NICOLE SCHERZINGER’s domination of the PUSSYCAT DOLLS is still causing tension within the group.

The girlband’s recent single Jai Hoh!, a worldwide smash hit, was billed as “Pussycat Dolls featuring Nicole Scherzinger” which reportedly riled particular members.

MELODY THORNTON hit out at Nicole during a recent gig which led to rumours the band, who were a burlesque group before hitting the charts with Don’t Cha in 2005, were set to split.

However, despite playing down break-up fears, Doll KIMBERLY WYATT indicated the band, and their management, aren’t all singing from the same hymn sheet.

Kimberley said: “It’s true, there has always been a lot of focus on Nicole which has been hard to deal with sometimes.

“This group was created with a foundation, they knew exactly what they wanted and they had Nicole as the focus.

“Every video and stage performance that we’ve done, Nicole has been our leader.

“I wasn’t in videos like I wanted and wasn’t seen in the way I was hoping, which has been the same for all the other girls too.”

Kimberley says herself and the rest of the girls – ASHLEY ROBERTS, JESSICA SUTTA and Melody – are not anticipating the attention eventually being shared out.

She added: “I don’t really make any of the decisions, I’m in the group and can voice my opinions to a degree but at the end of the day it is a business and there are a lot of chefs in the kitchen that run the Pussycat Dolls.”

Kimberly is hosting dance workshops in London on July 26/27. Visit www.marksummers.com/kimberly for more information. {Source}

Hip-Hop star Nas is currently celebrating the birth of his son, although sources close to the rapper told AllHipHop.com that he was not allowed to witness the event.

Nas’ lawyer Mark Vincent Kaplan stated that Nas rushed to the hospital to witness Kelis deliver his first son today (July 21).

A source close to Nas told AllHipHop.com that the Queen’s rapper missed the actual child birth.

“Nas is in New York City today, anxiously awaiting the arrival of his son. It was his intention to be there for the birth, but unfortunately he has not been allowed to be present,” a source close to the rapper told AllHipHop.com. “While this is clearly heartbreaking to him, Nas continues to offer his support and love to his new baby boy and his mother.”

Nas and Kelis were due in court today in regards to their pending divorce, specifically child and spousal support.

The date had to be postponed when Kelis, born Kelis Rogers , went into labor, around 10:30 this morning.

Nas and Kelis were married in January of 2005 after being engaged for two years.

Kelis filed for divorce in April of 2009, citing irreconcilable differences.

No further details were available as to why Nas may have been prevented from witnessing the birth of his son.

Nas, born Nasir Jones, also has a 12-year-old daughter with ex-fiancée Carmen Bryan.

Last night, the legendary Clive Davis hosted a listening session for Whitney Houston’s new album I Look To You, which is in stores September 1st. Held at Jazz @ Lincoln Center in New York City, the event was packed with stars like Martha Stewart, Gayle King, Dionne Warrick, Alicia Keys (in the house with Swizz Beats!) LA Reid, Andre Harrell, Diane Sawyer, BET’s own Debra Lee and Stephen Hill – and the iconic Whitney Houston, who was absolutely stunning. She looked happy, grateful and beautiful. When Whitney hit the stage for a small speech the person next to me said,”That’s m*thaf**kin’ Whitney Houston!“ The diva received a standing ovation from a crowd (and the world!) who has been waiting for the return of the original pop-soul diva.

I was lucky enough to attend and here is a preview of the seven new tracks that were played (two leaked tracks were played, “Like I Never Left” featuring Akon and “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength” written by Diane Warren and produced by David Foster). I wasn’t able to catch every producer’s name or the exact lyrics so the credits are subject to change. Note: Clive Davis did stress the songs were still being polished.

1. “Million Dollar Bill” (written and produced by Alicia Keys and Swizz Beats)

An up-tempo, joyful track about love and probably one of the funkiest songs Whitney has ever done. “Million Dollar Bill” has an amazing bass line and almost recalls early Michael Jackson in Off The Wall. The catchy hook, “You make me feel like a million dollar bill.” Her vocal is strong with some power notes toward the end. The song has an Alicia Keys sound but fits for Whit — it’s current without making her seem like she is trying to compete with teenagers. The song received a standing ovation.

2. “Nothin’ But Love” (produced by Danja)

Whitney’s shout out to those who her love her and those who hate on her, she’s got “Nothin’ But Love” for all of them. Completely up-tempo and definitely an R&B club track that has the potential of sounding even hotter with a remix. The vocal stays around her lower register and, again, holds some classic Nippy notes at the end.

3. “Call You Tonight” (produced by Stargate)

Fun, mature and a song everyone can relate to. Heavily produced and while it can be tough to adjust to a pure vocalist like Whitney sing to a production heavy song, the mid-tempo track works for this album. “Call You Tonight” sounds like one of the better tracks from Just Whitney. Some lyrics include, “Destiny, I believe in it” and “I wish I could stay but I got to go, I’ll call you tonight.”

4. “Salute” (written and produced by R. Kelly)

Whitney is saying goodbye to a lover who has done her wrong, but she is letting go with no anger and confidently sings, “I salute you.” Could she be channeling Bobby Brown? The song is strictly R&B and almost sounds similar to “Heartbreak Hotel” from the My Love Is Your Love album. More instruments than production with keys and a strong vocal from Whitney. One line, “You think you know everything, you think your sh*t don’t stink.”

5. “I Look To You” – R. Kelly

Say what you want about R. Kelly but the man can still make a good R&B song. “I Look To You” is the title track and my favorite song so far. Beautiful lyrics like, “As I lay me down, heaven hear me now.” Her voice is deeply powerful, channeling classic Whitney with a pop sense but an R&B vocal. This song proves that she has not lost her voice and it’s definitely a melody I cannot wait to hear live. Whitney clearly feels every line and chord, charging through the ballad, transcending her own experience and reaching others who have been through adversity. Whitney has been criticized for not being emotional enough in her music — this track knocks out that complaint. From where I could see, Bobbi Kristina, Whitney’s daughter, was getting emotional during the song.

6. “Worth It” (R. Kelly)

“This song is for the lovers…” is one of the lines. Youthful and radio friendly, another R&B track. Nothing much to add about this one, enjoyable to listen to and had folks in the audience bobbing their head — I think I even saw a few head nods from Martha Stewart!

7. “A Song For You” (produced by Stargate)

Popularized by Donny Hathaway, “A Song For You” is a new spin on the Leon Russell classic. The beginning starts slow and the crowd gasped when they realized what song she was singing. Whitney sounded incredible, nearly haunting and before you knew it the song turns into a club banger! Mr. Davis explained the song was recorded just the night before. Definitely one for those who loves Whitney’s club tracks.

Overall, the nine tracks that were played received a good response. The album definitely has the potential to be a hit. For Whitney, there is no such thing as a “comeback” — icons “don’t call it a comeback” then just jump back in the game whenever they are ready. One thing I do know is no one should expect 1985 Whitney. Artists evolve and it’s limiting when we trap performers in a particular box or era. The best piece about the tracks is that Whit has some grit to her voice, her vocals are still strong but she doesn’t mind getting a bit nasty with it. While the album isn’t finished, I believe folks will be pleasantly surprised.

PS. Clive Davis is 77 years-old and stood on that stage for nearly an hour, introducing Whitney, telling stories, making jokes and setting up each song! This is a man from the old school and knows how to work a project! Gotta give respect to Professor Davis! {Source}

Sony Pictures has paid $60 million for the rights to release a movie of footage shot during Michael Jackson’s rehearsals for his This Is It concert tour, according to the Hollywood Reporter. The film will hit theaters October 30. According to other reports, AEG Live, which is said to have 80 hours of rehearsal footage at its disposal, and Jackson’s family will split Sony’s money, with Jackson’s family receiving 90 percent of the fee and establishing a charity in the late singer’s name. {Source}