A Seattle musician says that having Billy Idol play his 26th birthday party made for the greatest night of his life. Michael Henrichsen spent two years persuading the British rocker to play his party and it finally paid off at a packed club on Friday. Idol said that Henrichsen's effort stood out from other fan requests because his campaign involved four "Billy Idol Aid" charity concerts that raised US$13,000 (Dh47,700) for the American Red Cross. He said agreeing to play the party might help fans see another side of him. - AP
It's a boy for Hawaii Five-0's O'Loughlin
Alex O'Loughlin and his girlfriend, the model and surfer Malia Jones, have welcomed a son, reported People magazine. O'Loughlin, 36, is already father to a 15-year-old son, while Jones, 35, is a mother to a 3-year-old, each from previous relationships. The Australian-born actor is currently shooting the third season of Hawaii Five-O. - The National staff
Oprah developing drama for HBO
Oprah Winfrey and the HBO network are developing a new drama series from the playwright Thomas Bradshaw. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the untitled project tells the story of the first black president of a liberal arts college. He and his family are thrust into the national headlines, all the while engaging in their own personal battles. Winfrey's Harpo Films first inked a long-term deal with HBO in 2008 to develop mini-series, movies, documentaries and scripted series for the network. Bradshaw would write and co-executive produce the show. - The National staff
Greg Kinnear heading back to TV
The Fox network is developing a legal drama for the actor Greg Kinnear. The show, Rake, is based on a hit Australian series about a brilliant but self-destructive defence lawyer. Kinnear will also executive-produce the show. It will be the 49-year-old actor's first regular TV series since his late-night talk show, Later with Greg Kinnear, in the 1990s. - The National staff
Jepsen named Billboard's Rising Star
Carly Rae Jepsen has had a breakout year and now Billboard has named her its Rising Star of 2012. The Call Me Maybe singer will be honoured at Billboard's annual Women in Music event in New York on November 30. She'll join Katy Perry, who has been named Woman of the Year. In a statement, Jepsen says she hopes to inspire budding musicians the way her own idols inspired her. - AP
