girl singer appeared on Oprah Winfrey's annual post-Oscars show


Russell was grinning from ear-to-ear as he hopped into his new Range Rover and gave his wife a proud kiss before they sped off into Hollywood together.

It's the first time the pair have been able to spend quality time together for weeks - even if just for the night - due to their hectic work schedules.


Mother's pride: The comedian turned actor took his mother Barbara as his date to the Oscars at the weekend


Katy kicked off her California Dreams world tour last week in Europe and is flying back out to be ready to play the Max-Schmeling-Halle in Berlin on Friday.

The star also starts the UK leg of the tour on March 17 at the HMV Hammersmith Apollo.


Little gold man: Russell and his Arhtur co-star Helen Mirren presented the Best Foreign Language Academy Award to Susanne Bier, director of In a Better World, on Sunday night


Russell meanwhile has started on the promotional treadmill for his new movie Arthur, the remake of the 1980s Dudley Moore classic, which he stars in alongside Dame Helen Mirren.

Russell and Helen presented an Oscar together at the weekend too, handing out the Academy Award for Best Foreign Film to Dane Susanne Bier for her movie In A Better World.

The funnyman had taken his mother Barbara along as his date at the event.


Katy Perry "firework" Oprah's Ultimate After Oscar Party


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The morning after: Colin Firth can't wipe the smile off his face while unlucky co-star Helena Bonham Carter keeps her spirits up

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Man about town: Oscar winner Colin Firth couldn't wipe the smile off his face as he left an interview with Oprah Winfrey in California this morning


Yesterday they were both keeping their fingers crossed ahead of the Academy Awards.
But The King's Speech stars, Colin Firth and Helena Bohnam Carter cut two very different figures today, following the big ceremony.

Best Actor winner Colin could barely wipe the grin off his face as he left a post-Oscars interview with Oprah Winfrey, beaming.

The 50-year-old looked dashing in a slim line black suit with black shirt.
Across town, his female co-star Helena on the other-hand looked downcast as she accompanied her mother to LAX airport.

After losing out to Melissa Leo in the best actress category, the 44-year-old was clearly ready to go home.

Unable to force a smile, he British actress walked through the terminal hiding her face with a pair sunglasses.

Perhaps she was a feeling a little bit tender - after all, she and her co-stars had been up until the early hours celebrating their best picture Oscar.


Co-stars crushed: While Colin was basking in Oscar glory his co-stars Helena Bonham Carter and Geoffrey Rush looked down at LAX airport


Helena did, however, keep her usual eccentric ensemble consistent with a floral dress, black coat and military boots.

The actress could may well commiserate with her co-star Geoffrey Rush, who was also spotted at LAX.

The 44-year old also lost out on a statuette in the best supporting actor category.


It's Mine! King's Speech director Tom Hooper clutches his Oscar as he goes to his waiting car this morning


The Australian actor looked non-to-impressed being snapped at security, where he was forced to take off his flat cap covering his bald head.

Singing to a more happier tune was Oscar presenter Dame Helen Mirren, who was also jetting out of sunny Los Angeles.

The 65-year-old dressed comfortably for her flight in a casual skirt, white t-shirt and cosy cardigan.


The day after: Natalie Portman celebrates her Oscar win with a quiet lunch with in Los Angeles, while Jeremy Renner arrives back in Vancouver after the ceremony


After her stunning appearance on the red-carpet, a slimline actress and singer Jennifer Hudson spent her post-Oscar day slipping back into her motherly duties, as she took her one-year-old son David Daniel Otunga Jr out for a stroll.

Out and about in Beverly Hills the 29-year-old was beaming under the warm Californian sun.

As too was Reese Witherspoon, who also spent the day out with her family.


All white: Mirren looked glamorous in a fluffy white cardigan, navy skirt, wedge heels and a cream scarf


The actress took daughter Ava, 11 and Deacon, 7, out shopping, along with her fiancé Jim Toth to a kids store in Brentwood.

And Reese wasn't the only one spoiling her kids.

Halle Berry also had fun splurging on her two-year-old daughter, Nahla.

The 44-year-old was spotted leaving Toys R Us with a cartful of toys as her adorable daughter happily looked on.


Family time: A dressed down Reese Witherspoon took her two children Deacon and Ava out shopping with new fiancé Jim Toth


Motherly duties: Halle Berry took daughter Nahla shopping at Toys R Us while singer Jennifer Hudson took her son David Daniel Otunga Jr out for a stroll in Beverly Hills


Colin Firth at 2011 Vanity Fair Oscar Party at Sunset Tower in West Hollywood


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Jason Gardiner slams Dancing on Ice viewers for sympathy votes after Vanilla Ice is booted off the show

By GEORGINA LITTLEJOHN

Shock exit: Vanilla Ice and his skating partner Katie Stainsby were voted off Dancing On Ice this weekend which judge Jason Gardiner blamed the viewers for


Dancing On Ice judge Jason Gardiner has slammed viewers of the show for putting contestants through on sympathy votes.

The outspoken choreographer hit out at the voting public after Vanilla Ice was voted off ahead of fellow celebrity contestants Johnson Beharry and Denise Welch.

Gardiner said the rapper - real name Robert Matthew Van Winkle - was 'much better' than the other two and blamed the viewers for putting him and Laura Hamilton, who topped the leaderboard last week, in the skate-off.


And he said the viewers' voting was 'frustrating' for the judges who were left to make 'soul destroying' decisions about contestants they want to keep in.

Speaking to The Sun, he said: 'It does a real disservice to the competition.

'It really angers me that people like Denise and Johnson are getting through on sympathy votes or popularity when we're losing someone who really should not have left.



Gracious in defeat: Vanilla Ice was resigned to his fate after he was voted out unanimously by the judges


Seductive: Vanilla Ice and partner Katie Stainsby performed a sexy Flamenco to Justin Timberlake's Like I Love You


'It's a crying shame he did. he's so much better than those two.'

And he hit out at the viewers again for wanting a 'mediocre' outcome to the ice skating talent show.

The 38-year-old added: 'If viewers want a lacklustre, mediocre, less-than-average final, they should keep voting for Johnson and Denise.'

Denise, who scored just 14.5 and was told that her routine was as painful as 'an MRI scan' by Gardiner, and Johnson, who received the same score, are safe to skate again next week.

But the judges were left aghast when Vanilla Ice, who scored 21.5, and Laura, who got 24.5, were given the lowest votes.

Gardiner said: This is where it gets heartbreaking for us. It's frustrating when we don't want either of them to go.'



Soul-destroying: Gardiner blamed the public for leaving the judges to vote between two of the strongest performers


High score: But her mark of 24.5 wasn't enough for the public to put Laura Hamilton in the skate-off


And he said he thinks that TV presenter Laura was voted into the skate-off because she's not as well known as the other celebrities, despite her outstanding routines and high marks week in week out.

He added: 'If we lost her, we'd end up with a clear frontrunner, Sam Attwater.
'I don't want that - I want them neck-and neck all the way to the final. It will be thrilling.'


Safe: Johnson Beharry VC and partner Jodeyne Higgins were kept in by the public despite being told they had no chemistry


MRI scan: Denise Welch performed a Carnival-style Brazilian Samba with Matt Evers which kept her in despite being told the routine was 'painful'


DOI: Vanilla Ice out


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Hasn’t Anne read the reviews? Hathaway celebrates like SHE won an Oscar

By SARAH BULL

A little early to celebrate: Anne Hathaway and James Franco ended their Oscars hosting gig triumphantly


Punching the air triumphantly at the end of the Oscars ceremony, it was clear that Anne Hathaway and her co-host James Franco were ready to pat themselves on the back for a job well done.

Anne was later seen partying up a storm at the Weinstein after-party, throwing back champagne and dancing animatedly with a borrowed Oscar statuette.

But as the actress toasted her hosting gig, critics were already writing up scathing reviews of her and co-host James Franco's 'clumsy and downright painful' skits.


Party time: Anne parties with boyfriend Adam Shulman and The Kings Speech producer Gareth Unwin


It had been hoped that employing Anne and James as hosts for this year's Academy Awards would give the ceremony a young and fresh feel.

But despite bringing their considerable comedic talents to the plate while presenting the Academy Awards, using skits and montages to add to their hosting duties, the pair's performance was met with mixed critical reception.

The 83rd Academy Awards opened with a montage of Hathaway and Franco delving into the mind of former Oscar winner Alec Baldwin in an Inception-inspired moment, narrated by the smooth-voiced Morgan Freeman.

And things continued to get more and more surreal, as the pair poked fun at The King's Speech, which took home four Oscars, The Fighter and True Grit, as well as The Social Network and Back to the Future.


I like the feel of this: Anne borrowed an Oscar statuette to take for a spin on the dance floor at the Weinstein party


Having a good time? The actress appeared incredibly animated as she arrived at the Weinstein Oscar party


Perhaps the funniest moment of the opening montage, however, was Hathaway and Franco both donning leotards and tutus to join Natalie Portman in Black Swan.

The pair attempted to impress the hard-nosed Vincent Cassel with their dancing abilities, and left Portman looking flustered with their 'talent'.
Hathaway also returned to her former duty at the Oscars in 2009 when she joined then-host Hugh Jackman for a duet to open the show.



'Downright painful': Anne and James's presenting skills received a mixed reception at this year's Oscars


James Franco and Anne Hathaway Opening Number (83rd OSCARS 2011)



Oscars 2011- James Franco in Drag & Anne Hathaway's 'On My Own' Spoof


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Back down to earth: Pregnant Natalie Portman dresses for comfort in flat shoes after Oscars win

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Low key: Natalie Portman and her fiancé Benjamin Millepied enjoyed breakfast in LA today following her best actress win at the Oscars


Natalie Portman swapped red carpet glamour for practical maternity wear today following her triumphant night at the Academy Awards.

The 29-year-old, who is pregnant with her first child, kicked off her high heels for comfortable flats as she celebrated her best actress win with a low-key breakfast in Los Angeles.

She was joined by Black Swan choreographer Benjamin Millepied at Square One Dining in Los Angeles.

The star admitted this week that she was looking forward to putting her feet up after the awards season.

'Staying at home with messy hair in sweats... is the biggest luxury of all,' she said.

Last night Portman paid tribute to her fiancé for giving her the 'most important role of her life' during her acceptance speech.

During a tearful moment, the actress paid tribute to her friends, family and co-stars and described her win as 'insane'.


Comfortable: The Black Swan star wore flats and a casual outfit for her post-Oscars outing


Fighting back tears, Portman thanked her parents, Avner and Shelley Hershlag, for 'giving me my life, the opportunity to work from such an early age and showing me how to be a good human being by example'.

She also honoured Black Swan director Darren Aronofsky, who she described as a 'fearless leader and visionary', and her friends 'who are everything to me, no matter what's going on in my career'.

Looking lovingly at Millepied, a ballet dancer, she thanked her 'beautiful love' and said he had 'given me the most important role of my life'.


Easy does it: Natalie's fiancé held the door as she got into their car


Celebrities Attend Vanity Fair Oscars Party, Part 1: Natalie Portman, Sandra Bullock And More!



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