MTV News Round-Up 17/09/2004

*** Britney has said she'd like to try for a baby on her wedding night. Speaking in an interview on US television, the pop superstar said: "I want to be a young mum. And that is my dream and you can judge me however you want because I'm happy. It is what I want." Spears is set to marry dancer Kevin Federline next month.

*** Justin Timberlake and Cameron Diaz have opted to take a trial break, according to tabloid reports. The Mirror claims that the pair feel they need some time apart. An 'insider' is quoted as telling the paper: "It's all very amicable but they both feel they desperately need some time out. They are both huge stars and sometimes the pressures of being in the public eye can be too much."

*** Will Smith has met with Nelson Mandela in South Africa after agreeing to become an ambassador for the AIDS education campaign. "His ability to inspire us will encourage the world's young people to stay HIV negative in order to achieve more," said 86-year-old Mandela of Smith's involvement.

*** Kings Of Leon have announced December dates in addition to their October gigs: Manchester Apollo (December 8), Poole Lighthouse (10), Brixton Academy (12), Cambridge Corn Exchange (14), Wolverhampton Civic Hall (16), Gloucester GL1 (17), Blackpool Empress Ballroom (19), Glasgow Academy (20) and Nottingham Rock City (21).

*** Ashanti has decided to take her boyfriend Nelly to meet her parents, say reports. The New York Post reports, however, that one person not too happy about the couple's relationship getting more serious is Murder Inc label boss Irv Gotti - Ashanti's ex-boyfriend. A Murder Inc spokesperson, however, rubbished claims that Gotti is in any way jealous.

DL