Alexandra Burke dropped from her record label after album only reaches No16 on the charts
IT hasn’t been third time lucky for Alexandra Burke’s music career.
I can reveal the ex-Strictly Come Dancing star has been dropped from her record label Decca, having split from her last two labels after each of her previous album releases.
She signed with the music giant in December 2017 off the back of reaching the final of Strictly Come Dancing and put out her third album, The Truth Is, in March last year.
But after only peaking at No16 she has split from the label, which also looks after Andrea Bocelli, Alfie Boe and Michael Ball.
A music insider said: “Alexandra signed to Decca on a one-album deal and they released her collection last year. If it had been a massive success, their relationship obviously would have continued but unfortunately that wasn’t the case.
“The relationship has now come to an end after Decca decided not to proceed, so she is no longer signed. Instead she is just focusing on musical theatre rather than reviving her career as a solo artist.”
After winning the X Factor in 2008, Alexandra went to No1 with her 2009 album Overcome, but moved from Syco to another Sony label, RCA Records, for her second release. But she was dropped by them after 2012’s Heartbreak On Hold limped into the charts at No18.
In recent years she has instead reinvented herself as a stage star, with a series of West End roles.
Alexandra has appeared in Sister Act the Musical, Chess and Chicago and is currently starring in a touring production of hit musical The Bodyguard as Rachel Marron — the role made famous by Whitney Houston.
Last June, she cancelled a 13-date nationwide tour due to “scheduling issues” to focus on her theatre work.
Given this latest news, that sounds like a good decision.
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Rap balance sheet
STORMZY has banked a cool £1million from the release of his critically acclaimed debut album.
New accounts for his company Stormzy Limited show his assets shot up from £300,000 to £1.3million in the financial year from 2017-18. That takes into account most of the sales of his album Gang Signs & Prayer, released in March 2017. But his earnings from touring are filed through another firm, meaning Stormzy, will have made even more.
The rapper’s second album is expected in the spring before he headlines Friday night at Glasto in June.
He can expect another bumper payday soon then.
bizbit
CARDI B, George Ezra and Solange have all been confirmed to perform at Parklife Festival 2019. Migos and Khalid will also take to the stage at the event, which takes place in Manchester on June 8 and 9.
Katy's in full bloom
KATY Perry never disappoints when it comes to fashion – and she went for a heavy petal look with her latest outfit.
The pop star was the pick of the bunch as she wore a giant flower on her head while sipping a cocktail at the Disney Resort in Ko Olina, Hawaii, on Monday.
She was joined by her fellow American Idol co-stars, pictured from left with Minnie Mouse and Katy, Bobby Bones, Ryan Seacrest, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan as they continued their search for the show’s next big star.
It comes after Katy recently enjoyed a romantic trip to Aspen, Colorado, with boyfriend Orlando Bloom.
At least she didn’t go for this wacky outfit on the ski slopes.
bizbit
PARIS Hilton is going back to music 13 years after her self-titled debut album reached No 29. She tweeted: “Back in the studio next month to record songs for my new album. Looking for amazing tracks. Please send my team demos.”
Beatles are Starrs of Jackson movie
THEY were turned down when they tried to buy the film rights to The Lord Of The Rings back in the 1960s, but now The Beatles are getting the next best thing.
The movie trilogy’s director Sir Peter Jackson has revealed he is making a documentary movie about John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and George Harrison.
It will feature an incredible 55 hours of previously unseen footage from studio sessions in January 1969 for their iconic album Let It Be.
Peter promises the film will give an insight into the inner workings of the Fab Four and their record, which was eventually released in 1970 just after the band had split up.
Peter said: “It’s like a time machine transports us back to 1969, and we get to sit in the studio watching these four friends make great music together.” A film about the making of the album was originally released in 1970 and went on to win an Oscar for Best Score.
But the group, including the late John and George, were said to be disappointed with the movie because it focused on their bitter rows.
Peter now insists this version will be far more upbeat and show the band in the studio like never before. He added: “Sure, there are moments of drama but none of the discord this project has long been associated with.
“Watching John, Paul, George and Ringo work together, creating now-classic songs from scratch, is not only fascinating but funny, uplifting and surprisingly intimate.”
As one of my favourite bands of all time, I can’t wait to watch it.
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AFTER selling out their UK tour in March, four-piece rock band Picture This have announced eight shows across the country for October and November, kicking off at the O2 Academy Glasgow and taking in Manchester and London. Their new album MDRN LV is out on March 15.
GWYNETH Paltrow’s lawyer has blasted the £2million lawsuit against her as having “no merit”. The actress is being sued by Terry Sanderson, who says Gwyneth crashed into him while they were skiing in Utah in February 2016. He claims he was left “seriously injured” after the collision.
BRITISH country singers Ward Thomas teamed up with Little Mix and One Direction’s writers Ed Drewett and Rachel Furner for new album Restless Minds, out on February 8.
Twin sisters Catherine and Lizzie will try out their new sound when they tour the UK with Jack Savoretti this summer.
THE NFL have cancelled Maroon 5’s pre-Super Bowl press conference after fans reacted with fury over the decision for them to play the half-time show. Bosses confirmed they had pulled the plug and said in a statement: “The artists will let their show do the talking as they prepare to take the stage this Sunday.”