People talk 8/23/02

Celebrities to headline tennis court tribute

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. -- Singer Tony Bennett, rapper-actress Queen Latifah and actor Judd Hirsch will lead an on-court tribute to New York City's uniformed and civilian heroes from the past year at Monday's opening night of the U.S. Open.

Honor guards from the New York and Port Authority police departments, New York Fire Department and the U.S. Marine Corps will participate in the ceremony.

The American flag recovered from the World Trade Center and raised by U.S. Marines in Afghanistan will be raised atop Arthur Ashe Stadium for the two-week tournament at the National Tennis Center in Flushing.

Parents' divorce 'best thing' pop singer says

NEW YORK -- Britney Spears is far from upset over her parents' recent divorce.

"It's the best thing that's ever happened to my family," the pop singer told People magazine for the cover story of its Sept. 2 issue. "My mom and dad, bottom line, do not get along. When I was a baby, they argued. I wanted this to happen 10 years ago."

Spears' parents -- Lynne, 47, and Jamie, 50 -- divorced in May after 30 years of marriage.-- From wire reports

But the singer describes her own breakup with 'N Sync's Justin Timberlake five months ago as "horrible."

"Very upsetting and it took a lot out of me," said Spears, 20. "He was my first real love, and I doubt I'll ever be able to love anyone like that ever again."

Spears also addresses the criticism she's received as she's gotten older and shed her good-girl image.

"Smoking, drinking, sex -- why is it such a big deal with me? As you get to 20, you grow up, you experiment," she said. "You feel more comfortable in your skin."