Kelly Clarkson thinks people like her because she is overweight. The "My Life Would Suck Without You" singer - who shot to fame after winning the first series of TV talent contest "American Idol" - has never felt under pressure to be thin because fans have always supported her, regardless of her weight.

She said: "I feel very fortunate coming from 'American Idol'. I was the biggest girl in the group."

Whitney Houston made her stage comeback at a pre-Grammys party on Saturday. The 45-year-old singer looked in good health as she performed in a figure-hugging animal print dress at the 2009 Grammy Salute to Industry Icons show, in honor of record industry boss Clive Davis.

Her return to the stage has been hailed a triumph, with Whitney - who has publicly battled addition to crack-cocaine and endured a bitter break-up from singer Bobby Brown - told the crowd "I got it! I got it!" before launching into her hits "I'm Every Woman" and "I Will Always Love You."

Gary Barlow wants to be the next Simon Cowell. The Take That star spends most of his spare time scouting for new talent and hopes he can guide them to success in the same way the music mogul has launched careers for his acts - including Leona Lewis and Kelly Clarkson, who Simon discovered on TV talent shows.

Gary said: "I am at a lot of shows. I go mainly to small bars. I don't wear a disguise but I'm at the back keeping it low-key. It's mostly in London but now and again I'm in Manchester."

Simon Cowell wants Brad Pitt to play him in a film of his life.

The music mogul - who judges hit talent shows 'American Idol', 'Britain's Got Talent' and 'The X Factor' - thinks the Hollywood heartthrob would be the perfect choice for the role.