Justin Bieber’s ‘Believe’ scores year’s biggest debut

Canadian pop star Justin Bieber notched* the year’s biggest debut so far as his latest album, “Believe,” sold 374,000 copies in its first week, according to figures from Nielsen SoundScan on June 26.

 “Believe” secures the 18-year-old singer his fourth No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 when the chart was officially published on June 27. It follows 2009’s “My World,” and 2011’s “Never Say Never: The Remixes,” and his holiday set, “Under the Mistletoe.”

Lauryn Hill pleads guilty to evading taxes

Grammy-winning singer Lauryn Hill pleaded guilty in federal court in Newark, New Jersey, on June 29 to three counts of failing to file federal income tax returns.

Hill, 37, a hip-hop singer and rapper best known as a former member of the Fugees and for a Grammy-winning 1998 solo album, pleaded guilty to failing to file federal returns between 2005 and 2007, despite earning an income of more than US$1.8 million primarily from film and recording royalties*.

Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes split

Actress Katie Holmes has filed for divorce from her superstar husband Tom Cruise, ending a six-year marriage that produced one daughter and captivated celebrity watchers worldwide.

Holmes filed papers in New York City on June 28, citing irreconcilable* differences and seeking sole custody of the couple’s 6-year-old daughter Suri in a move that came “out of the blue” for the “Mission: Impossible” actor, said one source with knowledge of the situation.

Alec Baldwin marries

yoga instructor

Alec Baldwin and his yoga instructor fiancee tied the knot on June 30 in a New York City church, with a guest list that included family and famous Hollywood pals.

Baldwin, 54, and Hilaria Thomas, 28, married at St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral in a Catholic ceremony performed by the Rev. George Deas. His “30 Rock” co-star Tina Fey, actress Mariska Hargitay, director Woody Allen, environmental lawyer Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Baldwin’s actor-brother, Stephen, were among those in attendance.(SD-Agencies)