USA: Fans of socialite Paris Hilton champion her efforts to earn her "chops" as a pop star

Paris Hilton's career or lack there of has been a punchline in Hollywood for several years. But, no one is laughing anymore. With her debut album, "Paris" set to launch on Tuesday (August 22), the heiress/partygirl can officially now add the title singer to her resume. The set contains the single, "Stars are Blind," Hilton's breathy, reggae-infused single which has climbed to the top of Billboard's dance music chart. This is legitimate dance hit that has earned the 25-year-old Hilton grudging admiration from even her harshest detractors. The "Simple Life" star, who has perfected the art of self-promotion during her years on the red carpet party circuit, was back at work last week in Los Angeles. She was there to meet her fans who had lined up overnight outside a local retailer for the chance to meet the star . "Paris Hilton gets a bad rap for being blonde," said Deidre Behar, a die-hard Hilton fan. "But, I actually commend her for being confident with who she is and being so likeable. She's a good role model for young girls all over." Other Hilton supporters say the star, who showed up in a trendy stripped mini dress, black waist belt, ankle boots, and her trademark large white sunglasses is more talented than being given credit for. "Paris rocks. She can do whatever she wants," explained Greg Marin. "She's done perfume, she's done clothing and now she is doing music. It is actually a pretty cool attempt at it. She's hitting different genre's and we're just here to support." To her credit, Hilton was more than patient in reciprocating, taking time to engage in small talk and signing graciously for the many who showed up. A type of professionalism that some industry insiders believe has been helpful in extending Hilton's "15-minutes" into a possible legitimate career. To her fans, the validity of her career is one that should no longer be questioned. "I decided to get a tattoo of her because I love her," said Jacob Marin, who's sporting a body length tattoo of Hilton on a stripper pole. "I've been watching all the "Simple Life's" and she's very beautiful. Something that nice has to be a piece of art, so what better place to be a piece of art than on my body, to wear it for the rest of my life."

ITN Source | August 24, 2006

Tags:. .attempt. .piece. .rest. .patient. .earned