Christina Aguilera Fu*ks Up The National Anthem At Superbowl

Christina Aguilera Fu*ks Up The National Anthem At Superbowl!

America’s NFL Superbowl XLV has just ended in Dallas between the Green Bay Packers & the Pittsburgh Steelers with every celeb in the U.S. flocking to the game!

Performances included Lea Michele from “Glee” singing “America The Beautiful”, Usher, The Black Eyed Peas, & an outstanding rendition of the national Anthem by Christina Aguilera who sounded like she shat herself at the start of the song, fumbling her way through, while Cameron Diaz laughed

Christina Aguilera New Car Mustang GT

New Car Mustang GT

New Car Mustang GT

Christina Aguilera New Car Mustang GT

Christinas breasts still growing

Christinas breasts still growing

Christinas breasts still growing

Christinas breasts still growing

new mum Christina Aguilera blazes back into the spotlight

Singer Christina Aguilera may have been out of the spotlight for nearly a year after having her first child, but she sure knows how to return to it.

Ten months after giving birth to her son Max, the Dirrty singer made her return to the stage in a series of eye-catching outfits at London's Albert Hall.

Including a Bianca Jagger style white suit and fedora hat, albeit accessorised with a bra top.

Lady in white: After arriving in her loud Pucci dress, Christina blazed onstage in a figure-hugging white bustier and trousers in her comeback performance

The 27-year-old singer guaranteed all eyes were on her as she arrived in a Harlequin-esque Pucci tunic.

The blonde singer teamed her $2,095 turtleneck, silk dress with leather-look leggings and $700 Yves Saint Laurent purple Tribute heels as she arrived at the Africa Rising Festival at London's Royal Albert Hall.

Later she changed into a racy leopard-print leotard and cropped tuxedo, showing she's lost none of her pre-motherhood sex appeal.

Costume change: After arriving in her loud Pucci dress, Christina slipped into an animal print leotard during her performance

The event marked Christina's first performance since taking time out for motherhood late last year.

She shared the stage with African supermodel Alek Wek and former US Secretary of State and retired general Colin Powell, who entertained the crowds with his funky dance moves.

Colin Powell performing with Olu Maintain at the Africa Rising festival at the Royal Albert Hall

The Africa Rising event aims to raise awareness of African issues, such as poverty and trade and hopes to find 'sustainable solutions'.

She revealed she was loving motherhood and was looking forward to having more children with her music executive husband Jordan Bratman.

She said: 'Absolutely, we'll definitely have more kids.

'I don't know (when). We'll play it by ear.'

new mum Christina Aguilera blazes back into the spotlight

Singer Christina Aguilera may have been out of the spotlight for nearly a year after having her first child, but she sure knows how to return to it.

Ten months after giving birth to her son Max, the Dirrty singer made her return to the stage in a series of eye-catching outfits at London's Albert Hall.

Including a Bianca Jagger style white suit and fedora hat, albeit accessorised with a bra top.

Lady in white: After arriving in her loud Pucci dress, Christina blazed onstage in a figure-hugging white bustier and trousers in her comeback performance

The 27-year-old singer guaranteed all eyes were on her as she arrived in a Harlequin-esque Pucci tunic.

The blonde singer teamed her $2,095 turtleneck, silk dress with leather-look leggings and $700 Yves Saint Laurent purple Tribute heels as she arrived at the Africa Rising Festival at London's Royal Albert Hall.

Later she changed into a racy leopard-print leotard and cropped tuxedo, showing she's lost none of her pre-motherhood sex appeal.

Costume change: After arriving in her loud Pucci dress, Christina slipped into an animal print leotard during her performance

The event marked Christina's first performance since taking time out for motherhood late last year.

She shared the stage with African supermodel Alek Wek and former US Secretary of State and retired general Colin Powell, who entertained the crowds with his funky dance moves.

Colin Powell performing with Olu Maintain at the Africa Rising festival at the Royal Albert Hall

The Africa Rising event aims to raise awareness of African issues, such as poverty and trade and hopes to find 'sustainable solutions'.

She revealed she was loving motherhood and was looking forward to having more children with her music executive husband Jordan Bratman.

She said: 'Absolutely, we'll definitely have more kids.

'I don't know (when). We'll play it by ear.'

Christina looks more chav than chic during a shopping trip to Barneys

Christina Aguilera may be one of the sexiest singers in the US but there is no accounting for her taste in clothes.

Looking more chav than chic the star look like she had taken her inspiration from kitchen floor tiles as she went stopping in a chequered pair of leggings and a fluorescent pink bag.

Do I look bothered? Christina steps out in a shocking pair of leggings and a baggy jumper

Not known for her shyness, Christina, who had a baby earlier this year with music executive hubby Jordan Bratman, certainly made a statement during her shopping trip to Barneys in Beverly Hills.

A less than impress Christina goes shopping. Lets hope she steers clear of anymore patterned leggings.

The 27-year-old blonde this week released stunning pictures to promote her new single Keeps Gettin' Better.

But judging by her wardrobe choice - lets hope her stylist does just that.

A stunning Christina in promotional photos for her new single

Christina looks more chav than chic during a shopping trip to Barneys

Christina Aguilera may be one of the sexiest singers in the US but there is no accounting for her taste in clothes.

Looking more chav than chic the star look like she had taken her inspiration from kitchen floor tiles as she went stopping in a chequered pair of leggings and a fluorescent pink bag.

Do I look bothered? Christina steps out in a shocking pair of leggings and a baggy jumper

Not known for her shyness, Christina, who had a baby earlier this year with music executive hubby Jordan Bratman, certainly made a statement during her shopping trip to Barneys in Beverly Hills.

A less than impress Christina goes shopping. Lets hope she steers clear of anymore patterned leggings.

The 27-year-old blonde this week released stunning pictures to promote her new single Keeps Gettin' Better.

But judging by her wardrobe choice - lets hope her stylist does just that.

A stunning Christina in promotional photos for her new single

Russell Brand! Lothario tries his luck with Christina Aguilera

It seems Russell Brand is a man on a mission - to conquer Hollywood - and their leading ladies.

First the actor was seen flirting shamelessly with Eva Longoria on U.S. television, and now it appears he has set his sights on blonde bombshell Christina Aguilera.

Russell took the opportunity to pursue Christina while they appeared at the MTV VMA press conference at Paramount Studios yesterday.

Perhaps Russell has a penchant for petite girls, or maybe he likes the challenge of a married woman.

Ladies' man: Russell Brand and Christina Aguilera speak at the MTV VMA 2008 press conference at Paramount Studios on in Hollywood

Either way, mother-of-one Christina will be unlikely to succumb to the lothario's charms.

Brand,33, seems set to conquer America after starring in Forgetting Sarah Marshall and bagging a prime job presenting the MTV Awards.

Brand said: "It's amazing, because obviously I'm not known in this country, so it's a really unusual situation to be in, I think I'd be insane if I wasn't anxious, although I've clinically been declared insane on several occasions. Perhaps my slight apprehension is a mark of my return to sanity."

Immune: The singer looks unimpressed

At home he's known for his hedonistic tendencies and drug-addled past, and he sought treatment for drug addiction and sex addiction.

He detailed his storied history in "My Booky Wook," a memoir that was a best-seller in Britain and is due to be published in the U.S. in February.

A movie-version of his story has already been greenlit, but the film has been put on hold while Brand juggles other projects, including shaping his American image.

"I was just advised that this is not the right time to do that due to the content," he said.

You're the one that I want: Russell doesn't give up

"Also, because really I'm getting a lot of offers to play a lot of other people and I play myself," in the movie. "Maybe that isn't the best way for the people in America to get to know me because that book is kind of candid in some places."

Besides, Brand's schedule is packed.

He'll appear with Adam Sandler and Keri Russell in the Christmas family film "Bedtime Stories."

He's also co-writing and starring in a film Sandler will produce next year, Brand said.

He is reprising his "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" role in "Get Him to the Greek," a film based on his rock-star character, Aldous Snow. He has another book in the works, and he is keeping up with his weekly newspaper column, radio show and standup gigs back home.

Next on the list: A glamorous Britney Spears due to present the show with Russell

This week, though, his focus is on the MTV Video Music Awards, where he hopes to create a "celebratory" vibe that keeps the spotlight on the performers and winners.

Rihanna, the Jonas Brothers, T.I. and Pink are among the performers set to appear on the live show, which begins on Monday.

Miley Cyrus, Lindsay Lohan, Scarlett Johansson and Michael Phelps are set to present awards. Spears will make an appearance, and other surprises are planned, though Brand won't offer any hints.

"I'm hoping that spontaneity will play a part," he said. "When you hear some of the performances that they've got planned, there's so much technical precision required. How on Earth are they going to do that? Surely something is going to catch fire."

Sweet talker: Eva Longoria offfered Russell an M&M from her bustier. He said he would prefer the bit that melted in her cleavage

Russell Brand! Lothario tries his luck with Christina Aguilera

It seems Russell Brand is a man on a mission - to conquer Hollywood - and their leading ladies.

First the actor was seen flirting shamelessly with Eva Longoria on U.S. television, and now it appears he has set his sights on blonde bombshell Christina Aguilera.

Russell took the opportunity to pursue Christina while they appeared at the MTV VMA press conference at Paramount Studios yesterday.

Perhaps Russell has a penchant for petite girls, or maybe he likes the challenge of a married woman.

Ladies' man: Russell Brand and Christina Aguilera speak at the MTV VMA 2008 press conference at Paramount Studios on in Hollywood

Either way, mother-of-one Christina will be unlikely to succumb to the lothario's charms.

Brand,33, seems set to conquer America after starring in Forgetting Sarah Marshall and bagging a prime job presenting the MTV Awards.

Brand said: "It's amazing, because obviously I'm not known in this country, so it's a really unusual situation to be in, I think I'd be insane if I wasn't anxious, although I've clinically been declared insane on several occasions. Perhaps my slight apprehension is a mark of my return to sanity."

Immune: The singer looks unimpressed

At home he's known for his hedonistic tendencies and drug-addled past, and he sought treatment for drug addiction and sex addiction.

He detailed his storied history in "My Booky Wook," a memoir that was a best-seller in Britain and is due to be published in the U.S. in February.

A movie-version of his story has already been greenlit, but the film has been put on hold while Brand juggles other projects, including shaping his American image.

"I was just advised that this is not the right time to do that due to the content," he said.

You're the one that I want: Russell doesn't give up

"Also, because really I'm getting a lot of offers to play a lot of other people and I play myself," in the movie. "Maybe that isn't the best way for the people in America to get to know me because that book is kind of candid in some places."

Besides, Brand's schedule is packed.

He'll appear with Adam Sandler and Keri Russell in the Christmas family film "Bedtime Stories."

He's also co-writing and starring in a film Sandler will produce next year, Brand said.

He is reprising his "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" role in "Get Him to the Greek," a film based on his rock-star character, Aldous Snow. He has another book in the works, and he is keeping up with his weekly newspaper column, radio show and standup gigs back home.

Next on the list: A glamorous Britney Spears due to present the show with Russell

This week, though, his focus is on the MTV Video Music Awards, where he hopes to create a "celebratory" vibe that keeps the spotlight on the performers and winners.

Rihanna, the Jonas Brothers, T.I. and Pink are among the performers set to appear on the live show, which begins on Monday.

Miley Cyrus, Lindsay Lohan, Scarlett Johansson and Michael Phelps are set to present awards. Spears will make an appearance, and other surprises are planned, though Brand won't offer any hints.

"I'm hoping that spontaneity will play a part," he said. "When you hear some of the performances that they've got planned, there's so much technical precision required. How on Earth are they going to do that? Surely something is going to catch fire."

Sweet talker: Eva Longoria offfered Russell an M&M from her bustier. He said he would prefer the bit that melted in her cleavage

Christina Aguilera looks swell as she launches new fragrance in New York

Christina Aguilera made absolutely certain all eyes were on her at the launch of her new fragrance in New York yesterday.

The singer opted for a daring plunge-neck dress for the occasion, also showing rather a lot of leg thanks to her outfit's thigh-skimming hemline.

Scent of a woman: Christina Aguilera at Macy’s in New York yesterday

She was in the Big Apple to unveil her new scent Inspire, the second fragrance to be released by the star.

Christina, who welcomed her son Max at the start of this year, hasn't let motherhood slow down her career.

She is currently working on her forthcoming album and preparing for a slew of major live appearances.

Leg it: The singer also put her pins on show in her thigh-skimming number

She will perform at the 4th Annual Fashion Rocks benefit at New York's Radio City Music Hall on September 5 along with Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, Chris Brown, Justin Timberlake, and Rihanna.

The two-hour star-studded concert will see superstar performers paired with models strutting clothes designed by the cream of the fashion world.

She is also expected to fly to Britain next month to headline the THISDAY Africa Rising Festival in London, where she will top the bill at the star-studded event on October 14 at the Royal Albert Hall.

Christina Aguilera looks swell as she launches new fragrance in New York

Christina Aguilera made absolutely certain all eyes were on her at the launch of her new fragrance in New York yesterday.

The singer opted for a daring plunge-neck dress for the occasion, also showing rather a lot of leg thanks to her outfit's thigh-skimming hemline.

Scent of a woman: Christina Aguilera at Macy’s in New York yesterday

She was in the Big Apple to unveil her new scent Inspire, the second fragrance to be released by the star.

Christina, who welcomed her son Max at the start of this year, hasn't let motherhood slow down her career.

She is currently working on her forthcoming album and preparing for a slew of major live appearances.

Leg it: The singer also put her pins on show in her thigh-skimming number

She will perform at the 4th Annual Fashion Rocks benefit at New York's Radio City Music Hall on September 5 along with Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, Chris Brown, Justin Timberlake, and Rihanna.

The two-hour star-studded concert will see superstar performers paired with models strutting clothes designed by the cream of the fashion world.

She is also expected to fly to Britain next month to headline the THISDAY Africa Rising Festival in London, where she will top the bill at the star-studded event on October 14 at the Royal Albert Hall.

Christina Aguilera steps out for dinner with baby Max

Singer Christina Aguilera clearly isn't one to let standards slip, as she stepped out for dinner In Manhattan, with her family still looking every inch the diva.

In a long patterned maxi dress, stacked wedge heels and a pair of huge sunglasses, Christina looked immaculate as she carried son Max, 7 months, in her arms, while husband Jordan followed.

Yummy mummy: Christina Aguilera headed out for a family dinner in Manhattan yesterday with husband Jordan Bratman, and baby Max, seven months came too

The 27-year old singer wore her platinum blonde hair loose and relaxed, and looked every inch the doting mother as she cuddled son Max Liron to her chest.

Clearly, she's not one to let motherhood come between her glamorous diva image.

And the birth of her first child hasn't slowed the platinum selling artist down, as Christina is currently working on her forthcoming album and preparing for a slew of major live appearances.

Christina will perform at the 4th Annual Fashion Rocks benefit at New York's Radio City Music Hall on September 5 along with Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, Chris Brown, Justin Timberlake, and Rihanna.

Glamorous: New mum Christina is still super-glam, as she showed off her immaculate blonde locks, patterned maxi dress and silver wedge heels

The two-hour star-studded concert will see superstar performers paired with models strutting clothes designed by the cream of the fashion world.

And her British fans are in for a treat, as the singer will headline will fly to Britain next month to headline the THISDAY Africa Rising Festival in London.

The Dirrty singer will top the bill at the star-studded event on October 14 at the Royal Albert Hal in what will be her first major performance since giving birth to Max in January.at the star-studded event on October 14 at the Royal Albert Hall.

Christina Aguilera steps out for dinner with baby Max

Singer Christina Aguilera clearly isn't one to let standards slip, as she stepped out for dinner In Manhattan, with her family still looking every inch the diva.

In a long patterned maxi dress, stacked wedge heels and a pair of huge sunglasses, Christina looked immaculate as she carried son Max, 7 months, in her arms, while husband Jordan followed.

Yummy mummy: Christina Aguilera headed out for a family dinner in Manhattan yesterday with husband Jordan Bratman, and baby Max, seven months came too

The 27-year old singer wore her platinum blonde hair loose and relaxed, and looked every inch the doting mother as she cuddled son Max Liron to her chest.

Clearly, she's not one to let motherhood come between her glamorous diva image.

And the birth of her first child hasn't slowed the platinum selling artist down, as Christina is currently working on her forthcoming album and preparing for a slew of major live appearances.

Christina will perform at the 4th Annual Fashion Rocks benefit at New York's Radio City Music Hall on September 5 along with Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, Chris Brown, Justin Timberlake, and Rihanna.

Glamorous: New mum Christina is still super-glam, as she showed off her immaculate blonde locks, patterned maxi dress and silver wedge heels

The two-hour star-studded concert will see superstar performers paired with models strutting clothes designed by the cream of the fashion world.

And her British fans are in for a treat, as the singer will headline will fly to Britain next month to headline the THISDAY Africa Rising Festival in London.

The Dirrty singer will top the bill at the star-studded event on October 14 at the Royal Albert Hal in what will be her first major performance since giving birth to Max in January.at the star-studded event on October 14 at the Royal Albert Hall.

Curvy Christina Aguilera lives the glamorous life in New York

She may be a new mother, but Christina Aguilera hasn't let it slow her down.

The 27-year-old singer, who gave birth to son Max just four months ago, was at her glamorous best as she hit New York yesterday in a figure-hugging bright print dress.

By evening, she'd slipped into a sheer grey vest which showed her leopard-print bra, black leggings and suede Christian Louboutin heels for a night of clubbing with her record executive husband Jordan Bratman.

Purple reigns: Christina Aguilera was at her glamorous best in New York yesterday

Off duty: Christina took time out from looking after her baby Max for the afternoon outing

While Christian has clearly mastered looking effortlessly chic after shedding her formerly Dirrty image, the same can not be said for Bratman, who looked rather dishevelled by comparison.

The couple arrived in the city on Monday to attended Christian Dior fashion show.

Christina is expected to return to the recording studio this month where she plans to work with DJ Premier.

Date night: after a costume change, Christina and her husband Jordan visited a New York club

She recently revealed she's not short in inspiration for new material to follow up the hugely successful Back to Basics album.

She said: "This whole incredible thing that's taken part in my life, between the pregnancy and the birth, I've got so much to be inspired about and so much in my life to write about.

"This next album will have a whole new me, so there's a lot to look forward to."

Curvy Christina Aguilera lives the glamorous life in New York

She may be a new mother, but Christina Aguilera hasn't let it slow her down.

The 27-year-old singer, who gave birth to son Max just four months ago, was at her glamorous best as she hit New York yesterday in a figure-hugging bright print dress.

By evening, she'd slipped into a sheer grey vest which showed her leopard-print bra, black leggings and suede Christian Louboutin heels for a night of clubbing with her record executive husband Jordan Bratman.

Purple reigns: Christina Aguilera was at her glamorous best in New York yesterday

Off duty: Christina took time out from looking after her baby Max for the afternoon outing

While Christian has clearly mastered looking effortlessly chic after shedding her formerly Dirrty image, the same can not be said for Bratman, who looked rather dishevelled by comparison.

The couple arrived in the city on Monday to attended Christian Dior fashion show.

Christina is expected to return to the recording studio this month where she plans to work with DJ Premier.

Date night: after a costume change, Christina and her husband Jordan visited a New York club

She recently revealed she's not short in inspiration for new material to follow up the hugely successful Back to Basics album.

She said: "This whole incredible thing that's taken part in my life, between the pregnancy and the birth, I've got so much to be inspired about and so much in my life to write about.

"This next album will have a whole new me, so there's a lot to look forward to."

Can sex addict and reformed junkie Russell Brand conquer America (and can America cope with him)?

A narcissistic, libidinous entertainer with snake hips, hair like a crow's nest and a self-absorption bordering on the comical.

If Russell Brand imagined he'd have to delve deep into his own psyche for his latest role, it was an expedition that must have taken all of five minutes.

With the release today of his first big Hollywood movie, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Russell Brand plumbs the depths of his personality and comes back up with . . . himself.

Brand image: Will Russell wow U.S. stars like Christina Aguilera?

And it appears to have worked for him. His louche stand-up comedian persona was unknown in America until a few weeks ago, but with the release of Forgetting Sarah Marshall, all that has changed.

Surprisingly, considering their puritanical tendencies, the Americans are now singling out Brand for praise.

Brand, in typical braggart mode, says: "I read recently that George Bernard Shaw once said: 'A reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself.' Well, I won't be changing, but America will be."

Love him or loathe him - and you would be hard pushed to find a third option - Brand's confidence might, at first blush, appear to be misplaced since the film has been panned by several critics here.

But while Sacha Baron Cohen has conquered the States with his twin creations of ineptitude, Ali G and Borat, Brand, too, is looking to make a similar impact after his pilgrimage to Hollywood.

Too bad then, that Russell missed out on an appearance on David Letterman's TV chat show this week because of a mix-up over his visa.

The funnyman was pulled aside by immigration officers at New York's JFK airport and sent back to Britain after eighht hours because his papers were not in order.

But having experienced highs (his autobiography, My Booky Wook, was a bestseller last year) and lows (his dismissal from MTV when he came to work the day after 9/11 dressed as Osama Bin Laden) in his career in Britain, he is looking to make a name for himself in America, as well.

Comedy star: Russell Brand with his co-star Kristen Bell in Forgetting Sarah Marshall

Forgetting Sarah Marshall follows the tale of Peter Bretter (Jason Segel), a middlingly successful television show composer who has just been dumped by his TV star girlfriend, the Sarah Marshall of the title (played by Veronica Mars star Kristen Bell).

In an attempt to alleviate his woes, he goes on holiday to Hawaii and ends up staying at the same resort where Sarah and her new boyfriend, preening rock star Aldous Snow (Brand), happen to be vacationing.

Disaster after disaster ensues as the film casts Brand as the foil with a lexicon of Kama Sutra moves and a confidence in his own inanity.

Though Aldous Snow may be vain and nonsensical, he is also terribly funny and rather likeable - much like Brand.

Reviews of the film in the States have unanimously praised his "oddly insinuating charm", and even the unlikely publication Christianity Today lauds his "subtly hilarious way with ... oddball dialogue".

It's true you want to play approximations of yourself initially," he says.

"I don't plan on transforming like Daniel Day-Lewis. I'd like to just carry on like this for a while to let them know who I am."

Did he find the Americans puritanical about sex? "No. I found them to be confident, comfortable - and willing," he smiles knowingly.

It says a great deal about Brand's persuasive charm that, though the original idea was to have his character be an author with Hugh Grant-esque foppish qualities, after auditioning Brand, the producers turned his character into a rock star with Russell Brand-like qualities.

"They were incredibly generous and gave me a lot of freedom," he admits.

"They allowed me to improvise lines which was liberating for me because as a stand-up comedian I'm happier when I'm writing my own material.

"It was like being a spoiled, precocious and indulged child. Everything I said was applauded and celebrated."

Like his screen character, Brand is sporting a serious amount of eyeliner, and in spray-on trousers and black shirt, with his just-got-out-of-a-flowerbed hair in a state of dishevelment, he looks as though he might have sauntered into his Los Angeles hotel straight from the movie set.

Though most actors would have relished the two-month filming schedule in Hawaii, Brand admits his stay was fraught with difficulties, beset, as he was, with the dual complexities of learning to ride and surf while keeping his hair just so.

"I don't go to the beach, as my hair does not mix well with maritime matters and when I had to do a surfer scene in the film, I had to employ every technique I've ever learned to stop myself weeping for a hairdresser.

"When it came to horse riding, that was hard, too, as it was my first time. They were saying 'Oh, do it like you're driving a car', but I can't drive a car.

"Also, when you're driving a car, the car doesn't of its own volition wander into a garage and demand food and start eating it. How can I be in the lead in that relationship?

Checkmate: Russell gets down and dirty with a giant chess piece on the set of latest film

But I enjoyed my time enormously, even though I missed my life, my cat, my home.

"I really like LA - I'd heard it was a superficial and vacuous space and astonishingly, I fit right in."

Though he may be only half-joking, there is no masking his ambition to make it big in the States.

He has been performing stand-up gigs quietly and to small audiences in LA, "I know, though, that I'm a different phenomenon and I plan to exploit that by being ludicrously English - but I'll speak slowly."

Though his film career may be in its infancy - his other most notable role was opposite Colin Firth and Rupert Everett in last year's St Trinian's which opened to mixed reviews - it is as a stand-up comedian and radio and TV presenter that he is primarily known.

His two-hour digital music show transferred from BBC6 to Radio 2 amid much hubbub two years ago and his hosting of the Big Brother spin-off, Big Brother's Big Mouth, brought him an even wider audience.

However, it is for his stand-up, and by extension his personal life, for which he is known in Britain, and whether his life fuels his art or vice versa is hard to determine.

It remains to be seen whether his frequent picaresque exploits will go down as well in the conservative States.

This was the man, after all, who boasted at an awards ceremony that he had bedded Rod Stewart's daughter Kimberly, only for a seething Rod, himself a member of the audience, to demand that the sheepish-looking Brand stand up in front of everyone and apologise for his remarks.

"What doesn't change is the incessant and relentless embarrassment that pursues me everywhere," says Brand.

"My stand-up is defined by being an honest and confessional examination of what it is to be alive and how embarrassing that can be, how funny that can be, and how sexy the whole thing is."

Of his co-star, Kristen Bell, Brand says matter-of-factly: "I'm annoyed I didn't get to be naked with Kristen Bell.

"I'm very comfortable with her now. We did some sex scenes together but they were awkward, embarrassing, disappointing and expensive."

At times one wonders whether Brand isn't too honest and confessional.

At 37, he has already published a bestselling autobiography, detailing his descent into heroin and crack cocaine addictions, his sexually compulsive behaviour (he lists Kate Moss and assorted Big Brother alumni as some of his many conquests) and at the root of it all, his horribly troubled childhood.

His father left home before he was a year old and his mother was diagnosed with cancer.

Added to that, he suffered bulimia and was a self-harmer, and in his most candid confession, revealed he had been abused as a child by a neighbour.

That he should have entered adulthood, therefore, with more than a little streak of self-destructiveness in him is entirely understandable.

Starring role: Russell is hoping Forgetting Sarah Marshall will give him his Hollywood break

Born in Grays, Essex, the only child of Barbara and Ronald Brand, the young Russell had a difficult time from the start.

With a dad who "played the role of the absent but somehow glamorous non-maintenance-paying father" and a mother who worked many jobs to make ends meet, Russell, an "effervescent, attention-seeking, fizzy ball of emotion", was at times a self-confessed loner.

His mother, to whom he remains devoted, suffered three bouts of cancer (the first when Russell was eight) and as he admits: "At the back of my mind I couldn't stop thinking that if someone keeps getting cancer, they're going to die.

"In some sense I'd made the decision that she, the person who'd been the constant reference point in my life, just wasn't going to be around any more. And all those thoughts, well, it was too much."

He had a difficult relationship with his stepfather, who was "goodlooking, with all those masculine energies, just sitting around, drinking lager, dominating the sitting room" and as he became increasingly isolated, depressed and overweight, Russell took to binge-eating and vomiting and, later, cutting himself.

He was abused by a neighbour as a child, and although he told his parents and never had any dealings with him again, no formal charges were ever pressed on his abuser.

With all this going on, it was perhaps understandable that the teenage Brand sought escape in the form of drug-taking, and as he admits: "By now, I was of the attitude that all life was painful and miserable, so why not take drugs?"

What saved Brand from self-destruction was a role in the school production of Bugsy Malone when he was 15.

It was then he discovered a love of performing, and after winning places at the Italia Conti stage school and the Camden Drama Centre (he was expelled from both for disruptive behaviour), he had found his passion.

Inspired by his comedy idols - Eddie Izzard and Reeves and Mortimer - Brand tried his hand at stand-up, going on to be named Time Out's Stand-Up Comedian Of The Year in 2006.

With his reputation burgeoning, he fronted several shows on MTV until he was sacked in 2001.

He was then sacked from his Xfm radio show for reading out pornographic letters on air, and rather more politely released from his role in the Steve Coogan comedy Cruise Of The Gods.

His erratic behaviour and stalling career were not being helped by his dangerous addiction to drugs, and it was thanks to the intervention of his agent, John Noel, who sent him for treatment at the rehab facility, Focus 12, that Brand finally started to pick himself up.

"They analysed me and said: 'If you don't stop taking drugs now, you'll be dead, in a mental asylum, or in prison within six months.'"

Brand has been clean for six years and is a patron of the rehab facility that helped save his life.

Though his battle against drug addiction may have been beaten, his other well-known addiction - to sex - appears still to be full-blown, and he revels in his promiscuity, declaring: "Monogamy isn't necessary. I don't even know if it's a good idea.

"I could have a harem situation, like you do in certain tribes on our planet."

Others, needless to say, haven't been too comfortable with Brand's brand of sexuality.

Dannii Minogue once labelled him a "vile predator", an accusation which rankled as he replied: "If that's the language you're going to use about someone who really ought to be described as 'having a bit of an eye for the ladies', then what sort of language are you left with for Peter Sutcliffe?"

And although he is the frequent target of kiss-and-tells, he bears the burden with commendable good humour.

"One kiss-and-tell story said: 'He's unusual. He wore slippers in the house and talked to his cat. When we got in, there was a bowl of cat food on the floor.' Well, where else do you put cat food?" he says.

It remains to be seen whether Brand's humour will translate well across the Atlantic, but he is lined up to do another film with Judd Apatow (the man behind Forgetting Sarah Marshall) and is filming Bedtime Stories, a comedy featuring Adam Sandler.

"I'm his psychic, called Mickey," he burbles.

"I mean, a character called Mickey in a Disney film - isn't that a wonderful name? I'm so excited about that."