Not a high selling cover
Nicole Richie may have sent Christina Aguilera a note of encouragement as she labored two doors down at Cedars Sinai’s maternity ward, but that doesn’t mean Christina is about to let her baby, Max Bratman, share billing with little Harlow Madden. Talks between Christina and celeb-friendly glossy OK! Magazine fell through when they wouldn’t meet her high payment demands or promise her a full cover with Max. OK! was reluctant to off her the entire cover because her issues just don’t sell that well. Even her pregnant naked Marie Claire cover wasn’t that popular. There was also no way she was about to share the cover with Nicole Richie and her newborn, so she backed out of the deal:

Don’t expect to see a photo of Christina Aguilera’s baby on the cover of any magazines this week. Sources say that after months of negotiating, a deal between Aguilera and OK! magazine came to a halt because the magazine couldn’t guarantee a full-cover photo of Aguilera and baby boy, Max.

It might seem surprising that OK! wasn’t game to play by Aguilera’s rules, considering the mag ran Aguilera’s wedding photos, but a magazine insider points out that the singer performs well on stage, but not so much on newsstands. “The OK! wedding cover didn’t sell as well as they hoped, and even her recent Marie Claire cover underperformed, all things considered,” the source said.

An industry source added, “Christina has an inflated sense of her own value and seems to expect an extortionate amount of money for these baby pictures. I’m not sure OK! or much of the industry thinks is a dollar figure that’s worth it. … She hasn’t proven to be a real seller.”

Although a friend of Aguilera’s says another reason that the deal didn’t work is that the baby isn’t really “ready for prime time,” there might have been another sticking point.

According to a person familiar with Aguilera’s contract, the terms include a promise that a magazine that buys the Aguilera baby photos may not run photos of Nicole Richie’s new baby. “Christina can’t stand Nicole,” said a source who knows Aguilera. “Nothing would make her more upset than to see those two babies on the same cover, even if it wasn’t at the same time.”

[From MSNBC]

Marie Clare UK reports that both Christina and Nicole will receive over $1 million each for their first baby pictures. Nicole Richie is said to have received $1 million for an upcoming spread in People with baby Harlow. Christina Aguilera has yet settle on a magazine for Max’s debut, however. The article claims that a bidding war is going on between People and OK! Magazine, with the price currently set at $1.5 million. If talks broke down with OK! as this other story claims, that means that all that’s left is People and that Aguilera has a choice of either appearing in the same issue as Nicole and Harlow or waiting to show Max until a later issue. That’s got to piss her off. There’s always In Touch or Life & Style.

I will admit that I have bashed Nicole Richie. On several occasions. On “The Simple Life” I’ve seen her act in ways that I’ve considered downright rude and never amusing, mostly to kids. So the thought of her having her own kid to taunt seemed like a pretty bad idea to me. However her fiancé Joel Madden seems to have been a good influence on her. They started a joint children’s charity, for which they’ve been really active in just the six months its been around. Now according to a little blurb in Star, Richie was incredibly gracious to both the staff and other patients at the hospital where she recently gave birth to daughter Harlow.

There’s no doubt about it - nine out of 10 hospital nurses prefer Nicole Richie to Christina Aguilera! Both starlets had their babies at L.A.’s Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in January, but only one of them made friends. “Nicole was a big hit with the nurses and the other women giving birth,” says a source. “She bought six other mothers having babies the same day ‘push gifts,’ including gift certificates to Target, teddy bears, balloons and a card wishing them luck. She also had all of the nurses in stitches with her wry humor” Meanwhile, Christina was not so nice, says the source. “The nurses were happy to see her go!”

[From Star, Feb. 11th 2008, print edition]

Somehow I would have expected the reverse to be true. Christina has the reputation of being a bit of a diva, and Nicole a bit of a bitch. But somehow I would have expected Christina to have been the classier of the two. Though to be fair, if I ever have to push a human being out of my body, I fully intend on being a raging bitch. Nicole has either really turned a new leaf or she’s at least hired an incredible publicist. I’ve heard almost nothing but good things about her in the last six months. Let’s hope she keeps it up and is a great mom.

Thanks to BuzzFoto for the header image.

Nicole Richie was two doors down from Christina Aguilera in the maternity ward at Cedars-Sinai on January 11, and while Christina labored for a full 24 hours before a C-section, Nicole had a vaginal birth and it sounds like it progressed quickly for her as she left the hospital the next day. She also sent a note to her laboring neighbor Christina wishing her luck, according to Star Magazine, which quotes a source as saying “It [the note] was sweet!”

Like Christina Aguilera, Star has the intimate details of Nicole Richie’s labor and childbirth. It sounds like one of the maternity nurses at Cedars Sinai (or maybe a doctor, there are just more nurses) needs a suspension. Star even knows that Nicole watched on a mirror as her baby was born. She also had an epidural to ease the pain after her water broke, and was calm the entire time. Her father was kind of freaking out, though, and confused Richie’s fiancé with his twin brother.

Sources tell Star that the new mom, who delivered nearly two weeks past her due date, was sweet to the staff at Cedars-Sinai… and kept them in stitches with her jokes.

But while Nicole remained cool and collected, her famous father, Lionel Richie, was a bundle of nerves. He was so jangled as he awaited the birth of his grandchild, says a source, that he kept confusing the baby’s father, Joel Madden, with his twin brother, Benji, which “everyone thought was so funny!”

Even as the contractions got more intense, Nicoel handled the pain like a trouper. Only after her water broke, says the insider, did she start begging for an epidural. “Once it kicked in, she was so relieved. She was joking that it was a miracle.”

Just before little Harlow, named after movie star Jean Harlow, made her debut, a nurse handed Nicole, 26, a mirror so she could see the birth, says the insider. At first she was too afraid, but she watched during the final few pushes. While the delivery went smoothly, there were a few moments of panic, with Harlow looking a scary shade of blue, says the insider. “But the doctor got her breathing and quickly placed her on Nicole’s chest. Joel then cut the cord, but he was so nervous he had to try twice! When he succeeded, he looked so proud.”

[From Star Magazine, print edition, January 28, 2008]

Star repeats the Enquirer’s claim that Nicole and Joel were fighting before the birth of their baby, but states that newborn Harlow brought them closer together and that they’re doing fine now. As for how Nicole is faring, Star says “she’s completely exhausted and cries at the drop of a hat.” Do you think they’re just guessing? I know that’s how I felt right after my son was born too.

According to Star Magazine Christina Aguilera didn’t have a scheduled C-section and actually was in labor at the hospital for a full 24 hours before a section was performed. She was also in full hair and makeup, although in this case her gender was quickly ascertained:

A source tells Star that the glam singer, who arrived at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center on January 11 (she stayed two doors down from Nicole Richie) to have son Max Liron, pushed for more than 24 hours - wearing her trademark red lipstick - before her doctors advised that she have a C-section.

A source close to Christina and hubby Jordan Bratman explains, “Her water broke on Friday [Jan. 11] and she started having contractions. But then they stopped, so she was given a dose of Pitocin, which is supposed to increase the strength of contractions. But Christina never dilated beyond four centimeters.”

Although Christina, 27, was initially against delivering her baby by C-section, the source says, “She really wasn’t left with an option.”

[From Star Magazine, print edition, January 28, 2008]

It seems that those earlier stories about Christina having a scheduled c-section may have been false. If all those details were true, someone at the hospital violated HIPAA regulations by giving the scoop to Star Magazine.

The fact that she was in full hair and makeup sounds kind of inevitable. Dearly-departed Tammy Faye Messner also refused to let anyone see her without her trademark clumpy lashes to the point of going to sleep with her makeup on when she was filming “The Surreal Life.” When it gets to the point that you can’t give birth without bright red lipstick, you’ve got a problem. Surely that’s an occasion that would call for a more subtle shade of mauve.

Christina Aguilera’s nursery has a nautical theme and cost as much to outfit as a well equipped car. She spent $35k at Petit Trésor alone. Her white and blue circular crib with 18k gold accent was $1,150 and little Max will sleep on hand-embroidered bedding. The 600-square foot nursery has while walls decorated with photos of the ocean and sailboats.

It is officially impossible to tell who won the birth-off between Christina Aguilera and Nicole Richie. It was confirmed by People around 6:00 p.m. PST yesterday that Nicole had given birth to a daughter and was on her way home. No word on what time the baby arrived. It’s also being confirmed by about half the celeb websites that Christina Aguilera also gave birth yesterday, sometime around 4:00 p.m. PST. Yet a few places are reporting that Aguilera’s rep says she’s still pregnant. Frankly considering how long Christina kept mum about being pregnant in the first place, I won’t necessarily believe what a rep says. According to E!, Fox News, and Star, Christina gave birth yesterday afternoon at Cedars-Sinai.

Suddenly there’s a whole new meaning to “Come On Over Baby” for Christina Aguilera. The five-time Grammy winner and hubby Jordan Bratman welcomed their first child in Los Angeles on Friday.

The couple announced the birth in a quick text message to friends and family around 4 p.m.: “Baby has arrived. Mom and dad are doing well!” (Apparently not even the prospect of dirrty diapers can dampen their spirits.)

There were no further details immediately available. “As soon as I have more information I will let you know,” the singer’s rep said.

Christina Aguilera, 27, reportedly delivered her baby on Friday, Jan. 11, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, the same hospital that Nicole Richie had her baby girl Harlow Winter Kate Madden just hours earlier.

[From E! News]

I think it’s pretty likely Christina did in fact have the baby yesterday, and is keeping it quiet. I doubt it’s for privacy’s sake – if anything, it increases the attention. Which is probably the point. It’s thought Christina is having a boy, since she had a blue-themed baby shower. Hopefully we’ll hear something official in the next few hours.

Update by Celebitchy: Christina Aguilera had a baby boy, but not Friday as some outlets reported. Her rep confirms to People that she had a boy named Max Liron Bratman on Saturday night at 10:05 pm and that he weighed in at 6 lbs., 2 oz. and was 20.5 inches tall. Congratulations to Christina and Jordan and welcome Max.

It doesn’t look like Katie Holmes’ lackluster career is going to improve much after Mad Money comes out. She’s in talks to costar in what’s deemed a “family dramedy” with Christina Aguilera called Humboldt Park. It supposedly starts filming in February, but if that’s the case then maybe they’re filming Aguilera’s part later or she’s only in consideration for the role as she’s due to have a baby any day now and is rumored to be scheduled for a c-section on January 10th.

Star has learned that [Katie Holmes and Christina Aguilera] are in talks to costar in the family dramedy Humboldt Park, which starts shooting in February. The Mad Money actress “is trying to prove she can do more than fluffy popcorn movies,” an insider tells Star.

[From Star Magazine, print edition, January 14, 2008]

I don’t see Christina Aguilera turning out to be the most devoted mom, but surely she has a schedule full of spray tans, trainer appointments, and photo ops for the month after her baby is born and it’s going to be tight for her if she starts working on a film at that time. Also, how great a movie is is going to be if they’re even considering using Aguilera in a main role? She has no films to her credit apart from brief performances in Moulin Rouge in 2001 and Shark Tale in 2004. (Which I’ve seen at least 10 times thanks to my son. It’s a cute film.) I hope this rumor isn’t true or Katie Holmes’ career really is doomed. That’s probably fine with her. Acting and promoting the few movies that get thrown her way must keep her from her preferred profession - spending Tom’s money.

Now that Cruise runs a studio, though, he can create chaste heroine roles just for his wide-eyed Kate. Cruise’s studio United Artists has even struck an independent deal with the Writer’s Guild, and it looks like they have a huge advantage over every other film studio for the time being. Look for a buddy film starring Katie Holmes and Victoria Beckham with Jada Pinkett Smith in a supporting role.

Katie Holmes is shown wearing a toga dress at last night’s Peoples Choice Awards. Christina Aguilera is shown out to dinner on 1/5/08.

Maxim magazine has released a list of the ‘Hottest Pregnant Women, Ever’. Which seems a big call as, in order for the species to continue, women have to keep on making babies. Rather adorably, my husband emailed me this list, saying I should be on it. This was very sweet, particularly since I spent my whole pregnancy with bloodshot eyes from vomiting. Although I do wonder why the Maxim webpage isn’t blocked, what is he doing at work looking at this?

The Hottest Pregnant Women, Ever
1. Halle Berry
2. Christina Aguilera
3. Heidi Klum
4. Brooke Burke
5. Gwen Stefani
6. Angelina Jolie
7. Naomi Watts
8. Jaime Pressley
9. Monica Bellucci

[From Maxim]

Looking at the pictures, I’m guessing that most of these women spent their pregnancies with a personal stylist maintaining their sexiness, which is maybe how it should be for all pregnant women’s self esteem. Could we get some kind of government assistance for that?

Halle Berry is shown on 10/25/07 at the Things We Lost in the Fire premiere, thanks to Splash. Christina Aguilera is shown at the launch of Kitson men on 11/12/07. Heidi Klum is shown at the Emmy Awards on 8/28/06. Brooke Burke is shown at the Enchanted premiere on 11/17/07. Gwen Stefani is shown on 5/27/06. Angelina Jolie in Paris photos are from late May, 2006. Naomi Watts is shown at the opening of an Escada boutique in early May, 2007. Jamie Pressly is shown on 1/28/07 at the SAG Awards. Thanks to WENN, Splash and PRPhotos for these pictures.

Heavily pregnant overly-made up Christina Aguilera pulled a Britney on Monday night after a night out to dinner with her husband. She got into a car wearing a short skirt without panties on. At least she had on pantyhose, but her lady bits are clearly visible so it’s not like they were the kind with built-in panties.

Look at how she’s getting into the car, she’s pausing with her leg up and smiling slightly, and it looks quite deliberate to me. Why did she do this? She must feel like crap as a pregnant woman because she was completely focused on her appearance before she got knocked up and probably doesn’t feel like she has much of an identity without her sexiness. She’s crying “Look at me, people!” and we’re all doing it, shaking our heads and telling her to put it away.

Now her child is going to have to contend with photos of mommy’s crotch when they’re old enough to get online. Was it worth it Christina?

At least she was wearing pantyhose, but how lame of her to resort to that. Christina has made many public digs at Britney, and now she’s down right on her level.

Thanks to X17 for these photos.

Christina Aguilera is known for diva behavior, including demanding that reporters not look her in the eye during interviews and showing up hours late for appointments. She was said to have improved her attitude quite a bit with pregnancy, though, and a story in Star Magazine a couple of weeks ago had her acting more generous towards others and buying expensive gifts for her employees and friends.

The old Christina might be back, though. This week Star is reporting that not only has Christina typically insisted that her baby have top-of-the-line everything, but that she even threw out some toys her husband’s family bought her from Babies R Us because they weren’t good enough!

Christina is also said to be planning an ultra-elite baby shower so that she can bring her child into the world with all the brand names she relies on to make her feel superior and worthy of her celebrity status:

Six-months-pregnant Christina Aguilera’s ultra-expensive tastes may be getting out of control! According to a friend of the singer the only way Christina, 26, will participate in a baby shower is if it’s “first class all the way. She wants it to be at a ritzy place like the Beverly Hills Hotel, rather than at a friend’s house, like what was suggested. And she wants a celebrity party planner like Mindy Weiss to organize it rather than her friends. She’s definitely hurt some feelings, the way she handled the situation.”

Not even the star’s patient hubby, Jordan Bratman, 30, seems capable of meeting her lofty expectations, adds the friend. “Jordan came home with some toys for the baby that his family had bought at Babies R Us, but she didn’t like them - so she threw them out! She only wants gifts from the exclusive places she’s registered at, like Bellini, Petit Tresor and Bel Bambini in Beverly Hills!”

[From Star Magazine, print edition, October 29, 2007]

My husband lost his last job right after we had our son, he’s three now and is our first. Before he was born we told friends and family that second hand was great, and many of my son’s baby items were hand me downs or purchased from consignment stores. A baby doesn’t know if they’re decked out in the latest in designer accessories, all that matters to them is that they’re loved and cared for.

I understand wanting nice things if you’re well off, but throwing out perfectly good toys from your family because they’re not pricey enough is just conceited. This story might not be true, and maybe Star is making a leap based on the known news that Aguilera is registered at exclusive boutiques, but it seems like something she would do based on her past behavior.

Like Jennifer Lopez, Christina Aguilera has not yet announced her pregnancy, but there doesn’t seem to be a need for it now considering how much she’s showing.

Update: Thanks to all of you who pointed out that if this story is true she may have discarded the toys due to concern over the recall of toys made in China with lead paint and unsafe parts. This didn’t occur to me, and I appreciate everyone who pointed it out.

Header image is of Christina shopping for baby items on 10/7/07 thanks to Splash News.

Paris Hilton has the sensitivity of a gnat. Though that’s pretty insulting to gnats. It’s hard to tell if she’s just a moron or if she was being a passive-aggressive bitch, but she announced to a big crowd at LAX this weekend that Christina Aguilera was pregnant, even though Aguilera has yet to announce this herself – and it’s obviously her news to give, not some random, talentless twit’s.

“Paris Hilton got on the microphone at a packed Las Vegas nightclub and lavished Christina Aguilera with praise – and in the process revealed a celebrity secret.

“‘Congratulations to the most beautiful pregnant woman in the world. You’re gorgeous,’ Hilton announced at about 2 a.m. Sunday at an Aguilera-hosted party at LAX Nightclub in the Luxor.

“Aguilera, who has never confirmed being pregnant despite a visible bump beneath her pink chiffon mini-dress, appeared temporarily shocked as she sat in her perch in the elevated VIP booth. She sank her head into the shoulder of husband Jordan Bratman as her friends looked stunned.

“But she quickly recovered, and the two looked at each other and laughed as the crowd – which included Adrien Grenier, Melanie Brown, Criss Angel and cast members from The Hills – erupted in applause. (Aguilera’s rep declined to comment).

“Hilton’s surprise announcement, coming after she earlier put her hand on Aguilera’s stomach and the pair giggled, was the highlight of the LAX party, one of many rocking Las Vegas on the weekend of the MTV Video Music Awards.”

[From People]

For about a million reasons, I’d like to find Paris Hilton alone in a dark alley. That sounds oddly sexual. I mean that in the “I’d like to beat you up and knock the two IQ points you have left out of your head” way. I’m sure Christina Aguilera didn’t want her pregnancy announced by the likes of Paris Hilton. That’s what high-paid exclusive interviews with In Touch are for. I can’t imagine why she’s waited so long to make the announcement, since she’s been showing for a while now. It sounds like Christina was pretty gracious about it. I would have found a beer bottle to toss at the microphone.

It also sounds like that was a dig at supposed “best friend” Nicole Richie, who is also pregnant. Publicly (and needlessly) calling someone else “‘most beautiful pregnant woman in the world,’” sounds like old-school catty, bitchy Paris at her best. She didn’t say “one of” the most beautiful or just that Christina looked great or any number of other ways that could have been phrased. Something tells me Paris’s name isn’t on the short list of possible godmothers for Richie’s upcoming bundle of joy.

Paris is shown at the VMAs last night.