Stars hunt for new business talent - May 18 2007
Sir Alan Sugar and Jamelia are set to join a host of stars to find the next generation of go-getting entrepreneurs.

Rapper Lady Sovereign and Destiny’s Child’s Kelly Rowland are among the celebrities who have come up with a business idea to inspire young people in the competition run by Make Your Mark, the national campaign to create a youth enterprise culture, the Daily Mirror reports.

Co-ordinator Scott Cain urged youngsters to take part, saying: "We want to hear those ideas and crazy schemes you’ve had buried in your head and never done anything about."

Anyone aged between 16 and 25 can take part in the contest, which will be decided by public online vote before 15 finalists are picked by judges Jamelia, magazine editor Jefferson Hack and Mobo founder Kanya King.

Contestants have to share their ideas with the five steps that would make them happen at www.agrandidea.co.uk

Winners will receive £1,000 towards starting their own venture.

Jamelia not bitter at Brits snub - May 8 2007
Jamelia has said she wasn’t disappointed not to win a Brit Award this year - because she’s just happy to be part of a strong British music scene.

The 26-year-old R&B singer was nominated for Best British Female, but lost out to Amy Winehouse.

It was the second time she’s been runner up in the category - she was beaten by Dido in 2004 - but the Birmingham lass isn’t bitter.

"It’s never disappointing not to win," she said. "Just to be nominated was great, to know you are recognised by people in your industry.

"I think the state of British female music is really strong and it’s great to be a part of what’s going on at the moment. I love Amy Winehouse and bought her album, Lily Allen is one to watch out for and she’s a great girl as well, a really nice person. Corinne Bailey Ray is great and a nice person, then there’s Natasha Bedingfield - there’s so many."

Jamelia splits from Parlophone - April 24 2007
Jamelia has split from her record label after nearly a decade, the company has confirmed.

The Birmingham-born songstress has been signed to Parlophone records, part of EMI, since she was 16.

A spokesman said: "After working together for nearly 10 years, Jamelia and Parlophone Records have made the amicable decision to part company. The label is proud to have worked with Jamelia on some truly great records and wishes her all the best for the future."

A source told the Daily Star: "Jamelia wasn’t happy with her last album. Although it got loads of good reviews it didn’t sell as much as her previous releases and it was disheartening for her because she was promoting songs she didn’t believe in.

"She didn’t like her last single, No More, and felt the album had been rushed. Rodney Jenkins wanted to produce the record but EMI said no. Jamelia was gutted about that."

Jamelia to leave record label? - April 23 2007
Jamelia apparently plans to part ways with her record label, EMI.

The Birmingham-born songstress has been signed to the company since she was 16.

A source told the Daily Star: "Jamelia wasn’t happy with her last album. Although it got loads of good reviews it didn’t sell as much as her previous releases and it was disheartening for her because she was promoting songs she didn’t believe in.