This Week: All That Glitters ...

The week kicked off with the Golden Globes, an evening of gorgeous gowns, glittering jewels and a star-studded awards ceremony in Beverly Hills. We watched as talented rising stars Jennifer Hudson and America Ferrera both took home well-deserved trophies and veterans like Meryl Streep and Helen Mirren were honored.

The Golden Globes showcased the upside of fame, but as the week wore on it became clear that all that glitters is not gold. There are lessons to be learned from the lives of the famous.

Here are nine things we learned about fame this week:

1) Some people will endure humiliation for their 15 minutes of fame. The sixth season of "American Idol" premiered Tuesday and Wednesday, with back-to-back episodes showing auditions in Minneapolis and Seattle. There was no end to the oddball contestants seemingly oblivious to their apparent lack of talent, proving once again that some people are willing to humiliate themselves if it means they'll get on TV in the process.

2) TV pundits make their living scrutinizing a celebrity's every move. Rosie O'Donnell said on "The View" this week that "American Idol" preys on people who are not emotionally stable enough to endure the humiliation from the judges. She also took potshots at Paula Abdul implying that the "American Idol" judge was drinking something stronger than Coca-Cola during Tuesday night's episode.

3) Career peaks and valleys can happen in a matter of seconds. "Grey's Anatomy" star Isaiah Washington and the rest of the cast and crew were backstage celebrating their Golden Globe win for best drama. Then, in a matter of seconds, Washington used a homophobic slur in response to a reporter's question, and changed what should have been a high point in his career to an all-time low. Washington issued a formal apology Thursday.

4) Stars can afford fabulous cars, but they still have to drive within the speed limit. Usher learned that lesson this week when he was fined and given community service for driving his Range Rover at 103 mph in a July incident.

5) If you marry a superstar, make sure it's legal. James Brown's partner Tomi Rae Hynie and the couple's young son, James Brown Jr., were left out of the Godfather of Soul's will, which was read Thursday. Brown's lawyers say the couple weren't legally married, but her lawyers are threatening to prove them wrong and sue for half of the estate.

6) Underage stars can get into the best clubs — and into trouble. Lindsay Lohan checked herself into rehab Wednesday, after months of speculation that her partying ways have gotten out of hand.

7) Money can't buy you love ... Cameron Diaz reportedly was acting like a jealous ex-girlfriend at a Golden Globes after-party when she blew up at erstwhile beau Justin Timberlake. Sources told the New York Post that she accused actress Jessica Biel of flirting with her ex.

8) But it can buy you lots of other good stuff. Forbes' released its list of wealthiest women in entertainment this week. Oprah Winfrey topped the list with a $1.5 billion fortune.

9) Fame creates an opportunity to do a lot of good things. Like Winfrey, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie use their fame for good things, and this week they announced that they're moving to New Orleans. The couple hopes to raise awareness for the region and Jolie plans to continue her charity work there.
By Judy Faber