Zoe Griffin / party princess

The Sugababes had a matinee performance and an evening show to launch their new album Sweet 7 today.

The evening one is still going on at the moment at London’s Supper Club but I’ve listened to it all already and got the photos of the girls at their sexiest best.

Yes, the line-up isn’t original and they probably don’t deserve to be called the Sugababes any more, but new girl Jade Ewen is a better singer than Keisha Buchannon.

Where she does struggle with a bit of the chat / Mc-ing compared to Keisha, she makes up for in sexiness. Her legs are to die for – I am officially JEALOUS!

Here are photos showing their on-stage energy. Something we never really got with the old line-up as sometimes it felt like they were just going through the motions.

Now I am singing the girls’ song Wear my Kiss and can still watch the England vs Egypt football game.

Leona Lewis has disclosed the secret behind her success on The X Factor, she wasn’t afraid to stand up to Simon Cowell.

Leona even went as far as to issue an ultimatum to the music mogul, who thankfully saw that Leona was right all along.

In an interview with Grazia, Leona revealed: “You have to be tough in this business to get on. I am a very ambitious person. I’ve always been hard-working and driven. You have to have that in you to go through a process like that.

“There was this one song, ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’, that I wanted to be very minimal but when I heard the arrangement it sounded like a show tune and I immediately said, ‘I do not like this’.

“Everyone kept telling me I had to sing it anyway so I decided to speak to Simon. Nobody wanted me to rock the boat but I just went to him and said, ‘We either have to change this track or I’m not doing this song’ and he said, ‘Okay, change it’ and that was that.”

Having seen how successful Leona has become since The X Factor, we hope that Simon has learnt his lesson.  

He’s the man dubbed Mr Nasty for his television judging style throughout the world, but even Simon Cowell himself has admitted that some of his comments have left him shocked.

While speaking to Piers Morgan on Piers’ programme Life Stories, Simon revealed:

“There are many, many times where I’ve watched the show back and I’m absolutely appalled.”

“I think that you’ve got to be able to take it back as much as give it out – and it’s a delicate balance.”
It’s nice to know that even Simon can be disappointed by his comments to some of the contestants.

The Backstreet Boys have announced that they will be embarking on a special fan cruise this Christmas.

The four day boat trip will see the group go on a cruise with a small group of devoted fans, who will not only get the chance to meet the boys, as they will also be able to see the band sing on the trip.

A statement from the group said: “This is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience that the boys will embark on and share with you, the fans,”

“Some of the fun things on tap are, an intimate performance by the Backstreet Boys, Q&A, photo session, deck party and beach party. All events are hosted by the Boys.”

I just hope none of the lucky Backstreet Boys fans are prone to seasickness.

The Pussycat Dolls have shocked the pop world today with the announcement that Ashley Roberts and Kimberley Wyatt (pictured) have left the group.

It’s rumored that the girls departure is the result of a on going catfight between the girls and ‘lead doll’ Nicole Scherzinger.

In a statement, Ashley revealed that she had: “gotten the acting bug and am falling in love with it. I have a few projects in the works and when ready I will announce more details to all of you”.

Ashley also let her fans know that a solo album could be right around the corner as well: “in the studio recording some of my own music… Let the Music Set You Free”.

While Kimberly simply told fans over the weekend: “money and fame can’t buy happiness”.

We’re sad to see Ashley and Kimberley leave the Pussycat Dolls, and although we wish them all the very best for their future plans, we’d like to offer to take their vacant places in the group.

John Barrowman has revealed that he once turned down the chance to represent the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest.

Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, John said: “I was asked to sing two years ago, and I considered it, but the reason I didn’t do it was because of all of the politics. No matter how good the song was, you’d be nil points,”

“Also, a lot of people are trying to treat it like The X Factor and American Idol. But it’s Eurovision and we’re not going to create a pop star out of Eurovision.”

I think ABBA may have something to say about that John, as would Bucks Fizz, although admittedly to a lesser extent.

Seven years ago, my mum and I went to Hyde Park to see Meat Loaf play live, today; I sat in a room with Meat Loaf and two dozen other people as we enjoyed a preview showing of his new album, Hang Cool Teddy Bear.

Needless to say, for me, today was one of those once in a lifetime events.

Meat entered the room and proceeded to fire off jokes left right and centre, he then introduced the album.

At 1 hour 7 minutes long, Hang Cool Teddy Bear is another epic album from Meat Loaf, but this album is vastly different from his previous releases. A point he was clear to make when explaining the title:

“If you’re walking down the street and you see a poster that says, ‘Beyonce: Bootylicious’ or ‘Meat Loaf: Bat 4’ you won’t think twice and you’ll keep on walking.

But if you see a poster that says ‘Meat Loaf: Hang Cool Teddy Bear’ whether you like the title or not, it’ll have your attention for 3 or 4 seconds.”

Having explained the meaning behind the album, how it’s based on a short story and each song references the previous track ,which adds to a flowing narrative between the tunes, Meat took a moment to praise his producer Rob Cavallo revealing: “Rob gave me my voice 100% on this album”

Then, Meat took his seat, all of two seats away from me! And the playback began.

Throughout the album, Meat, through his body language and reactions showed me that he is incredibly proud of this album, and so he should be, as it is a wonderful record.

My favourite track of the album was California Isn’t Big Enough, a song co-written by Justin Hawkins of The Darkness fame. I felt this tune perfectly combined the soulful music and mischievous lyrics that Meat Loaf will always be remembered for.  

As the album playback finished, Meat thanked the audience for coming, he was visibly moved by the album and wiped away tears from his eyes, having heard Be Cool Teddy Bear, I believe Meat Loaf has an awful lot to be happy about with this album, as it is fantastic.

Lily Allen has hit back at news claims that she and Courtney Love had to be seperated during a heated bust up at last night’s NME Awards at the Brixton Academy.

Speaking via her twitter account @lilyroseallen, Lily said:

“just clearing a couple of things up. Courtney Love and I did NOT have a bust up at the NME’S. There was an exchange of words, yes she’s upset because she has got it into her head that i put a lock on some dresses for the brit awards.”

“she’s made no secret of this and, when i saw her at the NME’S she tried to talk to me and i told her to shut up stop spreading stupid rumours about me. and thats pretty much it. i would never fight with her , as a rule i don’t pick on crazy old ladies .”

We’d love to know what really happened between the two. Especially as Courtney wrote on her twitter account:

“I know most people in rock and music in London and I don’t know one human being that likes this person. I just don’t get it.

“She’s on a diet of Haterade and cat hiss and self-loathing. It was ugly, she was obviously jealous. So insecure, it’s catchy, I just don’t get it.”

We’re on Team Lily for this one.

Rihanna has admitted that she would love to duet with Lady GaGa, saying that a pairing between her and GaGa would be “hot”

Speaking to Ace Showbiz, Rihanna said: “I’m sure it’ll be a hot video. I would love to collaborate with her,”

Neither Rihanna nor GaGa are strangers to collaborations, and we’d love to see what they could do together.

We think it would be amazing.

Cheryl Cole is apparently set to re-release her debut album ‘3 Words’ under her maiden name of Cheryl Tweedy.

The decision comes as a result of Cheryl’s separation from husband Ashley Cole.

A source told The Sun: “Cheryl told record label bosses just before she jetted out to LA that she’s thinking about the name change.

“If the album is re-released later this year that would be ideal time to do it.”

3 Words  – Good Luck Cheryl