Sting too shy to try karaoke

Many would do their utmost to avoid getting dragged onstage for a karaoke rendition of the latest pop hit - but not, you might think, a pop singer. But that is what Sting and Sharleen Spiteri did last night, as they attended a starstudded party only to shy away when their turn with the microphone came.

A host of celebrities turned out for the Sargent Cancer Care For Children event, at London's Sanderson Hotel, including actors Hugh Grant, Matthew Perry, Billy Zane, Sadie Frost, Dougray Scott and Rhys Ifans. Part of the night included guests nominating friends to go onstage and belt out a chosen song.

But despite the tracklist including Every Breath You Take, by Sting's former band the Police, and I Don't Want A Lover by Spiteri's Texas, both ducked out of an impromptu live show. Sting, who was with wife Trudie Styler, made the excuse that he "had to babysit", and left early.

Spiteri was more forthright. "It's my job - it's the last thing I want to do on a night out," she said. Singers from the bands Supergrass and Dirty Vegas also laid low.

The night was saved by a rousing rendition of karaoke classic You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' by Eric McCormack, star of sitcom Will and Grace. Scott and Ifans were seen dancing cheek-to-cheek to the ballad.

Stars paid £150 a ticket to attend. A fragile-looking Frost came guarded by close associates, following more revelations about an alleged secret liaison between her husband Jude Law and Nicole Kidman. Guests were warned not to approach Sadie for a chat.

Hugh Grant was seen flirting outrageously with model Laura Bailey, and with a pretty brunette - who was then swept on to the dancefloor by Zane.

Friends star Perry, meanwhile, stayed for only 30 minutes and had two diet cokes before leaving.