GALLERY
Shakira to set the ball rolling

This year the competition between teams to reach the soccer World Cup final would be intense, with Colombian pop star Shakira performing just before the kick-off on July 9.

The singer was picked to perform her latest hit Hips Don’t Lie at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium.

The 29-year-old’s performance is supposed to be 10 minutes long and take place just ahead of kick-off in Berlin’s Olympiastadion stadium.

The stadium, which will host six matches, including the final, has a seating capacity of over 66,000.

"It is sure to make the thousands and thousands of fans gathered at the famous stadium get up and dance before the kick-off," the Sun quoted a spokesperson for Sony-BMG, representing the singer, as saying. However the singer’s home team Colombia did not qualify for the cup. — ANI

Kylie turns writer

Pop princess Kylie Minogue, who has been battling breast cancer successfully has now turned author with her first book Showgirl Princess all set to release this September.

Aimed at girls aged six and over, the book follows a girl called Kylie, whose dream of becoming a star is realised.

The book is believed to feature photos of the star taken by long-time friend William Baker.

Publisher Puffin tried to keep a lid on the plot when questioned, but insisted the book was "not
autobiographical".

"Kylie does draw on her experiences. The book is for little girls who dream of dressing up and going on stage, and it’s written in a tone that’s suitable for children. The main character just happens to be a Kylie," a spokeswoman was quoted by News.com.

Puffin managing director Francesca Dow and senior editor Jane Richardson visited Kylie in Paris in December to discuss the project before the ill performer returned to Australia, where she is continuing to receive treatment for breast cancer.

Richardson described the project as "a wonderful book which will appeal to little princesses everywhere who love to have fun". — ANI