RIHANNA TALKS ABOUT CHRIS BROWN GOSSIP

Singing star Rihanna is insisting the press have got it very wrong about her romance with Chris Brown, because they are only "just good friends". The couple has been everywhere together for months, vacationing together, being photographed smooching and even exchanging expensive jewellery and getting matching tattoos etched - seemingly confirming they are romantically involved. But the singer insists they are only friends, and are definitely not sleeping together. During an appearance on the morning television show The View today, Rihanna said, "We hang out a lot. We are very close. He’s an amazing person. But we are not dating. We are very close, very, very close." When grilled on the difference between their friendship and ‘dating’, Rihanna replied, "There’s a big difference and I think you know what."

RIHANNA AND CHRIS BROWN GET KFC COZY

Rihanna

Singing star Rihanna and Chris Brown were caught kissing and cuddling in a Miami, Fla. KFC. Dressed down and looking like any other KFC customer, the couple went public with their much-hyped romance when the two young hitmakers realized they had been spotted by the paparazzi on Wednesday night.Rihanna immediately put her arms around Brown's neck and planted a lingering kiss on his lips.The "Umbrella" singer, who was recently romantically linked to actor Josh Hartnett, recently confessed she and Brown were "very close" in a magazine article, but she stopped short on announcing they were lovers.

RIHANNA DETERMINED NOT TO DATE STAR

Singing star Rihanna is really determined never to date another celebrity, because it would be much easier to find love with someone who isn’t famous.The beauty who has previously been linked to Hollywood star Josh Hartnett and, more recently, singer Chris Brown, is insisting it would be too hard to date someone else in the entertainment industry as their hectic schedules would keep them apart for too long. She says, "If I was dating someone who wasn’t in this industry they would be in the same place, all the time, so I could go back to that place and know where they were."If they did what I do we’d both be travelling at the same time and we would never see each other." And R&B star has encouraged any potential suitors to be more forward when they approach her. She adds, "I’ve met a few bold ones (men)! Then there are those who are intimidated by the whole idea of it. I’m never one to seek a guy out."

BRITNEY SPEARS LOST OUT TO RIHANNA

Poor Britney Spears lost out on the huge 2007 summer hit when her representatives turned down worldwide smash Umbrella, which then became a hit for Rihanna. Singer/songwriter Taio Cruz has revealed that Spears and Mary J. Blige were both offered the song, but they both turned it down. Blige still insists the song wasn’t right for her, but Cruz was surprised when Spears’ handlers chose not to record the song. He says, "They sent it back saying it didn’t work for her." Cruz tells Britain’s Daily Telegraph newspaper he had no doubts the song would be an instant hit. He explains, "The audience can be distracted quite easily, so you want something they can sing along with immediately."(It’s) so simple, it’s like a playground chant. If you look at the most successful songs, they are choruses of four of five words, three notes, repeated. It’s not rocket science."

Photo By: Mr. NuÒez/BuzzFoto

RIHANNA DENIES JOSH HARTNETT DATES

Rihanna has denied she is dating Josh Hartnett, despite recently gushing about him.The Umbrella singer has been seen partying with the handsome actor on several occasions, but insists they're just good friends.She told Allure magazine: "This is what really happened. He and my management, they have each other's contact information. I went to the New York club Pink Elephant, and he came by. All of a sudden, the next day, I'm seeing that we were kissing and hugging up each other."You can't even go out with a friend who's a celebrity and have a good time without people making stuff up."Well, at least he's good-looking, right?"It seems Rihanna has had a change of heart regarding her relationship with Josh.She recently said: "I would be lying if I told you we were not more than just friends. I have so fallen for him, he is lovely. He is so hot and he is really sweet to me. When we hang out it feels right - even though it's still pretty new."The 19-year-old star also revealed she is not close to Beyoncé Knowles, whose lover Jay-Z is president of Rihanna's record label Def Jam.She said: "She's Beyonce, and I'm his new protegee. When we see each other we say hi. We're not enemies, but we're not friends."

RIHANNA RUNS TO MENTOR JAY Z. FOR HELP

Rihanna says mentor Jay-Z is her life coach.The 'Umbrella' singer, who was signed by the hip-hop mogul to Def Jam Records in 2004, admits she constantly goes to Jay-Z for professional advice but also quizzes him about her personal problems.Rihanna, 19, said: "Jay-Z is just an amazing mentor. I always go to him if I have a work-related problem, but I ask him about problems in my personal life too. He's incredible. I trust him completely."The Barbados-born star has also quashed rumors she is planning to quit pop to be an actress.Although Rihanna - who has appeared in hit US TV shows 'Veronica Mars','Entourage' and 'CSI: NY' - enjoys acting but has no intention of hanging up her microphone.She explained: "I love acting and definitely want to do more in the future.But singing has always been, and always will be, my first passion."

SEXY RIHANNA WILL NEVER GO TO REHAB

Rihanna will never go to rehab.The 'Umbrella' singer insists she won't ever turn to drink and drugs to help her cope with the pressures of fame, unlike many young stars, because she has the support of her friends and family. Rihanna said: "I refuse to crack under pressure - in fact I thrive on it. So when I read about Britney Spears and Amy Winehouse who have suffered under it, it's sad."It is easy to criticise them but it happens. You just have to stay focused and keep your feet on the ground."Staying down to earth in this industry in general is no easy, but I am strong and when I feel lost or depressed on the road, I call my best friend Melissa. When I see people turning to drugs and alcohol, then that's when I call Melissa. She helps me." The 19-year-old beauty - who is currently dating Hollywood heartthrob Josh Hartnett - also says she found it difficult to meet men when she was single because most of them were only after her fame and fortune.Rihanna added in an interview with Britain's The Sun newspaper: "I always have my guard up with men no matter who they are. There are people who love you simply because you are famous and very attractive. But I am very good at reading people and I'm not naïve."The longer I am in this business, the more judgmental I am of people."

JOSH HARTNETT KISSING SEXY RIHANNA

Josh Hartnett and Rihanna were spotted "kissing and cuddling" in a nightclub before leaving together.The pair were all over each other as they shared a table and drank Dom Perignon champagne at New York City nightspot Pink Elephant on Thursday evening. A source told Us Weekly magazine: "They spent the evening drinking together and there was lots of kissing and cuddling. It was very intimate."They didn't come together but they did leave together!"Rihanna, 19, headed to the Pink Elephant after performing at the Nokia Theatre in Times Square that evening. Josh, 29, has previously been linked to 'Black Dahlia' co-star Scarlett Johansson and supermodel Helena Christensen.Rihanna was recently said to be dating 'Transformers' star Shia LaBeouf, but friends claimed she wasn't ready for a committed relationship. A source said: "Rihanna is really busy with her career at the moment and just wants to have some fun. She isn't ready for anything serious."

RIHANNA WANTS DOMINATRIX FOR TOUR

Sexy Rihanna

Rihanna wants a sexy dominatrix theme for her UK tour.The 'Umbrella' singer - who begins her series of concerts in December - is keen to wow fans with her revealing S+M-themed costumes and raunchy dance routines.She told Britain's Daily Star newspaper: "The tour is going to be very rock star, very sexy with a dominatrix theme."I'm very involved with the creative process. We have been busy planning,coming up with costume ideas."Rihanna refuses to be sidelined during the organisation of the shows,saying: "I have professionals who guide me, but I like to know what's going on and make suggestions that we collaborate on."The 19-year-old star also revealed she is being lined up to launch her own clothing range.She said: "I can' say any brand names until the deal is signed, but it's happening."Meanwhile, Rihanna has lent her support to troubled star Amy Winehouse.She believes Amy, who was recently hospitalised after a drugs overdose, will recover and become a big success in America.She said: "I'm worried about Amy. I want her to get better as I love her."There's no doubt in my mind she can still be successful in America even though she's been linked to drugs."It'd be awesome to go on tour with her in the States. I'd love her to join me."

RIHANNA SUPPORTS REHAB AMY WINEHOUSE

Rihanna has offered a message of support to Amy Winehouse.The 'Umbrella' singer is concerned by troubled Amy's recent behaviour and hopes she can overcome her drink and drugs demons and get her career back on track. Speaking at the MOBO Awards nominations party at London's Movida nightclub on Wednesday night Rihanna said: "I think she is an amazing artist. She's definitely one of my favourite singers in the UK, and I wish her well."Rihanna - who was nominated for two awards, while Amy, who checked out of rehab for a second time last week, received an impressive four MOBO nods - has made no secret of her admiration for the 'Rehab' singer in the past. She said: "I love her. She's so real. She's like, 'This is who I am - whatever.' "Amy, 23, has cancelled her European tour and postponed all her US concerts after allegedly overdosing on a cocktail of drugs earlier this month. She was being treated for suspected alcohol and drug abuse at Essex's Causeway rehab clinic, along with husband Blake Fielder-Civil. However, the couple quit on Sunday night following a series of heated rows.