NEWS WRAP

* Fans of Australian pop star Anthony Callea are counting down the days ’til his new single release on his OFFICIAL FORUM, with many predicting dates of release.
* Local fans of Girls Aloud star Cheryl Cole will be thrilled with the performance of her debut Australian single ‘3 Words’ at local radio. More than 50 radio stations around the country picked the track up last week, including Sydney’s 2DayFM, Adelaide’s SAFM, Hobart’s SeaFM, Nova in Brisbane and the Star and HotFM networks.
* The Black Eyed Peas’ Fergie is one of a selection of guest vocalists on rock guitarist Slash’s debut solo album ‘Slash’, which Sony Music has announced for an April release. Wolfmother’s Andrew Stockdale also appears, alongside Adam Levine from Maroon 5, Kid Rock and others.
* EMI has revealed that Airborne will release their brand new album ‘No Guts. No Glory’ on March 05. The new album will be released in both standard and special edition formats and features the lead single ‘No Way But The Hard Way’.
* My Chemical Romance has cancelled their forthcoming Australian concert appearances. The cancellation is due to ‘severe vocal problems’ that are afflicting singer Gerard Way. They were due to perform at the upcoming Soundwave concerts, as well as a show at Sydney’s Luna Park. Refunds from the place of purchase.
* Wolfmother’s new single ‘Far Away’ (cover art pictured left) has been serviced to Aussie radio this morning. The band has also announced that they’ll be performing an exclusive show at Sydney’s Apple Store in George Street on February 19. Fans will be granted free access to the concert on a strictly first come – first served basis. A live digital EP will make it’s way to iTunes shortly thereafter.
* Also at radio this morning is Robbie Williams’ new track ‘Do You Mind’, OK Go’s ‘This Too Shall Pass’, Pixie Lott’s third single ‘Cry Me Out’ (including the Bimbo Jones radio edit) and Whitley’s ‘Killer’, the second single from his latest album ‘Go Forth Find Mammoth’.
* Country starlet Carrie Underwood had the ultimate honour of performing the American national anthem at the Superbowl, which is currently underway in the United States.
* Twins Jedward have narrowly missed out on the coveted UK No.1 single with their single ‘Under Pressure (Ice Ice Baby)’. They debut in the No.2 position behind Owl City’s ‘Fireflies’. Timbaland ftg. Katy Perry bulleted up to No.3 with ‘If We Ever Meet Again’.
* And on the UK album chart, Alicia Keys has made it to the No.1 position with her album ‘The Element Of Freedom’. Just below was a threesome of top ten debuts – Corinne Bailey Rae’s ‘The Sea’ at No.5, Ke$ha’s ‘Animal’ at No.8 and Peter Andre’s ‘Unconditional Love Songs’ at No.9.

 Australia's first stop for pop!