newsmakers

newsmakers

Brad Paisley enjoys anonymity in Europe

LONDON

Though U.K. fans go wild for Brad Paisley on stage, backstage it’s a different matter.

The U.S. country star kicked off the European leg of his world tour Wednesday night at London’s O2 Arena and had two sold-out shows there last year. But the Country Music Awards Entertainer of the Year says he’s not famous enough yet in Europe that everyone recognizes him, even backstage at his own show.

“I’m getting asked everywhere ... if I belong here, you know, ‘Excuse me sir, do you have a pass?’ ... [even at] my own gig!” he told The Associated Press in an interview before the concert.

Paris Hilton opens new handbag store

MANILA, Philippines

Paris Hilton has opened a new handbag store in a Manila mall.

Hundreds of star-struck fans, local celebrities and journalists jostled to see her Thursday, cameras ready. Wild cheers erupted when Hilton told the crowd “I love you” in the local Tagalog language. She said she’ll miss Manila and plans to be back soon to open a resort-inspired residential project.

“I will be back very soon ’coz I love it here,” she said. “I’ve had the best time.”

She signed bags bought from the Paris Hilton Handbags and Accessories store at the SM Megamall, her fourth shop in the country. She also posed for pictures with fans before rushing to catch a flight to Los Angeles.

Associated Press