Performers Leaked for Vancouver 2010: Nelly Furtado, Sarah McLachlan, Bryan Adams

Hello Vancouver! Canada's top celebrity magazine shines a spotlight on the host of the 2010 Olympics

Also in this issue, on newsstands now: Vancouver business mogul David Sidoo and his wife Manjy welcome HELLO! to their Whistler chalet

TORONTO, Feb. 12 /CNW/ - HELLO! Canada features the gorgeous city of Vancouver on its cover this week as Canadians from coast to coast eagerly await the start of the 2010 Olympic Games.

Inside, the special issue maps out Vancouver's leading celebrity destinations. Among them: Granville Island, where the cast of Twilight was recently seen; Coal Harbour eatery the Mill, a favourite of Ryan Reynolds, Renée Zellweger and Bradley Cooper; and of course, Robson Street, where the likes of Jennifer Aniston, Brooke Shields and Halle Berry have been spotted shopping and dining; and many more of the city's hotspots!

Plus, we reveal which Canadian celebrities are expected to attend the Games - among them Shania Twain and Michael J. Fox - and talk to them about their Olympic pride.

HELLO! Canada, the homegrown edition of the celebrity magazine read in more than 100 countries, has more than one million readers each week.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE, ON NEWSSTANDS NOW:

Exclusive: Beyonce opens up about her life as she invites HELLO! Canada to her home in New York City.

Exclusive: Karolina Kurkova introduces baby Tobin Jack and talks about the supermodel baby boom.

Exclusive: An interview with Adam Lambert.

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall realizes a childhood dream by visiting the set of Coronation Street.

Jennifer Aniston celebrates her birthday with Gerard Butler.

Olympics special: Prince Albert of Monaco - how the ruler took up the family torch.

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie: While enjoying themselves at the Super Bowl, the super-couple give rumours of a rift in their relationship the kiss-off.

About HELLO! Canada

The country's only weekly celebrity magazine, HELLO! Canada presents respectful, up-close and intimate information on international and national celebrities known to and loved by Canadians. HELLO! has unparalleled access to celebrities homes and lives and publishes spectacular photographs, as well as exciting lifestyle sections featuring fashion, décor, food and travel. With 14 editions around the world, HELLO! debuted in Spain as Hola! in 1944, and now reaches more than eight million readers in more than 100 countries. HELLO! Canada is published by Rogers Publishing, a division of Rogers Media Inc. An average issue of the glossy, large-format publication reaches an estimated one million readers with 10 readers per copy (Source: Roper Reports Canada, 2009. RPC based on 100,000 circulation in 2009.)

For further information: Louise Leger, (416) 764-4125, louise.leger@rci.rogers.com

http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/February2010/12/c9340.html

-- Edited by Tommy on Friday 12th of February 2010 02:44:19 PM

You should have the inside track no?

The answer is no. Did none of you read her blog ? She already said she is in the south writing music and I assure you that is where she will be. I know Shania Twain would have mentioned if there would be a special performance not only that Shania once Said she needs a reason to be out in the public eye and to do that it would have to be a new song trust me. There will be no Shania Twain at the 2010 Winter Olympics sorry to break the news. Plus I wish you people would stop Putting up questions and asking for a answer because it is getting on my nerves. Do what tommy does make sure the information is accurate before you get all excited and post! As for why no Shania also it would be all over the web.

If you read the most recent 'letter' from Shania - she escaped the cold weather at her Christmas holiday to the Carribbean - wrote some songs, wrote the message - it is now mid February and that 'letter' has finally been posted to her blog. Shania hops on small private planes all the time and can be and WOULD be at the Olympics in no time once asked - the Olympics all come together at the last minute. Ron Sexsmith was just added to the very last minute tribute to Neil Young at the Olympics for next THURSDAY - next Thursday is when we would probably see her - the Olympics is not just ONE DAY - remember - the Torch RUN was the HIGHLIGHT of her LIFE - I'm sure she could adjust her schedule to make a brief appearance at the Olympics. Did you see how excited she was at the little hockey game in Timmins....imagine that enthusiasm at the Olympics?

Have some faith.

Lighten up Darryl or we will sic your two brothers on you!

Olympic celebrity-spotting 101

By CHANTAL EUSTACE, Vancouver Sun
February 12, 2010 4:06 PM

Arnold running with the torch, Colbert reporting, Lou Reed sipping a latte — Vancouver’s teeming with familiar mugs. Superstar Olympics spectators are everywhere, if you’re looking. And who isn’t?

Here are a few tips for spotting the celebs rumoured to be visiting Vancouver during the Games.

Sweating

When buff torchbearer Arnold Schwarzenegger isn’t on official business, we bet you’ll find him pumping iron at downtown’s Steve Nash Gym (10 - 678 Dunsmuir St.).

When Twilighters last camped out here, bloodsuckers (like Robert Pattinson) and wolf-pack members (like Taylor Lautner) kept in fighting form with the help of Studeo 55’s team. (1144 Alberni St.).

Party favours

It won’t be tough to spot celebutante Paris Hilton and her entourage. We expect party types to be anywhere from Barcelona Ultra Lounge (1180 Granville St.) to Irish House (620 Nelson St.)

Sightseeing

Keep alert, even in the rain. Watch for people like Cindy Crawford and Oprah enjoying the sights, walking along the seawall or shopping for veggies on Granville Island.

Caffeine-seekers

The four Starbucks along Robson Street offer good perches for peeking. Rule of thumb: Big shades on a grey day? Probably someone famous. (Go ahead and ask, “Is that you, Lou [Reed]?”)

Caffe Artigiano across from the Olympic Clock (763 Hornby St.) is a hot spot for finding in-the-know actors, like former locals Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell.

Om-my

Swanky and spacious, YYoga’s hip downtown studio has attracted serenity-seeking celebs in the past. So, in between downward dogs, watch out for bendy stars like Vancouver-born Ryan Reynolds and wife Scarlett Johansson. (888 Burrard St.)

Fuelling up

Healthy hubs like Yaletown’s Urban Fare (177 Davie St.) and Whole Foods (510 W. Eighth Ave.) are already teeming with tanned, fit-looking people showing off supersized white teeth. Be on the watch for salad-eaters and fitsters like actors Rachel Bilson and Hayden Christensen. Tofu lovers like Shania Twain will no doubt hit veggie institutions like The Naam (2724 W. Fourth Ave.) Stay alert, even if you’re nursing a 4 a.m. Golden Dragon bowl.

Old habits die hard.

We suspect Pattinson will succumb to a craving for Yaletown’s Glowbal. He’s only human.

Retail therapy

Looking for Ugg-lovers like B.C.-born Pamela Anderson or frequent shoppers like Vancouver’s bachelorette Jillian Harris? We think shoe mecca Gravity Pope (2205 W. 4th Ave.) is a safe bet. It’s right near Capers, which is handy for emergency wheat grass fixes.

Primping

Man’s man George Clooney is always immaculately groomed. So is local crooner Michael Bublé.

We bet they’ll hit up celebrity fave Absolute Spa for manscaping and pedis. (1015 Burrard St.)

http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/Olympic+celebrity+spotting/2557863/story.html

-- Edited by Tommy on Friday 12th of February 2010 10:28:23 PM

I read on a Russian website about Avril Lavigne that ET Canada reported that she is the one who will perform at the closing ceremonies. Here is the link to the site: http://avril.ru
Has anyone in Canada heard it?

Vancouver ready to say goodbye with fun-filled show - Feature

Vancouver will say goodbye to the winter Games and hand the Olympic flag to the Russian resort of Sochi with a more light-hearted closing ceremony than the opening show. But organizers are doing their best not to reveal the details of Sunday's party, leaving local media to speculate on the contents of the show and the celebrities lined up for it.

"I think you'll find that the closing is a very Canadian, fun, happy show," organizing committee chief executive John Furlong said in a media briefing this week.

"You can expect that the closing ceremony will be a warm, happy, fun-filled goodbye.

"It will be a Canadian goodbye, in which we might poke a bit of fun at ourselves, but it will be a very pleasant and easy place to be for the closing ceremonies.

"It seems athletes will have the chance to let their hair down in the globally televised event, which like the opening show will be held indoors at B.C. Place Stadium in Vancouver.

Reports Thursday quote executive producer David Atkins as saying the three-hour
pageant will be a Canadian "celeb-fest" and feature several well-known Canadian performers and rock bands.

"Canada has an embarrassment of riches in those departments. It's going to be a very contrasting night to the opening ceremony," he said.

Atkins also produced the Sydney 2000 closing ceremony, which was a celebration
of Australian pop culture that starred Kylie Minogue, Men at Work, INXS, Midnight Oil, Olivia Newton-John and Greg Norman.

Atkins told The Globe and Mail there would be more French in the ceremony, but
said this had always been planned and was not a reaction to criticism from Quebec over the little French language content in the opening
event.

Bryan Adams, Nelly Furtado, kd lang and Sarah McLachlan featured at the opening ceremony, while singer-songwriter Michael Buble and pop singer Shania Twain are among those tipped for the closing show.

According to the Globe and Mail, there are rumours Neil Young will perform while other big Canadian acts who haven't made an appearance at the Games yet include Avril Lavigne, the Tragically Hip and Rush. Celine Dion's publicist has, however, said she won't participate.

Canadian Olympic sprint gold medalist Donovan Bailey has been in town, and Canadian-American actor Michael J. Fox, who grew up in nearby Burnaby, is "a sentimental favourite", it said.

Traditionally the Olympic flag will be handed over to the next winter Games hosts, a
duty to be performed by Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson. Sochi will have a segment of about eight minutes near the end of the ceremony to promote the 2014 Games and exhibit Russian culture.

Despite a technical malfunction which prevented one of the columns of the cauldron lifting at the opening ceremony, Atkins said it would make no difference to the technological elements of the closing show.

"To actually remove those elements from the ceremony would remove some fabulous moments and I don't think it's worth doing that," he said.

With the ceremony beginning at 5.30 pm (0130 GMT) and the men's ice-hockey
final - perhaps featuring Canada - starting at 12.15 pm in Vancouver, plus the prospect of another protest by Olympic protesters, city officials are expecting huge crowds and a busy day.

The following day will then see a mass exodus of officials, media representatives, athletes and tourists, as Vancouver says farewell and readies itself for the Paralympics beginning on March 12.

-- Edited by Tommy on Thursday 25th of February 2010 05:21:42 PM

Tommy wrote:

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UpUpUp wrote:

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What time on Sunday do the closing ceremonies take place?

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7:00pm ET.

 

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Thanks, Tommy!

So what does that article say about shania performing, is she expected there, or no????

Twain here for work or pleasure?
Closing ceremony speculation grows as more stars hit town
By Glen Schaefer, The Province
February 26, 2010

- Shania Twain was strolling Whistler village Thursday, her second day at the Olympics. Chilling out before a Sunday appearance at the closing ceremonies?

- Adding more names to the speculative mix for that event, past SCTV buddies Martin Short and Catherine O'Hara arrived in Vancouver Thursday, as did two singers from opposite ends of the sonic spectrum, Ben Heppner and Avril Lavigne.

Don't think those two will be dueting anytime soon, though the thought of Heppner doing an operatic rendition of "Sk8er Boi" does have a perverse appeal.

Lavigne heads back to L.A. early next week, in time for next Wednesday's appearance on Jay Leno's Tonight Show.

- Speaking of TV, if you turn on Oprah this afternoon, you'll see Canadian skeleton gold medal winner Jon Montgomery in the talk show host's Chicago studio.

- And on NBC's Today Show this morning, you'll catch Vancouver poet Shane Koyczan, one of the opening ceremony's stars, performing with his musician friend Dan Mangan at the show's Grouse Mountain set.

- Michael J. Fox was with some family members at Thursday's Canada-U.S. women's hockey final.

- Also at the hockey game was NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, who should learn some manners.

- West Van writer Douglas Coupland hosted a party Thursday night for visiting friends at the newly refurbished Keefer Hotel in Chinatown.

- On Wednesday night, Wayne Gretzky and Nickelback singer Chad Kroeger chowed down together at La Terrazza in Yaletown, while Brendan Shanahan and Chris Chelios were across the room.

- Actor and past Vancouver resident Hayden Christensen is out of the black Star Wars helmet and back in Vancouver this week, seen Wednesday night at Republic night club on Granville.

- Mega sports fan Donald Sutherland took a break from all those hockey games to watch curling in Richmond yesterday.

- And was that action star Jason Statham at Jermaine Dupri's Pop Opera set on Tuesday night?

http://www.theprovince.com/entertainment/Twain+here+work+pleasure/2616113/story.html

-- Edited by Tommy on Friday 26th of February 2010 11:28:10 AM

Buble, Nickelback safe bets for Olympics’ close

February 26, 2010
Nick Patch

 

VANCOUVER—If the opening ceremonies of the Olympics were like a meticulously organized dinner party, the closing is being billed as something more like a kegger: boisterous, unpredictable and relatively light on decorum.

The big question surrounding this Sunday’s bash, then, concerns the guest list: Who’s invited?

On Friday, the head of the Vancouver Olympic organizing committee was careful not to tip his hand. John Furlong predicted that the festivities will be young, light-hearted, and would poke fun at Canada.

And he promised they will showcase some “pretty amazing Canadian talent.”

“The idea is to have a light-hearted, fun-filled (show), and it’s likely at the end of the show — again, especially if you’re not a Canadian — you will come face to face with people you might have thought were from somewhere else,” Furlong said.

So, who might he be talking about?

Well, local crooner Michael Buble is a fairly safe bet.

His latest album, “Crazy Love,” hit No. 1 around the world. He’s here already, contributing commentary on hockey for Australian TV. And he’s associated with manager Bruce Allen, who is serving as headline talent producer for the opening and closing ceremonies, and whose clients Bryan Adams and Anne Murray both factored into the opening bash.

When reached, a spokesperson for Buble declined to comment, citing a non-disclosure agreement.

Another local artist to watch for might be Diana Krall.

The sultry B.C.-born chanteuse matches Buble’s international acclaim, having won Grammys and released platinum albums in the United States and Canada. And, like Buble, she’s connected: her manager, Sam Feldman, is serving in the same capacity as Allen, and another of Feldman’s clients, Nelly Furtado, was involved in the opening ceremony.

Toronto rockers Rush, also members of Feldman’s flock, are factoring into the rumour mill, as well. A publicist for the trio cited a non-disclosure agreement when asked to comment on rumours of their involvement.

The third headline talent producer for the show is Dan Fraser of Nettwerk Management, a company whose roster includes Sarah McLachlan (another of the opening ceremonies’ headline performers) and k-os, the Toronto hip-hop artist whose possible involvement in the closing has incited whispers on Twitter.

Or how about Nickelback? To the chagrin of some, Canadian rock bands don’t get much bigger than the divisive Hanna, Alta., hard-rockers, and front man Chad Kroeger has been spotted about town over the past week.

So has Avril Lavigne, who has a new album due in June, and who represented Canada during the closing ceremonies of the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy.

There are rumours country superstar Shania Twain is in town, and some fans are holding out hope she might make an appearance. Twain carried the Olympic torch through her hometown of Timmins, Ont. And she’s also been spotted out and about in Whistler, B.C., this week.

But another of Canada’s most popular exports won’t be making the trip.

A publicist for Céline Dion has confirmed to The Canadian Press that she won’t be in Vancouver for Sunday’s festivities. Neither will Joni Mitchell, whose publicist similarly confirmed her non-involvement.

Another thing viewers won’t see? Token French content shoehorned in to appease critics who felt the opening ceremonies were too English-centric, Furlong said.

But it so happens that the closing may include more French, regardless.

“We will be delivering the show that we’ve planned for the past two years, but you will be under no doubt at the end of the show that in respect to the question of French and English, we are a bilingual country and we celebrate it.”

David Atkins, executive producer of the ceremonies, told The Canadian Press: “The closing ... is a very different ceremony, and it’s allowed us to have a greater content in terms of the French component.”

Those who took issue with the sometimes stereotypical view of Canada presented at the opening — Mounties, mountains and maple leaves, oh my! — it sounds as though the closing could take a light-hearted approach to some of the same material.

“We will probably poke a bit of fun at ourselves, you will probably come away from the ceremonies knowing a bit more about us than you did if you’re not from Canada, and we will probably bust a few Canadian myths,” Furlong predicted.

However, there will still be some proper Olympic protocol to interrupt the party.

The athletes will march in, though in an informal fashion this time, the national anthem of Greece will be played, the flame will be extinguished and the Olympic flag will be handed over. Organizers of the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi will also have the chance to make a presentation.

For the athletes, there’s no question which ceremony is more fun.

“The closing ceremonies—I’ve been to four of them, this will be my fifth—it’s just celebration,” said six-time Olympic medallist Clara Hughes earlier this week.

“Everyone’s done. I’ve been lucky that every Olympics I’ve gone to, I’ve felt that I have brought my best, so it’s been pure celebration and joy. It’s always a good time.”

— With files from Stephanie Levitz in Vancouver.

http://olympics.thestar.com/2010/article/772312--buble-nickelback-safe-bets-for-olympics-close

What do you think she'll sing? Up!, maybe?

So how likely is it that she will sing????? and i hope its a new single, and will it be her own band with her or no

peever wrote:

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So how likely is it that she will sing????? and i hope its a new single, and will it be her own band with her or no

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There is zero chance that she will perform a new single.  These kinds of venues are for "greatest hits" type songs only.

on Twitter: kevin newman of Global Television - said 'Spotted in Vancouver at Closing Ceremony Rehearsals: Shania Twain'

Whoooooooo hoooooo!

One would think so - at least if we miss it on TV it will be on youTube pronto, eh?

It will not be on YouTube - CTV airs the Olympics exclusively in Canada and they are paranoid about their footage being on Youtube - they have people monitoring Youtube 24 hours a day to report and take down anything from the Olympics. Better watch CTV in Canada and NBC in the USA.

Can't wait to see Shania!

The article below says the Closing Ceremony begins at 8:30pm ET. An article (http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/311334,vancouver-ready-to-say-goodbye-with-fun-filled-show--feature.html) a few days ago also says 5:30pm (Vancouver time) which is 8:30 ET. However, NBC says 8:00pm ET so start watching at 8 just to be safe.

Olympic Closing Ceremony Will Feature a Star-Studded Concert

Shania will be last?

I am guessing she will sing 'Rock This Country!' ... and I hope we do see it on YouTube some day.