The mystery of Predator X - the most fearsome of all prehistoric monsters (which turns out to be not quite as scary as we thought)

Introduced to the world in 2009, Predator X was hailed as the most fearsome of all prehistoric creatures. An immense, big-headed marine reptile - said to have been 50ft long with a bite four times more powerful as Tyrannosaurus rex - spawned a host of excited commentary, documentaries and even a B-movie. Now, four years after the initial discovery of the beast's fossilised remains, Predator X has finally been given a technical description and a name - and it seems the hype overreached the facts. Fearsome: An artist's impression of Predator X, who has now been fully studied and named Pliosaurus funkei by the team who discovered its remains in the Arctic island of Svalbard Fearsome: An artist's impression of Predator X, who has now been fully studied and named Pliosaurus funkei by the team who discovered its remains in the Arctic island of Svalbard A team from the University of Oslo uncovered two big pliosaurs - short-necked, large jawed marine reptiles - between 2004 and and 2012 on the Arctic island of Svalbard. Previously the only pliosaur remains found on the island was a section of tail vertebra, so the find was hailed as a major discovery. The specimen dubbed Predator X got greater fame, while the other enjoyed five minutes in the spotlight as The Monster. More... * Plant flowers outside in UK for the first time since the Ice Age thanks to milder winters * Happy birthday to me... Ancient city of Alexandria 'was built to align with the sun on the day of Alexander the Great's birth' * The modern Stone Age family's cutlery: Designers recreate ancient tools using modern materials and techniques Writing in the Norwegian Journal of Geology, palaeontologists Espen Knutsen, Patrick Druckenmiller, and Jørn Hurum have now named the creatures Pliosaurus funkei, and they admit the remains of both only offer partial views of what this marine apex predator was like alive. Svalbard's regular freeze-thaw cycles have severely fragmented the fossilised skeletons, the trio reports, and some parts further degraded as they dried them out in the lab. In the case of the specimen used as the basis of the new species, known as PMO 214.135, the surviving material consist of only a few fragments of jaw, some vertebrae from the neck and the back, and parts of the right front flipper. The second, larger specimen - PMO 214.136 - includes parts of the back of the skull, a few vertebrae and 'several fragmentary and unidentified bones'. Fossilised: This image is a cross-section of the fossilised section of snout belonging to specimen PMO 214.135. Yellow shading indicates dentary teeth, red shading indicates premaxillary teeth and numbers indicate tooth number Fossilised: This image shows a section of snout belonging to specimen PMO 214.135 from two angles. Yellow shading indicates dentary teeth, red shading indicates premaxillary teeth and numbers indicate tooth number Fragment: This cross-section shows a part of the same specimen's lower jaw with the same key Fragment: This shows a part of the same specimen's lower jaw with the same key Study: Cervical centrum from PMO 214.135 shown in articular (A1) and lateral (A2) view, and a second cervical centrum from the same specimen in lateral view (B) Study: Cervical centrum from PMO 214.135 shown in articular (A1) and lateral (A2) view, and a second cervical centrum from the same specimen in lateral view (B) Flaky: Pectoral vertebrae from PMO 214.135. Svalbard's regular freeze-thaw cycles have severely fragmented the fossilised skeletons and some parts further degraded as researchers dried them out in the lab Flaky: Pectoral vertebrae from PMO 214.135. Svalbard's regular freeze-thaw cycles have severely fragmented the fossilised skeletons and some parts further degraded as researchers dried them out in the lab Ancient: A piece of dorsal centrum from PMO 214.135 seen from two angles Ancient: A piece of dorsal centrum from PMO 214.135 seen from two angles Bone structure: Four dorsal vertebral centra and three associated neural arches (shaded yellow, orange, and red) from PMO 214.135 Bone structure: Four dorsal vertebral centra and three associated neural arches (shaded yellow, orange, and red) from PMO 214.135 Right coracoid from the specimen in ventral view Marine reptile: Right coracoid from the specimen in ventral view. A fault (red dashed line) runs obliquely across the coracoid. Several dorsal ribs (shaded orange) lie dorsally to the coracoid. The posterior part was reconstructed based on a preserved element, which was displaced along a fault The same fragment seen in dorsal view: Several gastralia (shaded yellow) lie on the dorsal side of the coracoid The same fragment seen in dorsal view: Several gastralia (shaded yellow) lie on the dorsal side of the coracoid Aquatic: The specimen's right front paddle, showing Humerus and epipodials in dorsal view (A), and the humerus in proximal view (B) Aquatic: The specimen's right front paddle, showing Humerus and epipodials in dorsal view (A), and the humerus in proximal view (B) Fingers: The phalanges of the right front paddle of PMO 214.135 shown in ventral view Fingers: The phalanges of the right front paddle of PMO 214.135 shown in ventral view Efforts to figure out the size of Pliosaurus funkei were complicated by this incomplete nature of the remains, with the palaeontologists only able to estimate the size of their specimens based on measurements of other pliosaurs. Both creatures had originally been estimated at a monstrous 50ft long - making them the biggest pliosaurs ever found, according to Professor Hurum when he announced the discovery. The new paper shrinks the beast somewhat. Now the palaeontologists estimate the complete skull of PMO 214.136 to have been between about six and eight feet long - big, yes, but comparable to the size of at least one other known pliosaur. The skull of the other specimen was smaller at between five and six-and-a-half feet long, which is still impressive but within the range of what researchers have previously found. Partial basioccipital including the occipital condyle of specimen PMO 214.136 - aka Predator X - shown in right lateral (A), posterior (B) and dorsal (C) views The beast: Partial basioccipital including the occipital condyle of specimen PMO 214.136 - aka Predator X - shown in right lateral (A), posterior (B) and dorsal (C) views Massive: Left posterior jaw fragment of Predator X seen in in lateral (A) and oblique posterior (B) view Massive: Left posterior jaw fragment of Predator X seen in in lateral (A) and oblique posterior (B) view Conjecture: What researchers believe to be the left surangular of Predator X in what they think are the dorsal (A) and lateral (B) views Conjecture: What researchers believe to be the left surangular of Predator X in what they think are the dorsal (A) and lateral (B) views Inconclusive: Anterior cervical vertebral centrum of Predator X in what is thought to be anterior articular (A), left lateral (B) and ventral (C) views Inconclusive: Anterior cervical vertebral centrum of Predator X in what is thought to be anterior articular (A), left lateral (B) and ventral (C) views Making good estimates of body length is more complicated still. Guessing the size of pliosaurs is notoriously difficult since many species are known only from fragmentary remains, with palaeontologists forced to estimate size based on bones thought to act as a proxy for overall length. On the basis of measurements of the creatures' vertebrae, the Norwegian team's educated guess is that Pliosaurus funkei was between about 33 to 42ft long, putting them squarely in the same size range as the largest specimens previously known to science. Back-pedalling from the hype surrounding to discovery of Predator X, they now describe their specimen as merely 'one of the largest pliosaurs described so far'. With so many gaps in the evidence, the view of Pliosaurus funkei remains incomplete. Nevertheless it seems Svalbard's pliosaur fossils are not nearly so big or spectacular as had been hoped. Indeed, the palaeontologists now 'urge caution in drawing far-reaching conclusions of pliosaur ecology and behaviour' based on their findings. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2218538/The-mystery-Predator-X--fearsome-prehistoric-monsters-er-wasnt-frightening-thought.html#ixzz29jIKCtPu Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

Like mother, like daughter: Jennifer Garner and mini-me Violet sport co-ordinating red outfits for a girls' day out

With their father Ben Affleck busy promoting his latest movie Argo, Jennifer Garner and her daughters Violet and Seraphina were busy enjoying a girls' day out in the sunshine. The 40-year-old actress and her eldest child sported co-ordinating red tops, with Jennifer in a sleeveless scarlet baggy T-shirt and ripped jeans. Violet, six, wore a pretty embroidered T-shirt teamed with pink shorts and white sandals as she skipped alongside her mother in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles. Ladies in red: Jennifer Garner and a nanny took daughters Violet and Seraphina for a day out in Pacific Palisades on Sunday Ladies in red: Jennifer Garner and a nanny took daughters Violet and Seraphina for a day out in Pacific Palisades on Sunday Violet clutched a brightly coloured teddy bear and a bright red balloon animal which she collected from a market stall in the upmarket vicinity. * Never too early to put your best foot forward! January Jones takes little Xander shoe shopping * They're gigging together! Kate Moss takes her mother out to watch BFF George Michael perform at the Royal Albert Hall * It's all in the jeans! Victoria Beckham looks slim and leggy in flared denim as she cheers on son Cruz in soccer match A nanny carried three-year-old Seraphina, who had a blue balloon of her own. However, there was no sign of the girls' seven-month-old brother Samuel, who Jennifer recently revealed is the perfect baby. Family day out: Violet clutched a multi-coloured teddy bear and a balloon as she walked beside her mother Family day out: Violet clutched a multi-coloured teddy bear and a balloon as she walked beside her mother Family day out: Violet clutched a multi-coloured teddy bear and a balloon as she walked beside her mother Fun in the sun: Seraphina strolled along clutching her very own blue balloon Fun in the sun: Seraphina strolled along clutching her very own blue balloon, clutching her mother's hand 'I don’t know if it’s because he’s a boy. I don’t know if it’s because he’s my third and I forget that I have him,' she told Ellen DeGeneres on her talk show. 'You’re just dealing with two and then you think, "I swear I put a baby down somewhere." And you kind of walk through the house, "There you are!" and he’s just happy as can be.' She also said the baby boy is her biggest fan: 'He reaches when he sees me and he laughs a lot. He thinks I’m super funny. What more do you want?' Girls day: Jennifer took Violet and Seraphina out while father Ben Affleck was busy promoting his new movie Argo Girls day: Jennifer took Violet and Seraphina out while father Ben Affleck was busy promoting his new movie Argo Time for a drink: The actress sipped a refreshing beverage she bought from one of the market stalls Time for a drink: The actress sipped a refreshing beverage she bought from one of the market stalls Time for a drink: The actress sipped a refreshing beverage she bought from one of the market stalls The Juno star also paid tribute to her movie star husband's abilities at as a father, especially at his willingness to spend 'girlie' time with his daughters. 'He’s all about [tea parties],' she said. 'He can do it without using any energy at all. He can sit there and be almost asleep and they think they’re having an incredible game with him. It’s skill.' Jennifer's next film - comedy Butter, where she plays the ambitious wife of a butter sculpting champion - is released in the U.S. on October 5. Wonderful weekend: Jennifer revealed husband Affleck is particularly good at 'girlie tea parties' Wonderful weekend: Jennifer revealed husband Affleck is particularly good at 'girlie tea parties'

Just like Kim: Kylie Jenner, 15, tweets glamorous and gritty black-and-white portraits of herself

With her exotic beauty and long dark locks, Kylie Jenner takes after her half-sister Kim Kardashian in numerous ways. And like Kim, the 15-year-old also enjoys sharing countless pictures of herself with her 2.8 million Twitter followers. The youngest Kardashian - aside from baby Penelope - posted two black-and-white images on Sunday of two very different looks for the reality starlet. The glamorous: Kylie Jenner, 15, posted two black-and-white images on Sunday of two very different looks for the reality starlet, including this statuesque shot of her wearing an Altuzarra dress The glamorous: Kylie Jenner, 15, posted two black-and-white images on Sunday of two very different looks for the reality starlet, including this statuesque shot of her wearing an Altuzarra dress In the glamorous image, Kylie stands statuesque on a marble patio in Miami with her legs crossed in a dramatic Altuzarra dress with oversized shoulder pads. The shot could either be a modeling picture or an outtake from Sunday's Kardashian family Christmas card shoot. In the second grittier image, Kylie looks every bit a teenager casually squatting on a New York City curb in an all-black ensemble as an upturned skateboard is propped next to her.. The gritty: The 15-year-old looked every bit a teenager casually squatting on a New York City curb in an all-black ensemble as an upturned skateboard was propped next to her The gritty: The 15-year-old looked every bit a teenager casually squatting on a New York City curb in an all-black ensemble as an upturned skateboard was propped next to her The Seventeen Magazine ambassador also posted a more provocative shot of her and blonde cousin Leah Felder Jenner clad in bikinis staring at the ocean after their 'desperate' midnight dip. The famous teenager's incessant modeling tweets are also a reflection of her blossoming career in the field as Kylie walked two runway shows during New York Fashion Week. Despite her youth, Kylie slipped into a rather provocative outfit of thigh-skimming red hotpants and a studded bondage suspender belt while strutting in Avril Lavigne's Abbey Dawn Spring/Summer 2013 collection show. Kim and Kylie: After the family Christmas card portrait on Sunday, the Kardashian clan went to dinner at Prime 112 in Miami Kim and Kylie: After the family Christmas card portrait on Sunday, the Kardashian clan went to dinner at Prime 112 in Miami Kim and Kylie: After the family Christmas card portrait on Sunday, the Kardashian clan went to dinner at Prime 112 in Miami This machine kills fascists: Kylie looked very dressed down in her vintage Bob Dylan tour t-shirt This machine kills fascists: Kylie looked very dressed down in her vintage Bob Dylan tour t-shirt The Keeping Up with the Kardashians star also modeled a pretty prom dress for designer Sherri Hill. Kylie and her 16-year-old sister Kendall were just voted one of Zimbio's 2012 Most Influential Women Under 30 in TV, thanks to their fast-growing fame and combined 6.8 million fans. The sister duo, who just started home-schooling thanks to their hectic schedule, just shot a Venus campaign for Facebook and Kylie recalled the first time she ever shaved her legs. You only live once: The famous teenager donned a less than glamorous life vest for a family trip to the Miami Dragon Boat Festival on Saturday You only live once: The famous teenager donned a less than glamorous life vest for a family trip to the Miami Dragon Boat Festival on Saturday Family fun: The entire Kardashian clan divided into gold and Dash teams as they raced at Haulover Beach Family fun: The entire Kardashian clan divided into gold and Dash teams as they raced at Haulover Beach Jenner told Just Jared Jr., 'I was scared to talk to my mom about shaving and one of my sisters ended up walking in on me shaving on the side of the tub and told me to use shaving cream. 'I’ve used it from then on, my favorite is the Satin Care Passionista Fruit shave gel.' And when Kylie's not primed to take over the legacy Kourtney, Khloe and Kim created, she has been busy babysitting Kim's new Persian kitten Mercy from rapper Kanye West. Modeling for Avril: Kylie walked two runway shows during New York Fashion Week, including Avril Lavigne's Abbey Dawn Spring/Summer 2013 collection Modeling for Avril: Kylie walked two runway shows during New York Fashion Week, including Avril Lavigne's Abbey Dawn Spring/Summer 2013 collection Hello sailor! The teen slipped into a rather provocative outfit of thigh-skimming red hotpants and a studded bondage suspender belt while on the runway Hello sailor! The teen slipped into a rather provocative outfit of thigh-skimming red hotpants and a studded bondage suspender belt while on the runway

Why you MUST 'unfriend' your ex: Are we risking psychological damage by spying on former flames on Facebook?

Not only can it waste hours of your precious time, but according to research, Facebook can be bad for your emotional health, too. A recent study conducted at Brunel University has revealed that as many as half of Facebook users — that’s more than half a billion of us — are risking psychological damage from using the site to spy on former flames. Even if you only joined the social networking site to look at your niece’s wedding photos or pictures of your colleague’s new baby, it is hard to stop yourself keeping tabs on an ex-partner when their face pops up on your timeline. Unfriend your ex with a friend to lend you moral support Ex Facebook friend: Delete your ex with a friend on hand for moral support Clicking on his profile to see him with his arms around another woman, or even simply enjoying an evening out with mutual friends can feel like a knife through the heart. Before the advent of Twitter and Facebook, or photo-sharing sites like Instagram, it took serious dedication to spy on a former lover, prising information from friends, or hanging hopefully around their favourite haunts. More... * Real life: 'I was an online stalker' * Textual chemistry: Average Brit spends FOURTEEN and a half minutes constructing post-date text * ROWAN PELLING'S SEX ADVICE COLUMN: All I want is no-strings attached fun, but men always want more But now you can keep up continual surveillance, checking where they are, what they’re doing and who they are with — and it makes it all the more difficult to move on says psychologist Dr Tara Marshall, who led the study. In her survey, Dr Marshall and her team found that those who remained Facebook ‘friends’ with an ex experience more distress and took longer to move on compared with those who immediately clicked ‘unfriend’. She explained: ‘Overall, these findings suggest that exposure to an ex-partner through Facebook may obstruct the process of healing after a relationship.’ Face it: it’s time to prune that friends list.

Who knew they were friends! David Beckham and Rod Stewart hang out in the park together as their sons play football

It’s an unlikely pairing to say the least but it turns out that footballer David Beckham and singer Rod Stewart are friends. The Brits abroad were spotted hanging out with their children in the LA sunshine this weekend as their sons played football The 37-year-old footballer got involved for a kick-about with the young lads as Rod looked on from the side-lines. Pals: David Beckham and Rod Stewart watch their sons play football in a Los Angeles park on Wednesday Pals: David Beckham and Rod Stewart watch their sons play football in a Los Angeles park on Wednesday Chip off the old block: Romeo was the goalkeeper during the game of football Chip off the old block: Romeo was the goalkeeper during the game of football Friends: Rod's son Alistair, 6, and Brooklyn, 13, hang out on the football pitch together Friends: Rod's son Alistair, 6, and Brooklyn, 13, hang out on the football pitch together David’s boys Brooklyn, 13, and Romeo, ten, played the casual game of football with Rod’s son Alistair, six, and some other pals. The elder duo chilled out in the sunshine for the most part until David joined in to teach the kids some technique. Romeo in particular looked just like his father, despite playing the position of goalkeeper in the friendly game. Golden Balls: David showed the kids how it's done as he taught them some tricks Golden Balls: David showed the kids how it's done as he taught them some tricks b b Bend it like Beckham: David wowed the kids with his professional footballing skills Young Alistair, who turns seven next month, looked right at home amongst the older kids and joined in with their game. David looked casual as he wore rolled-up grey jogging bottoms, a blue T-shirt and green and white trainers. Rod, who is 30 years David’s senior at 67-years-old, was understandably less enthusiastic to take part in the game. The blonde rocker relaxed in jeans, a black shirt and aviator sunglasses to shield the sun. Doting dad: Rod kept a close eye on the kids from the side-lines as they played in the Californian sunshine Doting dad: Rod kept a close eye on the kids from the side-lines as they played in the Californian sunshine Future footballer? Brooklyn Beckham looked competitive as he played footie with a friendoked competitive as the kids played footie Future footballer? Brooklyn Beckham looked competitive as he played footie with a friend Natural: Romeo looked the spitting image of his famous father as he played defended the goal Natural: Romeo looked the spitting image of his famous father as he played defended the goal The LA Galaxy football ace has been on the bench for the last month after suffering an ankle injury, but it is thought that he will return to action on Sunday. His return could help the Galaxy crucially maintain the Major League Soccer cup. The former England captain recently admitted that some of his past hairstyles were probably better best forgotten. Agile: Romeo Beckham looked as quick as a cat as he played with the other kids Agile: Romeo Beckham looked as quick as a cat as he played with the other kids Fun dad: David appeared to enjoy playing football with the kids and actively encouraged his sons on the pitch Fun dad: David appeared to enjoy playing football with the kids and actively encouraged his sons on the pitch Home time: After hanging out in the hot afternoon sun, Rod and David decided to call it a day and head home for the evening Home time: After hanging out in the hot afternoon sun, Rod and David decided to call it a day and head home for the evening He told Shortlist magazine: 'There have been one or two haircuts that were close to the mark, that I look back on and think were mistakes. 'I think the cornrows were something a bit different, but I was in holiday mode when I had them done - I was with a friend who was a hairdresser and very good at cornrows. So I thought, "Why not do that?" I think I'd had a glass of wine or two.' Later on in the week, David's fashion designer wife Victoria Beckham went to support her sons as they played a game of football - whilst wearing a floor-length black gown. The former Spice Girl, who now designs fashions full-time, looked elegant and braved the LA sunshine wearing the flowing black dress. She took daughter Harper, one, to the game to cheer her brothers on as they competed in what looked like a school friendly match. Spicing it up: Victoria Beckham took WAG chic to a whole new level this week at her sons' football game Spicing it up: Victoria Beckham took WAG chic to a whole new level this week at her sons' football game

Making beautiful music together! Husband and wife duo Nikki Reed and Paul McDonald lend their voices to a good cause

Wilderness preservation is a favored cause for many of Hollywood's power players. And a veritable who's who of the entertainment industry converged in Culver City, Los Angeles for the Olive's Annual Poolside Party fundraiser to help defenseless animals. Known identities including Maggie Grace, Willa Ford, Danielle Panabaker, Krysten Ritter and Liana Liberato were among those present for the worthy charity event. Taking centre stage: Twilight star Nikki Reed and her husband Paul McDonald performed at Olive's Annual Poolside Party fundraiser to help defenseless animals in Culver City on Saturday night Taking centre stage: Twilight star Nikki Reed and her husband Paul McDonald performed at Olive's Annual Poolside Party fundraiser to help defenseless animals in Culver City on Saturday night But it was Twilight star Nikki Reed who held court at the venue's centre stage, accompanying her singer song writer husband Paul McDonald. The cute couple seduced the crowd with their dulcet tones, singing their song, Now That I Found You. In November 2011, the 23-year-old actress recorded the song with Paul, a former American Idol contestant. Duet: The couple performed their romantic song Now That I Found You Duet: The couple performed their romantic song Now That I Found You Say cheese: The actress and former American Idol contestant pose with a guest at the event Say cheese: The actress and former American Idol contestant pose with a guest at the event The duet begins as a bluegrass tune with McDonald singing, 'I hope your eyes just smile forever, only once I’ve told a lie.' 'I hope these days go on forever and always right by your side. You’re all I want to know for the rest of my life.' Reed said the song, which hit air waves initially via Ryan Seacrest’s morning radio show, was completely unplanned. Bohemian babes: Actress Krysten Ritter and and country music star Elizabeth Cook both opted for bohemian style dresses and cowboy boot combinations Bohemian babes: Actress Krysten Ritter and and country music star Elizabeth Cook both opted for bohemian style dresses and cowboy boot combinations Bohemian babes: Actress Krysten Ritter and and country music star Elizabeth Cook both opted for bohemian style dresses and cowboy boot combinations She told The New York Daily News at the time: 'I’ve experimented with writing lyrics for other people in the past.' 'McDonald recorded the music on the way back from Europe. I just sat and wrote lyrics to his music. Then we went in and recorded it with Andre Harris.' While it remains unknown whether the pair will pursue any more projects together, there’s definitely a possibility. Cute couple: Private Practice star KaDee Strickland and her husband Jason Behr cuddled up at the event Cute couple: Private Practice star KaDee Strickland and her husband Jason Behr cuddled up at the event Celebrity pals: Willa Ford, Danielle Panabaker, Jason Ritter and a guest posed together at the event Celebrity pals: Willa Ford, Danielle Panabaker, Jason Ritter and a guest posed together at the event 'He’s really supportive and encourages everything, so he wants to be a super team,' Reed said. 'I’m a little more shy. We’ve done some open mics together. I probably will end up doing it.' Saturday's event was to help raise funds for the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is a foundation which raises money to help protect and preserve Africa's Wilderness, particularly endangered species such as elephants and the Black Rhino. The foundation is set to receive 100 percent of the money made at Saturday's bash to help the conservation of wildlife and habitats in Kenya. Casual cool: Lost actress Maggie Grace looked effortless in a chocolate blouse and casual trousers as she smiled for the camera Casual cool: Lost actress Maggie Grace looked effortless in a chocolate blouse and casual trousers as she smiled for the camera

Going out with a bang! Demi Lovato rocks into action as she ends tour at Brazil's Z Festival

She was spotted looking absolutely shattered as she arrived in Rio de Janeiro on Friday, make-up free and clutching to a pillow. But after some much-deserved rest Demi Lovato was back on top form the following day as she performed in concert on Saturday. The X Factor USA judge appeared at the Z Festival and looked ready to rock in her trendy attire. Ready to rock: Young singer Demi Lovato performed at the Z Festival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Ready to rock: Demi Lovato performed at the Z Festival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil The 20-year-old donned a sexy pair of leather trousers and a spike studded jacket to match. She stayed cool under the stage lighting with black top featuring a skull design. Dressed up: The X Factor USA judge was leather-clad at the concert on Saturday Dressed up: The X Factor USA judge was leather-clad at the concert on Saturday Whipping her hair: The 20-year-old put on an energetic performance Whipping her hair: The 20-year-old put on an energetic performance Hard-working: Demi's gig was a final stop on her tour Hard-working: Demi's gig was a final stop on her tour The funky ripped-style vest enabled a lacy bralet to be seen underneath and showed off a necklace formed from several gold chains. The blonde appeared to be highly enthusiastic about her performance as she whipped her hair back and forth on the stage. Singing in front of a live band, the TV talent show panellist's energetic routine pushed her limits as she could be seen getting out of breath after dancing closely with her guitarists. Lovato was outside of the United States while The X Factor's second series in America is underway - before the live show stages. Getting close: The star moved in on one of her band members Getting close: The star moved in on one of her band members Heated show: The former Disney star oozed sex appeal on stage Heated show: The former Disney star oozed sex appeal on stage New panellist: She is gearing up for the live stages of The X Factor New panellist: Demi is gearing up for the live stages of The X Factor The star and fellow new judge Britney Spears, as well as music executive L.A. Reid and boss Simon Cowell have already recorded the Judges' Houses section of the series, in which they decide who will perform live in front of millions of home viewers. Demi took advantage of her time off, heading to Brazil to play the final date of her Demi Lovato Summer Tour 2012. The tour began in June, starting in Del Mar, California, before moving across the U.S. and Canada, and then culminating in South America. Shattered: Lovato looked tired as she arrived at Rio de Janeiro International Airport Shattered: Demi looked tired as she arrived at Rio de Janeiro International Airport on Friday

I'm a fat girl. Get over it!': Curvy Christina Aguilera hits back at record executives following their concerns about her weight

Christina Aguilera has opened up about her struggles with weight and the pressure put on her by record industry executives to be skinny. The Voice star toldBillboardmagazine: 'During the promotion of Stripped in 2002 I got tired of being a skinny, white girl.' Aguilera, who has natural Latin curves, said: 'I am Ecuadorian but people felt so safe passing me off as a skinny, blue-eyed white girl.' It's my body: Christina has hit back at record execs who have tried to control her weight It's my body: Christina has hit back at record execs who have tried to control her weight It's my body: Christina has hit back at record execs who have tried to control her weight 'The next time my label saw me, I was heavier, darker and full of piercings!' the five-time Grammy Award winner laughed. 'Let me tell you, that wasn't an easy pill for them to swallow. I had gained about 15 pounds during promotion and during my Stripped tour.' She's back: After her 2010 album Bionic flopped Christina has a new release, Lotus She's back: After her 2010 album Bionic flopped Christina has a new release, Lotus 'They called this serious emergency meeting about how there was a lot of backlash about my weight,' she said. 'Basically, they told me I would effect a lot of people if I gained weight -- the production, musical directors.' '[They claimed] people I toured with would also miss out if I gained weight because I would sell no records or tickets for my shows,' she adds. 'I was young, so I lost the weight quickly and was toothpick thin during Back to Basics promos and touring." But this year, older and wiser, the Fighter singer was ready to hit back at music execs. When is came to working on the soon to-be-released CD, Lotus, she told them: ' 'You are working with a fat girl. Know it now and get over it.' 'They need a reminder sometimes that I don't belong to them. It's my body,' she said. 'My body can't put anyone in jeopardy of not making money anymore—my body is just not on the table that way anymore.' After the failure of her 2010 album Bionic, Aguilera hopes that Lotus, in stores November 13, will mark a comeback. 'This album represents a celebration of the new me. 'And to me the lotus has always represented this unbreakable flower that withstands any harsh weather conditions in its surroundings. 'It withstands time and remains beautiful and strong throughout the years,' she said. 'I tried to infuse as much as I could to promote strength and inspire people with that message,' Aguilera explained. 'And now I'm at a place at 31, where the last time I felt this way was when I was 21.. and I had a lot to say and a lot to express.' My body: At the age of 31, the Your Body singer is taking charge My body: At the age of 31, the Your Body singer is taking charge