Britney Spear's manager Larry Rudolph says 'SPEARS IS LIKE FAMILY'

BRITNEY SPEARS' manager LARRY RUDOLPH has spoken of his close relationship with the singer - insisting he loves her like a daughter.
The music mogul is widely credited with masterminding the Toxic hitmaker's career, but was reportedly dismissed as her manager after he united with her parents to force Spears into rehab at the beginning of last year (07).

But Spears is bouncing back following a tumultuous last 12 months - which has seen her lose custody of her kids to ex-husband Kevin Federline, shave off all her hair, and endure two stints in hospital.

Rudolph is now working on her current comeback campaign, and admits he will always be there for the troubled star.

He tells the Los Angeles Times, "I've known this girl for over half her life, since she was 13. We have a very close friendship, but it's sort of hard for me to explain my relationship with her. It's a friendship, it's a business relationship, there are some paternal aspects to it.

"I understand her better than everyone other than her immediate family. The bottom line is I think she's amazing. I love her. She's been a big part of my life, and I've been a big part of her life. Being a part of this new phase in her career is something I was very open to."

Micheal Jackson settles legal dispute out of court

Michael Jackson has reportedly settled a legal dispute with the King of Bahrain's second son over an alleged breached music contract.

Jackson had been due to appear at the high court today to give evidence in the case.

The 50-year-old pop star had previously been expected to give evidence in the case via videolink, but last week medical advisers cleared him to travel from the US to make the appearance in London.

Sheikh Abdulla Bin Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa claims Mr Jackson reneged on a music deal.

He is said to have been suing Jackson for £4.7 million, claiming that under their agreement an album, stage play and candid autobiography were to be produced.

Jackson denied the allegations, saying there was no such agreement and that the case was based on "mistake, misrepresentation and undue influence".

The King of Pop was reportedly invited to Bahrain by Sheikh Abdulla shortly after he was acquitted of child molestation in the US.

Reports late last night suggest a deal was agreed in principle by the two parties out of court.
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Canned Heat star dies

The former frontman of legendary blues rock band CANNED HEAT has died of a drugs overdose.

Robert Lucas, 46, passed away at a friend's house in Long Beach, California on Sunday (23Nov08).

Lucas was one of four singers to have fronted the band during their 40-year career. Original singer Bob 'The Bear' Hite died of a heart attack in 1981.
Lucas recently left the group to pursue a solo career.

His former manager, Skip Taylor, paid tribute to the rocker: "His unequaled fury and stage presence, together with his earth-shattering vocal delivery, gave him the ability to channel many of the blues masters through his words, songs and musical ability. He has been recognized by blues fans and critics worldwide as one of the most inspired singer, player and songwriter talents of the past decade."
Lucas is survived by his parents, sister and a teenage son.

Janet Jackson takes time off to plan pregnancy

JANET JACKSON is taking a break from music to focus on having a baby with boyfriend JERMAINE DUPRI, according to new reports.

Jackson sparked rumors she was expecting her first child with music mogul Dupri after she scrapped a string of rescheduled concerts after falling ill with vertigo at the beginning of October (08).


According to reports by the National Enquirer, the couple is using Jackson's hiatus to start a family.
A source tells the tabloid, "She's over her health problems, and he feels since the tour was less than a smash hit, it would be the perfect time to start a new project - a baby. Janet is 42 years old. Jermaine wants to get married and have a child before it's too late.

"Janet tried to fight through the dates but it was getting more and more difficult. He told her they don't need the money, and he didn't want to put her through the exhaustion and risk of more health problems. They both want a baby - he told her the time was now.

"He wants Janet to focus on her health so that if she gets pregnant, there won't be problems that could prevent her from carrying to full term. After hearing Jermaine's logic, she decided to cancel the tour.
Earlier this month, the singer revealed she is just waiting for the right time to become a first-time mum, telling Sister 2 Sister magazine, "At some point it's coming. When? I have no idea. He (Dupri) has been past ready. He's just waiting for me; I'm the one holding up the whole thing.



"Everyone tells me that there will never be a good time, that I will always be busy, but I just think when the stars are aligned it will happen."