Britney Spears is coming to the rescue of Fox's The X Factor, the singing contest in search of a ratings boost. The Grammy-winner has signed on as a judge for the show's second year, reportedly earning US$16million (Dh58.7m). The X Factor debuted last fall to ratings that fell short of creator Simon Cowell's sky-high predictions. The show's slate was wiped nearly clean in January when judges Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger exited along with host Steve Jones. That left Cowell and producer Antonio "LA" Reid as judges. * AP
Film galaxy heads to Cannes
David Cronenberg, Ken Loach and Michael Haneke headline 22 international film-makers vying for the Palme d'Or at the 65th Cannes film festival, from Wednesday to May 27. Nicole Kidman, Marion Cotillard, Jessica Chastain, Kylie Minogue, Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Brad Pitt are all expected. Palme d'Or-winner Nanni Moretti of Italy heads the jury, which includes the actor Ewan McGregor and the fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier. Wednesday's opening film is Moonrise Kingdom, a preteen elopement story directed by Wes Anderson whose cast includes Bruce Willis as a small-town cop. * AFP
Rihanna hospitalised after Met gala
Rihanna was hospitalised this week, and posted a picture on Twitter showing her arm hooked up to an intravenous drip. Media reports cited exhaustion and dehydration after a night of partying at the Met Costume Ball in New York. When her Twitter updates stopped on Tuesday, a fan tweeted to ask what was going on, prompting the singer to post a pic that showed her trademark long black fake nails and a fluids drip taped up to her arm. A source said the singer had become sick from "excessive partying and not slowing down". * AFP
Mariah Carey working on cartoon
Mariah Carey and her husband Nick Cannon are working on a family-friendly animated project. Cannon said the production will be dedicated to their twins, Monroe and Moroccan. "We actually got some stuff in development, animated stuff we are putting together," Cannon said. "We're both kids at heart. So we love fantasy fairy tale type of stuff."
Brad Pitt new face of Chanel No 5
The French-based company Chanel announced Wednesday that Brad Pitt will star in a forthcoming ad campaign for its signature women's scent. Pitt is the brand's first male face, following such stars as Catherine Deneuve, Nicole Kidman and Audrey Tautou. The campaign is scheduled to shoot in London this week. * AP