Wednesday, March 3rd 2010

Original Sugababes Launch Legal Action Against New Line-Up!

Just when it appeared the dust had settled in the Sugababes saga, it is being reported that ALL of the group’s original members have launched High Court action to secure the rights to the ‘Sugababes’ name.

According to Holy Moly, Keisha Buchanan, Mutya Buena, and Siobhan Donaghy have jointly applied to the European Trademark Authority, seeking ownership to the group’s name. Shockingly, the ‘Sugababes’ name had reportedly never been trademarked, which has allowed the case to proceed.

Buena initially filed the application back in November last year, 2 months after Buchanan was booted. Yet yesterday, the application was amended to include both Keisha and Siobhan.

If their case is successful (which insiders say is ‘likely’), the trio would be able use the name for, among other things, CDs and advertisements in Europe. They would also be able to perform and record under the name. Although the latter is unlikely in light of Buchanan’s solo deal and personal differences between Donaghy and the other members.

Worse still for the current line-up, who will undoubtedly have to change their name should they lose, their legal team have only until May 8th to officially file opposition. Ouch.

Check out scans of the legal files below!

There’s little else to be said other than….let the battle begin! Granted I’m sure there are intricate details and procedures which could drag on for a while, I know which side I’m rooting for. I mean, watching the current line-up performing the group’s older material (material which neither Amelle or Jade were even in the group for) just a few minutes before this story broke, really made my stomach turn. Peep their recent live spin on ‘Ugly’ and ‘Round Round’ after the jump…

(more…)

Posted By: Sam

48 Comments

Sunday, November 29th 2009

New Song: Jay Sean & Keisha Buchanan – ‘Far Away’

Former Sugababe Keisha Buchanan is keeping things moving since being controversially ousted from the group back in September. As well as working diligently on her solo album, she also features on fellow Brit Jay Sean‘s latest LP (‘All or Nothing’) on the track ‘Far Away’ (which surfaced today).

A laid-back cut, with a ‘knock’ and a great meshing together of Buchanan and Sean’s voices make this one a winner – something if I’m to be honest, I never thought I’d say about a Jay Sean track. Listening to this has definitely wet my appetite even more so for more Keisha’s solo LP. Roll on 2010…

Hit or Miss?

Posted By: Sam

1 Comments

Tuesday, November 17th 2009

Keisha: “Original Sugababes Not Reforming”

Former Sugababe Keisha Buchanan has quashed rumours that the original line-up of the controversial brand band are set to reform. Consistent of Buchanan, Mutya Buena and Siobhán Donaghy, the trio burst on the scene in 2000 with the smash ‘Overload’.

Speaking of the rumours on her Twitter page literally moments ago, the 25 year old singer said:

“I’m not re-forming the sugababes. We’ve spoken & I’m pleased they’ve lent me their support & vice versa. But we’re 100% NOT reforming xxx”

Though a supporter of what the band used to stand for (Pop music that you were ‘allowed’ to like LOL), I’m definitely more eager to see what Ms. Buchanan serves up on her own. Her solo album, which she is recording as I type, drops next year via Island Records.

Your thoughts?

Posted By: Sam

2 Comments

Thursday, October 29th 2009

Keisha: “My Solo Material Will Be Fierce”

Ousted Sugababe Keisha Buchanan, has promised that her solo material will be, quote on quote, “fierce”. Buchanan, 25, signed a deal with Island Records following her now-infamous departure from the UK’s top girl group in September.

Speaking more about her future plans, the talented singer-songwriter ruled out a reformation of the original Sugababes line-up, despite former member Mutya Buena reaching out to her:

The star, who insisted that she has no hard feelings towards the current Sugababes members, admitted that she turned to former bandmate Mutya Buena after leaving the group.

“I’m happy, Mutya’s been very supportive. It’s been good to talk with her and have so many friends look out for me,” she said, adding: “We’re not forming another band, that is out of the question. But we are friends, of course.” {Source}

I’m really hopeful Keisha succeeds solo; I legitimately believe she can with the right material and handling. Moving beyond the whole ‘whose side are you on’ hoo-haa, Ms. Buchanan is immensely talented in her own right, hence it’d be great to have a genuinely talented talent at the top of the charts here. More power to her.

Your thoughts?

Posted By: Sam

3 Comments

Saturday, September 26th 2009

Ne-Yo Desperate To Work With Ex-Sugababe Keisha

With the UK music industry still in shock over the departure of Keisha Buchanan from country’s biggest girl group, the Sugababes, new reports are suggesting the industry’s top hitmakers are lining up to work with the talented vocalist, particularly Ne-Yo:

Having been humiliated after she was forced out of the Sugababes, Keisha Buchanan may soon have the last laugh — R&B star Ne-Yo is desperate to work with her.

We can reveal that the US singer, 29, who has written hits for Beyoncé, Rihanna and Leona Lewis, contacted Keisha about working on material for her solo career.

Earlier this week, the 24-year-old singer, the last original member of the group, announced she had been forced to leave. Keisha has now been replaced by Eurovision runner-up Jade Ewen.A source told us: “Keisha has known Ne-Yo for a few years. They are close friends and have worked together on Sugababes material. So when he heard she had left the group he contacted her and told her he wants to work with her. Keisha is also good friends with Jermaine Riley from FDM, who is signed to Ne-Yo’s label. When he heard of the split he told her to call him as he had some big news.”

Mutya Buena, 24, an original Sugababe who left in 2005, has hinted she would like the founding line-up — which included Siobhan Donaghy — to reform. The source added: “Mutya is keen on the old line-up getting back together, but Keisha wants to try to make it solo and she thinks Ne-Yo is the perfect guy for the job.”

Speculation over the Sugababe split led to rumours that Keisha was bullying the other members, a claim she fiercely denies. Today Sugababe Amelle Berrabah, 25, said: “Problems started in the last few months, but it was a long time coming.” {Source}

I’m definitely hoping this is true; ever since news broke that Keisha had been ousted, yet has a solo deal, I’ve been sizing up the prospects of her solo LP. While some may be sceptical of her chances as a solo artist, I must say I’m very optimistic. As well as her undeniable talent, Keisha has also done a great job over the years of networking with her industry peers, hence if handled correctly and given the opportunity to work with the best (which I’m sure her label Island wouldn’t say no to, particularly in the case of Ne-Yo), she could really be a force and, as the article suggests, have the last laugh. Definitely looking forward to this project…

Your thoughts?

Posted By: Sam

18 Comments

Monday, September 21st 2009

Breaking: Keisha Leaves The Sugababes; Gets Solo Deal / Jade Ewen Joins

In a shocking new twist, Keisha Buchanan has left the Sugababes – not Amelle – and has been replaced by Jade Ewen This confirmed on the group’s official site:

Sugababes Statement
Monday 21st September

The current line-up of the Sugababes has disbanded.

Heidi Range and Amelle Berrabah will continue as the Sugababes and will be joined by new member Jade Ewen. They release their album ‘Sweet 7’ on November 23rd through Island Records.

Keisha Buchanan will continue to record for Island Records as a solo artist. {Source}

*UPDATE* Keisha has taken to her Twitter to address her departure from the group:

Dear Friends,

I’m sad to say that I am no longer apart of the Sugababes.

I’ve had a great time and have achieved more then I ever thought I would.

Although it was not my choice to leave, it’s time to enter a new chapter in my life
I have nothing but positive things to say about the girls and I wish them the best of luck.

I would like to state that there were no arguments, bullying or anything of the sort that lead to this.

Sometimes a break down in communication and lack of trust can result in many different things.

I would also like to point out that I have always supported the girls and they have also supported me.

Remember my drunk pictures out with Amelle, supporting her on her success with Tinchy Stryder… Oh the shame… But what a fun night we had

Now I’m going to take some time to focus on me. I’ve been in this band for 11 years and I have achieved so much.

I have a great family and friends who are behind me 100% and at the age of 24, I’m now going out into this world on my own…

Although im nervous… I’m still very excited on what lies ahead.

I want to thank the Sugababes fans and my fans for all your support and all who have never judged me, but excepted me for who I am…The feisty, funny, professional, fearless, motor mouth… lol

This is not the end… but the beginning!!!!

Thank you always… Keisha xxx

*UPDATE 2* The plot thickens… News of the World editor Dan Wotten has taken to his Twitter account to spill the beans on some of the behind the scenes drama that has been popping off:

HUGE BREAKING NEWS: KEISHA WILL LEAVE THE SUGABABES. JADE EWEN WILL REPLACE HER. SHE HAD NO IDEA.

KEISHA DID NOT KNOW WHEN I SPOKE TO HER ON SATURDAY. SHE ONLY FOUND OUT THIS EVENING.

I HAVE SPOKEN TO KEISHA. SHE’S OK.

Keisha was booted out of her own band. She is the voice of this band. I feel her treatment has been DISGUSTING. She did EVERYTHING she could.

The Sugababes management were auditioning members and re–recording the album in LA this week BEHIND KEISHA’S BACK. WTF???

She reached out to both Amelle and Heidi. Attempted to find out how she could change to make this work. She had never been cautioned before.

Keisha was told that Amelle is now the Sugababes. How deluded is that? She’s the voice of the band, she wrote the songs. This is WRONG.

I can report Island Records have bn supportive of Keisha. That’s the good news. This was driven by Heidi, Amelle and the band’s management.

Keisha stayed in LA to try and work this out. She was prepared to make compromises to the girls so the line-up could stay in tact.

I must stress Keisha was NOT lying to me on Saturday evening when she said Jade was not joining the band. She did not know at that point.

The management didn’t want a member who could speak for herself and would not be muzzled. That does NOT make her a bully. I know that.

I believe management were not happy with my interview with Keisha telling the TRUTH about Amelle’s disappearance – http://tinyurl.com/pg47w3

Keisha caught the plane to LA with Heidi. They kissed at the airport. But Heidi did NOT stick up for her after all these years.

Keisha is best mates with Leona Lewis. We all know Leona would not be friend with a bully, no way.

Keisha stayed the night at Amelle’s house just three weeks ago. Why would you let your ‘bully’ stay the night?

OMG! To say this is shocking would be an understatement. The sole original member of the group leaves. Wow…I’m kinda speechless. Check back for my full take on this a bit later…

Your thoughts?

Posted By: Sam

35 Comments

Monday, September 14th 2009

Drama! Amelle To Leave Sugababes?

UK’ers not living under a rock will be aware with the recent drama surrounding the country’s top girl group, the Sugababes. With newest member Amelle Berrabah now at the center of the latest happenings, original ‘Babe Keisha Buchanan has gone on record to say she thinks Berrabah wants to leave the group, insisting she is not the cause – as the media so ruthlessly seem intent on presenting as fact. Check out Keisha’s interview with the News of The World yesterday:

KEISHA BUCHANAN last night sobbed as she told me how missing SUGABABE AMELLE BERRABAH ducked out of last week’s gigs by claiming a pal had been in a CAR CRASH.

Giving an eXSclusive interview in her LA hotel room, Keisha broke down and wept: “We thought she was broken up about the accident and were really worried. We did two shows without her, genuinely thinking her friend’s been in a really bad car accident.

“I said to our management can we please get the police around there because I’m really, really worried about her.

“That request didn’t come from her family or (bandmate) HEIDI, it came from me. The police went round and checked on her. They said she’s fine and had been home all week.”

Yesterday Amelle, who vanished for four days, said she’d spoken to her bandmates but Keisha insisted: “She hasn’t spoken to anyone.”

Keisha, who is being comforted by close friend LEONA LEWIS in Los Angeles, says she will try and sort things out with Amelle IF she travels there to film the video for their new single this week.

“I’m not going to lie to you and say everything will be fine because I don’t know. But as far as I’m concerned, we’re the Sugababes; me, Heidi and Amelle.

“The reason why I’m panicking and the reason why I’m crying is because maybe Amelle wants to do things on her own for good.” Keisha is distraught at claims she’s jealous of Amelle’s No 1 single with TINCHY STRYDER – ironically titled Never Leave You.

And she said ex-bandmate MUTYA BUENA, who Amelle replaced, is more talented.

She said: “What exactly is there to be jealous of? I’ve been doing things on the underground for God knows how long. Heidi’s talented too. Amelle’s really talented but the most talented person I’ve ever been around in my life was Mutya.”

Keisha says Amelle, who recently dumped gypsy boyfriend Freddie Fuller, regularly went AWOL.

“Every couple of months it will happen. At certain times there are people thinking they’re bigger than the band.

“She’d blame it on Freddie, she’d blame it on her family on all sorts of things. But what’s the excuse this time?

“Maybe she doesn’t have the balls to say she wants to go.” Keisha also hit back at claims that she’s bullying Amelle out of the band: “I say what’s on our mind. But that’s not bullying.

“It’s a huge accusation to make and I’m not going to let it lie. I was f***ing bullied myself at primary school.

“She’s thinking about leaving but I’m not going to be used as the scapegoat. These things make me stronger. I’m going to use this and write a killer song and I’m going to be fine.”

Not a good look with a new single and album around the corner. That said, if they weather this, I’m sure it will play out as ‘any publicity is good publicity’.

Your thoughts?