UPI NewsTrack Entertainment News

'Couples Retreat' opens at No. 1

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 11 (UPI) -- "Couples Retreat" stormed to No. 1 in its debut weekend in U.S. theaters, Box Office Mojo said Sunday.

The comedy about couples trying to salvage their marriages at a tropical resort, directed by Peter Billingsley, tallied an estimated $35.34 million in ticket sales. That pushed "Zombieland" down to No. 2 after just one week in the top spot. The Woody Harrelson horror comedy took in $15 million this weekend.

Next up were "Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs" at $12 million and "Toy Story/Toy Story 2 (3D) at $7.67 million.

Zooming up from 20th place to No. 5 in its third week in the theaters was "Paranormal Activity," a horror show directed, written and edited by Oren Peli, that raked in $7.07 million.

Filling out the Top 10 were "Surrogates" at $4.12 million, "The Invention of Lying" at $3.37 million, "Whip It" at $2.8 million, "Capitalism: A Love Story" at $2.7 million and "Fame (2009)" at $2.56 million.

Dropping out of the top tier were "The Informant!" and "Love Happens."

Another new movie, "Good Hair," the funny documentary featuring Chris Rock exploring the history of African-American hairstyles opened in just 186 theaters but pulled in $1.12 million for the No. 14 spot. The Coen brothers' "A Serious Man" is still just playing in a handful of theaters in its second week but moved up from 29th to 22nd.

Boyzone singer Gately dead at age 33

PALMA, Spain, Oct. 11 (UPI) -- Boyzone singer Stephen Gately died of unspecified causes at the age of 33 while vacationing in Spain, the Irish group said on its Web site.

The singing group said Gately died Saturday while vacationing with his partner, Andy Cowles, on the island of Majorca, the BBC reported Sunday.

Boyzone lead singer Ronan Keating said he was devastated by the news of Gately's death. The group also released a statement expressing members' sadness.

"Ronan, Keith, Mikey and Shane are devastated by the news and send their deepest sympathies to Stephen's family and his many friends all over the world," the statement said.

Singer Elton John also offered condolences on behalf of himself and his partner, David Furnish, the BBC reported.

"David and I are stunned by this tragedy. Stephen was the kindest, gentlest soul," John said.

"We send our love and condolences to his partner Andy and to all his friends everywhere."

CNN said Boyzone, formed in the early 1990s, reunited in 2008 following a 2000 split and released a greatest hits album titled "Back Again ... No Matter What."

Fiancee accepts BET awards for rapper T.I.

ATLANTA, Oct. 11 (UPI) -- U.S. rapper T.I., in prison for a weapons conviction, sent a letter of appreciation to his fans for the pair of BET Hip Hop Awards he won.

E! Online reported the incarcerated rapper's fiancee, Tameka "Tiny" Cottle, was on hand Saturday night to accept the Black Entertainment Television awards on his behalf.

"Although I'm not there with you all, I'm there in spirit," Cottle read from a letter written by T.I. "My road to redemption is almost over ... . Thanks for the support."

E! Online said top winners on the night included rapper Jay-Z as "MVP of the Year," hip-hop performer Drake as "Rookie of the Year" and rapper Ice Cube earning the "I am Hip-Hop" icon award.

T.I., who is serving time in a federal prison in Arkansas, won best album of the year for "Paper Trail" and won best collaboration for "Live Your Life" with singer Rihanna.

T.I., 29, was not the only no-show at the fourth annual event at the Atlantic Civic Center, which will be telecast Oct. 26. Rapper Kanye West skipped it, as well.

Streisand to auction off belongings

WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Oct. 11 (UPI) -- U.S. singer Barbara Streisand says she is auctioning off memorabilia from her career, along with clothing and furniture, to help charities.

Streisand, whose "Love is the Answer" is the No. 1 U.S. album this week, said all proceeds from the Oct. 17-18 auction of more than 500 items in West Hollywood, Calif., will be funneled into her foundation, which has made numerous charitable donations during the last 23 years, CNN reported Saturday.

"Let someone else enjoy it now," Streisand said of the items that will go the highest bidders.

The 67-year-old singer, who had no estimates regarding how much she might raise, also told CNN she is in shock regarding the success of "Love," which topped the Billboard 200 upon its September release.

"The songs are wonderful, by great composers and lyricists," she said. "I didn't think it was in fashion anymore, but I'm so happy that people still have ears for good melodies and words that seem to move people emotionally."