Olivia Newton-John says breast cancer has returned

"Grease" actress and singer Olivia Newton-John said on Tuesday that her breast cancer has returned and spread to her lower back.

Newton-John, 68, who became an advocate for healthy living and medical research after her first bout with breast cancer in 1992, will undergo radiation treatment and is confident of returning to work later this year, her representatives said in a statement.

"I decided on my direction of therapies after consultation with my doctors and natural therapists and the medical team at my Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre in Melbourne, Australia," Newton-John said.

The statement said the "Physical" singer was postponing her June U.S. and Canadian tours.

"The back pain that initially caused her to postpone the first half of her concert tour, has turned out to be breast cancer that has metastasized to the sacrum," Tuesday's statement said.

British-born and Australian-raised Newton-John started her career as a singer with pop hits like "If Not for You" and "I Honestly Love You."

She shot to international fame in the 1978 movie adaptation of musical "Grease," playing goody-goody teenager Sandy opposite John Travolta's wild boy Danny Zuko.

Newton-John was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992, and has raised funds for research and treatment as well as campaigning against animal cruelty.

(Reporting by Jill Serjeant; Editing by Sandra Maler)

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Fil-Am Vanessa Hudgens earns kudos for 'Grease: Live'

HOLLYWOOD – "The show must go on” is a popular showbiz saying that hit home to Vanessa Hudgens who pulled out a performance after a family tragedy.

Displaying a powerful voice and an emotional performance, critics and audiences are calling Hudgens the big revelation in "Grease: Live."

Hudgens played the iconic bad-girl Rizzo.

The Fil-Am actress bravely performed a day after losing her father, Greg, to cancer.

In an online post, she thanked her fans and friends for their outpouring of sympathy and support.

"Grease: Live" dedicated the show to Hudgens' dad in its end credits.

The live musical, aired last Sunday on Fox, was seen by more than 12 million viewers.

For three hours, the cast performed hit songs from "Grease" and its exciting format drew even Hollywood celebrities to tweet about the special presentation.

The cast was led by Julianne Hough who played Sandy, and Aaron Tveit as Danny.

The show was not only a hit with viewers but it also earned critical praises.

It boasted of an all-star cast including Carly Rae Jepsen, Keke Palmer, and special guests Mario Lopez, and Boyz II Men.

Fox is airing its next sing-and-dance project "The Passion," a biblical themed musical this March.

Hudgens, meanwhile, can look forward to more offers to do more musicals after her standout performance in "Grease: Live".

She recently reunited with her fellow “High School Musical” alums for a Disney Channel Special.

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Vanessa Hudgens sizzles with co-stars in 'Grease: Live' promo

HOLLYWOOD – For many, "Grease," popularized by the classic film starring Olivia Newton John and John Travolta, is the ultimate American musical.

This January 31, Fox is airing its very first live presentation and recently released its initial promo clip.

The story of summer romance told in songs by hopelessly devoted teenage characters is being touted as the network’s must-see Sunday night event.

Playing "Rizzo," the tough leader of the pink ladies, is Fil-Am actress Vanessa Hudgens.

The character is a departure from the sweet role that Hudgens became famous for in Disney’s "High School Musical" series.

The 26-year-old-actress is no stranger to the pressure of performing live as she was also one of the stars of "Rent at the Hollywood Bowl."

Meanwhile, singer-dancer-actress Julianne Hough of "Dancing with the Stars" is "Sandy."

Broadway alum and "Graceland" star Aaron Tveit who also showcased his vocal prowess in the movie "Les Miserables," is playing "Danny."

The musical was directed by Neil Patrick Harris and was staged back in 2010.

"Grease: Live" also stars Carly Rae Jepsen, Keke Palmer, and Carlos Pena Vega.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com