Katy Perry drops out of People's Choice Awards in LA

Perry's latest album Teenage Dream topped the UK album chart

Katy Perry has pulled out of this week's People's Choice Awards in Los Angeles.

The event would have marked her first major public appearance since her divorce to Russell Brand was announced.

The singer tweeted: "Unfortunately I will not be able to attend the People's Choice Awards. I want to thank u all for voting for me, fingers crossed!"

The People's Choice Awards is the first big Hollywood awards ceremony of the year.

Perry is nominated for favourite pop artist, favourite tour headliner, favourite female pop artist and favourite song of the year for E.T. - a duet with Kanye West.

The 27-year-old has previously topped the UK singles chart with California Gurls and I Kissed A Girl.

The People's Choice Awards take place in LA on Wednesday 11 January.

'Bracingly funny'

Last month Russell Brand filed for divorce after 14 months of marriage.

Perry has yet to speak publicly about it, but she has urged fans not to believe media reports.

"Concerning the gossip, I want to be clear that NO ONE speaks for me. Not a blog, magazine, "close sources" or my family," she tweeted.

Band said he was "excited" about launching his own US chat show

Meanwhile, Russell Brand has just been given his own late-night chat show in the US.

The programme will air later this year on FX, the network announced on Monday.

Russell Brand has previously appeared in films such as Arthur, Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Get Him To The Greek.

The new show, which is due to run for six episodes, will feature his take on politics, news and pop culture.

Nick Grad, who is chief of original programming at FX, said: "We're very excited to add Russell Brand's bracingly funny, original, and honest voice to the FX comedy line-up."

Grad said the show would be "daring and unfiltered" and feature audience interaction.

Brand said he was "excited" about the new 30-minute show.