Artist News

- Here is the cover art for Whitney Houston's forthcoming, seventh studio album I Look To You. This is Whitney's first studio effort since 2002's Just Whitney, and will hopefully provide a big comeback for the diva who once had it all, before the drugs took over. One track "I Don't Know My Own Strength", a big ballad, leaked onto the net last week to mixed reception from fans, but there is no confirmation that it will be the lead single as has been suggested.

On July 14, 2009 Houston was in London for the album's official launch party. In total nine songs were premiered including "Million Dollar Bill", "Nuthin' But Love", "I Didn't Know My Own Strength", "Like I Never Left" (featuring Akon), "For the Lovers", "I Look to You" (featuring R Kelly), "Worth It" and a cover of Leon Russell's "A Song for You". "Calling You Tonight" (produced and demo by Johnta Austin) was also played and cited as a likely lead single. Executive producer Clive Davis also pointed out that "we didn't try to fit Whitney into the market" and much of the songs were still unfinished. The album is not yet complete. Someone better get a rig along as the album is due August 28, the same date as Mariah's newie. We smell a big battle of the divas!!! Better get your armor as one Jordin Sparks would say.

- A 20 second clip of Madonna's brand new track "Celebrate" has leaked onto the internet and sees a return to the euro-dance sound of her 2005 studio effort Confessions On A Dancefloor. A wise move after the hard flopping of last year's underwhelming Hard Candy. The track, produced by Paul Oakenfold, will be the first single from Madge's new Greatest Hits compilation due in September. It will be released to radio stations on July 28, 2009 and on other areas on August 3, 2009.

- And speaking of hits compilations, Britney Spears is to release a singles collection later this year. A bit strange considering Brit has only released two studio albums since 2004's comprehensive My Prerogative: Greatest Hits compilation. It's set for a October 23rd release, perfectly timed for her first Australian tour.

- In local news, a couple of former Idol favorites have new music on the way. Guy Sebastian has a new song "Like It Like That" ready for release August 21st and you can listen to the track and watch behind the scenes footage of the music video here. Returning to an upbeat, feel good soulful sound, I have to say I'm impressed by this song and look forward to giving it a spin. Guy has spent much of the past year playing gigs and recording in the US where "Like It Like That" will be his first release. The album of the same name is out October 9 and will be his first album of original material since 2006's Closer To The Sun. His 2007 soul covers album The Memphis Album was a big success achieving double platinum sales.

- Meanwhile, Ricki-Lee has unveiled the cover of her brand new single "Don't Miss You". The track goes to radio next week and to retail July 31st. Her third studio album Hear No, See No, Speak No is due in October. Let's hope Ricki-Lee can redeem herself after last year's ill-informed decision to release a "Singles Collection" (with only 6 singles to her name!). Rightfully so, the compilation bombed miserably, failing to chart anywhere in the ARIA Top 100.