Aretha Franklin

President Barack Obama cozied up to a few dozen of NYC’s elite this week at a fundraising event at Sarah Jessica Parker’s house. The “Sex and the City” star hosted 50 guests, who each paid $40,000 per person for the chance to dine with the Commander in Chief and first lady Michelle. Altogether, the campaign stop banked $2 million, reports Entertainment Weekly.

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Speaking in an art-filled room, Obama told the A-list crowd, including Meryl Streep, Aretha Franklin, Michael Kors and Anna Wintour, “You’re the tie-breaker. You’re the ultimate arbiter of which direction this country goes.” Parker’s husband Matthew Broderick, who is currently starring in Broadway’s “Nice Work If You Can Get It,” was noticeably absent due to a performance.

Aretha Franklin was a no-show at Whitney Houston's funeral on Saturday because she was suffering from leg spasms, or was it because she angered the late singer's mother with remarks she made during a Friday appearance on "Today"? Was it a little disrespect?

Franklin, 69, unexpectedly canceled her scheduled performance at Houston's funeral service. Dionne Warwick was apparently unaware that Aretha wasn't there, and called for her to come to the pulpit, saying, "Oh, 'Re's not here?"

Singer Aretha Franklin had to cancel her appearance at Whitney Houston's funeral Saturday due to health concerns.

The Queen of Soul said in a statement, "Regretfully, I am so sorry that I was unable to be with you at Whitney's service today. I had every intention of being there."

R&B singer Aretha Franklin isn't heading down the aisle anytime soon.

In a statement released Monday through her rep, Franklin said her wedding to Willie Wilkerson was off. "Will and I have decided we were moving a little too fast, and there were a number of things that had not been thought through thoroughly. There will be no wedding at this time.

"We will not comment on it any further because of the very personal and sensitive nature of it. We appreciate all of the many well wishes from friends."

Monday night's season premiere of "The Bachelor" featured Ben Flajnik, a 29-year-old winemaker and Ashley Hebert reject. Ben managed to narrow his pool of 25 women to just 18 by the end of the night, and axed Lindzi, the contestant who made a grand entrance on a horse.

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Get more "Extra" Scoop headlines for Tuesday, January 3!

Aretha Franklin, 69, Engaged to Longtime Companion -- Daily Mail

Beyoncé a Mom? Not Yet, Says Sister Solange -- Billboard

Meryl Streep to Be Honored at Berlin Film Festival -- Chicago Tribune

In the continuing rags to riches story of Ted Williams, the homeless man discovered to have a golden voice and now a hot radio commodity, made a tearful reunion with his mother. Watch the video on People.com!

Piers Morgan Vows a 'Butt-Kicking' Talk Show on CNN -- Reuters

'Jersey Shore' Recap: Snooki and the Gang Come Home -- MTV.com

Aretha Franklin: Health Problem 'Has Been Resolved' -- Billboard.com

Raven-Symone Debuts Dramatic Weight Loss -- PopEater.com