Cissy Houston calls pre-Grammy gala invite 'obscene'
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 8 (UPI) -- Cissy Houston says she doesn't plan to attend Clive Davis' pre-Grammy Awards party in Los Angeles Saturday, a year after her daughter Whitney's death.
Whitney Houston, 48, accidentally drowned in a Beverly Hilton bathtub after using drugs hours before she was expected at Davis' annual gala in the hotel's ballroom.
Last year's party went ahead as planned and the next day's Grammy Awards ceremony was quickly amended to include tributes to Whitney, a beloved singer who battled addictions to drugs and alcohol for decades.
"I got an invitation to the party -- which is the most obscene thing," Cissy told "Access Hollywood" about being asked to attend Saturday's event.
"I don't know why they would want me to come to the party in which she died, you know? Unheard of," she said. "I guess maybe he just sent me a copy for remembrance sake."
Whitney Houston's brother, Gary, and his wife, Pat, plan to attend Davis' party, however, "Access Hollywood" said.
Music mogul Davis was one of Whitney's closest friends and her champion throughout an alternately triumphant and troubled career.
Marilyn Manson recovering from flu after passing out onstage
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 8 (UPI) -- Shock rocker Marilyn Manson was suffering from the flu when he collapsed onstage during a concert in Canada this week, Billboard.com reported.
Manson, 44, was sick before Wednesday's concert in Saskatchewan's TCU Place, but he tried to go on with the show so he wouldn't disappoint fans, TMZ said.
About an hour into the concert, he vomited, then passed out as he performed his song "The Beautiful People."
TMZ said he has been resting in his hotel room.
The Los Angeles Times said the singer still feels exhausted, but planned to perform in Calgary Friday as scheduled.
Barbra Streisand preparing to direct first film since 1996's 'Mirror'
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 8 (UPI) -- Barbra Streisand has signed a deal to direct her first film since 1996's "The Mirror Has Two Faces," said Los Angeles production company Aldamisa International.
"We are thrilled to provide underwriting for a filmmaker of [Streisand's] vision, stature and accomplishment," Nadine de Barros, president of international sales and acquisitions at Aldamisa, told Variety.
The entertainment industry trade newspaper said Streisand is considering several projects, but hasn't committed to one yet.
The music icon and actress has also directed the movies "Yentl" and "The Prince of Tides."
Dame Shirley Bassey to sing at Oscars for the first time
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Feb. 8 (UPI) -- British singer Shirley Bassey is to perform at this month's Oscars ceremony in Los Angeles, show producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron announced Friday.
"We are thrilled to welcome the legendary Dame Shirley Bassey to our Oscar show," the producers said in a joint statement. "Her association with film music is world renowned and we are proud that she will be making her first Oscar appearance on our telecast."
In a career spanning more than six decades, the 76-year-old recording artist has recorded 44 albums and sold more than 135 million records. She also sang theme songs for the James Bond movies "Goldfinger," "Diamonds Are Forever" and "Moonraker."
A tribute celebrating the 007 secret agent film franchise is to take place at the Oscars ceremony Feb. 24.
Seth MacFarlane is to serve as host of the show at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center. The event is to air live on ABC.
