Names and faces

— Host Will Smith opened the 25th annual Kids’ Choice Awards promising a record amount of the show’s trademark green gunk, which can come from a hidden bucket, dumped from the rafters or exploded from little orange blimps. “No one is safe from the slime!” screamed Smith. Halle Berry was the first to be covered, but she was far from alone. She was joined by Twilight star Taylor Lautner (who won favorite “buttkicker”), Glee star Chris Colfer and male singer winner Justin Bieber, who was utterly drenched along with Smith at the end of the show. The awards are Nickelodeon’s annual celebration for kids, and it’s often the most-watched children’s program of the year. They draw a considerable roster of stars looking to thank their smallest fans and cater to their youngest demographics. “This is, like, the coolest award show ever,” said Twilight star Kristen Stewart, accepting the award for favorite movie actress. First lady Michelle Obama later presented “the big help” award for charity work to Taylor Swift. Upon receiving the award, the pop star said, “I am freaking out.” Winners are chosen from voting online. Selena Gomez won for both favorite TV actress and female singer. Adam Sandler took home the award for favorite movie actor.

A bustier worn on stage by Whitney Houston fetched $18,750 at an auction Saturday in Beverly Hills, Calif., of memorabilia from the late pop star’s career. The sale of 13 items brought in a total of $80,187 from bidders, according to celebrity auctioneer Darren Julien. A gray velvet gown the singer wore to music mogul Clive Davis’ pre-Grammy party in 1996 went for $11,250. Pearl drop earrings worn by Houston in The Bodyguard sold for$2,812, while a vest she sported in the film commanded $3,437. Other items included a plum velvet dress, which brought $7,500, and a black and gold pants outfit that fetched $2,125. Interest in collectibles related to Houston has skyrocketed since her death Feb. 11, Julien said. Most of the items sold Saturday as part of the Hollywood Legends series were provided by the Grammy winner’s friends and family in the weeks since she died, he said.

Front Section, Pages 2 on 04/02/2012

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