celebrity buzz

Gisele Bundchen is the world's richest supermodel raking in $33 million a year.

The Brazilian beauty topped Forbes magazine's list of the 10 richest supermodels, earning almost four times more than Kate Moss, who is in second place with an annual income of $9 million.

Gisele - who turns 27 on Friday (20.07.07) - stars in almost 20 campaigns a year and was the lead model for lingerie giants Victoria's Secret.

The model was paid $5 million a year to front their catwalk shows and appear in their catalogues and advertising campaigns. However, their association ended in May of this year, after the company reportedly refused to increase her annual salary.

Gisele also lends her name to a Brazilian shoe company.

Second-placed Kate Moss, 33, was initially dropped from several advertising campaigns after she was photographed in 2005 apparently snorting cocaine. However, her career soon recovered from the scandal and her earnings have now rocketed following deals with Virgin Mobile, Louis Vuitton and Calvin Klein.

She was also paid $6.1 million to design her own range of clothes for British high street chain Topshop.

The Forbes Magazine's Top 10 richest Supermodels

1. Gisele Bundchen, 26: $33 million

2. Kate Moss, 33: $9 million

3. Heidi Klum, 34: $8 million

4. Adriana Lima, 26: $6 million

5. Alessandra Ambrosio, 26: $6 million

6. Carolyn Murphy, 31: $5 million

7. Natalia Vodianova, 25: $4.5 million

8. Karolina Kurkova, 23: $3.5 million

9. Daria Werbowy, 22: $3.5 million

10. Gemma Ward, 19: $3 million

Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen has crushed ladies man James Blunt's hopes of dating her - she doesn't even know who he is.

The You're Beautiful singer is said to be desperate to meet the supermodel but she killed off any speculation of a pairing during a recent promotional trip to London.

She said, "Who is that? No I'm sorry, I have no idea who you're talking about."

Supermodel Gisele Bundchen stepped into the debate over birth control and sexual behavior in Brazil on Tuesday, saying Church opposition to condom use was ridiculous and women should have the right to choose on abortion.

Gisele is idolized by many young women in Brazil, the world's largest Roman Catholic country, where debate over sexual issues has intensified around a visit by Pope Benedict last month.

The Pope stressed the Church's firm opposition to abortion and contraception and railed against sex outside of marriage.

The Brazilian beauty, one of the world's top models, told Folha de S.Paulo newspaper in an interview that when the Church made its laws centuries ago, women were expected to be virgins.

"Today no one is a virgin when they get married ... show me someone who's a virgin!" she said.

Asked about abortion, she said a woman should have the right to choose what is best for her.

"If she thinks she doesn't have the money or the emotional condition to raise a child, why should she give birth?"

Gisele, who had just arrived from New York to take part in Rio de Janeiro's Fashion Week, also defended condom use.

"It's ridiculous to ban contraceptives -- you only have to think of the diseases that are transmitted without them. I think it should be compulsory to use a contraceptive."

The Brazilian government has clashed with the church over anti-AIDS programs in which it distributes millions of free condoms and Health Minister Jose Temporao has called for a national referendum on abortion.

Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen shaved off all her hair during a low point in her rocky relationship with actor Leonardo Dicaprio.

The sexy star - who dated the Blood Diamond actor on/off for five years - has lent her support to troubled superstar Britney Spears, who shaved off her long locks earlier this year.

Bundchen says, "It was not a fun time in my life - but I know the shame and torment Britney went through, when she cut all her hair off..."

"I immediately regretted my hasty decision and flew to Brazil to hide out with my family till it grew back. I'll never cut it again - I think my success as a model is down to my boobs and my hair."