Hilary Duff Breakup

Hilary Duff's new album was recorded and written against the background of her breakup:

NEW YORK (Billboard) - As multimedia momentum goes, no one need teach 19-year-old Hilary Duff a thing.

For the past decade, she has built a career that began on TV, peaking in 2001 with her title role in Disney's 65-episode "Lizzie McGuire," making her a name brand among tweens.

Two years later, she recorded a full-length studio album, "Metamorphosis," which hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200, and the single "Come Clean" reached the Hot 100's top 40. The project sold 3.7 million copies -- and an MTV star was born.

With her upcoming album "Dignity," due April 3 via Disney's Hollywood Records label, Duff is coming out with the majesty of a high-class debutante. Duff co-wrote all songs on the album with A-lister Kara DioGuardi (Gwen Stefani, Christina Aguilera), including the uptempo single "With Love." She is also promoting her new Elizabeth Arden fragrance, With Love, in addition to a clothing line, Stuff by Hilary Duff, available at mass-market retailers Wal-Mart, Kohls and Target.

"I know how lucky I am, but I've worked hard," Duff says. "Who could complain? I've traveled the world multiple times with so many rewards."

For the new album, Duff insisted on being more involved. "I knew I couldn't do it myself, but working with Kara allowed me to talk about things on my mind. It was one big therapy session." During the songwriting process, Duff endured the full scope of a relationship -- true love, doubt, breakup and resolution -- all of which play out during the course of the set's 14 tracks. (The other party was Good Charlotte rocker Joel Madden, who is now dating Nicole Richie.)

"True love" at 19 years old is a bit strong isn't it? Teenage infatuation you mean?

Chuck Berry DVD

I well remember this Chuck Berry concert film when it first came out.

Director Taylor Hackford's "Chuck Berry: Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll," a documentary about the rock pioneer's 60th birthday concert in 1986, won top honors at the third annual Music DVD Awards Tuesday.

The film was named best of show, beating more than 100 contenders in Home Media Magazine's contest at the Wyndham Bel Age Hotel in West Hollywood.

"Hail! Hail!" also won for best vintage concert and best special features/bonus materials. It was released last June by Image Entertainment in two-disc and four-disc configurations.

Judges praised the 1987 film for capturing Berry's fire and passion onstage, as well as the irascible veteran's outrageous exploits before, during and after the concert at the Fox Theater in St Louis, Mo., organized by Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards, Berry's long-suffering protege.

I must have a look around on Amazon for it. It's bloody good, as they say over here.

Talk to Michael Jackson for $3,400

Fans in Japan have been signing up to pay $3,400 to talk to Michyael Jackson:

Excited fans got the chance to meet Michael Jackson in Tokyo on Thursday -- but only those who could afford to pay 400,000 yen ($3,400) for the privilege.

Fans of the "King of Pop" screamed as he arrived by van at the venue in the Japanese capital for the event, at which he had promised to chat and take pictures with up to 300 guests, but not to sing or dance.

They were not put off by the price.

"I would pay 10 times that amount any time anywhere," said Carlo Riley, a Jackson fan and impersonator with long black hair and a black surgical mask, who danced as he waited in line.

Riley said he flew from the United States especially to meet Jackson face-to-face. "If they do it again, I'll pay it again -- easily," he added.

Since being acquitted of child molestation charges at a trial that ended in June 2005, Jackson has mostly kept a low profile, spending time in Bahrain and Ireland.

He last visited Japan, where he has a huge fan base, in May to accept a music award. Since arriving at the weekend, he has been mobbed by fans during a shopping trip and a visit to Disneyland.

In November, Jackson sang at an awards ceremony in London, his first public performance since the trial, but his efforts were panned by critics.

Jeez, I'd happily pay $3,400 never to hear a single one of his songs again. Although some of the Jackson 5 stuff was pretty good.