Vanessa Williams Talks New Album And "Betty"

Madonna isn't the only master when it comes to reinvention. In her two decades-plus career, Vanessa Williams has been the beauty queen, the hit-making singer, Broadway star and marquee film actress, and in the last few years, she's captivated fans yet again with her Emmy-nominated comedic turn as the power-grabbing Wilhelmina Slater on ABC's "Ugly Betty."

This month, the 45-year-old returns to one of her past roles with the release of a new album, "The Real Thing." In a recent interview, Williams talked about her music, the TV role that defines her for many of her fans, and how they relate to her as a result. Plus, a new video from the album ...

What's the key to your success over the decades?

Besides talent and being prepared for whatever, you have to stay open, you have to be flexible and think about your options and not get stuck in a rut and do the same thing, if this works, well, I've gotta do it 10 different times, always be willing to explore and reach beyond your comfort zone.

Profile: Justin Utley

Justin Utley looks like he was born to be a rock star; his rugged good looks, tight jeans, charismatic stage moves and commanding vocal presence have made a major impact on the New York music scene. His debut album as a solo artist, "Runaway," blends singer/songwriter sensitivity with hard-rock attitude, all delivered with plenty of hungry big-city energy. It's quite a change for a kid who once was a best-selling Christian artist in Salt Lake City's Mormon community.

Swing It Back

There are a couple of misconceptions about Swing Out Sister that need to be cleared up.

Yeah, the twice Grammy-nominated band’s breakthrough number six hit "Breakout," is as bubble gum as they come, but don’t for one second mistake them for a pop band.

Hell Bent on Fashion: Rob Halford Talks New Clothing Line

When Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford emerged onstage head-to-toe in glass, leather and steel in the late 70's, he not only made a fashion statement but also created what would become a style template for future metal heads – and fans – to follow.  In other words, if Deep Purple and Black Sabbath gave metal its sound, then Judas Priest gave it its look.   

As a legendary tastemaker, it's hardly shocking that Halford, the multi-Gold and Platinum vocalist, songwriter and producer is launching the new, aptly-titled clothing company Metal God Apparel. The collection features fitted t-shirts with intricate patterns of skulls, crossbones and guitars and titles like "Studs & Spikes," "Resurrection" and "Eternal Chaos."   This is the rock 'n' roll-inspired collection that Ed Hardy wishes that he had put out. 

Tori Amos Talks "Sin" and Gay Clubs

The notion of sin should be familiar to Tori Amos, who titled her new CD "Abnormally Attracted to Sin" - Amos grew up a minister's daughter. But her father didn't exactly take the brimstone and treacle approach one might have expected. Instead, he took her to play piano at gay clubs when she was just 13.

The 45-year-old singer reflects back on how her dad's outlook on her entertainment career, her new CD, and her musical theater inspiration. Plus, watch new videos!

Catching Up with Kim Deal

If musicians were only as dynamic in Q&A's as they are on record, then music interviews would remain as unforgettable as classic albums.  But those are few and far between.

During one recent interview with a world-renowned pop star, I asked a simple question:  "What part of the creative process do you enjoy most when making a new album?"  Granted, the question was a bit cliche, but hardcore music fans tend to be interested in those things. After three minutes of silence, I thought we'd been disconnected.   

Piano man

OUT New York-based singer/songwriter and instrumentalist Chris Garneau is "a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars."

Deerhunter's Bradford Cox sets the record gay

It's really no surprise that leader of Atlanta-based ambient punk band Deerhunter, Bradford Cox isn't a fan of blogs or much of the media in general, when they're always dwelling on the fact that a) he has Marfan syndrome (a connective tissue disorder, most identifiable in those who are tall with exceptionally long limbs that can lead to heart trouble) and b) that he's a 27-year-old gay virgin that sometimes cross-dresses on stage.

Pink Talks "Funhouse" Tour

When Pink came up with the circus-themed theatrics for her "Funhouse" tour, she didn't think she'd be sharing her big-top theme with another pop singer.

She sighs with resignation when a comparison is made to Britney Spears' latest tour, "The Circus," which, like Pink's tour, features high-flying dancers and acrobats, and is a grand spectacle.

Depeche Mode Still Going Strong

Underneath the gloom, members of Depeche Mode insist they're actually lighthearted and funny.

"I've never quite understood that description," frontman Dave Gahan said during a recent interview. "I understand that we're dark, but there's always been humor in there. It's this cynical sarcasm about yourself."

Gahan and his mates, guitarist Martin Gore and keyboardist Andy Fletcher, have spent close to 30 years mining a subtle black humor from their coupling of submission with dominance, love with hate, hope with regret.