andPOP - Pop Culture With Substance

Singer-songwriter, dancer, fashion model, actress Ciara is quite the force to be reckoned with. Even if you tried to, it’s almost impossible to deny her rising influence in the music industry.

After the 23-year-old artist first released her single and album ‘Goodies,’ (which sold over five million records worldwide) in 2004, rumours surrounding Ciara’s sex arose. Some critics assumed that this foolish speculation would result in an early demise for this young singer. 

But, in one of those (many) life moments, they were proven wrong.

Two years later, Ciara’s second album ‘Ciara: The Evolution’ went platinum five weeks after its release. Her chart topping singles “Get Up”, “Like a Boy” and “Promise” and her appearance in Missy Elliot’s Grammy award winning video “Lose Control” proved this artist was just starting to make her mark.

Now, Ciara’s upcoming highly anticipated third album “Fantasy Ride” is certain to be her biggest career hit to date. According to reports, the album includes guest appearances by Ludacris, Young Jeezy, Missy Elliot and the now media disgraced Chris Brown.

Both her collaborations with Enrique Iglesias for “Takin’ Back My Love” and Justin Timberlake for “Love Sex Magic” exude an overwhelming mixture of sexiness and classiness. In both videos, even with the presence of good/bad boys Enrique and Justin, Ciara manages to steal the spotlight.

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What happens in Vegas should stay in Vegas.

Thankfully nothing happened between Kevin Federline and his ex Shar Jackson.

According to E! News, Federline surprised Jackson inside the VIP room of Blush Boutique nightclub at the Wynn.

The mother of two of Federline’s children was celebrating her 32nd birthday.

“A crowd came to see what all the commotion was and they found Shar and Kevin sharing some public affection,” an eyewitness reports. “Kevin showed up to wish her a happy birthday. They shared a very public embrace and kiss before Kevin left.”

However ex Mr. Spears and Jackson were not rekindling a romance.

“We were friends before we were a couple and we’re always going to be friends,” Jackson said. “We have two amazing kids together. Kevin is my boy.”

Pop legend MICHAEL JACKSON has bought publishing rights for rapper EMINEM’s back catalogue.

The Thriller hitmaker, who also currently owns The Beatles copyright, has purchased Famous Music LLC from Viacom for an undisclosed amount.

Jackson is now the owner of The Real Slim Shady and Without Me but also owns the rights to songs by Shakira, Beck and Bjork under the transaction.

The singer says, “This is a milestone event for Sony/ATV Music Publishing. The diverse collection of songs in this catalogue range from timeless classics to contemporary hits, and I am pleased to add the acquisition of Famous Music to Sony/ ATV.”

Eminem parodied Jackson in his video for 2002 hit Without Me.

(c) 2007 WORLD ENTERTAINMENT NEWS NETWORK LTD. All global rights reserved. No unauthorized copying or re-distributing permitted.

Pop superstar MICHAEL JACKSON is said to be “devastated” after PRINCE reportedly snubbed an invitation to join him on tour.

The Thriller hitmaker allegedly asked Prince to perform with him on a planned comeback tour, but with the soul star already committed to his 21 shows in London later this year , he declined the offer.

A source tells British newspaper The Sun, “Michael seemed pretty gutted (disappointed) about it. He said he’s approached Prince to see if he would like to work together. But Prince wasn’t interested in gigging with him.

“There would be so much hype surrounding (his) first gig, it would end up turning into the Michael Jackson show.

“Prince had his own plans. He is a legend in his own right. He doesn’t need to be supported by anyone.”

(c) 2007 WORLD ENTERTAINMENT NEWS NETWORK LTD. All global rights reserved. No unauthorized copying or re-distributing permitted.

Legendary music producer QUINCY JONES has turned down the chance to work on MICHAEL JACKSON’s comeback album, because he’s too busy.

Jones produced Jackson’s classic albums Off The Wall, Thriller, and Bad.

But as Jackson prepares to launch his comeback following his acquittal on child molestation charges in 2005, Jones insists he won’t be contributing to the album.

He says, “Man please, I’ve got enough to do. We already did that. I have talked to him about working with him again but I’ve got too much to do. I’ve got 900 products. I’m 74 years old. Give me a break.”

(c) 2007 WORLD ENTERTAINMENT NEWS NETWORK LTD. All global rights reserved. No unauthorized copying or re-distributing permitted.

Superstar MICHAEL JACKSON is set to receive a $10 million paycheque – just for attending the birthday party of a Brunei royal.

Prince Azim is planning to celebrate his 25th birthday in an English country estate this weekend and has paid Jackson to be the guest of honour – even though he is aware the Thriller hitmaker won’t sing.

A source tells British newspaper the Daily Mirror, “Absolutely no expense is being spared for his party – Michael Jackson is his all-time idol and he said he’d pay whatever it took to get him over.

“Even though Michael isn’t performing, the very fact he’ll be in this stately home mingling with all of the Prince’s pals is worth every penny to Azim.”

Last month, Latina singer Jennifer Lopez received $3 million to sing at the birthday party of Russian billionaire Andrei Melnichenko’s wife Aleksandra.

(c) 2007 WORLD ENTERTAINMENT NEWS NETWORK LTD. All global rights reserved. No unauthorized copying or re-distributing permitted.

Pop star MICHAEL JACKSON is reportedly in talks with the producers of AMERICAN IDOL, despite reports earlier this month he would not be appearing on the hit TV show.

Media reports claimed the star was going to have his own “Idol” theme-week and would mentor the remaining contestants.

American Idol host RYAN SEACREST tells American publication Us Weekly, “It’s certainly a possibility. It would definitely make compelling television.”

Seacrest confirms that Jackson met with the show’s creator, SIMON FULLER, in Las Vegas a few weeks ago.

A spokesman for Jackson says any plans to appear on American Idol are still “unconfirmed” at this stage.

A source close to the pop star adds, “Michael is in talks.”

(c) 2007 WORLD ENTERTAINMENT NEWS NETWORK LTD. All global rights reserved. No unauthorized copying or re-distributing permitted.

JERMAINE JACKSON is planning a spectacular musical show based on the music of THE JACKSON 5.

The singer made the announcement last night after finishing second in British reality TV show CELEBRITY BIG BROTHER.

When the programme’s host DAVINA McCALL quizzed Jackson on his future projects, he replied, “I’m a bit busy at the moment. I’m planning a Jacksons musical in London.”

(c) 2007 WORLD ENTERTAINMENT NEWS NETWORK LTD. All global rights reserved. No unauthorized copying or re-distributing permitted.

Michael Jackson arrived in Las Vegas in hopes of reviving his career.

The notorious King of Pop landed in Sin City late Saturday evening with his three children.

Las Vegas heavyweight Jack Wishna says the two are in talks to resurge Jackson’s career.

“We are working on several projects,” Wishna told the Las Vegas Review Journal.

The 48-year-old music sensation has been on self-imposed exile since he was acquitted of child molestation charges.

Jackson has divided his time living between Ireland and Bahrain.