It's an intellectual property snafu for Lady Gaga and Britney Spears: An original demo version of the Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins-produced "Telephone" has leaked, revealing to listeners what a more rough-around-the-edges version of the song would sound like. But instead of featuring the vocals of the current hit's singer, a voice from the past rings clear, and that voice belongs to none other than Britney.
Although the current hit draws on a cameo from Beyoncé, this version is 100-percent Brit. The song was originally co-written by GaGa for Britney's 2008 album "Circus," but when the single didn't make the cut, it was picked up for "The Fame Monster" (and how lucky we are for that).
Says the Lady herself, "I wrote it for her a long time ago, and she just didn't use it on her album, and it's fine because I love the song, and it's exciting to perform it now."
Is this a case of identity theft or is Lady Gaga simply taking what is hers? CultureMap presents the short list of other things we hope Lady Gaga usurps from Britney:
Legendary rockers Styx and Kevin Cronin, lead singer of REO Speedwagon, will team up to co-headline the “Brotherhood of Rock” tour in 2025, which will include a stop at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands on Friday, June 6.
The large, 40-city tour will take place over three months, starting in Greenville, South Carolina on May 28, and wrapping up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 24.
In addition to Houston, the tour will go to Austin on June 4 and Dallas on August 1. It will include special guest Don Felder, former lead guitarist for the Eagles, at all dates.
Fans can expect some of the greatest rock anthems of all time, including “Renegade,” “Keep On Loving You,” “Come Sail Away,” “Can't Fight This Feeling,” and “Hotel California.”
Styx and Cronin (as part of REO Speedwagon) first toured together in 2000 and in 2001 after the 9/11 attacks, coming together to form the Rock to the Rescue 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. This will mark their sixth time joining forces on the road.
2022 was the 50th anniversary of Styx's self-titled debut album, but they have yet to slow down. The band released their 17th album, Crash of the Crown, in 2021. Of course, not everyone is a fan, as this classic clip from The Simpsons illustrates.
REO Speedwagon's recording days appear to be done, with their last album coming out in 2009, but the main group of five has been together since 1989. On this tour, Cronin will be joined by REO's lead guitarist Dave Amato and drummer Bryan Hitt.
General tickets for the tour will go on sale starting on Friday, December 13 at 10 am at LiveNation.com.
Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets in the U.S. beginning on December 9 at 10 am through the Citi Entertainment program.
Styx and Kevin Cronin will be offering VIP packages via their own exclusive pre-sales beginning on Tuesday, December 10 at 10 am, as well as at LiveNation.com.
