J-Lo, Fergie and Hefner Expected at Rio Carnival

Jennifer Lopez, Fergie and Playboy founder Hugh Hefner will be among the US celebrities who will attend Rio's famed Carnival, which kicks off Friday.

Lopez will be in the box of Brahma, Brazil's largest brewer, according to the daily O Globo, which said the singer-actress would arrive Sunday shortly before the start of the sumptuous parades of the top samba schools.

Brahma also invited U.S. power couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, but their presence has yet to be confirmed due to a possible scheduling problem, the daily Extra said, quoting an company executive.

Another Brazilian brewer, Devassa, announced on its website: "The secret is out: Hugh Hefner will be present in our box" at the renovated Sambadadrome, where the city's best samba schools will vie for the title of Carnival champion with lavishly decorated floats and scores of scantily dressed women.

Meanwhile, Black Eyed Peas singer Fergie asked on her Twitter account: "In your opinion, what is the most popular camarote (reviewing stand) in Sapucai (the sambadrome)?"

Her attendance at the Carnival was confirmed by a leading shampoo brand.

Top Brazilian companies also sent invitations to other international stars, including Paris Hilton, Madonna, Naomi Campbell, Bono, Matthew McConaughey, a common marketing strategy to lure clients to their lavish boxes during Carnival.