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UK Chart Update...

UK Chart For Week Ending 5 May 2001

THE BODYGUARD
Top 20 Compilations - Up to No.18 (from No.No.19) - 79 weeks on chart - 7x PLATINUM

 

Swiss Chart Profile...

Classic Whitney now sports a complete discography for Switzerland's Albums & Singles charts.  Also included is a list of the Top 30 Singles Artists in Switzerland.  Whitney ranks at No.11 based on just 19 releases.

Special Thanks To Jeffrey B. For Compiling This Information.

 

UK Top 40 Trajectory...

New to Classic Whitney is a the complete UK Top 40 Singles Chart Trajectory for Whitney's hits.  The information base will expand to the complete Top 75 at a later date.

Special Thanks To Christian P. For Compiling This Information.

 

NEWSFILE: 29 APRIL 2001


Almost Un-Noticed...

'It's Not Right But It's Okay' found a second lease of life on a few Billboard Charts two weeks back and almost went un-noticed.   The Newsfile has been updated with the charts in their rightful places but just as an update, here's how the song was performing over the past two weeks:

The Billboard update for the week ending 21 April 2001:

IT'S NOT RIGHT BUT IT'S OKAY:
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles Sales - Re-Entry at No.75 - 25 weeks on chart;

Maxi-Singles Sales - Re-Entry at No.17 - 30 weeks on chart.

The Billboard update for the week ending 28 April 2001:

IT'S NOT RIGHT BUT IT'S OKAY:
Hot 100 Singles Sales - Re-Entry at No.63 - 18 weeks on chart;
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles Sales - Up to No.67 (from No.75) with bullet - 25 wks on chart;
Maxi-Singles Sales - Up to No.14 (from No.17 - Greatest Gainer) - 31 weeks on chart.

If anyone has the updated positions for the week ending 5 May 2001, please email me.

Special thanks to Jason for bringing this to my attention.

 

NEWSFILE: 28 APRIL 2001


Bond...

Whitney Houston rumoured to be Bond girl

The rumours about singer Whitney Houston becoming the next Bond girl have started up again.

The Daily Express reports that Houston, 37, is to meet film producer Barbara Broccoli to discuss the possibility of playing a Bond girl opposite Piece Brosnan. It is also claimed that she may sing on the movie's soundtrack.

Earlier this year it was reported that Houston was to meet Broccoli and fellow producer Michael Wilson. Houston's publicist, Nancy Seltzer, confirmed that a meeting was scheduled.


PETA...

Jennifer Lopez, P Diddy and Madonna named Worst Dressed

Jennifer Lopez, Sean 'P Diddy' Combs and Madonna have been named in the Worst Dressed List by an animal rights organisation.   The annual list is the first to be compiled by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and identifies celebrities known to wear fur.

Also on the list is Sharon Stone, Whitney Houston, Lil' Kim and Natalie Cole.

On PETA's official website the campaigning group says: "It's OK with us if celebrities wear mismatched colours or last year's hemlines, but if they have an affinity for fur that blinds them to animal suffering, they're going on our list!"

The site advises Combs: "When you walk around New York dressed like a giant bear, you really can't blame people for shooting at you."

The message to his ex-girlfriend Jennifer Lopez reads: "If you want people to notice your eyes, J. Lo, you don't need to wear lashes made of fox fur. Just cover up your breasts."

The PETA Top Ten:

1. STAR JONES
Claims that the first thing she'd save from a fire is her mink. The Twinkies must be in the pockets.

2. JENNIFER LOPEZ
If you want people to notice your eyes, J. Lo, you don't need to wear lashes made of fox fur. Just cover up your breasts.

3. SEAN 'P. DIDDY' COMBS
When you walk around New York dressed like a giant bear, you really can't blame people for shooting at you.

4. KID ROCK
His full-length furs give trailer trash a bad name. The late midget in his posse must have died of embarrassment.

5. SHARON STONE
Put your fur coat away, Sharon. We saw enough of that tired old beaver in Basic Instinct.

6. WHITNEY HOUSTON
Whitney, you'd be surprised by how much less you'd sweat without the fur.

7. MADONNA
The animal on her back is as dead as her film career and duck-hunting hubby Guy Ritchie is not going to revive either.

8. LIL' KIM
Her fur coats are nothing but dead wrappers. Hasn't she had enough of those in her life?

9. FARRAH FAWCETT
There's nothing like a fur coat to complete the transition from pinup to pinhead.

10. NATALIE COLE
Her trashy tell-all revealed her prostitute past. Her trashy furs reveal her pimp's lasting influence.


France...

'The Bodyguard' continues it's re-profile in France and is up 28 places to No.75 on the French Album Chart (up from No.103), 159 weeks on the chart.

[Thanks Sebastien/Jeffrey B.]

 

NEWSFILE: 25 APRIL 2001


UK Chart Update...

UK Chart For Week Ending 28 April 2001

THE BODYGUARD
Top 20 Compilation Album Chart - Re-Entry at No.19 - 79 weeks on chart - 7x PLATINUM


Sugababes...

UK music trio, Sugababes were interviewed on Radio One today and they talked about their influences.  Despite all three girls being sixteen years old, they don't liken themselves to the crop of teen acts and choose to always sing live citing Whitney Houston is one of their biggest influences and where they look to for inspiration for their art and careers.


Princess Diaries...

[From Whitney Houston Platinum Club]

Princessdiaries.com

In anticipation of the release of The Princess Diaries, a new site has been developed in association with Disney.com dedicated to Whitney's Brownhouse Productions new movie. The Princess Diaries will be in theaters August 3rd. Click here to check out the new site!


France...

The Bodyguard OST is back on the French Album Chart.  It is at No.103 this week and the  album has already spent 158 weeks charting. Previous weeks: 112 & 114.

[Thanks Sebastien]

 

NEWSFILE: 22 APRIL 2001


Billboard Chart...

The Billboard update for the week ending 28 April 2001:

IT'S NOT RIGHT BUT IT'S OKAY:
Hot 100 Singles Sales - Re-Entry at No.63 - 18 weeks on chart;
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles Sales - Up to No.67 (from No.75) with bullet - 25 wks on chart;
Maxi-Singles Sales - Up to No.14 (from No.17 - Greatest Gainer) - 31 weeks on chart.

 

NEWSFILE: 19 APRIL 2001


Michael Jackson Tribute...

Michael Jackson Concert at MSG
The Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) - The King of Pop is celebrating his 30th anniversary as a solo artist with a regal concert.

A publicist for Michael Jackson announced Monday that the superstar will be feted at an all-star concert at Madison Square Garden on Sept. 7. Among the celebrities slated to appear are Jill Scott, Whitney Houston, Britney Spears, 'N Sync, Marc Anthony and Shaggy, said Cheri Fine, Jackson's spokeswoman.

The concert will also mark a reunion between Jackson and his brothers, the first time all of them have performed together since the 1980s.

In a statement, Jackson, 42, said: ``I am very excited to celebrate my 30th anniversary as a solo artist with such a distinguished array of talent, friends and fans. I look forward to performing live and reuniting with my brothers on this special night.''

Jackson first hit the charts with The Jackson Five in 1969, and started his career as a solo artist two years later. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for his solo work last month; he's already been inducted as a member of The Jackson Five.

Jackson hasn't performed at a concert in the United States since his ``Bad'' concert tour in the late 1980s. He's working on a new album, slated for release in the fall, and will debut material from the album at the show.

The success of the album is considered crucial to Jackson's career, which has suffered due to his eccentricities and allegations of child molestation.   The concert will be taped for broadcast on television, Fine said.

[Thanks Tony P.]


Whitney & Michael Duet At Tribute Concert...

[From MTV]

Long-quiet pop superstar Michael Jackson will return to the spotlight in September with a massive concert tribute to his own career that will include a reunion with the Jackson 5 and collaborations with 'NSYNC, Britney Spears and Whitney Houston.

The September 7 event at New York's Madison Square Garden will reunite Jackson and his brothers for the first time since the '80s, with the Jacksons teaming with 'NSYNC on at least one song, according to Jackson's publicists.

Jackson will duet with both Spears and Houston,
as well as debut a new single from his upcoming album during the show, billed as Michael Jackson: The Solo Years 30th Anniversary Celebration.

The show will also include performances from Marc Anthony, Shaggy, Jill Scott, Mya, Tamia and Deborah Cox.

"I am very excited to celebrate my 30th anniversary as a solo artist with such a distinguished array of talent, friends and fans," Jackson said in a statement. "I look forward to performing live and reuniting with my brothers on this special night."

According to a press release from Jackson's publicists, the show's lavish production will include a 300-member gospel choir, a 200-member children's choir, a 48-piece orchestra, 40 dancers and 12 background singers. The show will climax with "40 pop, R&B and country legends singing together" in tribute to Jackson, the press release said.

The show will be taped for a two-hour television special.

Jackson, who was inducted last month into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (see "Aerosmith Thrilled, Steely Dan Unimpressed At Rock Hall Ceremony"), has not released a full-length album of new music since 1991's Dangerous, and has not toured the United States since the '80s.  —Brian Hiatt

[Thanks Quest]


More On The Tribute...

[From Worldpop.com]

Michael Jackson is set to team up with Britney Spears on stage in New York in September in a tribute show to his own career! The show will include collaborations with 'N Sync, Whitney Houston and his brothers from the Jackson 5.

The concert will take place at New York's Madison Square Garden on 7 September and is billed as Michael Jackson: The Solo Years 30th Anniversary Celebration. Jackson will be reunited with his brothers on stage for the first time since the 80s with 'N Sync teaming up with them for at least one song.  Jacko will duet with Britney and with Whitney and debut his new upcoming solo single.

Also taking part will be Shaggy, Marc Anthony, Mya, Jill Scott, Deborah Cox and Tamia.'I am very excited to celebrate my 30th anniversary as a solo artist with such a distinguished array of talent, friends and fans,' said Jackson announcing the concert. 'I look forward to performing live and being reunited with my brothers on this special night,' he said.

The show will include a 300-member gospel choir, a 200-member children's choir, a 48 piece orchestra, 40 dancers, 12 background singers and will be taped for a two-hour TV special on MTV.Jackson hasn't performed in the US since his Bad tour in the late '80s.

Jackson's new album, originally due for release this spring, now looks set for an Autumn release. Meanwhile Jackson is rumoured to be on the brink of securing a deal with Wall Street investors to market bonds that will pay interest from his old song royalties to help his cash flow. Jackson is reportedly in need of some quick cash and the deal is similar to that pioneered by David Bowie in 1997 where he earned approximately 163;30m upfront for future royalties on the sale of his songs. Jackson also part owns severals songs written by Beatles John Lennon and Paul McCartney. (17 April, 2001)

 


Whitney & Michael...

[From Reuters]

Michael Jackson to reunite with Jackson 5

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Pop star Michael Jackson is to appear in a reunion concert with the Jackson 5, the first time the brothers will have performed together since the 1980s, the show's producer has said.

The show at New York's Madison Square Garden on September 7, designed to mark the star's 30 years as a solo artist, also marks the first time in 15 years that he has performed live in the United States, producer David Gest said in a statement.

Jackson, who will debut a new single on Epic Records, will reunite with his brothers Jackie, Tito, Marlon, Jermaine and Randy, Gest said.    They plan to perform a medley of their Motown and Epic Records hits as well as sing a Jackson 5 classic with pop group 'N Sync, he said.

Jackson also plans to perform duets with pop stars Whitney Houston and Britney Spears, he said.

Also appearing will be Latin singer Marc Anthony and a number of stars who plan to sing a special tribute to Jackson, he said.

"It was 30 years ago this September that Michael released his first solo record on Motown, 'Got To Be There,'" Gest said.

Jackson's 1982 "Thriller" album, with sales of more than 46 million copies, is the best selling album ever by a solo artist.

Jackson last toured with his brothers after their hit performance on NBC's "25 Years of Motown" television special in 1983, in which he performed what came to be his trademark dance step, the Moonwalk.

Jackson, now 42, started performing with his brothers as the Jackson 5 in 1964. Among the group's biggest hits were "I Want You Back" and "I'll Be There" in 1970 and "Never Can Say Goodbye" in 1971.

Jackson has won 12 Grammy Awards and also a Grammy Living Legend Award in 1993.

Tickets go on sale the first week in June, and the event also will be filmed as a two-hour television special.

 

NEWSFILE: 17 APRIL 2001


Dutch Bodyguard...

Fans of 'The Bodyguard' should tune into the Dutch channel YORIN who will air the movie at 21.35 hrs CET tonight.

[Thanks Deborah]

 

NEWSFILE: 15 APRIL 2001


Hotel Trashing Denied...

[From Radio One Website]

The Bel Air Hotel have denied reports in today's press that Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown trashed one of their rooms.

The duty Manager at the hotel told Radio 1 the story that the suite took five hours to repair after the couple had a three hour fight was a false rumour:

"They weren't even registered here at the hotel!" he said.


The Princess Diaries...

[From Whitney Houston Platinum Club]

Whitney's New Chapter in Film

Whitney's Brownhouse Productions will be releasing its first feature film since Cinderella, the critically acclaimed 1997 Disney special. The new movie, The Princess Diaries, scheduled for release on August 3rd, features a cast that includes Anne Hathaway, Julie Andrews, Hector Elizondo, Heather Matarazzo and Mandy Moore, among others.

The Princess Diaries, based upon the same-titled young adult novel authored by Meg Cabot, is about a young teenage girl (Anne Hathaway) who discovers that she is the sole heir of the crown of the small European nation of Genovia. It follows her adventures as she learns the life of royalty contrasted against her own, hip New York upbringing.

The film, directed by Garry Marshall, sounds like it's going to be yet another success for Whitney. Look out for it this summer!


Jamaican Aftershock...

'My Love Is You Love' continues to resonate heat years after it's release.  The album registers as the No.2 album of 2000 in Jamaica and the title song is the No.2 single of the year too.

[Thanks Trevor P.]


NEWSFILE: 14 APRIL 2001


Billboard Chart...

The Billboard update for the week ending 21 April 2001:

IT'S NOT RIGHT BUT IT'S OKAY:
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles Sales - Re-Entry at No.75 - 25 weeks on chart;

Maxi-Singles Sales - Re-Entry at No.17 - 30 weeks on chart.

 

NEWSFILE: 12 APRIL 2001


NBA Diva...

[From EUR Website]

(Apr. 10, 2001) In honor of next Saturday's NBA playoffs, and tonight's VH1 Diva's concert, and having too much time on our hands, we wondered . What if the National Basketball Association had their own Diva's VH1 celebration? Who would be Aretha's living, NBA equivalent? Bill Russell? Both have an invaluable, and legendary impact on their professions. Jordan would definitely be Whitney (minus the rumored issues). Both dominated their peers from the mid-eighties well through the nineties while being respectful to the older cats in the game. In fact, the most glaring difference between the NBA and the diva realm is the attitude of the newcomers, which many critics have branded "disrespectful."

Speaking in broad generalizations only (there are many exceptions), beginner-divas such as Brandy, Destiny's Child, LeAnn Rimes, etc, seem to show more respect toward their genre's real divas than the NBA newcomers show toward theirs. Older NBA players used to complain regularly about Iverson's perceived lack of respect.

On MTV's "Cribs," we heard Steve Francis say how he'd rather people start comparing Gary Payton to him, and not the other way around as was written when he first entered the NBA two years ago. There's absolutely nothing wrong with Francis and other NBA youngsters having a desire to make an immediate impact on their chosen field. We all should have such ambition and drive. But to shift into their diva counterparts, would Beyonce ever suggest (out loud) that one day people will compare Whitney to her, and not the other way around?

[Thanks Lopez]


Oprah Mention For Whitney...

On yesterday's 'Oprah Show', one of the guest said if you paint you are an artist, if you sing you are a singer. And Oprah replied "Yes, but you're not Whitney Houston."

[Thanks Margaret]


Fine In Poland...

Fine (Poland)  Fine (Poland) Back

'Fine' has been issued as a single in Poland.   The cover is as above (similar to that of the US promotional single).

The track listing for the single reads:

1 - Fine (Radio Edit) 3:34
2 - Same Script, Different Cast (Jonathan Peters Radio Edit 4:28
3 - Same Script, Different Cast (Friburn & Urik Cover Your Earns Mix) 10:49
4 - Fine (Instrumental) 3:34

[Thanks Sylwia]

NEWSFILE: 10 APRIL 2001


UK Chart...

After 46 consecutive weeks on the UK Album Chart, 'Whitney The Greatest Hits' leaves for the first time since it's release in May 2000.


France...

'Could I Have This Kiss Forever' look like it's at the end of it's extended run on the French Singles Chart where it drops to No.97 (from No.72) in it's 27th charting week.

[Thanks Sebastien]


Paul Robeson...

Alan M. emailed the US television network PBS to follow up on when the Paul Robeson tribute concert would air on the network. 

Their response: Our programming database has no information regarding a program featuring Whitney Houston. You can check our schedule in the future at www.thirteen.org in case it is scheduled in the future. The program may be scheduled for other PBS stations in your local viewing area. You can contact other PBS stations regarding this program, a list of PBS stations is available here. --Peter Zafirides, Thirteen/WNET Member and Viewer Relations.

[Thanks Alan M.]


Bond Meeting Pushed Back (Again)...

[From Friday's New York Daily News]

James Bond is going to have to wait a little longer. Potential Bond girl Whitney Houston's Wednesday meeting in Hollywood with MGM execs and Bond producer Barbara Broccoli was postponed for a second time and will be rescheduled at a later date.

 

NEWSFILE: 8 APRIL 2001


007 Gossip...

From the gossip section of today's NY Daily News by Mitchell Fink.

"In 007 talks: Houston, Whitney Houston"

Rumors have been circulating for some time that Whitney Houston will co-star with Pierce Brosnan in the next as-yet-untitled James Bond film. Houston moved closer to that becoming a reality when MGM and Bond producer Barbara Broccoli scheduled a meeting with her in Los Angeles for yesterday. I was cautioned, however, that the meeting also involved other movie projects.

In the meantime, Houston had been considering appearing in St Louis at Sunday's NCAA women's basketball final between Notre Dame and Purdue. I understand that she and her mother, Cissy Houston, were going to sing backup for Whitney's brother, Gary Houston, on the National Anthem. When the entire Houston idea was scrubbed, the Supremes" Mary Wilson did the honors.

As it turns out, the Midwest wouldn't have worked for Houston anyway, since she was waiting in L.A. for her Monday meeting with MGM. Yesterday morning, MGM pushed Houston's meeting back to tomorrow.

So typical in Hollywood. Let's hope she doesn't give up her day job.

[Thanks Andrea]

NEWSFILE: 3 APRIL 2001


UK Chart Update...

UK Chart For Week Ending 7 April 2001

WHITNEY THE GREATEST HITS
Top 75 Album Chart - Down to No.64 (from No.52) - 46 weeks on chart - 4x PLATINUM


It's Only A Bit Of Fun...

Having steamed into the lead a week or so back in the TV Guide Poll to find out who should be the next MTV Icon, Whitney is now coming under pressure from Michael Jackson in the poll. 

Please take a moment to vote for Whitney in the Poll.


France...

'Could I Have This Kiss Forever' is down to No.72 (from No.67) in the French Singles Chart in it's 26th week.

[Thanks Sebastien]


German Heartbreak...

Heartbreak Hotel - Germany Tracklisting for the German 'Heartbreak Hotel' release:

- Heartbreak Hotel (R.I.P. Mix) 3:42
- Heartbreak Hotel (Undadoggz Radio Edit) 3:39
- Megamix (Love To Infinity Edit) 5:17
- I Will Always Love You (Remastered 2000) 4:23

The enhanced section features the 'Heartbreak Hotel' video and a Megamix video.  This is basically a collage of Whitney's videos, cut very fast and a few new effects have been edited into it.

The enhanced section also features the names of last year's BMG Whitney Houston competition entries and our very own Sabine gets a mention - Congratulations Sabine!

[Thanks Sabine]


Ireland Awards...

Sorry this is late - a report from 2 weeks back about the Meteor Ireland Music Awards in which Whitney was a winner:

US & David Gray were multiple winners of the first Meteor Ireland Music Awards (MIMA) at Dublin's Point Theatre March 16. U2 collected the awards for best Irish band and best-selling Irish rock album, All That You Can't Leave Behind (Island/Universal). U2 members Bono and Edge took the top Irish songwriter award. Gray was picked best international songwriter, while his album, White Ladder (IHT/EastWest), took the accolade for best-selling international album (male).

Meteor is Ireland's newest mobile phone service, and the MIMA awards incorporate the Irish Recorded Music Awards (IRMA). The inaugural event was recorded for transmission to an estimated worldwide audience of 50 million viewers and raised $200,000 for the Elton John Aids Foundation and the IRMA Trust. John received a humanitarian award in recognition for his work with the foundation and performed a duet of "Your Song" with Irish star Ronan Keating for the show's finale.

Sinead O'Connor, Gray, Altan, Emmylou Harris, Gabrielle, Ash, Atomic Kitten, JJ72, and Morcheeba were among the evening's performers. Other award winners included the following:

Best international female album, Whitney: The Greatest Hits by Whitney Houston;
Best international group album, 1 by the Beatles;
Best international male single, "Stan" by Eminem;
Best international female single, "Can't Fight the Moonlight" by LeAnn Rimes.

Harris was the "Hot Press" critics' choice, while Northern Ireland band Relish won Best Hope for 2001. Among the Irish winners were Keating, Daniel O'Donnell, Sharon Shannon, Westlife, Samantha Mumba, and Mark McCabe. Christy Moore was given a lifetime achievement award, Louis Walsh (manager of Samantha Mumba and Westlife) received a special industry award, and Dave Fanning picked up the prize for best rock DJ.
KEN STEWART

[Thanks Lopez]

NEWSFILE: 1 APRIL 2001

MARCH 2001 NEWSFILE CAN BE FOUND HERE

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