Social networking site MySpace on Thursday debuted a celebrity news and communications portal called MySpace Celebrity where fans can go to find the latest photos, musings, music, and news from or about their favorite celebrities.

The site assembles more than 300 official celebrity MySpace profiles, including profiles of Matthew McConaughey, Ashton Kutcher, Britney Spears, and Hayden Panettiere, in a single portal that connects celebrities and fans.

MySpace Celebrity portal borrows from a number of music-oriented sites such as Imeem, Kyte, Kadoink, and even MySpace itself, where musicians communicate and share their songs and thoughts directly with fans.

MySpace Celebrity extends that communications formula which has blossomed in the the music world, because of profound changes in that business, into the larger world of just plain old celebrity.

"This is a classic play to MySpace's strength and strategy," said Jeremiah Owyang, an analyst with Forrester Research. "It is a good example of how MySpace members can embody the brand of the celebrities."

However MySpace runs the risk of the celebrity brand overpowering the MySpace site experience, Mr. Owayang said. "A balance must be maintained."

MySpace Celebrity will encourage actors, athletes, socialites, comedians and other famous folk to let their hair down and voice their opinions, challenge rumors, and of course promote their latest projects.

There are a number of special features on the MySpace Celebrity portal including a behind the scenes tab where fans can watch videos such as actor/singer Elijah Wood checking out Heloise and the Savoir Faire, a punk band based in Brooklyn.

There are a number of other tabbed features including Rising Star, Celebrity Q&A, Featured Icon -- a prime spot that is currently occupied by Matthew McConaughey -- and Impact, where celebrities can chat about their charitable work.