hellomagazine.com

JOSS TURNS DOWN ROLE AS 'AMERICAN IDOL' JUDGE

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1 FEBRUARY 2007

Don't expect soul sensation Joss Stone to be tuning into any TV talent shows soon. The Devon-born soul singer was invited by Simon Cowell to appear as a guest judge on the hit programme American Idol but has turned down the offer. "I find these shows far too cruel," she says. "Music should be allowed to develop naturally."

The 19-year-old singer, who gave her all during a gig at the famous House of Blues in West Hollywood on Wednesday, is currently preparing to launch her eagerly-awaited third album Introducing Joss Stone on March 12.

It is "the first album I've made that I really feel is truly me," she says. Many of the songs were written by her in Barbados, and are inspired by 1970s-style R&B and Motown. The disc includes the funky new single Tell Me 'Bout It and a guest appearance from Fugees star Lauryn Hill. Later in the year she's set to return to home territory when she takes part in the Concert For Diana on July 1 at Wembley Stadium.