GEORGE MICHAEL - GEORGE MICHAEL TO BUY HIRST SKULL

British pop star GEORGE MICHAEL is to place a GBP50 million ($100 million) bid for the diamond-encrusted skull, recently unveiled by artist DAMIEN HIRST. The piece - the latest work by the controversial artist and what is claimed to be the most expensive piece of contemporary art ever - was the subject of a private view at London gallery White Cube by Michael and his partner Kenny Goss. They already own several pieces of Hirst's work and are keen to add the 8,601 diamond-encrusted 'For The Love Of God' skull to their collection. A spokesperson for the couple says, "Michael and Kenny took in a private viewing of the diamond-encrusted skull. They looked at the piece as a possible addition to their collection." The couple already own a vast art collection, valued at GBP100 million ($200 million).