Eminem blows out Oscars

Oscar nominated rapper Eminem will snub next weekend's Academy Awards event in Hollywood.

The star was expected to perform his hit single Lose Yourself, up for Best Song, at the ceremony.

But he has announced that he will not even attend the star-studded awards - preferring to go on holiday instead.

Dennis Dennehy, of Eminem's record label Interscope, confirmed the rapper would be absent on 23 March. He simply said: "He will still be on vacation during the Academy Awards."

Eminem's decision to miss the ceremony will be a blow to Oscars organisers - especially producer Gil Cates - who had hoped the rapper would help attract a younger television audience.