One Direction's Zayn Malik is engaged

Singer Zayn Malik is heading in "One Direction" -- toward the altar. One Direction member Malik is engaged to girlfriend and Little Mix member Perrie Edwards, a representative for their mutual label, Columbia Records, confirmed to CNN. Photos: Boy bands through the years "Zayn and Perrie are engaged, but any further detail regarding their relationship is private," the rep said. Speculation about the pair heated up after Edwards appeared at the London premiere Tuesday of the One Direction documentary "This is Us" sporting a diamond sparkler on her left ring finger. Edwards' mother, Debbie Dufty, told Real Radio that Malik was traditional and asked her for her daughter's hand in marriage. Dufty said she was thrilled after the pair got engaged on Sunday. "It's wonderful because Zayn's absolutely gorgeous and Perrie loves him to pieces and it's just perfect," she told the radio station. "They just get on so well together and they understand each other so it's just fabulous!" Little Mix is a British girl group that formed in 2011 during season eight of the U.K.'s "The X Factor." They have been compared to The Spice Girls.

Review: 'One Direction: This Is Us' is charming, but boring

Good luck scoring concert tickets to the latest teen-steam sensation to trundle off the boy-band assembly line, One Direction. They're as hard to come by as a rainbow-colored unicorn. Fortunately, both Hollywood and the British quintet's money-minting Svengali, Simon Cowell, have hatched a backup plan: a behind-the-scenes 3-D extravaganza called "One Direction: This Is Us." The film is part of a new breed of movies, like "Katy Perry: Part of Me" and "Justin Bieber: Never Say Never," that pretend to give rabid fans (and their heel-dragging parents) a privileged peek behind the curtain. But all they really offer are sanitized, squeaky-clean affirmations of what these pop juggernauts' fans already know. They exist solely to stoke the furnaces of commerce and move more units. Box office preview: 'One Direction: This Is Us' takes on 'The Butler' over Labor Day weekend It wasn't always this way. Back in the '60s and '70s, revelatory music documentaries like "Don't Look Back" and "Gimme Shelter" gave us warts-and-all portraits of Bob Dylan and the Rolling Stones that those artists couldn't have been happy with. Dylan came across as a petulant jerk, while the Stones were painted as hapless co-conspirators in the death of one of their fans at Altamont, where they'd hired the rowdy Hells Angels as security. So much more than mere celluloid press releases, these were real movies made in an era less defined by iron-fisted publicists and corporate-friendly images, when access wasn't a four-letter word. That all changed in 1991 with Madonna's "Truth or Dare," which, similar to the Material Girl herself, pulled off the brilliant balancing act of allowing you to feel like you were witnessing something intimate (such as her and her dancers' racy backstage high jinks) while never making ticket buyers feel like they were saps ? submissive cogs in her will-to-power machine. The talent of the five likable best mates in One Direction can't be denied. They harmonize like a chorus of impossibly cute angels. And on songs including ''What Makes You Beautiful'' and ''Up All Night,'' they ooze so much stage presence that every teen and tween girl in the audience feels like the lads are singing directly to her and only her. But is "This Is Us" a good film? Well, that's another question entirely. Directed by Morgan Spurlock, the merry prankster behind 2004's fast-food exposé "Super Size Me," the movie is a chronicle of the rise of five young kids who hit the pop culture lottery. They each tried out individually for the British TV competition "The X Factor," didn't make the cut, and were saved by Cowell, who had the commercial genius to recognize that the sum of their golden voices was greater than the parts. He alchemized them into boy-band gold. Song of the Summer 2013: YOU chose ... All of this is dispatched pretty briskly in the beginning of the film because any fan forking over 10 bucks is familiar with this origin story (not to mention the particular personality traits of Harry, Liam, Niall, Zayn and Louis). From there the movie zips through a string of flashy concert clips of the group crooning their hits; reaction shots of young girls crying, screaming their lungs out, and going ape; and footage of the boys acting up on tour buses and sharing their innermost thoughts about their fans in front of campfires.It's those last bits that Directioners will eat up like Valentine's Day candy hearts. Yet these confessional ''unstaged'' moments feel more choreographed than the group's dance moves. Which is a shame, because if anyone could have given us an inside look at the guys in the band, it's a subversive filmmaker like Spurlock. But "This Is Us" comes off as an impersonal job for hire ? a paycheck assignment. Spurlock seems too scared to bite the hands that are feeding him (although he claims he didn't have final cut). Not once in the film's hour-and-a-half running time do we see a disagreement among the mates, catch a glimpse of them partying, or overhear any of them making a single reference to a girlfriend. (Something has to be informing all of those love songs they sing.) Instead, we're treated to what's essentially a slick, airbrushed promo reel of a bunch of genuinely sweet superstars who can't believe their dumb luck. That's charming. But it's also a little boring. What it's most definitely not is a documentary

Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick Jr. are the new 'Idol' judges

"American Idol" now has its panel of judges for next season. Fox has announced that singers Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick Jr. will join last season's judge, country star Keith Urban, at the judges table for Season 13. "I have always been a huge fan of 'American Idol' and really enjoyed my time as a mentor on the show," Connick said in Fox's statement. "And I am honored that they've asked me to be a judge this season. As an entertainer, I am truly excited to bring my perspective to 'American Idol,' and to help emerging performers find their way." Lopez, who served as a judge during Season 11, tweeted: "#IDOL2014TheRemix." The seats have been vacant since Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj announced that they would not be returning after their stints judging arguably the country's most successful singing competition. Former judge Randy Jackson will step into the role of in-house mentor for the contestants, it was announced. "Surprise, surprise! I am so happy to be back as part of this amazing show that started it all," said Jackson, who had served as a judge on the show since the first season. "Season 1-3 is the place to be. The original talent show is back with a vengeance and ready to discover the best talent in America." Urban also expressed his excitement. "I think this season of 'Idol' is gonna be a blast," the Fox statement quoted Urban as saying. "New team, new energy and a whole new field of artists to be discovered and given a chance!" The new season of "Idol" is slated to begin in January.

Miley Cyrus breaks her silence about VMA performance

Miley Cyrus has a message for the haters: You are overthinking it. The singer has broken her silence regarding the MTV Video Music Awards performance that set tongues wagging (and some other parts shaking as folks tried to imitate her twerking). Cyrus, in an interview feature on that network's site, said she doesn't "pay attention to the negative." Wait, Miley did what?! "Me and Robin (Thicke) the whole time said, 'You know we're about to make history right now,' " Cyrus said in a clip provided to MTV. Cyrus' dance routine and provocative outfit were the talk of the VMAs, and the former child star is fully aware they have garnered her what most celebs covet -- the public's attention. Opinion: Miley is sexual, get over it She points out in the clip that what she did is nothing new. Let's not let Robin Thicke off the hook "How many times have we seen this play out in pop music?" Cyrus asked. "Madonna's done it, Britney's done it. Every VMA performance. Anyone that performs, that's what you're looking for. You are wanting to make history."Miley Cyrus upholds MTV VMA tradition She goes on to say in the clip, which was reportedly recorded three days after the performance, that it's amazing how much buzz the whole thing has garnered. "You are thinking about it more than I thought about it when I did it," Cyrus said. "I didn't even think about it when I did it because that's just me." There's something (potentially dangerous) about molly

IK Osakioduwa Holidays With Family in Frankfurt

The last 3 months were quite busy for OAP and show host IK Osakioduwa who anchored the recently concluded Big Brother – The Chase reality show. Now it’s time out with his family – wife Olo and two kids Sahar and Micah in Frankfurt, Germany

Ten-year-old boy wins Alaska's contest for giant cabbages

A 10-year-old boy has won Alaska's annual giant cabbage contest, submitting a 92.3-pound (41.9 kg) specimen named "Bob" to officials at the state fair.

'One Direction' edges 'Butler', sings its way to box office win

Concert film "One Direction: This is Us," a Sony Pictures/TriStar release featuring the red-hot British boy band One Direction, won the weekend box office race with ticket sales of $17 million, edging the civil rights drama "Lee Daniels' The Butler" which had been the top film for the past two weeks.

Sandra Bullock: I will do comedy 'until the day I die'

Sandra Bullock put in a call to the astronauts on the International Space Station for tips on how to play her latest role in space drama "Gravity", but America's "Miss Congeniality" says she will never give up playing comic roles. "I will do comedy until the day I die: inappropriate comedy, funny comedy, gender-bending, twisting comedy, whatever comedy is out there," Bullock said on Thursday in an interview with Reuters Television. "Even a bad TV show - if that's where I have got to go at the end I will go there if it's comedy," she said the day after "Gravity", in which she co-stars with George Clooney, got its world premiere at the Venice film event. Bullock and Clooney reportedly were not Mexican director Alfonso Cuaron's first choices for the roles of space scientist Ryan Stone and her country music-loving mission commander Matt Kowalsky, but Bullock went at the part with a vengeance. One of the ways she prepared, she told a news conference on Wednesday, was by putting in a call to the astronauts on the International Space Station. She left a message and, she said with a hint of surprise in her voice, they called back. "I was asking silly questions, 'Where do you go to the bathroom?' and in the end I got a viewpoint of these people who we've idolized, these astronauts," Bullock said. "And the viewpoint is that they care about life, our life and what we're doing with it so much - that's why they're up there. But I was really honored that they would call me back, and you know they are normal people who do extraordinary things." Bullock said she has suffered setbacks but sees them as a learning experience. "I've handled adversity and I'm sure there's a lot more to come," Bullock said. "I haven't always acted or reacted in a way that made me proud but I didn't make that same mistake twice and I think that's what I love about adversity is that it always reminds me of what's really valuable in life." She said her performance in Mexican director Alfonso Cuaron's "Gravity", which required that she spend time in an LED-lighted box to help produce the film's stunning special effects, had been demanding physically and mentally. "It wasn't a walk in the park for anyone involved, especially Alfonso," Bullock said. "I mean the immense pressure that he was under, technicians were under, no one knew if this would work until the day I got into the first contraption. "Even then they didn't know if it would work technically or if the actor in the contraption could pull it off, it was a great unknown every single day because we were all in the same boat. "Everyone was in it together. There was no one-upmanship on this film."

Reggie Rockstone is 1st GloXFactor judge to lose all his contestants

With the exit of the Top 6 group 'Symphony' last Friday on the GloXFactor, Ghanaian hunk and music icon Reggie Rockstone is the first judge to be without a protegee this season. The easy-going Reggie who was mentor to all groups on GloXFactor this season has taken it in good stride and is enjoying the show. This leaves judges MI Abaga and Onyeka Onwenu in a tussle to the end as their protégées contend for the 24 million naira prize and Sony recording contract. Voting lines close 8pm tonight! Keep your favourite contestant in the competition. Continue... To Find out more, visit their website www.gloxfactor.com, @GloXFactor on Twitter and facebook.com/xfactorafrica

Forbes/Channel O list of Top 10 Most Bankable African artists 2013

Channel O and Forbes Africa yesterday Sunday September 1 presented their list of the top 10 most bankable African artists. The list is based on artist sales, endorsement value, popularity, show rates, awards, YouTube views, investment, influence, appearance in newspapers, social media presence, and appearance on LIB! Hehe - joking about the last part. See the full list below: 1. Akon - CEO of Konvict Music, opened doors with other African artiste. 2. Don Jazzy - Producer. CEO Mavin Records, influential producer, MTN, Samsung and Loyal Milk endorsement. D'Banj, Kanye West, Beyonce and Jay Z on production credit. 3. P-Square - Music Duo. Featured on Forbes Africa twice, sold out concert, presidential guest in at least 5 African countries. 4. D'Banj - Music Artiste. International music brand, GO D Music deal, Sony Entertainment deal. 5. Wizkid - Music Artiste. EME artiste, Starboy CEO, affiliation with Disturbing London, several international collaboration, highest paid Pepsi ambassador in Africa, ambassador of MTN. Continue to see the remaining five. 6. 2face Idibia - Music Artiste. 10 million disc and at least 7 million digital sale, multiple ambassador, one campaign... associated with Guinness, Haven Homes, Airtel Worldwide and philanthropist - 2face foundation. 7. Anselmo Ralph - Music Artiste. Samsung and Coca Cola ambassador, Angola prince, Perfume line, clothing label, multimillion dollar tour bus, Sony artiste. 8. Sarkodie - Rapper. Presidential youth ambassador Ghana, Sark clothing, Samsung ambassador, fan milk Ghana. 9. Ice Prince - Music Artiste. Six million downloads, 2 studio owner, one foundation member, Plug N Play ambassador, Zamani foundation. 10. Banky W - Music Artiste. Co owner EME, Samsung Ambassador, Philanthropist, winner of multiple awards

Ahead of the continuation of talks between President Goodluck Jonathan and aggrieved governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) today, the Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs, Ahmed Gulak has indicated that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar owes the ruling party a lot of gratitude instead of his recent action of spearheading its balkanisation. Gulak, who expressed surprise at the move by Atiku to throw spanner in the works of the party, told State House correspondents   Monday that as a politician,  the erstwhile Vice President should acknowledge the uniqueness of the ruling party, which he abandoned at a point in his career but also ran back to at some point. According to him, he made the volte face having realized that there is no party that would accommodate him like the PDP “and he came back and was even given the waiver to contest the primaries election in 2011.” Details to come later

Jonathan Mourns Photo-journalist, Peter Obe

President Goodluck Jonathan Monday commiserated with the family, friends and associates of ace photo-journalist, Peter Oyeyemi Obe who died on Sunday in Lagos at the age of 81 years.    President Jonathan, according to a statement by  his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati joins them in mourning Mr. Obe who will be long remembered as a thoroughbred professional who put his immense skills and talent to the best possible use in a very illustrious career that spanned many decades

Victor Moses joins Liverpool from Chelsea on loan

Nigeria striker Victor Moses today Monday September 2nd joined Liverpool from Premier League rivals Chelsea on a season-long loan. The 22year old striker secured a move to Liverpool because... erm, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho doesn't think he's useful at Chelsea or wetin?

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Lagos needs police secondary school – Directorate

The Directorate of Police Education on Monday said that non availability of plots was hindering establishment of a police secondary school in Lagos State. The Director, DCP Ibrahim Kabiru, disclosed this  in Lagos that the absence of the school was a major constraint to continuity. “There exist police secondary schools in other zones of the Nigerian Police Force apart from zone 2, which comprises Lagos and Ogun states. “The large number of pupils from the police primary schools in Lagos needs a police secondary school to continue to receive qualitative education. “It is not proper for us to graduate children from our primary schools only to take them to other schools,” the director said,’’ he told NAN. The director appealed to the Lagos State Government and corporate bodies to donate plots or buildings for the school. According to him, the directorate will need an expanse of land or huge structures for the school which operates a boarding system to ensure discipline. “The Directorate of Police Education only operates a boarding system in its secondary schools to maintain discipline,’’ Kabiru said. “We have more mixed schools to give the children opportunities to compete, irrespective of their sexes,” the DCP said. Kabiru said that the directorate had 72 police children schools (primary) and nine secondary schools. He noted that two of the secondary and 17 of the primary schools were established this year.