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Will Dick Clark Be Back This Year?

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Dick Clark has become synonymous with New Year's Eve, so it's no surprise the renowned television host is back to ring in 2012 and celebrate the 40th anniversary of his iconic program, "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve."

Clark will once again make an appearance alongside Ryan Seacrest on the annual ABC special, set to air beginning at 10 p.m. EST on Dec. 31.

Seacrest has been co-hosting the extravaganza since 2005, the year after Clark suffered a stroke that impaired his speech, according to People magazine.

Friend and fellow television host Regis Philbin filled in for Clark in 2004, CNN reports.

But since then, health troubles haven't stopped the indefatigable 82-year-old Clark from taking an active role in his show's production.

"This is very important to him. This is one of his children," producer Larry Klein told the Associated Press.

Saturday's program will recap highlights from the last 40 years of the show.

"The army of talent we had join us over the years has truly been outstanding, and this year we top it off with an appearance by Lady Gaga," Clark told ABC. "'New Year's Rockin' Eve 2012' promises to be one of the most exciting ever, and I'm proud to be part of the team."

In an email interview with USA Today, Clark said he's hosted a number of memorable New Year's Eve celebrations, but he called festivities following the Sept. 11 attacks "the most nerve-racking."

As for Seacrest, the longtime "American Idol" host has no problem sharing the spotlight with the man he watched on television as a child.

"He still runs the show. He'll make as many appearances as he wants, and I kind of just stand there and take the ball when he passes it," Seacrest told ABC News.

With temperatures forecast to be in the 40s, a record crowd of nearly one million people are expected to gather in Times Square to watch the ball make its iconic descent.


Don Cheadle Clarifies Obama 'Gangster' Comments

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Don Cheadle took to Twitter on Friday to clarify remarks he gave to Jet Magazine about Barack Obama and his disappointment in the President's not being enough "gangster."

"I realize that when speaking to reporters who are looking for the juiciest comments to print, a word like gangster in connection with a black president uttered by a black celebrity can almost be too much to resist," the Oscar-nominated actor wrote. "I say this not in defense but to offer some perspective. I believe I used the word gangster and I meant it. But I wasn’t talking about pants sagging and forties and 'hoes' or any of that other nonsense and I find it hard to believe that that is what some people thought I was saying. I was talking about wish fulfillment; my own and my desire to witness something more than I had."

Cheadle continued, writing that he was eager to campaign with President Obama in 2008 and will support him in the upcoming election, as well. Still, he has not seen the changes he had anticipated and for which he had hoped.

"Many of my friends and family are scratching it out somewhere decidedly south of the ever widening gap between the haves and have nots, looking at losing their homes, colleges they can’t afford and healthcare they can’t avail themselves of. They’re the ones I’m thinking of when I say gangster," he wrote, noting the constraints of having to work with an uncooperative Congress. "President Obama inherited a broken country mired in two wars, a financial crisis, a mortgage mess and more than we all probably even know about and has in my opinion brought us back from the brink. But I still see my friends in no better shape and the gap widening."

Then, Cheadle listed what he still wants to see the President make happen:

"I still have a fevered dream of the POTUS smacking up John Boehner in a public forum in middle America and making him defend support of tax cuts for the super rich," he said. "I want to see somebody go to jail over the financial crisis and not just black, brown and poor whites over humbles and minor drug beefs. I want the president to bail out homeowners who fell for the okey doke from predatory lenders and are two seconds from living on the streets or are already there... I want him to stand in front of the haters and go all Bill Duke on them and say, 'You know you done fucked up now, don’t you?' I kinda want a gangster president. I was about to write that in the future I would chose my words more carefully but I’m sure I won’t."

Cheadle heard a lot of blowback for his statement to Jet over Twitter on Thursday night, leading to his long post. You can read his dialog with those criticizing him over at his Twitter page. His comments come amidst mounting criticism of the President from a Hollywood that was once actively pro-Obama; earlier this month, Matt Damon took Obama to task once again for not doing enough to reverse economic and educational decline.

The co-star of this summer's Irish film hit "The Guard" with Brendan Gleason, Cheadle will next appear in the new Showtime series "House of Lies" with Kristen Bell.

Katy Perry, Russel Brand Divorce Twitter Hashtags

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Just minutes after news broke that Russell Brand and Katy Perry were divorcing, the ex-couple became a national trending topic via Twitter. The inevitable hashtag, #TheOneThatGotAway, inspired by Perry's most recent single, spread like viral wildfire and got us thinking that there had to be a few other gems in the Brand-Perry-sphere.

Harsh? Maybe. But when it comes to the 140 character or less world, we just couldn't help ourselves.

Are we on to something, here? Sound off!

11. #CouldntUnderstandAWordHeWasSaying
10. #TheBritishAreLeaving
9. #SheHatedArthurThatMuch
8. #PuzzlePieceStillMissing
7. #ForgettingKatyPerry
6. #WakingUpRingless
5. #GetHimToTheCourt
4. #ThisFridayNightIsGoingToBeRough
3. #AtLeastWeBeatKim
2. #GetYourHandsOffMySkintightJeans
1. #CaliforniaGurlsAreForgettable

Check out photos of Perry and Brand at happier times:


NO PRENUP?

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Katy Perry and Russell Brand are calling it quits after just over one year of marriage -- and they reportedly have no prenup.

Brand told fans at an October 2010 New York Times event (just days before their nuptials) that he and Perry wished to keep their marriage "normal."

"It ain't selling the pictures, ain't doing no prenup. It's like a normal thing," he said.

Court documents (via TMZ) remain vague about how Brand and Perry's property is to be divided: "There are community property assets and obligations of the parties, the exact nature and extent of which are unknown to the Petitioner at this time."

According to TMZ, even if there was a prenup, this statement suggests that it may not cover all the assets accumulated during their message.

The documents also indicate that Brand requested both he and Perry be responsible for their own legal fees.

According to Forbes, Perry's net worth is $44 million -- much higher than Brand's estimated net worth at between $6.6 and $15 million.

In June 2011, the soon-to-be exes purchased a $6.5 million home in the Sunset Strip area of Los Angeles.

Because California is a community property state, Brand may be entitled to half the couple's assets acquired during their brief union.

Happy Holidays, We're Getting A Divorce!

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Celebrities live their lives in a calculated manner. From where they are photographed dining, to the clothes they wear, to when they announce big life changes -- it's all carefully designed by a publicist.

For this reason it's no surprise so many celebrities file for divorce or announce their breakup around the holidays. Their PR reps love to time a couple's split to the holidays in hope of avoiding too much attention from the media.

Sorry publicist, but that's not going to happen. Russell Brand's decision to file for divorce from Katy Perry on Dec. 30 is a no-brainer with most newsrooms empty and editors dreaming of New Year's Eve and a three-day weekend. Nice try guys.

Check out all of these celebs who split at the holidays:

IT'S OVER! A Look Back On Katy Perry And Russell Brand's Marriage

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TMZ reports that Russell Brand filed for divorce Friday, citing "irreconcilable differences." The actor and comedian married Katy Perry in October 2010.

"Sadly, Katy and I are ending our marriage. I'll always adore her and I know we'll remain friends," Brand said in a statement.

Divorce rumors had been circulating about the star couple since late November. At the time, Brand denied that the pair had plans to split.

"I'm married to Katy perpetually. 'Until death do us part' was the pledge. I'm still alive!" Brand told Ellen Degeneres.

Recent photos of Brand and Perry sans wedding rings further fueled rumors that the couple had split.

Here, a look back at the Brand and Perry's 1-year marriage:

Russell Brand, Katy Perry Split: What Happened This Year?

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Russell Brand filed for divorce from his wife Katy Perry on Friday, just a little over 14 months after they were married. Reports surfaced earlier in the week that they had a massive fight and spent Christmas apart; while that may or may not be true, they certainly did travel separate paths in 2011.

Perry was on the road nearly all year on her "California Dreams" tour, which helped her place the songs "Last Friday Night (TGIF)" and (ironically) "The One That Got Away" in the top ten on the Billboard Top 40 chart. She also worked on and then promoted "The Smurfs" movie, in which she starred as a voice actor.

Later in the year, Perry spent a week in New York leading up to her hosting of "Saturday Night Live."

As for Brand, he had two major film releases in the spring: "Arthur" and "Hop," both of which took him around the world on promotional tours. He then starred in the upcoming film "Rock of Ages," and set up his own production company at Warner Bros.

While that does all equal a lot of time apart, it'd be unfair to speculate that the distance had anything to do with the break; all Brand is saying for now is, "Sadly, Katy and I are ending our marriage. I'll always adore her and I know we'll remain friends."

Glee Star Dives Into The Carriage Horse Issue

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In the ongoing battle against New York City's use of carriage horses, a new voice has entered the debate and she's threatening to leave the city if the tourism industry continues using them.

Glee's Lea Michele stars in a new ad for PETA, where the young actress poses next to a horse with the simple call for action, "Horses don't belong in New York City traffic. Help put horse-drawn carriages out to pasture."

There have been a few disturbing videos recently that showed horses collapsing, some to their death.

The actress took to her Twitter account on Wednesday to say:

New York, u know how much I love you. But if I see another horse & carriage struggling in this winter weather I may not be able 2 be here.

She then tweeted at Mayor Bloomberg to say "please listen to the thousands of people who are saying that they no longer want horse & carriage rides in this city."

Will Michele be the vital push that convinces City Hall to finally put an end to the city's use of carriage horses? Or will the horses stay, thus forcing Michele to move out?


FLASHBACK: Brad Pitt's 1990 Interview Is Super Uncomfortable

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If only Brad Pitt knew then just how prophetic this moment would prove.

In this 1990 interview with Entertainment Tonight -- his first with the program -- a 27-year-old Pitt, who looks closer to 17, shares an awkward back and forth about his young star and the challenges it presents. Never mind that this came before his breakout role in "Thelma & Louise," the exchange highlights the discomfort he would feel with celebrity in his early days.

When asked his age, he gives a glib answer; when asked about being a teen heartthrob, he dodges the question completely (perhaps because he was, as we said, closer to marriage than high school). The emergence of this interview actually dovetails nicely with a new feature in the New York Times, in which Pitt says of his early days, "I was uncomfortable with the focus."

But as we see now, he's grown to handle, if not openly embrace, all the press attention that comes with both being a major movie star (who featured in two of the best movies of 2011) and celebrity parent. Alluding to his charity work, Pitt says of the press attention, "there are a lot of nice things that can be done with it, and I accept it. It's part of our business."

WATCH:

Stars Who Tied The Knot In 2011

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The dress. The cake. The photos. Weddings are memorable occasions and many celebrities decided that 2011 was the year to walk down the aisle.

From Will and Kate's royal wedding to Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert's more low-key country nuptials, this was definitely the year for both over-the-top and highly-anticipated star weddings.

Sure, some marriages didn't even last the year -- we're looking at you Kim Kardashian and Sinead O'Connor -- but we wish nothing but the best for the celebrities who decided to tie the knot in 2011.

Check out photos of some newlywed celebrity couples below!

PHOTOS:

Orlando Jones: 2011 #OccupyComedy

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2011 was a huge year for comedy. That statement is only true if you focus on the exception, Louis C.K. and not the rule, Ricky Gervais. Mister Gervais showed up to host the Golden Globes armed with real live jokes. "Our next presenter is from such films as 'Hudson Hawk,' 'Look Who's Talking,' 'Mercury Rising,' 'Color of Night,' 'The Fifth Element' and 'Hart's War.' Please welcome Ashton Kutcher's dad, Bruce Willis," he said. The Golden Globes organizers went through the roof. They vowed to never have him back so next year get ready for the comedy stylings of Maya Angelou... no wait, Gervais was asked back. If he pisses folks off again this year James Franco and Anne Hathaway will be available for 2013. They were just splendid hosting the 2011 Academy Awards. The line I most enjoyed that evening was "goodnight." Simply brilliant.

In 2011, the apologies rolled in one after another from satirists, comedians and even Pope Benedict. The Holy Father apologized for Christians' use of violence throughout history including holy wars, inquisitions and crusades. "We acknowledge it with great shame," he said. It was hard to take him seriously while wearing that hat.

With an apology on record from the head Shepherd of the Universal Church you'd think everyone could find it in their heart to say, "I'm sorry." Nope. The rapper Drake was fighting mad with Kevin Campbell. Campbell is the tattoo artist that inked Drake's name in huge block letters across a female fan's forehead. "The guy who tatted is a f*cking as*hole though, I will tell you that," he said. "You should lose your job and should never do tattoos again. And if I ever see you, I'm a f*ck you up." I'm glad nothing bad happened but this may be the worst tough guy talk of the century. I'm surry (Canadian pronunciation) Aubrey Drake Graham is and far more likely to hashtag rap Kevin Campbell to death. I'm not saying Campbell was right. All I'm saying is when Mike Tyson got his face tattooed, Tyson's manager probably did the same tough guy talk to that tattoo artist. But- and here's the important detail - I bet you he didn't say a word to Tyson. The manger most likely told Mike how handsome he looked. How he always wanted a face tattoo himself. How it was going to get Tyson more movie roles. How if Mel Gibson had a face tattoo the cast of Hangover II wouldn't have objected to having him in the film. "You're a convicted rapist. Mel Gibson has no criminal record but they choose you. Why? Face tattoo. You're a genius, Mike."

Comedian Tracy Morgan found himself embroiled in controversy for telling a crowd in Nashville's Ryman Auditorium that he'd "pull out a knife and stab his son" if he were gay. Mister Morgan has sincerely apologized for this joke many times. I'm not defending him. I think what he should have said was he'd stab his son if he were straight. Boys sleeping with girls is old news. It's been done to death. Tracy should have challenged his son to be maverick, a trailer blazer. Follow in the footsteps of the notable gay men that have made the world a better place. What father hasn't whispered those words of encouragement into their sleeping infant son's ears? Please raise your hands one at a time. We cannot get an accurate count if all the fathers raise their hands at once. Thank you.

In the midst of one Arab uprising after another, comedy satire continued to take heavy blows. If this is the first time you are hearing about the Arab Spring you may have been too busy popping Cymbalta and watching Portlandia.

Looking to capitalize on coup d'etats Kenneth Cole tweeted "Millions are in uproar in #Cairo. Rumor is they heard our new spring collection is now available online at http://bit.ly/KCairo -- KC." Mr. Cole apologized, although several people blamed Obama for Cole's tweet. "We want to see his birth certificate. If Mr. Obama thinks he can fool the American people about his Muslim past with floral print dresses he is sadly mistaken!" shouted a man named Donnie holding a "Will Work for Food" sign. When Donnie was asked what he thought the rest of us were working for, Mr. Trump fell to his knees and wept. "I never thought of it that way," he said through tears. Look out for his new show, Occupy Apprentice. If Johnny Depp can take a joke, Donald Trump sure can. Check out this clip.

The most insane story of the year was Vajazzling. That's where women vahbazzle their va-jay-z with cupcake sprinkles. Where did these ridiculous words come from? I know where vajazzling came from; it was Clitter. That's when ladies decorate their private parts with glitter. I'm not making this up. After vajazzling came the newest beauty trend Twatoos. A permanent or temporary tattoo on your happy hole. I'm sorry I'm running out of ways to reference a woman's shame cave without sounding vulgar. Unfortunately ladies, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but men don't care how you decorate your ninja slipper.

It wasn't all bad for fashion in 2011. Street style star Shala Monroque blogged her way into the hearts of millions of women and Wonderful magazine's fashion editor Julia Sarr-Jamois was a stunning visual inspiration. These ladies are not the manufactured style untouchables we have become accustomed to. They are the real deal.

Patrice O'Neal was picked on for having diabetes at the Charlie Sheen roast, then died after a stroke. Let me say that again, Patrice O'Neal was picked on for having diabetes at the Charlie Sheen roast. I guess Charlie was too easy a target. Mister O'Neal will be missed. What an amazing and talented guy.

On the hand, when crack cocaine wants to party it snorts an eight ball of Charlie Sheen. Don't quote me on that. I read it in the top comments on an exclusive Sheen interview video on YouTube from Mare9555. It had 48 "likes" so that makes it true. Just like everything on Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia that anyone can edit. Charlie Sheen was proven sober in that bizarre interview. I'm sorry, if that's sober I'm dying to see him high. You don't have to like Sheen or condone drug use. You don't even have to agree with his life choices. You do have to admit that Sheen did something we all want. He got paid not to go to work. By anyone's standards, that's winning. For those of you keeping score on who apologized and who didn't, that's: Pope -- 1. Comedians -- 1. Satirists -- 1. Drake and Sheen -- 0.

No year-in-review wrap up would be complete without mentioning the Occupy movement, Casey Anthony, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Herman Cain and Kim Kardashian. Don't worry. I'll be brief.

Occupy movement: There is no Occupy movement in the black community. When you occupy Martin Luther King Boulevard we just call it homeless.

Casey Anthony: After the not guilty verdict I changed my name from Orlando to Boca Raton Jones. I can be reached at the Jewish Community Center. If the rabbi is not available I know everything he does. Don't mix meat and milk. It's not kosher plus it's nasty. Don't eat pork, it will give you trichinosis and what not. Marry a Jewish girl and make your mother happy.

Arnold Schwarzenegger: I don't know how it works in Austria, but in America we use our housekeepers for cleaning.

Herman Cain: After announcing he was dropping out of the Republican presidential race, Herman Cain drove away in his car singing, "I got nine-nine-nine problems, but a bitch ain't one."

Kim Kardashian: See my Naughty or Nice blog post.

Comedy took a beating, but it will survive. My concern is not for the survival of laughter -- it is for upcoming generations. Bullies aren't powerful. They are sad angry cowards. Kindness is not a weakness. It shows character, poise and strength. I worry that the truth is losing the war. I worry that the thought police are doing far more harm than good, despite their noble intentions. These are my fears and maybe I am alone in them.

Maybe I am alone in believing that laughter helps us endure our hardships.

Over the last few years I asked God to grant me two wishes. In 2009 I wanted a black president. So little kids who grew up like me could know being commander-in-chief was possible. I'd like to see a female president too. In 2011 my second wish was for a full NBA season. God gave me half and half. With one wish left I'm saving it. This time I'm not asking God for anything. I'm asking myself. How can I do better?

And if I don't figure it out, me and Tracy Morgan are gonna get somebody pregnant.

Happy New Year!

Cee Lo Green Changes 'Imagine' Lyrics, Stokes Religious Controversy

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Cee Lo Green's small change to the lyrics to John Lennon's song "Imagine" is causing a very big uproar.

Charged with singing Lennon's famous solo-era tune on NBC's New Year's Eve show shortly before the ball dropped in Times Square , Green changed the lyrics from "Nothing to kill or die for, And no religion too" to "Nothing to kill or die for, And all religion's true."

The change didn't go unnoticed, and to preempt criticism, he soon tweeted, "Yo I meant no disrespect by changing the lyric guys! I was trying to say a world were u could believe what u wanted that's all."

That did little to comfort angered Lennon fans, who lashed out over Twitter. Watch the performance below and then read the angry exchanges over Twitter.

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Where Will Giuliana Rancic Ring In 2012?

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Giuliana Rancic is ready to say goodbye to the past and hello to her future. The "E! News" host, who recently underwent a double mastectomy, is set to join her husband, Bill Rancic, in New York's Times Square on New Year's Eve to usher in 2012.

"This has been a very difficult year for them. But they agreed months ago to host the Nivea 'Kiss of a Lifetime' contest, where America's most deserving couple will join them in Times Square on New Year's Eve for the year's most spectacular kiss, and that's exactly what they intend to do," a friend of the couple tells me. "Of course, after Giuliana's surgery they discussed moving forward with the event, and have decided there is nowhere they would rather be than standing strong and in love together to ring in the New Year."

Giuliana, who will announce the Nivea contest winners on NBC's New Year's Eve telecast, has thanked fans for their prayers as she recovers from her surgery.

"My big surgery was exactly one week ago today (December 13)," she tweeted. "I'm recovering better than I had hoped thanks in big part to your prayers & love."

Giuliana returned to work at E! after Christmas, receiving a warm welcome.

"Back at work today since surgery. Excited to be on set of @ENews. I've missed my 2nd family (co-workers and you guys!!!) #thankful," she tweeted on Dec. 27.

The couple appeared on the "Today Show" Friday to give fans an update on Giuliana's recovery, and Bill couldn't have spoken more highly of his wife.

"She wanted to turn a negative into a positive. If you can save one life through this process, it's worth it," he said.

And even with more than 2 million Twitter followers, Giuliana won't find a bigger fan than Bill.

"He has been by her side the entire time and won't be leaving any time soon," a friend tells me. "If Nivea is looking for the most deserving couple to kiss live in Times Square, they have found them. The 'Kiss of a Lifetime' will be between Giuliana and Bill."

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Steven Tyler Blesses Hawaiian House

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"American Idol" judge Steven Tyler may not be a single man any more ... TMZ has obtained photos of Tyler and fiancee Erin Brady engaged in some kind of ceremony yesterday in Maui.

Katy Perry Wanted Russell Brand To File Divorce Papers

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Katy Perry wanted Russell Brand to file the court papers in their divorce ... because she didn't want to upset her religious parents ... sources connected to the former couple tell TMZ.


PHOTOS: Miley Cyrus, Liam Hemsworth Show PDA In Hawaii

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Looks like Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth are getting the most out of their Hawaiian getaway!

The two were seen on the sandy beaches of Hawaii on Friday afternoon, and the "Can't Be Tamed" singer showed off her fit physique in an adorable orange bikini.

It's A Girl For Rebecca Gayheart And Eric Dane

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Rebecca Gayheart and her husband Eric Dane have welcomed their second child -- a girl!

PHOTO: Jennifer Lopez, Casper Smart Hang Out On A Yacht

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This past year hasn't been the easiest for Jennifer Lopez, considering she and Marc Anthony decided to end their seven-year marriage. But it looks like the singer and "American Idol" judge is looking for a fresh start in 2012 with boyfriend Casper Smart

The undercover couple was spotted hanging out on a yacht in Miami on Friday, along with Lopez's young children, Max and Emme.

Lopez certainly has been on-the-go recently, filming her new reality show "Q'Viva: The Chosen," in South America and traveling the globe with Smart.

Check out a photo of Lopez and Smart below!

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Hollywood To Obama: 'Speak Louder!'

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NEW YORK -- Hollywood loves the Next Big Thing, and four years ago, that was Barack Obama, the equivalent of a breakout movie star.

"He is `The One,'" said Oprah Winfrey, his biggest and most influential celebrity champion.

"The best candidate I've ever seen," said George Clooney.

Halle Berry said she'd "collect paper cups off the ground to make his pathway clear." Black Eyed Peas frontman will.i.am chimed in with the famous "Yes We Can" video.

But you can't be the Next Big Thing twice and as a new election year dawns, there's clearly a different mood in heavily Democratic Hollywood.

That means less gushing, not to mention snippets of criticism, most prominently from actor Matt Damon, who campaigned for Obama last time but now makes no secret of his disillusionment.

"I think he misinterpreted his mandate," Damon said earlier this year. He recently told Elle magazine the country would have been better off with a one-term president with guts, although he used a saltier word.

The adulation of the 2008 election may be significantly muted among Hollywood liberals, as with liberals elsewhere, but Obama's supporters say that's only natural, given the circumstances. Fundraisers there say that events have been selling out and there's plenty of enthusiasm.

They also say the nation has focused on the GOP race to pick a challenger to Obama and that once that choice is made, the Democratic base will become energized.

"The moment the Republicans have their nominee is when you're going to see anyone still on the fence jump in," says Chad Griffin, a Los Angeles-based communications strategist and Democratic fundraiser. "Once you have a head-to-head matchup, the contrast will be grand."

Numbers compiled by the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics show that while overall political contributions were up in Hollywood for the first three-quarters of this year compared with the same period four years ago, contributions to Democrats were slightly down.

According to the group, the movie, television and recording industries gave $17,639,267 in the first three-quarters to federal candidates and parties. The breakdown was 71 percent to the Democrats and 29 percent to Republicans, as opposed to $15,642,561 four years ago, when 77 percent went to the Democrats and 23 percent to Republicans.

But numbers for the Democrats were down by more than $2.5 million from four years ago – $9,249,303 this year compared with $11,966,077 four years ago.

Obama's fundraisers note that four years ago, Obama was locked in a tense primary battle with Hillary Rodham Clinton, and primaries drive early fundraising.

"A re-election is always different," says Andy Spahn, a longtime political adviser to one of the top Democratic fundraisers in the nation, DreamWorks co-founder Jeffrey Katzenberg, along with his partners Steven Spielberg and David Geffen.

He calls the current mood among Hollywood Democrats a "matured enthusiasm," but says support is strong.

Though Damon's remarks about the president have been the most pointed, other celebrities have expressed disappointment, or at least mild disillusionment.

"I love the president like most of us," Sean "Diddy" Combs told Source magazine this year. "I just want the president to do better."

And will.i.am, creator of that viral video that ended with the word "HOPE," told The New York Times earlier this year: "I don't want to hope anymore." Asked if he was disappointed in Obama, he said: "I don't feel disappointed. I feel like, Argggh! Speak louder! I feel like, Do something!"

What about core Obama celebrity supporters Clooney and Winfrey? Far from being disillusioned with Obama, Clooney said recently: "I'm disillusioned by the people who are disillusioned by Obama."

"Democrats eat their own," the actor said. "I'm a firm believer in sticking by and sticking up for the people whom you've elected." He went on to list the accomplishments of the Obama administration, wondering why Democrats weren't selling them better.

Winfrey, credited with helping Obama win over many women in 2008, told Politico in August: "I'm in his corner for whatever he needs me to do."

There already have been plenty of celebrities hosting or showing up at Obama fundraising events. Actress Eva Longoria hosted one at the home of Melanie Griffith and Antonio Banderas. Lady Gaga attended a September fundraiser at the home of Facebook's chief operating officer, Sheryl Sandberg. Alicia Keys performed at a New York fundraiser.

Over the summer, film executive Harvey Weinstein held a Manhattan event sprinkled with celebrities including Keys, Jimmy Fallon, and Gwyneth Paltrow and husband Chris Martin. A 50th birthday-themed fundraiser in Chicago featured performances by Jennifer Hudson, Herbie Hancock and the band OK Go.

Of course, celebrity support isn't always a win-win for a candidate. Just as Obama's opponents in 2008 tried to use his taste for arugula to paint him as elitist, they tried to use his celebrity connections to imply he was lightweight, all pizazz and no substance – most pointedly in an ad tenuously linking him to Paris Hilton and Britney Spears.

The tactic seemed to scare Obama's campaign enough to play down the role of celebrities at the Democratic convention that summer. Will the campaign similarly seek to downplay the celebrity role this time?

"Celebrities are helpful in terms of exciting a base," says Griffin, the fundraiser. "I don't think the president will have any shortage of surrogates."

One thing is clear: They won't include Damon, and the president wasn't shy about making a few jokes at the actor's expense back in May, at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner.

"Matt Damon said he was disappointed in my performance," the president noted. Then he referred to one of Damon's recent films. "Well, Matt, I just saw `The Adjustment Bureau,' so right back atcha, buddy."

Damon, whose representatives did not respond to a request for comment, has given no sign that he plans to do anything as dramatic as switch sides in November. The real danger, say some Obama supporters, is that comments like his would lead voters, especially younger ones, to stay home.

That's a threat the president faces in places well beyond Hollywood.

Ken Sunshine, a prominent public relations consultant who has represented entertainers and politicians, thinks that ultimately "the activist community in entertainment and everywhere else will come home and support the president's re-election with the same degree of enthusiasm as before – if for no other reason than ... consider the alternative!"

"But once we help him get re-elected," Sunshine adds, "then we really hold his feet to the fire in the second term."

New Year's Eve 2011: Where Celebrities Will Ring In 2012

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It seems Sin City is the place to be this New Year's Eve.

Celebrities like John Legend, Guns N' Roses and members of the Kardashian family are set to ring in the New Year on the Las Vegas Strip. Across the country, Lady Gaga will kick off the countdown to midnight in New York's Times Square.

But that's only a taste of all the stars toasting the arrival of 2012. Other celebrity New Year's Eve Events include ...

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