Pop News Update...28th June 2001

Hi! Welcome to the fourth Pupiline Pop News Update! I hope you enjoy it. In case you hadn't guessed from the title, my job is to inform you on all the latest goings on in the pop music world.

First for celebrity relationship news, and as you'll probably know, last month Kym from Hear'say revealed that she is going out with nineteen year old actor, Jack Ryder (Jamie in Eastenders). Kym, who's twenty four, claimed they were not going to become the new "Posh and Becks", as they don't want to be constantly in the public eye.

The rift between Jennifer Lopez and Puff Daddy seems to be getting worse, as J.Lo has got engaged to her boyfriend Cris Judd and Puff Daddy is now seeing world famous model, Naomi Campbell. What I want to know is who is trying to make who jealous?

Anastacia has abolished rumours that she is dating either AJ from the Backstreet Boys or Richard Blackwood. In fact, she has a boyfriend of many years, called Shaun, who is friends with AJ, and Richard is just a good friend. At least she's got someone to fall back on if she and Shaun ever do split up!

There was big news from Steps this month when H Watkins revealed his plans to star in a West End Show. Lee Latchford Evans also wants to act, but this time in films, while Faye Tozer fancies her chances as a songwriter and Claire Richardson will be embarking on a solo career. Lisa, meanwhile, has decided to take a well-deserved break with her fiancée, Boom! member, Johnny.

I advise all Westlife fans to go out and buy themselves a Spanish phrasebook, as the boyband have recorded two tracks - I Lay My Love On You and When You're Looking Like That in Spanish. If you're wondering why, it's to help sales in Spain, South America and the States, and Bryan says it's something they've been trying to do for the past two years.

If you've been missing Hanson lately, then you'll be glad to hear that they'll be back soon with an album full of songs influenced by British bands, such as Travis and Coldplay. It will be in our shops by the beginning of next year and other influences include U2 and '60's and '70's songs.

Now for a Boyzone update, and this fortnight, it's Keith's turn, as he  reveals plans to star in a film. It will be for Steven Spielberg's company, Dreamworks, and called The Gift. It will also star Phats And Small's new singer and ex-Hollyoaks star, Tony Thompson, and Michael Melia from Eastenders. Tony says, "The movie is a gangster film with an amazing twist."

Following in Britney, Christina, Justin and JC's footsteps, is ex-Mickey Mouse Club star, Rhona, whose single Satisfied is out very soon. She was working as an actress, until she met and sang acapella for Rodney Jerkins, who signed her on the spot! Rhona, who's from Chicago loves to party and admits to usually being first on the dance floor at a club if the music's good.

Fans of Popstars, prepare to be very excited about Pop Idols, the new ITV show with the same format, except this time they are looking for just one winner. The judges are a lot more famous; they are Pete Waterman, the production guru behind Steps and Kylie Minogue, Capital FM DJ Dr Fox, Nicky Chapman, who was on the Popstars judging panel and Simon Cowell of RCA records, responsible for signing Westlife. Nasty Nigel Lythgoe who headed the Popstars TV hunt is again behind the show together with S Club 7 manager Simon Fuller. I'm looking forward to seeing how this show does compared to Popstars.

Pop Picks

Here are my pop picks for this fortnight.

Song: Robbie Williams - Eternity (The new Angels, perhaps?)

New group: Human Nature (Australia's answer to *N Sync)

TV Show: Dawson's Creek (The series has finished - oh no!

Website: www.hmv.co.uk (You can even buy import CDs for the normal price! Wow!)

I've got to go now, but I'll be back in a fortnight with more of the latest pop news. If you can't wait that long, check out my personal pop music website, http://website.lineone.net/~poptastic. Before I go, I'd just like to say happy birthday to my sister, Rosie, who's 10 today! Have a great day!

By Jessica