A three time GRAMMY winning music icon as well as a two-time Oscar-nominated film star, Bette Midler first rose to fame in the early ’70s when her first two albums for Atlantic Records soared to the Top 10 in Billboard.

Decades of success later, the “Divine Miss M” is as popular as ever, with her sensational new Las Vegas revue – “The Showgirl Must Go On” at Caesar’s Palace – adding to her global renown.

Midler’s new Rhino retrospective ‘The Best Bette’, her most comprehensive single-disc anthology to date, is an essential compilation of hits and favourites. It’s an ideal way to experience the divine, and features classics including the US Top 10 smashes “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” and “From A Distance” plus the GRAMMY-winning songs “The Rose” and “Wind Beneath My Wings”. Also featured is “Cool Yule,” the title track from Bette’s most recent album (’06), her first-ever Christmas collection.

The 19-track Best Of gathers together Bette’s key tracks from 1972-2006, features the previously unreleased bonus track, “Something Your Heart Has Been Telling Me”, and is set for UK release September 22, 2008 (US – September 23rd).

Listening party links below!
(sampler to the full album)

Real Audio
Windows Media – 56.wax
Windows Media – 100.wax
Quick Time

Listening Party Track List:

1. In The Mood
2. This Ole House
3. Beast Of Burden
4. Just My Imagination Running Away With Me
5. The Rose
6. When A Man Loves A Woman
7. Wind Beneath My Wings
8. Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy ( Single Version)
9. Something Your Heart Has Been Telling Me*

* Previously Unreleased

Bette Midler is taking a break from her very successful Las Vegas show “The Showgirl Must Go On” to make a rare visit to the UK for promo in mid-September.

Flaunting plenty of girls and gags, Bette Midler’s 90-minute extravaganza, which opened on February 20, 2008, features an enchanting repertoire complete with some of her favorite characters like Delores Delago – the wheelchair-bound mermaid – and Soph, the oldest living showgirl in Las Vegas. Amongst the backdrop of a glittering Broadway-style theatre, Midler and her entourage of talented performers light up the stage in an energetic, comical, and visually stunning spectacle.

Critics have hailed “The Showgirl Must Go On” as “a razzle dazzle spectacular,” according to Daily Variety. The Los Angeles Times proclaimed, “Bette Midler is brash, funny, schmaltzy, surprising, poignant, charming, provocative, witty, bawdy and, of course, divine,” and the New York Daily News says Miss Midler “hits the jackpot” with the biggest show of her career.

‘The Best Bette’ Full Track List
(subject to change)

1. In The Mood
2. This Ole House
3. Beast Of Burden
4. Just My Imagination Running Away
5. The Rose
6. When A Man Loves A Woman
7. I’ve Still Got My Health
8. Spring Can Really Hang You Up The
9. Hello In There
10. The Glory Of Love
11. Tenderly
12. Wind Beneath My Wings
13. Do You Want To Dance
14. Baby Mine
15. From A Distance
16. Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy
17. Friends
18. Something Your Heart Has Been Telling Me*
19. Cool Yule

* previously unreleased

About Bette Midler

Bette Midler grew up in Honolulu, Hawaii, where she began singing at an early age. After playing an extra in the film, HAWAII, she finally earned enough money to move to New York City where she starred on Broadway, playing Tzeitel, the oldest daughter in the hit musical, Fiddler on the Roof.

Once she began singing in clubs around town, word reached the owner of the famed Continental Baths, who immediately offered her a job. Performing at the baths, she developed the trademark act that would soon make her one of the most renowned talents of a generation. Her performances of songs like Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, Delta Dawn, and Superstar were unforgettable and caused audiences to fall in love with the self-anointed “Divine Miss M.”

After being discovered by Ahmet Ertegun, the legendary president of Atlantic Records, Bette recorded her first album, The Divine Miss M, which hit #9 on Billboard’s Top 200 Chart and went platinum. In 1973, she won her first Grammy for Best New Artist. Throughout the 1970’s, 80’s and 90’s, Midler’s chart-topping career continued to flourish as she released dozens of hit albums. After successfully touring the world and returning to Broadway in the Tony winning, Clams On The Halfshell, Hollywood beckoned.

Midler’s first starring role in the feature film, The Rose, garnered two Golden Globe Awards, a Grammy for the film’s title song and a best actress Oscar nomination. Midler then went on to star in many successful films including Down and Out in Beverly Hills, Ruthless People, Outrageous Fortune, Big Business, Beaches, Stella, Scenes from a Mall, For the Boys, Hocus Pocus, The First Wives Club, Isn’t She Great and most recently, Oscar winner Helen Hunt’s directorial debut film Then She Found Me.

In addition to her work on stage and in films, Midler made her mark on television with the Emmy Award-winning CBS special Ol’ Red Hair is Back, and two HBO concerts, Live at Last and Art or Bust. HBO’s concert film Diva Las Vegas, won an Emmy Award for her performance. In 1992, Bette won a Golden Globe and a National Board of Review award for her performance in the television adaptation of the musical Gypsy.

After all these years, four Grammys, four Golden Globes, three Emmys, a Tony Award and numerous record-breaking performances, the “Divine Miss M” is still going strong. In February 2008, Bette premiered her new critically acclaimed headlining act “The Showgirl Must Go On” at The Coloseum at Caesars Palace where she will perform for two years.

Outside of the spotlight, Midler takes great pride as the founder of the New York Restoration Project (” www.nyrp.org), which she established in 1995. The organization works to uncover, reclaim and clean up neglected public spaces while nurturing community empowerment and fostering civic pride in local New York communities. Midler currently lives in New York City with her husband Martin von Haselberg and daughter, Sophie.

The Best Bette on amazon.co.uk

Jackpot – The Best Bette ( Amazon Exclusive Bonus Track) on amazon.com

Bette Midler Official Website

Having sold more than 200 million albums around the world since her American debut in 1990, Celine Dion releases “Eyes On Me” on Sony BMG January 7th, 2008 in the UK – the second single taken from her critically acclaimed Top 5 album ‘Taking Chances’.

“Eyes On Me” has an R&B edge with a middle-eastern vibe. It was co-penned by Delta Goodrem (who also provides backing vocals on the track), Kristian Lundin and Savan Kotecha and is a smash-hit in the making.

On December 15th 2007, Celine Dion took her final bows on the Colosseum stage at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, where she has enjoyed a record-breaking five-year run of sold-out performances with her spectacular show, A New Day. The show which has been documented will be released on DVD – A New Day – Live in Vegas – plus 3 excusive documentaries on December 10th, 2007.

Watch video clip: Celine Dion – her final Las Vegas performance at Caesars Palace:

Celine Dion’s ‘An Audience With’ is scheduled to be on our TV screens in the UK on ITV – December 22nd, 2007. She’ll be touring the UK May 2008.

Celine Dion – A New Day – Live in Las Vegas [Blu-ray] on amazon.co.uk

Live In Las Vegas – A New Day.. on amazon.com

Celine Dion 2008 / 2009 World tour dates:

Dates could change! Go to Celine Dion’s Official Website for the latest tour dates and information.

February 14, 2008 The Coca-Cola Dome Johannesburg, South Africa*
February 16, 2008 Loftus Stadium Pretoria Tswane, South Africa
February 17, 2008 Loftus Stadium Pretoria Tswane, South Africa
February 20, 2008 ABSA Stadium Durban, South Africa
February 23, 2008 Vergelegen Estate Cape Town, South Africa (GA)**
February 24, 2008 Vergelegen Estate Cape Town, South Africa (GA)**
February 27, 2008 EPRU Rugby Stadium Port Elizabeth, South Africa (GA)**
February 29, 2008 The Coca-Cola Dome – Johannesburg, South Africa*
March 3, 2008 Athletic Stadium – Doha, Qatar
March 5, 2008 Rugby Club – Dubai, UAE
March 8, 2008 Tokyo Dome – Tokyo, Japan
March 9, 2008 Tokyo Dome – Tokyo, Japan
March 11, 2008 Osaka Dome – Osaka, Japan
March 12, 2008 Osaka Dome – Osaka, Japan
March 26, 2008 Entertainment Center – Brisbane, Australia
March 28, 2008 ACER Arena – Sydney, Australia
April 1, 2008 Rod Laver Arena – Melbourne, Australia
April 4, 2008 MES Stadium – Perth, Australia
May 2, 2008 MEN Arena – Manchester, United Kingdom
May 3, 2008 MEN Arena – Manchester, United Kingdom
May 6, 2008 O2 Arena – London, United Kingdom
May 8, 2008 O2 Arena – London, United Kingdom
May 13, 2008 Sportpaleis Antwerp, Belgium
May 14, 2008 Sportpaleis Antwerp, Belgium
May 16, 2008 Sportpaleis Antwerp, Belgium
May 19, 2008 Palais Omnisports – Bercy Paris, France
May 20, 2008 Palais Omnisports – Bercy Paris, France
May 21, 2008 Palais Omnisports – Bercy Paris, France
May 24, 2008 Palais Omnisports – Bercy Paris, France
May 25, 2008 Palais Omnisports – Bercy Paris, France
May 27, 2008 Palais Omnisports – Bercy Paris, France
May 30, 2008 Croke Park – Dublin, Ireland
June 2, 2008 Amsterdam Arena – Amsterdam, Netherlands
June 5, 2008 Parken – Copenhagen, Denmark
June 7, 2008 AB Stockholm Globe Arena – Stockholm, Sweden
June 12, 2008 Waldbuhne – Berlin, Germany
June 14, 2008 Commerzbank-Arena – Frankfurt, Germany
June 16, 2008 Schleyerhalle – Stuttgart, Germany
June 18, 2008 Kolnarena – Cologne, Germany
June 20, 2008 Color Line Arena – Hamburg, Germany
June 22, 2008 Olympiastadium – Munich, Germany
June 24, 2008 Hallenstadion – Zurich, Switzerland
July 1, 2008 Stadthalle – Vienna, Austria
July 5, 2008 Stade C. Erhmann Nikaia – Nice, France
July 9, 2008 Stade de la Praille – Geneva, Switzerland
August 12, 2008 TB Banknorth Garden – Boston, USA
August 15, 2008 Bell Centre – Montreal, Canada
August 16, 2008 Bell Centre – Montreal, Canada
August 18, 2008 Bell Centre – Montreal, Canada
August 20, 2008 Bell Centre – Montreal, Canada
August 23, 2008 Bell Centre – Montreal, Canada
August 25, 2008 Bell Centre – Montreal, Canada
August 27, 2008 Air Canada Centre – Toronto, Canada
August 28, 2008 Air Canada Centre – Toronto, Canada
September 3, 2008 HSBC Arena – Buffalo, USA
September 5, 2008 Wachovia Center – Philadelphia, USA
September 8, 2008 Verizon Center – Washington, USA
September 12, 2008 Prudential Center – Newark, USA
September 13, 2008 Nassau Coliseum – Uniondale, USA
September 15, 2008 Madison Square Garden – New York, USA
September 20, 2008 Boadwalk Hall – Atlantic City, USA
September 22, 2008 Schottenstein Center – Columbus, USA
September 24, 2008 Quicken Loans Arena – Cleveland, USA
September 26, 2008 Palace of Auburn Hills – Detroit, USA
September 29, 2008 Bradley Center – Milwaukee, USA
October 14, 2008 ARCO Arena – Sacramento, USA
October 16, 2008 Rose Garden – Portland, USA
October 18, 2008 Tacomadome – Tacoma, USA
October 20, 2008 GM Place – Vancouver, Canada
October 24, 2008 Rexall Place – Edmonton, Canada
October 25, 2008 Rexall Place – Edmonton, Canada
October 28, 2008 MTS Centre – Winnipeg, Canada
October 30, 2008 Target Center – Minneapolis, USA
November 4, 2008 United Center – Chicago, USA
November 9, 2008 Conseco Fieldhouse – Indianapolis, USA
November 11, 2008 Scottrade Center – St.Louis, USA
November 13, 2008 BOK Center – Tulsa, USA
November 15, 2008 Sprint Center – Kansas City, USA
November 17, 2008 Qwest Center Omaha – Omaha, USA
November 19, 2008 Pepsi Center – Denver, USA
November 21, 2008 EnergySolutions Arena – Salt Lake City, USA
November 23, 2008 HP Pavillion – San Jose, USA
November 29, 2008 Honda Center – Anaheim, USA
December 2, 2008 STAPLES Center – Los Angeles, USA
December 6, 2008 Jobing.com Arena – Phoenix, USA
January 7, 2009 AT&T Center – San Antonio, USA
January 9, 2009 Toyota Center – Houston, USA
January 13, 2009 Sommet Center – Nashville, USA
January 15, 2009 BJCC Arena – Birmingham, USA
January 17, 2009 Philips Arena – Atlanta, USA
January 20, 2009 RBC Center – Raleigh, USA
January 23, 2009 American Airlines Arena – Miami, USA
January 28, 2009 St. Pete Times Forum – Tampa, USA
January 30, 2009 BankAtlantic Center – Fort Lauderdale, USA

*Charity Show – Not Included in the TeamCeline Presale.
**(GA) General Admission Concert

Celine Dion – Taking Chances on amazon.com

Taking Chances on amazon.co.uk

For more information about the tour, to purchase tickets and more, go to:

Celine Dion Official Website
Celine Dion on Myspace

Sometimes it can be difficult having an open ear for all genres of music. Especially when it comes to explaining to my hardcore rock, metal or indie friends that I do indeed like Celine Dion. It’s even more difficult for me to keep my feelings to myself about how great an entertainer and singer she is. Luckily there are some people in my life who do appreciate her as well, and considering she’s sold over 180 million albums, I suppose there are some others out there who understand her talent as much as I do if not more.

I was really hoping that one day I would be able see her show in Vegas during her five year stint at Caesars Palace. She’s at her best when performing live and is such a character. Unfortunately I won’t be able to see her in Las Vegas since her last show will be this December, and then she’s off on a world tour which starts February 14th, 2008 in South Africa, to the delight of her fans around the world I’m sure.

‘Taking Chances’ is Celine Dion’s latest album, set for release November 12th, 2007 in the UK. I’ve got my hands on it and have been enjoying it. Let’s just get this out of the way: ‘Taking Chances’ is full of pop with elements of modern country, soul and power ballads and if that’s what you’re after, then this full 16 track Deluxe Edition CD + exclusive sneak peak DVD (with Vegas footage!) is for you.

Recently I reviewed opening track “Taking Chances”, written by Kara DioGuardi and Dave Stewart and I still feel that it could be the best pop ballad I’ve heard all year.

When “Alone” came on it took me by surprise and I was singing so loud along with the track I had to play it again to hear Celine’s singing – which of course her “punchier” version of Heart’s pop ballad hit from ‘87, produced by Ben Moody, sounds great. I especially like the intro – it’s gorgeous the way the bass comes in and then the cello and Celine’s voice.

“Surprise Surprise” also written by Kara DioGuardi, is a stand out track with a contemporary/country/pop feel. I wouldn’t be surprised (no pun intended) if it gets released sometime around Christmas and reached #1, but I’m just not sure if the lyrics would suit for Christmas, though. I am sure that when Celine performs “Surprise Surprise” live during her tour, it will be one of the big crowd pleasers of the night.

There’s a Barbara Streisand “No More Tears” feel to Celine’s vocal performance on the emotionally driven and atmospheric “This Time”, with the determined lyrics about being “another victim of poison love”.

It’s good to hear two Linda Perry (4 Non Blondes) songs included on the ‘Taking Chances’ album. The piano-lead “My Love” and the superb gospel number “New Dawn”. Linda Perry not only wrote the songs, but she also plays electric and acoustic guitars, organ, mellotron and piano on “My Love” and she plays piano, acoustic, sings background vocals on “New Dawn” and engineered and produced on both tracks.

“A World To Believe In” could have been a Faith Hill song, but it’s good to hear Celine Dion singing on such a beautiful and modern-country tinged song. There’s quite a change of pace when the upbeat and big production of “Can’t Fight The Feeling” starts up and I can’t believe that Shaffer Smith aka Ne-Yo co-wrote, co-produced and sings background vocals on the ballad “I Got Nothing Left”, another great vocal performance by Celine. It’s easy to forget that it’s Celine Dion singing to the waltz beat of “Right Next To The Right One”. It sounds quite different from what I’m used to hearing her sing – and I like it.

I’m not so sure about “Just Fade Away”. It has a Kelly Clarkson/Eurovision feel to it, which isn’t the best combination in the world. Then again, Celine Dion did win the Eurovision Song Contest when she represented Switzerland in 1988. There’s obviously a market for “Just Fade Away”, but not for me.

Blues number “That’s Just The Woman In Me” makes up for it, though. It has a Sam Cooke “Bring It On Home To Me”/Aretha Franklin feel with Celine Dion’s soulful vocals – and a Janis Joplin like scream at the end.

Let’s not forget about the additional exclusive sneak peak DVD! It includes the trailer for Celine Dion’s “A New Day Live In Las Vegas” with interview clips. There are also four exclusive songs, including one of my favorite Celine cover songs, “I Drove All Night” originally recorded by Roy Orbison and then Cyndi Lauper.

I highly recommend this Deluxe Edition CD/DVD for Celine Dion fans everywhere!

Celine Dion ‘Taking Chances’ album track listing:

1. Taking Chances
2. Alone
3. Eyes On Me
4. My Love
5. Shadow Of Love
6. Surprise Surprise
7. This Time
8. New Dawn
9. A Song For You
10. A World To Believe In
11. Can’t Fight The Feeling
12. I Got Nothing Left
13. Right Next To The Right One
14. Just Fade Away
15. That’s Just The Woman In Me
16. Skies Of L.A.

DVD track listing:

1. Trailer for the DVD “Live In Las Vegas – A New Day”
2. The Power of Love
3. I Drove All Night
4. I Surrender
5. I Wish

Celine Dion – Taking Chances album on amazon.com

Celine Dion Official Website

By: Jenny May – Band Weblogs

Celine Dion is finally back in the spotlight for the world to see and hear. As her five year stint at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas comes to a close, she’s set to release her latest album, ‘Taking Chances’ and her new single by the same name, along with a world tour scheduled to begin on February 14th, 2008.

(Read the Celine Dion ‘Taking Chances’ album + DVD review.)

“Taking Chances” was written by BMI’s 2007 Pop Songwriter of The Year Kara Dioguardi, one of the most sought after songwriters in pop music today and Dave Stewart (Eurythmics). They’ve come up with what could be for me, the best pop ballad of the year – with Celine Dion on vocals.

There are quite a few mixed feelings about Celine Dion, maybe for some, her music is a bit too glossy. I think she has a beautiful voice and is a class act entertainer. I remember the first time I saw her perform live on TV. At the time I think I was just making my mind up about her. After her performance I thought she was the most unique, quirky, fun and talented singer that I had seen in a long time. There is simply no one like her. Celine Dion is her own woman.

The new single “Taking Chances” sends a message and Celine Dion is able to convey that message perfectly. There’s so much passion within her vocal performance, it would be difficult not to hear the lyrics and understand what the song is about – taking a chance, living life on the edge with someone that you don’t know very well, not worrying about the consequences of your actions.

With the gradual build up of the song, it’s wonderful to hear Celine’s delicate intro and then later the crescendo, with the anxious and passionate question, “What do you say to taking chances? What do you say to jumping off the edge, never knowing if there’s solid ground below, or hand to hold, or hell to pay. What do you say, What do you say?”

Watch Celine Dion “Taking Chances” video:

Celine Dion – Taking Chances on amazon.com

“Taking Chances” video link

Celine Dion Official Website

By: Jenny May – Band Weblogs

Related: Celine Dion debuts new single “Taking Chances” + world tour

Sony BMG Music is proud to announce Celine Dion’s new single, “Taking Chances”. The single is set for release digitally on October 24th, 2007 in the UK. “Taking Chances” was written by Kara Dioguardi and the Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart, and produced by John Shanks.

Read the Celine Dion “Taking Chances” single review + watch video!

Celine Dion ‘Taking Chances’ album + DVD review

“Taking Chances” is the lead single to be lifted from Celine Dion’s forthcoming album also entitled ‘Taking Chances’ – her first English studio album in over three years and which marks the beginning of a new era in Celine’s extraordinary career.

Celine Dion, who is the biggest selling female artist of all time, selling over 180 million albums, opens her first worldwide tour in 10 years on February 14th, 2008 in Johannesburg, giving a benefit concert for the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund. Following on from South Africa Celine will take on a further seven shows in South Africa during February, contributing additional proceeds from these shows to Mr. Mandela’s Children’s Fund. From South Africa the tour makes stops in the Middle East, Japan, Korea, China, Australia and New Zealand, Europe and North America, playing both stadiums and arenas throughout. The year-long tour will visit 5 continents, over 25 countries, and more than 100 cities.

On December 15th 2007, Celine Dion will take her final bows on the Colosseum stage at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, where she has enjoyed a record-breaking five-year run of sold-out performances to critical acclaim, with her spectacular show, A New Day… The show which has been documented in a deluxe High-Definition DVD, will be released later this year by SonyBMG Music worldwide.

“These past five years have been a wonderful experience for me”, says Celine. “To perform every night with such an amazing cast of dancers and musicians on this beautiful show created by Franco Dragone, has been a dream come true. The fans have been so incredibly supportive, coming to see us every night, year after year…it will be difficult to say goodbye, but I’m also ready for the next adventure…I’m looking forward to a new chapter.”

Album: ‘Taking Chances’ is set for release in the UK on November 12th, 2007 (US – November 13th).

Buy Celine Dion – Taking Chances on amazon.com

Celine Dion Official Website