Russell Brand, Katy Perry to divorce

Russell Brand is divorcing Katy Perry after 14 months of what appeared to be a storybook marriage.

“Sadly, Katy and I are ending our marriage,” Brand said in a statement released to The Associated Press on Friday. “I’ll always adore her and I know we’ll remain friends.”

Brand, 36, offered no other details, but in papers filed Friday in Los Angeles Superior Court, the British comedian cited irreconcilable differences.

He and the 27-year-old pop singer were married in October 2010 at a resort inside a tiger reserve in India, and their mutual affection had become a rather sweet feature of the Hollywood celebrity circuit.

The couple announced their engagement in January 2010 after meeting at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, where Brand hosted and she performed.

The comedian, who once struggled with substance abuse, was effusive about his bride while promoting projects earlier this year, saying marrying Perry has “given me much more strength in what I do.”

“For a long while, what I do professionally was all that mattered to me really,” he said in March. “Now I think, well, whatever I do, I’ll just go back to her, and that’s incredibly comforting.”

A representative for Perry, whose name is listed as Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson in the divorce papers, did not immediately return a call seeking comment.

The Internet had been abuzz recently with rumors about possible trouble for the couple after they were seen during the holidays without their wedding rings.

Perry’s run of No. 1 singles earned her the distinction of becoming MTV’s first artist of the year earlier this month. She hosted “Saturday Night Live” on Dec. 10 and gave no indication the couple was in trouble.

Brand’s recent film credits include “Arthur,” “Hop” and “Get Him to the Greek.” He is among the ensemble starring alongside Tom Cruise in “Rock of Ages,” set for release next year.

Both Brand and Perry were conspicuously absent Friday from Twitter, where they often shared praise for each other.

 

MTV names Katy Perry its 1st artist of the year

Katy Perry’s run of No. 1 singles has earned her the distinction of becoming MTV’s first artist of the year.

Perry topped Adele after a spirited discussion among MTV’s internal panel of experts, the network said Thursday. Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” was chosen top song of 2011, said Amy Doyle, the network’s chief of music programming.

MTV also declared Skrillex its electronic dance music artist of the year over David Guetta.

Different parts of MTV would make “best of” lists in the past, but the network wanted to establish a franchise that brought all its online and TV arms together and emphasized MTV’s music roots, Doyle said. The network, established in 1981, hopes it becomes an annual thing.

Seven panelists made the final choice, and their deliberations were featured in MTV programming this week.

“Rolling in the Deep” was an obvious selection as top song, Doyle said. Runners-up were Nicki Minaj’s “Super Bass” and Rihanna’s “We Found Love.”

“I loved the song the moment I wrote it,” Adele said. “The melody and the beat added some conviction to it. I think that’s why people connected with it.”

Perry’s achievement of tying Michael Jackson’s “Bad” as the only albums to yield five No. 1 singles was particularly impressive, Doyle said. Along with the title cut, “California Gurls,” “E.T.,” “Firework” and “Last Friday Night” (T.G.I.F.) all topped the charts. She’s trying to beat the record with the current single “The One That Got Away.”

“You just really felt her presence in pop culture throughout the year,” Doyle said.

Skrillex, whose real name is Sonny Moore, describes his music as a combination of “dubstep, electro and glitch.” MTV included the category of best electronic dance music artist to pay tribute to the way the style is taking off with its young viewers, she said.

MTV also asked its viewers to vote on their choice of the best live performances shown on MTV all year. Their choice was “Hurricane” by Thirty Seconds to Mars.

Katy Perry notches 9 MTV VMA Award nominations

Katy Perry’s “Firework” had enough sparks to help her claim a leading nine MTV Video Music Award nominations, including video of the year.

Perry – who hosted the network’s Wednesday night special announcing the nominations – was also nominated for best female video for “Firework,” and best pop video for “Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.).”

Adele tied Kanye West with seven nominations. The best-selling Brit will compete with Perry for top video with “Rolling in the Deep.” Others in the category include the Beastie Boys for “Make Some Noise”; rapper Tyler, the Creator for “Yonkers”; and Bruno Mars for “Grenade.”

Mars was nominated for four Moonman trophies. Other multiple nominees include Lady Gaga, Beyonce and Eminem.

The VMAs will air live from Los Angeles on Aug. 28.

Katy Perry postpones Chicago, St. Paul concerts

Katy Perry has postponed concerts in St. Paul, Minn., and the Chicago area because she’s suffering from food poisoning.

A statement released by her publicist says the Friday show at Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Ill., has been rescheduled to Aug. 21 and her Saturday show at St. Paul’s Xcel Energy Center is now set for Aug. 23.

The statement says the food poisoning led to severe dehydration. She performed ill at Summerfest in Milwaukee Thursday.

John Boler, vice president of sales and marketing at Summerfest, says Perry wasn’t feeling well when she arrived. He says a doctor attended to her during the day and the performance.

He says she performed beautifully despite being sick.

Perry apologized but said she plans to give fans the best show ever when she returns.

New Kim Kardashian Twitpic

Just bumped into @KatyPerry back stage! LOVE her so much!!!