Entertainment Dish

[HMG] – Hard though it is to believe, the media’s favorite American Idol piata, Simon Cowell has found someone he loves almost more than himself.

The lady in question is Mezhgan Hussainy. Born in 1973 in Afghanistan, the petite 5′5 Hussainy only escaped the Soviet invasion in ‘79 by walking barefoot for ten days through the mountains into Pakistan, during which she and her family drank scum-tainted rain water to keep them alive.

The harrowing journey [which she's now trying to sell as a movie] eventually found Mezhgan, three brothers and their parents in a modest apartment in the Hollywood ‘burbs.

Her first occupation was as a dental hygienist, but she quit to move to the make-up department at Robinsons May. Then came some walk-ons in soaps and a brief modeling career, before landing the post she holds to this day Lead Make-up Artist on American Idol.

Now she’s getting schmoozy with Simon. And they fit very well:

Despite no formal qualifications in the field of cosmetics, Mezhgan calls herself ‘an icon in the make-up world’. In truth, all she’s ever done is the make-up for reality TV and game shows.

Her break at that job came when she was hired to do make-up by John O’Hurley [best known from 'Seinfeld'.] She was offered the same job for the first season of American Idol, but turned it down. By season two she was doing the makeup for Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson and Simon – And her ego has not stopped from there.

When she first shared Simon’s orbit he was still connected with longtime lady-friend, Terri Seymour. But while Terri built her entire career on that link, she also told friends Simon was never romantic and refused to even say he loved her.

They soon drifted apart…and that’s when Mezhgan moved in for the kill.

Less than six weeks after Simon and Terri flamed out, Cowell was spied sharing his 50th birthday party with Mezhgan.And their recent capers backstage on ‘Idol’ could keep this blog busy for days.

But friends say Mezhgan’s early struggles in Hollywood make her Simon’s perfect foil She’s met countless men as self-centered as him, is way more ambitious than Terri and considers herself at least Simon’s equal in business.

And from where Simon stands, Mezhgan also has perks; She is the best at what she does – She makes me look very handsome, he purred at the Mail.

And he may be right For a man whose personal Idol is found in the mirror, a make-up artist is the perfect match…

(HMG) – Poor Courtney Love is being picked on again. A restraining order has been extended to keep her away from her daughter according to TMZ. Since stripping Courtney of legal control of her daughter Frances Bean Cobain back in December, the judge also issued a restraining order, which has now been extended to April 9. At this rate a couple more extensions, and Frances Bean will turns 18 in August, and she can decide for herself what relationship she wants to have with her mother.

Meanwhile Courtney may have some bigger things to worry about related to her daughter. The co-trustee Laird Norton Tyee Trust Company to Frances Bean Cobain Irrevocable Trust filed legal papers today in L.A. County Superior Court, asking an L.A. judge for a subpoena to produce documents according to TMZ. Apparently they suspect Courtney may have misappropriated money that was earmarked for her daughter, and want to inspect receipts, checks and other items to see how the money was spent.

Sade may have been M.I.A. for close to a decade, but her fans sure know where to find her!

According to one-day sales reports, her new album Soldier of Love will debut at the top spot next week totaling between 400-425 thousand copied sold. It could go even higher depending on the snow storms back east and Valentines Day weekend.

Can’t think of a better gift! LOVES her!

Actress Jennie Garth takes her youngest daughter, Fiona Facinelli, to pre-school this morning in L.A. Look at those little pig tails! Too cute! I bet Jennie is enjoying taking some time off from work!

Jennie’s husband, Peter Facinelli, has helped to launch a charity website for Twilight fans – called TwiHards 4 Charity.

Twihards4Charity is a new social campaign that helps Twilight fans from all over the world make a difference by uniting them with a common goal – to give to those in need through charities and special causes. 211me has brought in sponsors, brands and support from celebrity favorites like Peter Facinelli to provide TwiHards with Twilight-themed products they love. In return, a portion of the proceeds from every sale will go to a designated cause or charity.

Meow!

Hello Tom Ford! How debonair you look!

Tom was in Madrid last night for the A Single Man premiere looking so good we could just eat’em up!

Loves him!

[Image via WENN.]

(HMG) - The fashion industry is reeling after Alexander McQueen was found dead today by his boyfriend, at his luxury flat in Mayfair, central London, after taking his own life. The 40-year-old fashion designer’s suicide this morning, comes just days after the death of his beloved mother, Joyce. It is believed McQueen, the four-time British designer of the year, hanged himself. Mr McQueen’s close friend and fashion icon Isabella Blow, who helped kick-start his career, killed herself in 2007. His death came days before London Fashion Week, and as final preparations were being made for a spring collection to be unveiled in Paris. His office confirmed his death, saying: ‘It is a tragic loss. We are not making a comment at this time out of respect for the McQueen family.’

McQueen’s close friend Kate Moss issued a statement through her rep on Thursday: “Kate is shocked and devastated at the tragic loss of her dear friend Lee McQueen. Her thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”

Source

Denial is stoopid when people can clearly see you!

Though the pair continuously deny they are an item, Real Housewives of New York City star Kelly Bensimon and chef Sam Talbot have clearly started a seksi romance. At least, it’s clear to anyone who has eyes!

Already, the pair have be spotted at three different parties about NYC, including Kelly’s bash to celebrate her upcoming Playboy pictorial.

Why so hush-hush?! No one really cares THAT much! Might as well be honest!

We’re all about the honesty!

[Image via WENN.]

Friends and family of the late Natasha Richardson shared some memories of her last night at amfAR’s annual New York gala Wednesday night.

Stanley Tucci talked about Natasha’s kitchen skills:

“She made a wonderful Boeuf Bourguignon,” said Stanley Tucci, who emceed the event. “You never had a bad meal at Natasha’s house.”

And Julianna Margulies added:

“If you slept over at her house, first thing in the morning [there was] fresh baked bread.”

Designer Donna Karan, who designed Natasha’s wedding gown when she married Liam Neeson, said that Natasha was:

“a woman full of joy and happiness.”

Vanessa Redgrave, Natasha’s mother shared:

“My darling Natasha, I’m so proud of your courage, your hard work, your total commitment and your beautiful, life-giving spirit. Thank you,” she said.

Lady Gaga sang at the event, and Meryl Streep did as well.

“It really takes guts to get up and sing after Lady Gaga,” Streep quipped before singing “The Parting Glass,” a traditional Irish Song.

Her performance had everyone in tears, the song ending with these words:

“But as it falls unto my lot that I should rise and you should not, I’ll gently rise and I’ll softly call, ‘Goodnight and joy be with you all!’ “

Sounds like it was a truly bittersweet evening. I wonder if Lady Gaga was invited since she’s working to help with AIDS awareness?

Photos by INF