MTV News Round-Up 05/10/2004

*** Daniel Bedingfield has reportedly lost half his new album. His latest studio work, which he kept on his laptop, has apparently been erased by hackers. A friend said: "Dan had a real panic when he went back to his computer after lunch and saw that half its contents were missing. Not only were tracks wiped, but loads of his personal pictures and emails."

*** Michael Jackson's lawyers have filed a motion to remove the Santa Barbara County district attorney's office from his child molestation case. Jackson's legal team have claimed that DA Tom Sneddon has a personal vendetta against the star, having pursued similar child molestation charges in 1993. The trial is set to begin on January 31 2005.

*** N*E*R*D have announced two huge concerts in the UK. "We love the British fans," said Pharrell Williams. "Our last shows here were phenomenal - the UK definitely has the most up for it and rockin' crowds!" They will play Manchester's Apollo and London's Hammersmith Apollo on November 21 and 22 respectively.

*** Britney Spears is about to unveil a 'Letter of Truth' she has written for fans. "It was a life-changing letter for me", she said, "It really states where I am in my life right now". Britney hopes to have the letter on her official website by the end of the month. It's only available to fan-club members and it costs $24.98.

*** The Music have announced three Christmas gigs in Britain. The Leeds band, who are currently touring in support of their second album Welcome To The North', will play London Forum on December 21, Manchester Carling Apollo on December 22 and Glasgow Barrowlands on December 23.

*** Madonna has responded to Sir Elton John's attack at yesterday's Q awards ceremony. Elton attacked her nomination in the Best Live Act category, saying: "Madonna - best f*cking live act? F*ck off!". Madonna's spokeswoman has now replied: "Madonna does not lip-synch nor does she spend her time trashing other artists."

HK