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Pharrell's 'G I R L'Pharrell Williams has defended the cover of his new album G I R L after it sparked racial controversy.

The "Happy" hitmaker received criticism for the artwork, which features him stood next to three women, because critics assumed they were all white and thought he should have included a black woman on the cover.

"What really disappointed me is that, man, [the critics] jumped the gun 'cause the woman I'm standing closest to is black and she's a black girl from Wisconsin I used to date over 10, 12 years ago. That must suck for people to just look at something and assume they know what's going on..." he said.

The 40-year-old singer, who is now married to Helen Lasichanh, also praised black women, in particular 12 Years a Slave star Lupita Nyong'o: "I told her two weeks ago at the Oscars luncheon her skin was flawless, I love her skin, my god."

Click to continue reading Pharrell Williams Defends Album Cover

Gallery: Pharrell Williams Defends Album Cover


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Lady GagaLady Gaga has been refused a permit to perform in a giant vending machine.

The "Do What You Want" hitmaker was hoping to entertain fans at the annual South by Southwest festival (SXSW) held in Austin, Texas between March 7 - 16 on the Doritos Stage, which has been designed to look like a huge snack machine, but due to concerns over health and safety she's had to reconsider.

"Our conclusion was based primarily on public safety concerns ... We look at the size and capacity of the location covered by the permit being sought and how it fits with the anticipated attendance, based on event capacity and promotion. At the end of the day, it's a parking lot," said Don Pitts of Austin's Music And Entertainment division.

Gaga - real name Stefani Germanotta - is still set to play at the nine-day festival but has been urged to find a location with "the necessary permanent infrastructure" to support her performance.

Gallery: Austin Refused to Let Lady Gaga Perform in a Vending Machine


RihannaRihanna is working on a concept album for new animated film Home.

The superstar's next record will be entirely inspired by the new 3D DreamWorks Animation movie, in which she voices a teenager called Gratuity "Tip" Tucci.

Jeffrey Katzenberg, CEO of DreamWorks Animation, revealed the news during the company's quarterly earnings announcement, explaining that Rihanna will perform new songs. While no further details have been confirmed, the release is likely to coincide with the film - based on author Adam Rex's 2007 children's book The True Meaning of Smekday - hitting cinemas this November.

The album will be Rihanna's first since 2012's Unapologetic, and a welcome return from the 26-year-old star, who released a new record every single year from 2009 until 2012. Despite taking a year off in 2013, the hardworking singer remained in the charts by collaborating with Eminem's smash hit "Monster" from his album The Marshall Mathers LP 2 and more recently with Shakira on "Can't Remember to Forget You."

Gallery: Rihanna to Release Concept Album Based on DreamWorks Animation


Pharrell WilliamsPharrell Williams is streaming his new album G I R L online for free.

The "Get Lucky" hitmaker says he is "happy to share" an early preview of his second studio album, ahead of its official release on March 3, and all the tracks have been made available to listen to on iTunes radio.

Taking to Twitter, Pharrell wrote, "Thankful for the opportunity to share my new album with everyone [sic]."

The ten-track follow-up to Pharrell's 2006 debut In My Mind features his Oscar-nominated hit, "Happy," along with a collaboration with Justin Timberlake on the track "Brand New," while Alicia Keys teams up with the star for "Know Who You Are." Pharrell, 40, worked with Miley Cyrus on her controversial #Bangerz album last year she has returned the favor by lending her vocals to his song "Come Get It Bae."

Click to continue reading Pharrell Williams Streams ‘G I R L’ for Free

Gallery: Pharrell Williams Streams ‘G I R L’ for Free


Oasis' 'Definitely Maybe'Oasis is re-releasing their debut album Definitely Maybe with previously unheard tracks to celebrate the LP's 20th anniversary.

The band - who split in August 2009 after brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher had a huge backstage bust-up in Paris, France - sent the internet into meltdown yesterday after teasing an announcement at 9:00 am this morning, prompting speculation of a reunion. But instead they revealed plans to bring out a new version of their acclaimed debut record - which will be available from May 19. The anticipation of a possible reunion saw fans crash their official website oasisinet.com.

The re-issue is the first in the Chasing The Sun series from Big Brother Recordings - the brothers' own record label - with "What's the Story (Morning Glory)?" and "Be Here Now" also set to be re-released.

Click to continue reading Oasis to Re-Release ‘Definitely Maybe’

Gallery: Oasis to Re-Release ‘Definitely Maybe’


Robin ThickeRobin Thicke has cancelled a third tour date in the wake of his split from Paula Patton.

The "Blurred Lines" singer has now axed three consecutive concerts on his North American tour after announcing on Monday that he had parted ways from his wife of almost nine years.

This news comes as Robin was a no-show at Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort in North Carolina last night. The venue issued a statement reading, "Due to unforeseen circumstances, Robin Thicke will postpone his performance at Harrah's Cherokee originally scheduled for Tuesday, February 25. This concert will be rescheduled and the new date announced as soon as possible. We apologize for any inconvenience."

He previously scrapped gigs on Friday in Atlanta and Saturday in Orlando, blaming vocal issues, but instead was seen jetting to Vancouver, where actress Paula is currently filming, in a bid to save his marriage.

Click to continue reading Robin Thicke Cancels Third Tour Date After Marriage Split

Gallery: Robin Thicke Cancels Third Tour Date After Marriage Split


Miley Cyrus and Katy Perry

Miley Cyrus kissed Katy Perry at her concert on Saturday night.

The "Adore You" hitmaker took a moment to lock lips with the brunette beauty while performing at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, as part of her Bangerz World Tour, after spotting the 29-year-old star singing along in the front row. But "I Kissed a Girl" singer Katy, who is dating John Mayer, pulled away when Miley, 21, tried to stick her tongue in her mouth, according to gossip website TMZ.com. The "Dark Horse" singer shared an aftermath photograph, which features the "Wrecking Ball" singer with her mouth hanging open in shock and Katy covering her mouth with her hand, on Twitter with the caption, "And after! I adore you @Miley Cyrus."

(FYI - You can also follow Albumista on Twitter.)

Gallery: Miley Cyrus Kisses Katy Perry at ‘Bangerz’ Show


Adele Prince

Adele is collaborating with Prince on a new track.

The "Skyfall" hitmaker has been discussing the possibility of recording a duet with the legendary singer for her upcoming third album. "The reason Adele only stayed a short time at Prince's gig at Ronnie Scott's in London was because it was just a business meeting and she had to get home. During their talks they got on like a house on fire. They want to work together for a track on her next album," a source said.

Click to continue reading Adele to Collaborate with Prince

Gallery: Adele to Collaborate with Prince


Lily AllenLily Allen will call her new album Sheezus as a tribute to Kanye West.

The "Air Balloon" singer insisted the name of the record - a parody of the rapper's latest album Yeezus - isn't intended as a joke as his expense, instead describing it as a sign of ''respect."

"With all my albums, I've just wanted to have a laugh. But yes, Sheezus, it's bold. But it's not taking the p**s out of Kanye at all. I've got nothing but respect for him. I love him ... So it is a little homage to him. I hope he doesn't think it's a diss. I'd be horrified if he thought that," she told The Sun.

The 28-year-old star also explained while Kanye is outspoken and controversial, he actually "makes total sense." She said,"I know people think he's crazy but most of what he says I think makes total sense. I mean there are a few exceptions but on the whole. He is one of the only people who says what he believes and people call him mad for it."

Gallery: Lily Allen Names Album ‘Sheezus’ to Honor Kanye West


One DirectionOne Direction have no plans to split up, and are writing new music.

The "Story of My Life" hitmakers - who released their latest album Midnight Memories late last year - have already started work on their fourth record and Liam Payne has insisted they won't be breaking up for a very long time.

"We have been writing away for the next album and rehearsals are just about to start soon for the tour. We're not splitting up. We're on WhatsApp messaging each other all the time, talking about song ideas and just funny stuff from our day. It's been a while since we have all been together so we are enjoying being back in each other's company," he said.

His band mate Harry Styles also claimed the group - completed by Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik and Niall Horan - don't intend to call it quits, even if their career keeps them away from home for a long time. "We're not breaking up. We've spent every day together for months and forgot what my mum looked like. It's just holidays," he added.

Gallery: One Direction Working on New Album


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