Born and bred in Russia, 17-year-old Alsou (pronounced Al-sue) is new to these shores but back in her homeland she's had the biggest ever-selling single, sung with Enrique Iglesias, and been bought a car by fans in her home town. Discovered singing at her brother's wedding when she was 15, we caught up with her whilst she was in London on a whistle-stop promo tour. Hailed as the Russian Britney, she's had a string of Number ones, her sell-out concerts attract thousands and she played to over 100,000 punters on her 17th birthday.

Do you think you'll have the same level of success over here and in America as you've had in Russia?

I hope so! I'm doing stuff over here and in Europe now, playing shows and focusing on getting established. Towards the end of the year I'll be going to America. I've had a lot of hits in Russia over the past two years but that doesn't mean the same thing is guaranteed here.

Your hits there have been in Russian, was it hard to change and sing in English?

No, I moved to New York when I was nine because of my dad's job and I can speak French also. I've recorded my album with some new songs in English and will be doing something similar when I go to America.

You've been compared to Britney Spears. Do you think competing with her will be tough?

I like Britney and we've both got an international pop sound, but I think my music's more R 'n' B based than hers. I like Maria Carey, Destiny's Child and Craig David. There are a lot of pop singers and bands around but there's always room for good new music.

What's been the best bit so far?

The duet I did with Enrique Iglesias was cool and it's going to be on my album. Representing Russia in the Eurovision song contest last year was good too. And working with top producers like Mark Hill from Artful Dodger is a privilege.

What would you like to happen in the future?

To carry on singing for a couple of years, then maybe do some acting in films. Singing's my main love though.

We think that it'll be tough trying to crash the party currently being controlled by the likes of Britney, Christina and Destiny's, but with such a wealth of experience already behind her, not to mention model looks that saw her on the cover of 132 (yes, 132!) magazines last year, she's got more than an outside chance.

2001