Dominique Young Unique reveals stripper past

Dominique Young Unique’s ass-shaking moves in her new video are nothing compared to her days as a $3,000-a-night (£1,800) stripper.

The singer told Guilty Pleasures she’s not ashamed of her flesh-baring past as a teenager.

‘I didn’t do it because I wanted to, I did it because I needed fast money to help my mother and my family out through the struggles,’ the Florida native revealed.

‘My slowest nights I would make $3,000 a night. It was pretty cool. It didn’t make me feel like a whore.

‘No dudes used to touch me. The only thing you have to do is just show your sexy body, do a couple of moves, probably talk in a couple of guys ears, shake your ass and then you’ve got you some money. It’s fast money.’

The 24-year-old swiftly headed to London at 17 and landed a record deal. She is set to storm the charts with her debut single Throw It Down – produced by DJ Fresh and Benga – which features in a Lucozade ad.

The tiny-framed rapper is happy to shake her booty in her music video but wishes she had more junk in her trunk.

‘Sometimes I think of getting a butt job but I think I will stay natural. It’s better that way. Maybe I should start working out and get some ass back there,’ she added.

[Originally published Metro, Guilty Pleasures, Wednesday 26 March 2014]

Nile Rodgers: I want to work with Madonna again

Nile Rodgers wants to work with his best friend Madonna after revealing he’ll be making more music than ever after beating cancer.

The 61-year-old Chic star wants to team up with Madge again, having previously hit the studio with her on her Like A Virgin album.

‘I adore Madonna. If she ever wants to work, I am totally down,’ he said, adding that she had helped him kick drugs two decades ago.

‘For a gazillion years I have always said she is the hardest-working person I have ever worked with. She is the most dedicated. The most focused and I absolutely adore her.’

The New Yorker also revealed he is putting the finishing touches to a new track he made with Brit nominees Disclosure and critics’ choice winner Sam Smith.

‘We cut another song at the same time but it was so amazing that we wanted to spend time and get it right,’ he told Metro – having previously worked with the British musicians on a track called Together.

‘They sent the new song to me three days ago and I put a new bass line on the second part. It’s scary!’

Rodgers stole the show at the Warner Music Group & Belvedere Brit awards after-party at The Savoy with a set featuring 45-year-old Kylie Minogue.

He also told fans to expect to hear a lot more from him in the charts after being given the all-clear from prostate cancer.

‘A little over three years ago I was diagnosed with extremely aggressive cancer and, I don’t mean to make light of it, but they were counting me out. And I thought “You know, I’m going to do more music and more records than I have ever done in my life”,’ he said.

[Originally published Metro, Guilty Pleasures, Thursday 20 February 2014]

Pixie Lott: I used stick on bra to avoid 'wardrobe malfunction'

Pixie Lott was left in a mad panic on Wednesday night when she realised the elegant white gown she wore to the Brit awards was see-through.

The 23-year-old pop babe had to make a mad dash to find some equipment to help keep her assets concealed.

‘We had a bit of trouble because it is so see through and I tried everything. Nipple petals, the tit tape, and then last minute I had to rush out and get a stick on bra,’ she told Metro.

‘It is backless and you can’t just wear it with your boobs hanging out. But the stick on bra keeps everything in place,’ she winked.

However the gorgeous Londoner says she doesn’t live in fear of nipple slips.

‘I’m quite laid back so I don’t live in fear of wardrobe malfunctions – although obviously I don’t want them to happen. If you can try and avoid it, that’s good,’ she said.

[Originally published Metro, Guilty Pleasures, Thursday 20 February 2014]

Rita Ora: I am 'so happy' with Calvin

Rita Ora has confessed she is so loved-up with Calvin Harris it is having an impact on her new music.

The star said falling in love has helped her find a ‘happy groove’ – and says fans will hear her new material this weekend.

‘It’s music to make you happy. It’s a good groove because I am honestly in a happy place right now,’ the 23-year-old beamed.

‘The Rimmell campaign comes out and I have my new single on the campaign – it’s basically time to blast you guys from all angles with my music,’ she added.

And the blonde beauty confirmed she will lend her vocals to the 50 Shades of Grey soundtrack after landing a part in the film, which is out next Valentine’s Day.

Speaking to Guilty Pleasures on the red carpet at the Brits, she explained: ‘There is such a different vision for the movie to my own music, so there is a specific kind of vision for that soundtrack.’

Meanwhile, beau Harris said he is hoping to surprise the singer on her next visit to Las Vegas, where he has a club residency.

‘I want to see Britney! And, in fact, my misuss would really want to see that. I haven’t been already, but I’m trying to sort it out,’ he said.

‘I have shows every week and I’m recording out there.’

And the 30-year-old admitted he was looking forward to a night of celebrations regardless of whether he won a Brit or not as he was free to live it up at the after-parties.

‘I’m not DJ-ing tonight. I made that mistake last year,’ he laughed.

[Originally published Metro, Guilty Pleasures, Thursday 20 February 2014]

Ellie Goulding: I can crack nuts with my thighs

Fitness fanatic Ellie Goulding reckons her legs are in such good shape she could crack a nut with her thighs.

The 27-year-old blonde beauty said she’s be up for the challenge to prove just how athletic her body is.

‘I think I probably can crack a walnut with my thighs. I’d give it a go!’ she teased.

‘I used to get bad knees, but not anymore. I stretch before I work out now,’ she added, saying she takes care not to get injured when she hits the pavements running.

Despite winning female solo artist at the Brits – and wowing the audience with a stage performance – the Burn singer revealed she does still get nervous before she goes on stage.

‘If I didn’t get nervous I wouldn’t give my best performance. I’d give a mediocre performance so I have to go for it and be exciting. I’ve paid a lot of people to cheer to encourage me,’ the singer added.

[Originally published Metro, Guilty Pleasures, Thursday 20 February 2014]

Pharrell: Women are my support group

Pharrell Williams is so infatuated with the ladies that he has dedicated his new album entirely to them.

The Happy star admitted at last night’s Brit Awards in London that his career would be nowhere without his army of female admirers.

‘The music has had an incredible fanbase, or what some would call family, and support system which has been women,’ said the 40-year-old, who performed at the awards show.

‘That’s kind of the reason why my new album is called Girl.’

He said he wanted to give a bit of warning to his fans about his new record – out on March 3 – as opposed to doing a shock release like fellow Brit performer Beyonce.

‘She didn’t give anyone any warning. She tweeted something and then took over the world!’ he told Metro.

Williams described his upcoming LP as ‘festive’, ‘celebratory’, ‘urgent’ and ‘visceral’.

The mega-producer revealed he was inspired by all the women that joined him in the studio during the record making process.

‘I can tell you is that me and all of the ladies that were all a part of the process and coming around to the studio listening to things, we all had a ball and we just want to share that with the rest of the world,’ he said.

‘I am just ready to go. We appreciate it and work really hard on it.’

It was a busy night for The Neptunes music maker, who was on hand to give the best international male solo gong to Bruno Mars.

[Originally published Metro, Guilty Pleasures, Thursday 20 February 2014]