Preview - QS gets ever so slightly excited about the prospect of two pop princesses making a return in the new year...

The return of Kylie


In a nutshell: After the cool response to 2007's X from fans and critics alike, plus the arrival of Lady Gaga in the pop frame, Kylie's going all out to reclaim her Princess of Pop crown in 2010. Depending on who you believe, the album will be 'organic electro' or 'all out disco' but what we do know for certain is that Calvin Harris, Jake Shears, Nerina Pallot, Deadmau5 and Stuart Price are all definitely on board. Let's just hope the 'too many cooks' approach doesn't spoil the results like last time, but judging by new track Better Than Today, which she debuted on her recent US tour, things are looking very good indeed.

Gay factor: Do you really have to ask?

When? First single is pencilled in for February/March

Info: www.kylie.com | www.twitter.com/kylieminogue



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Nadine Coyle solo star?



In a nutshell: Rewind a couple of years and ask anyone who they thought would be the break out solo star of Girls Aloud and virtually everyone would have said Nadine Coyle, or Sarah Harding at a push. But since becoming the Nation's Sweetheart ™, Cheryl Cole has gone on to surprise music industry insiders by scoring a huge single (half a million sales and counting) and a No.1 album, thank you very much. So despite having the vocal chops, Nads biggest challenge will be getting the GBP interested in her. Step forward Barbara Charone. That'll be Madonna's publicist then. Oh and did we mention songwriter Guy Chambers? He wrote Angels (and just about every other Robbie Williams hit) doncha know? I think we call that pulling the stops out.

Gay factor: TBC, although she was always the campest member of the Aloud on stage

When? March

Info: www.girlsaloud.co.uk