Three cherubs from the community — Ava Williams, Chelsea Lynne Michel and Lauren Nagamine — are having a tee-rrific time, rehearsing for two roles they share in "Les Misérables," the Broadway blockbuster, which opens Diamond Head Theatre's 2008-09 season tomorrow night. They take turns portraying Young Cosette and Young Eponine; as Cosette, each youngster delivers one of the show's hit tunes, "Castle on a Cloud."

One of their moms devised a classic tee shirt. As it declares, "100% awesome."

— Wayne Harada, Advertiser entertainment writer

MCCARTNEY URGES PEACE FOR MIDEAST

BETHLEHEM, West Bank — Paul McCartney said yesterd he's carrying a message of peace for Israel and the Palestinians, rejecting criticism of his planned concert in Tel Aviv.

McCartney toured the West Bank town of Bethlehem, visiting the Church of the Nativity, built over the traditional birthplace of Jesus.

The 66-year-old former Beatle ducked into the fourth-century church through its low, narrow entrance, taking pictures with a small camera. He lit two long, tapered white candles in different parts of the church, saying each time that they were "for peace."

After posing for pictures with fans outside the fortress-like church, McCartney was asked to respond to criticism from some Palestinians that his visit to Israel supports its occupation of the West Bank.

He said his visit yesterday to the West Bank showed he was not playing favorites.

"I'm here to highlight the situation and to say that what we need is peace in this region, a two-state solution," he said, referring to Israel and a Palestinian state.

"I get criticized everywhere I go, but I don't listen to them," McCartney said. "I'm bringing a message of peace, and I think that's what the region needs."

McCartney arrived Tuesday night ahead of his concert today in Tel Aviv's largest park.

Four decades ago the Israeli government banned a planned concert by the Beatles, ruling that they could corrupt the morals of Israel's youth.

'REVELATION' FAILS TO SHOCK COWELL

NEW YORK — The revelation that Clay Aiken is gay hasn't fazed Simon Cowell.

The "American Idol" judge reacted in typically form, telling the entertainment news show "Extra": "Wow. That's a shock. It's like being told Santa Claus isn't real. Unbelievable."

Getting serious, Cowell said: "Good for him. If he said it, it's the right thing for him. ... I don't think anyone cares. Let's face it. It's 2008. You know. Who cares?"

The former "Idol" runner-up, recording artist and Broadway star acknowledged his sexuality in an interview with People magazine.