Joss Stone 'recording Barack Obama campaign song'

British soul singer Joss Stone is reported to have begun working on a campaign song for US presidential hopeful Barack Obama.

Joss Stone joins a long list of stars queuing up to be associated with the phenomenon dubbed 'Obamania' Devon-born Stone is said to have taken to her recording studio to ensure the song is ready for November's election battle between democratic candidate Mr Obama and his republican rival John McCain.

Mr Obama, 47, is apparently a big fan of the 21-year-old's work and is hoping her style will strike a chord with both black and white voters in America. Miss Stone is already a household name in the US, where she spends up to nine months each year.

"Joss is a big supporter of Barack Obama and was very excited to be asked to do this for him," a source said. "He sent a personal message asking her to get on board.
He has always admired her music and thinks she is the perfect choice because of her unique appeal to black and white voters. She believes he is going to be the first black American president and she is honoured to be a part of that."

She joins a long list of American stars queuing up to be associated with the phenomenon dubbed "Obamania". Film star George Clooney has thrown this considerable weight behind him, while R'n'B artist Alicia Keys and hip hop singer Jay-Z have dedicated songs.

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Dido reveals new album details

Dido is to return with her third studio album in the autumn, her label has confirmed.

The Brit Award-winning singer will release Safe Trip Home, her follow-up to 2003's Life For Rent collection, on November 3.

The album features a collaboration with Brian Eno and has been produced by Dido, her brother Rollo Armstrong and Jon Brion.

'Look No Further', a track from the album, is currently available as a free download from the singer's official website. Safe Trip Home will also be preceded by a single, 'Don't Believe In Love', to be released in both physical and digital formats.

Dido's first two albums, 1999's No Angel and 2003's Life For Rent, have sold nearly 22 million copies worldwide.

Cowell argues with Cole over X-Factor girl band

Simon Cowell has clashes with Cheryl Cole in X Factor after accusing a girl group of trying too hard!

Friends Tia Lau, Layla Manoochehri, Phoebe Lau and Marisa Biliterri from Bristol hope to become the first group to win the ITV1 talent series, but their outfits left Cowell unimpressed: "It's all a little bit over-dressed, too thought out," Cowell explains. "I would have rather four girls like you come in, in jeans."

Cole, who found fame on Popstars: The Rivals, said: "In fairness, when you come to an audition, you come dressed how you feel best. You don't think 'I'm gonna throw on a pair of jeans and a jumper' because if they had, you would've said, 'I didn't think you tried with the clothes!'"

When Cheryl claims that the group have succeeded in standing out from their rivals, Cowell continues the bickering, telling the girls: "Yeah, but that's not a compliment."

Refusing to be undermined, Cole continues: "Take it as one."

Amy MacDonald not celebrating 21st birthday

Amy MacDonald says she won't be celebrating her 21st birthday. Months of international promotion for her debut album This Is The Life have left her too tired to make any birthday plans.

"I'm knackered. I won't be celebrating at all," MacDonald said. "Whenever I get time I need to sleep. Maybe somebody will throw me a surprise, but I'm not sure how likely that is."

This Is The Life has just been released in the US. MacDonald does not want to be compared to the likes of Amy Winehouse, Duffy and Adele, who have also had success in the US: "I was never the next anybody. Mine was never the 'you must listen to this' record. It's just natural."

Melua fears for family's safety

Singer Katie Melua has revealed that she is worried about the safety of her mum and 16-year-old brother, who are currently in war-torn Georgia.

Melua has vowed that her birth country will always remain her "true home", The 24-year-old, was granted British citizenship in 2005.

Her family remain in the the south west Asian republic began fighting Russian-backed separatists in the breakaway region of South Ossetia. Melua said she fears that her uncle may be conscripted into the Georgian army, adding: "Whoever settled anything with war?"

A spokeswoman for the star, whose real name is Ketevan Melua, commented: "She is worried about her mum and brother being there."

Melua lived in Georgia, which was part of the former USSR, until she was eight years old.

Jojo turned down Hannah Montana

Singer and actress JoJo Levesque has claimed that she was offered the lead role in Disney's Hannah Montana before it was given to Miley Cyrus.

She said:, "[I have] no regrets. No regrets at all.

Jojo said: "Yeah, [Disney] offered me the role... [But] it's not really what I see for myself."

Miley Cyrus got the main part in the show. Hannah Montana has spawned a big screen adaptation and launched her music career.

JoJo, 17, has released three music albums and is currently stars in Lifetime's comedy drama True Confessions Of A Hollywood Starlet.