Leona Lewis provides an "Echo"

Leona Lewis is back with her second studio album Echo. After a triumphant success with her debut Spirit, new offering Echo takes a slightly new direction, and definitely packs a punch.

The track listing consists of 13 new tracks and one cover. She has teamed up once again with the producing genius that is Ryan Tedder who wrote one of her biggest hits to date, Bleeding Love. The first single released from the album is called Happy and is an exciting example of their teamwork. Lewis has also brought in Justin Timberlake to write for the record, and this produced track Don’t Let Me Down which he also provides backing vocals for.

The second single due for release is I Got U. This track is a melodic dream, with slow and deep verses and a powerful chorus. This single definitely has hopes of smashing into the top 10 and is one to look out for.

As well as working with Tedder to produce some tracks, the pair have also created a duet, with involvement from Tedder’s band OneRepublic. The track is called Lost Then Found and the two artists really show off their ranges in a beautiful arrangement.

Lewis has also chosen to include a cover on the album, the Oasis classic Stop Crying Your Heart Out. It is in similar style to the way in which she performed the Snow Patrol anthem Run. It starts with a slow pace which gradually picks up with a breath-taking finish as Lewis officially stamps her mark on it.

As a whole, the album marks a vast improvement from Spirit. The array of tracks is more upbeat and catchier. It also features a dance track which marks a change in style from Lewis. Track Outta My Head is fast and up beat and has a real dance edge to it. It really stands out on the album and would definitely be a success if released as a single.

The album has also gained interest from the world of film and from the gaming industry. One of her songs called My Hands has been selected by the makers of the Final Destination franchise to be the promotional soundtrack for the new game. Box office smash Avatar has used the album, and taken the track Alive to feature in their soundtrack.

A successful second offering from Lewis that most definitely deserved its position at No.1 in the Album Charts.

Check out the 2nd single from the album:

Christina makes a comeback with a raunchy new video

Christina Aguilera is returning to the forefront of the music industry, with a brilliant new single accompanied by a rather raunchy music video.

The single is called “I’m Not Myself Tonight” and is taken from the new album Bionic. It seems Aguilera is back with a vengeance if this new track is anything to go by. It has a thumping bass line with a brilliantly powerful chorus. It has number 1 written all over it.

Artists Aguilera has confirmed working with include Santigold and Flo Rida. We’re very excited at hearing those tracks here at FAME HQ. The album apparently features songs “about the future” according to her management and it’s been reported to be “one of her best bodies of work”.

She has most certainly caught the attention of the media. Her new video sees her in a variety of outrageous costumes whilst getting very intimate with her male and female dancers. Lady Gaga is holding the female top spot in music at the moment, but Christina is putting up a good fight and showing she’s still got what it takes.

Check it out here:

The Official UK Top 10

1. Roll Deep – Good Times
2. Usher ft. will.i.am – OMG
3. Plan B – She Said
4. Pendulum – Watercolour
5. Aggro Santos – Candy
6. Taio Cruz – Dirty Picture
7. Chipmunk ft. Esmee Denters – Until You Were Gone
8. Diana Vickers – Once
9. Professor Greem – I Need You Tonight
10. Kelis – Acapella

Courtesy of BBC Radio 1

Radio 1's Big Weekend heads to Bangor

It’s that time of year again, time for a Big Weekend crammed full of the best artists from the music world today, all under one roof for your enjoyment. After such a roaring success in Swindon where it was held last year, the 2010 location for the 2 day extravaganza is Bangor, North Wales.

The announcement that it will be held in Wales this year has left thousands of English fans slightly worried about their chances of winning tickets. This is the case as Radio 1 distributes tickets based on where it is you live, and those closest to Bangor will get priority. Still worth a go as you never know your luck. To register for tickets, all you need to do is visit www.bbc.co.uk/radio1 and enter a few details and your in the draw. And possibly one of the best things about this event is that it’s entirely free!

The weekend is set to take place on May 22 & 23. The line up has officially been announced for both days and Radio 1 has really outdone themselves this year and arranged for some amazing artists to perform. Headlining on the Saturday will be the mighty Florence and the Machine. They’re followed by the likes of Justin Bieber, Dizzee Rascal, Alicia Keys, Cheryl Cole and Chipmunk. Not a bad way to spend your Saturday.

Sunday could quite possibly be even better. Headlining the main stage will be Pendulum. Other acts confirmed to be performing include the likes of Rihanna, Ke$ha, JLS, Paramore and Jason Derulo. It’s going to be a star studded weekend.

Remember, if you’re not lucky enough to get your hands on a pair of tickets, BBC1 will be streaming all the performances live via the red button. And of course, it will be dominating the air waves at Radio 1 HQ.

The Return of Diana Vickers

We haven’t seen Diana Vickers since she came in fourth place in the 2008 series of The X Factor where she won over the hearts of the nation with her unique style in music and her quirky personality. Now … she’s back!

After two years in the making, Vickers has finally released some material from her highly anticipated new album ‘Songs from the Tainted Cherry Tree’. If her new single ‘Once’ is anything to go by, we’re very excited here at FAME HQ.

The new track has gone straight to the top of the charts, and we’re not surprised. Vickers has managed to create a fresh and exciting sound, which is unlike anything we’ve heard before. An exceptional achievement from an X Factor “loser”.

However, Diana hasn’t been locked away in a darkened room for two years writing songs, she has been gaining performing experience by taking to the stage. In October 2009, she took up the title role in ‘The Rise and Fall of Little Voice’, which is a play by Jim Cartwright in the West End. She really took to the role and won over critics, as well as picking up the Theatregoers’ Choice Award for best London newcomer. Diana has certainly been a busy lady and we think she’s going to be the new princess of pop. Good luck Diana!

Check out the official music video for Diana’s debut single Once:

Twilight Mania hits again

It has been confirmed that the newest instalment of the Twilight Saga will be hitting UK cinemas on 30 June. The working title of the movie is “Twilight: Eclipse” and all the popular characters we’ve seen in the previous movies will be returning. The only change up seems to be Victoria. The ferocious and rebellious vampire character will be played by a new actress this time round. There has been no explanation for this change.


Several promotional trailers have already been released and are being played on TV as well as teasing millions of fans on the internet. This third outing sees an ultimate battle, where the famous vampire family the Cullens will unite with the werewolves to face an army of vampires who are hell bent on turning Earth into their very own version of hell. For a more in-depth explanation of the Eclipse story line, visit www.twilightthemovie.com.

Once again Robert Pattinson will be thrust into the media spotlight as his performance as the brooding vampire will be adored by thousands of fans, particularly the ladies. It’s nice to see him pursuing other acting roles though, and not just becoming a passenger on the Twilight train. He released a film earlier this year called Remember Me. This was a romantic comedy with an edge and Pattinson played Tyler, a troubled young man struggling to come to terms with the separation of his parents and the suicide of his brother. His performance was stunning and nice to see some variation in the acting roles he takes on.

The Twilight franchise is taking some serious profit at the Box Office, and we don’t think this film will be any exception. At FAME HQ, we’re happy to see such young and talented actors get the recognition they deserve. Remember, it’s out June 30.

Iron Man suits up for Round Two

Robert Downey Jr. has returned as the man with a light in his chest and the incredible suit that knows no bounds. With old friends Gwyneth Paltrow and new friends Scarlett Johansson along for the ride, this looks to be an awesome sequel.

The film is set 6 months on from the first, and everyone now knows the true identity behind the armoured suit. The film is an adventure into Iron Man’s impending death, as the technology that is keeping him alive is slowly starting to poison his body. Along with this, an enemy has made himself known and his intentions of destroying Stark (Downey Jr.) and taking all of the technology he has created for himself. And with Oscar Winner Mickey Rourke playing this worthy adversary, this definitely sounds worth a watch. For a more in depth plot, visit www.ironman.marvel.com

This blistering action blockbuster hits UK cinemas April 29.

Here's the trailer:

Sex officially returns to the City

Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte are cat walking back onto our screens this month, in one of the most anticipated sequels ever. The second chapter of Sex and the City hits cinemas May 28.

Brace yourselves for yet more designer labels and girl talk as the comedy series that dominated America for years is continued in film form. It can be risky business trying to create a good film from a successful television series, but SATC has definitely defied this. Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon are all reprising their roles as the independent New York women, making their way through life, love, and of course; men.

The first instalment ended with a happily ever after. Carrie had married Big and the girls were stronger than ever, with Samantha celebrating her 50th birthday. So what’s next? Could a baby be in the offing? The story line of this sequel has been kept top secret so there has been vast amounts of speculation. However, several stars have teased fans that they have cameos in the movie. Bette Midler, Miley Cyrus, Mariah Carey and Liza Minelli are all reported to appear opposite the girls. We’ll just have to wait until May 28 to find out.

An inside Vue

There are some big Box Office movies hitting cinemas at the moment. Matthew Berry is the deputy manager at the Westwood Cross Vue cinema and he talks to us about business.

What's causing a stir in the world of cinema at the moment?

Matthew Berry: Definitely Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland. There’s been a lot of hype about it. And because we’re showing it in 3D it’s even more popular. We have taken absolutely loads of pre-bookings for it. I’m sure Johnny Depp is drawing in the crowds as well.

What’s your take on the expense of going to the cinema?

MB: Well we try to stay ahead of competitors so our prices are pretty competitive. We get this a lot from customers and I think it is something that could change in the next few years. We don’t want an outing to the cinema to become a special occasion. We’d like it to be part of people’s everyday life. Reducing prices could be a way to do this.

Which film have your customers flocked to the most this year?

MB: Avatar by far. It seemed to be the first time a lot of people were trying 3D and it seemed everyone loved. Obviously it’s been one of the most successful film of all time, so yeah, our customers definitely lapped it up. People kept coming back again again to see it which doesn’t happen a lot.

Do you think the cinema is a thing of the past, taking pirate DVDs into account?

MB: I think pirates definitely play a part in cinema numbers. There was a really big slump in customers a few years ago when pirating just came out and it was the “in” thing. But now I think cinemas have recovered and numbers are back up, especially with special deals such as Orange Wednesday. People love getting a bit of money off.

Are there any upcoming releases that you think are going to be a big hit at the box office?

MB: I think The Lovely Bones is going to be big. It’s got some good stars in it and it also comes from a popular book. Films based on popular novels seemed to do very well. Another one is Green Zone with Matt Damon. It’s being liked to the Bourne films and people went crazy for them!