Stars for rent


May 26, 2005

Got a special occasion coming up? Need a little background music? If you've got some spare change burning a hole in your pocket -- say a million or so -- you could book the singer of your dreams.

Two weeks ago, a British billionaire reportedly shelled out $2.2 million to have Beyoncé and Destiny's Child sultrily sing his son into manhood with an hour-long performance at the teen's bar mitzvah in the South of France. And it seems the trio isn't the only act willing to hire themselves out for private parties.

In the mood for some awkward dance moves and off-key warbling? MTV says Ashlee Simpson is available for exclusive get-togethers for the bargain-basement price of $35,000 a song. Yep, that's right. To hear how much you make her wanna "La La," it'll set you back the cost of a low-end sports car.

Last Friday, Jessica's little sis reportedly performed at New York's tony Cipriani eatery as part of a birthday celebration for the 14-year-old daughter of a well-heeled fashion exec. The theme of the event: Willy Wonka. No word on whether Ash was required to belt out the "Oompa Loompa Song."

Other big names who charge big bucks for private gigs, according to the New York Daily News: Bon Jovi and Paul Simon, whose asking price is between $850,000 to $1 million (Jon Bon Jovi solo is a mere $400,000); the Beastie Boys, who go for $500,000 to $600,000; and Ludacris and Modest Mouse, who each want $100,000. A solo Beyoncé will cost you $750,000, says People.

Still, not every celebrity is willing to trade a personal appearance for cold hard cash. Jesse Metcalfe, who plays Eva Longoria's hunky gardener (and possible baby daddy) on "Desperate Housewives," was recently offered the chance to reprise his role off-camera.

According to Liz Smith, a "wealthy Bel-Air matron" offered the actor $25,000 to put in an appearance -- shirtless, natch -- at a ladies-only baby shower she was tossing at her house.

Seems she wanted Jesse to show up and pretend he was there to trim her hedges (no, that's not a euphemism) and then spend an hour meeting and greeting guests. He politely declined.

Meanwhile, when not performing for sugared-up teens (privately and publicly), Ashlee continues to spend quality time with Wilmer Valderrama.

The New York Post says the singer's bodyguard went into defensive mode recently when he suspected a cellphone-wielding onlooker was trying to snap a photo of her partying with Fez.

"They definitely acted like they had something to hide," a mole surmises to the paper. Simpson's rep insists the two are just friends.

(hammer, hammer, hammer, hammer, hammer, hammer, hammer, hammer)

"yo, iam 2 big mc, wheres mc hammer?"

mc hammer-"ITS HAMMER TIME IN COLD EFFECT"

(crowd go wild)

The Time does this also....

ehh...i dont know..Comedians have been doing this for a long time now....if its away for an artist to make some dough i cant really blame em...expecially with labels being so tight with their money....

Chico319 said:

i keep reading rumors that this guy is gonna come out as bi-sexual....anyone else heard this?