ARCHIVE NEWS FROM
JANUARY - DECEMBER 2003

The news items on this page have been gathered from various sources.

Dido

31st December 2003 - A Total Bitch

Dido says she floored a French doorman who didn't recognise her and wouldn't let her on stage for a gig with her brother Rollo's band, Faithless. She said "I am in Faithless, you idiot, I told him, but still he wouldn't move so I punched him in the stomach and he dropped to the floor. I can be really horrible sometimes, a total bitch."

30th December 2003 - MTV Europe Chart

'White Flag' was number 1 on the MTV Europe top 100 of 2003.

30th December 2003 - European Chart

This week in the Eurochart Hot 100 singles chart 'White Flag' went down 5 places to number 16 and in the Eurochart Hot 100 albums chart 'Life For Rent' stayed at number 1. Both charts are compiled by Billboard.

29th December 2003 - Female Solo Artist Of The Year 2003

Dido has been voted Female Solo Artist Of The Year at eil.com by vistors to their mail order website.

28th December 2003 - UK Chart

This week in the singles chart 'Life For Rent' went back up 6 places to number 26 and in the album chart 'Life For Rent' stayed at number 1.

27th December 2003 - Dido Calls For More Music In Schools

Dido has urged ministers to make music and songwriting a central feature of the national curriculum. Pop stars and classical musicians have joined forces, calling on the Government to ensure that every child has the opportunity to play music.
In an exclusive interview with 'The Times' newspaper Dido, who studied at London's Guildhall School of Music and Drama, said "I would not have had the opportunity to achieve what I have done without the encouragement of excellent teachers. Every child must have the opportunity to write songs and learn an instrument." She also said "I don't make political comments but I do want the Government to put music right at the top of the curriculum. Having that option was vital for me."
For the complete interview visit the 'The Times Online' website.

27th December 2003 - USA Chart

This week in the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart 'White Flag' went up 3 places to number 23 and in the Billboard 200 album chart 'Life For Rent' went back up 4 places to number 22.

25th December 2003 - Happy Birthday Dido!

All Dido and all the many fans online wish Dido a very warm and happy 32nd birthday!

25th December 2003 - Merry Christmas!

All Dido would like to wish everybody around the world a very merry Christmas.

24th December 2003 - Next Single Rumour

'Don't Leave Home' is rumoured to be the third single to be released from 'Life For Rent'. It is rumoured to be released on Monday 15th March 2004.

23rd December 2003 - Bizarre Award

Bizarre's annual poll is the one showbiz stars really want to win because the awards are voted for by 'The Sun' newspaper readers. Dido was voted Best Female Singer by the readers and she said "I'm thrilled to win this award, it really means a lot to me. Thanks Bizarre."

22nd December 2003 - Billboard Top 100 Albums Of 2003

'Life For Rent' is at number 92 in the Billboard Top 100 Albums of 2003.

21st December 2003 - UK Chart

This week in the Christmas singles chart 'Life For Rent' went down 12 places to number 32 and in the Christmas album chart 'Life For Rent' stayed at number 1.

20th December 2003 - European Chart

This week in the Eurochart Hot 100 singles chart 'White Flag' went down 2 places to number 11 and in the Eurochart Hot 100 albums chart 'Life For Rent' stayed at number 1. Both charts are compiled by Billboard.

18th December 2003 - USA Chart

This week in the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart 'White Flag' went up 2 places to number 26 and in the Billboard 200 album chart 'Life For Rent' went down 3 places to number 26.

16th December 2003 - BMG/Sony An Update

Dido's record label BMG has finalised an agreement to merge with Sony. The new company will be called Sony BMG and it will make them the world's second biggest record company.

16th December 2003 - Thank You

Thank you voting for my website for the Best Fan Site Award at the Top Of The Pops Awards. The voting has now finished.

14th December 2003 - UK Chart

This week in the singles chart 'Life For Rent' went down 12 places to number 20 and in the album chart 'Life For Rent' went back up 1 place to number 1.

13th December 2003 - European Chart

This week in the Eurochart Hot 100 singles chart 'White Flag' went down 7 places to number 9 and in the Eurochart Hot 100 albums chart 'Life For Rent' stayed at number 1. Both charts are compiled by Billboard.

12th October 2003 - TV Appearance

The television special 'Headliners' recorded on Saturday 30th August 2003 and originally shown on Thursday 16th October 2003, will now be repeated on Sunday 14th December 2003 at 2.00am on Channel 4 in the UK.

12th October 2003 - Dido Is Ill At The Moment

Dido said "I'm stuck in bed in New York, sick as a dog at the moment. It's very boring being in one of the world's most exciting cities and one of my favourite places and unable to leave the hotel room. I think I'm going mad. I did manage to do Regis and Kelly TV shows yesterday where I met Danny De Vito who turned out to be A) a big fan!!! and B) absolutely lovely."
Get well soon Dido.

11th December 2003 - USA Chart

This week in the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart 'White Flag' went back up 4 places to number 28 and in the Billboard 200 album chart 'Life For Rent' went back up 7 places to number 23.

10th October 2003 - A Tribute to Barry White

Dido contributes to 'Let the Music Play - A Tribute to Barry White', a documentary presented by Lenny Henry which celebrates the life and music of the late soul legend. Other contributions are from Daryl Hall, Sharleen Spiteri, Lemar, Nile Rodgers and Ray Parker Junior. The documentary will be on BBC Radio 2 on Wednesday 24th December 2003 at 7.00pm in the UK.

9th December 2003 - Sting Event

Dido will be one of a host of musicians who will be on hand to pay tribute to his Sting, when the former Police musician is honoured on Friday 6th Feburary 2004 at the MusiCares person of the year event in Los Angeles, USA. Sting is being honoured for his accomplishments as a musician, humanitarian and environmental activist.
Other musicians performing will be Tony Bennett, Black Eyed Peas, Elvis Costello, Elton John, Diana Krall, K.D. Lang, Dave Matthews, John Mayer and Rufus Wainwright.
Proceeds from the 14th annual gala will benefit the MusiCares Foundation's financial assistance program.
I wonder if Dido will do her version of the classic Police track 'Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic'.

8th December 2003 - Jingle Ball

Dido performed at the Jingle Ball at the Cox Arena in San Diego, USA last Friday night. The Jingle Ball was held over two nights Thursday 4th and Friday 5th December 2003 and benefits Becky's House, which helps victims of domestic violence.
For images of Dido at the Jingle Ball event visit the Star FM website. You can also buy a DVD of the 'Jingle Ball Experience' which includes highlights and live performances from the Star FM Store.

7th December 2003 - Another Top 10 Hit

'Life For Rent' was a new entry in the UK singles chart this evening at number 8. It's Dido's 4th top 10 hit single.
'Life For Rent' was never really going to challenge for the top spot as most people who like the track have probably already got her album. 'Shut Up' by Black Eyed Peas did get a higher chart placing than Dido, it was a new entry at number 2.

7th December 2003 - UK Chart

This week 'Life For Rent' entered the singles chart at number 8, 'White Flag' went out of the top 75 and in the album chart 'Life For Rent' went back up 1 place to number 2.

6th December 2003 - UK Record Of The Year 2003

Dido was unable to perform 'White Flag' live on the 'Record Of The Year 2003' show this evening as the plane she was on was due to land at 3.00pm, but it was still sitting on the runway in Los Angeles, USA. The video was show instead.
'White Flag' made it into the last 7, but it didn't make it into the last 5. 'Mandy' by Westlife was voted Record Of The Year 2003, well at least it wasn't 'Where Is The Love?' by Black Eyed Peas, that finished 4th.

6th December 2003 - European Chart

This week in the Eurochart Hot 100 singles chart 'White Flag' went back up 2 places to number 2 and in the Eurochart Hot 100 albums chart 'Life For Rent' stayed at number 1. Both charts are compiled by Billboard.

5th December 2003 - Grammy Nomination

Dido has been nominated for a grammy in Best Female Pop Vocal Performance (for a solo vocal performance, singles or tracks only) for 'White Flag'. She was also reading nominations for the Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, USA yesterday.
Dido was totally delighted to be nominated for the Awards. The other nominees in Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in Field 1 - Pop, Category 5 are:

Beautiful - Christina Aguilera
Miss Independent - Kelly Clarkson
I'm With You - Avril Lavigne
Fallen - Sarah McLachlan

The 46th Annual Grammy Awards take place on Sunday 8th February 2004 in Los Angeles, USA.
For more details and to see all the other nominees visit the Grammys website.

4th December 2003 - USA Chart

This week in the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart 'White Flag' went down 3 places to number 32 and in the Billboard 200 album chart 'Life For Rent' went down 1 place to number 30.

4th December 2003 - UK Chart Midweeks

According to the midweek sales 'Life For Rent' is currently only at number 9 in the singles chart.

3rd December 2003 - Biggest Selling Album of 2003

'Life For Rent' has now overtaken 'Justified' by Justin Timberlake to become the biggest selling album of 2003 so far. Since the end of September 2003 'Life For Rent' (the album) has been breaking sales records all around the world. It has sold more than 1.2 million copies in the UK, over 1 million copies in the USA and early 6 million copies have been sold worldwide in just over 50 days. Platinum and multi-platinum certifications continue to roll in. The tally currently stands at 16 territories with 4x platinum status already achieved in the UK, Ireland and Singapore and 2x platinum sales confirmed in Australia, New Zealand and Switzerland. In the album is gold in seven other countries.
'Life For Rent' is the fastest selling record by a female artist in the UK and it has been number 1 in 20 countries and has made the top 5 in 35 of the world's key music markets.
'Life For Rent' enjoyed the biggest selling UK first week sales since 2001 and the biggest first day sales of the year with over 100,000.
'Life For Rent' (the single) was released on Monday 1st December 2003.

2nd December 2003 - UK Record Of The Year 2003

'White Flag' has been voted through to the final 10 of the 'Record Of The Year 2003'. The live final is on Saturday 6th December 2003 at 5.45pm on ITV1 in the UK. The public will then get another chance to vote for their favourite with the eventual winner being announced in the results show at 9.30pm. The 10 finalists are:

Beyonce - Crazy In Love
Busted - Year 3000
Daniel Bedingfield - If You're Not The One
Dido - White Flag
Evanescence - Bring Me To Life
Fat Man Scoop - Be Faithful
Rachel Stevens - Sweet Dreams My La Ex
Room 5 Featuring Oliver Cheatham - Make Luv
Black Eyed Peas - Where Is The Love?
Westlife - Mandy

1st December 2003 - Out Today

Don't forget that 'Life For Rent' (the single) is released in the UK today. Buy 'Life For Rent': UK Limited Edition CD1 and/or UK CD2. The track listing is as follows:

CD Single 1 Limited Edition (82876579462):
Life For Rent
White Flag - Idjut Boys Remix

CD Single 2 (82876579472):
Life For Rent
Life For Rent - Skinny 4 Rent Mix
Stoned - Spiritchaser Mix
Life For Rent - Enhanced Video

30th November 2003 - Dido's Big Ones

Dido will be on BBC Radio 1 in the UK tomorrow morning with Scott Mills from 8.30am, with her Big Ones (tracks) at 9.00am.

30th November 2003 - UK Chart

This week in the singles chart 'White Flag' went down 5 places to number 34 and in the album chart 'Life For Rent' stayed at number 3.

29th November 2003 - UK Record Of The Year 2003

'White Flag' has been selected as one of the top 20 records of the year. The public in the UK have to vote for their favourite two tracks in each group, there are five groups, A-E. 'White Flag' is in group E along with 'If You're Not The One' by Daniel Bedingfield, 'In Da Club' by 50 Cent and 'Sound Of The Underground' By Girls Aloud. The top two in each group with the most votes will go through to next weeks live final on Saturday 6th December 2003 at 5.45pm on ITV1 in the UK, with the results show at 9.30pm.

29th November 2003 - European Chart

This week in the Eurochart Hot 100 singles chart 'White Flag' went down 1 place to number 4 and in the Eurochart Hot 100 albums chart 'Life For Rent' stayed at number 1. Both charts are compiled by Billboard.

29th November 2003 - Please Vote For My Website Again

Please vote for my website, this time for the Best Fan Site Award at the Top Of The Pops Awards. My website didn't make the top 10 last year and it would be nice to do that this year.
So please get your vote in and make a difference.
Many thanks.

28th November 2003 - Thank You

Thank you voting for my website for the People's Choice Award at the Interactive Music Awards. All Dido came 84th out of thousands, which was better than I did last year when All Dido came 277th.
For a list of the top 500 People's Choice Award websites visit the Interactive Music Awards 2003 website.

28th November 2003 - German Bambi Awards

Dido won the award for Best Pop International at the German Bambi Awards last night. She performed 'White Flag' at the awards.

27th November 2003 - USA Chart

This week in the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart 'White Flag' stayed at number 29 and in the Billboard 200 album chart 'Life For Rent' went down 11 places to number 29.

26th November 2003 - Healthy Backstage Treats

When Dido appeared on 'V Graham Norton' earlier this week she wanted only the healthiest backstage treats. Unlike most pop stars who demand beer and chocolates, Dido asked for green and mint tea, soya milk, soya yoghurt, goat's milk yoghurt, yeast-free bread, walnuts, pecans and pumpkin seeds, a big bowl of carrots, cucumbers and celery.

25th November 2003 - Track Listing Change

The track listing of the limited edition CD single of 'Life For Rent' has changed. 'White Flag - Idjut Boys Remix' has replaced 'Life For Rent - Live Acoustic Performance'.

24th November 2003 - Sharon Beats Dido

Sharon Osbourne beat Dido to be named "the most amazing woman of 2003" in a poll published by a website for women.
Sharon, wife of rocker Ozzy Osbourne took almost a third of the 7,000 votes.

23rd November 2003 - UK Chart

This week in the singles chart 'White Flag' went down 7 places to number 29 and in the album chart 'Life For Rent' went down 2 places to number 3.

22nd November 2003 - European Chart

This week in the Eurochart Hot 100 singles chart 'White Flag' stayed at number 3 and in the Eurochart Hot 100 albums chart 'Life For Rent' stayed at number 1. Both charts are compiled by Billboard.

20th November 2003 - USA Chart

This week in the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart 'White Flag' stayed at number 29 and in the Billboard 200 album chart 'Life For Rent' went down 6 places to number 18.

19th November 2003 - Dido To Announce Grammy Nominees

Dido, Stacie Orrico, Moby, Amy Lee from Evanescence and others will reading the nominations for the 46th Annual Grammy Awards in the Grand Ballroom of the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, USA on Thursday 4th December 2003.

18th November 2003 - TV Appearance

Dido will be performing 'Life For Rent' on 'cd:uk' on Saturday 22nd November 2003 at 12.30pm on ITV1 in the UK.

16th November 2003 - UK Chart

This week in the singles chart 'White Flag' went down 6 places to number 22 and in the album chart 'Life For Rent' went back up 2 places to number 1.

15th November 2003 - European Chart

This week in the Eurochart Hot 100 singles chart 'White Flag' went down 1 place to number 3 and in the Eurochart Hot 100 albums chart 'Life For Rent' stayed at number 1. Both charts are compiled by Billboard.

14th November 2003 - Dido Vs Black Eyed Peas

'Where Is The Love?' by Black Eyed Peas stopped Dido's 'White Flag' from getting to number 1 in the UK. Both singles were released on the same day, Monday 1st September 2003 and it's happening again. 'Shut Up' the follow up single to 'Where Is The Love?' is released on the same day as Dido's 'Life For Rent' on Monday 1st December 2003. Who will get the highest chart position this time?

13th November 2003 - USA Chart

This week in the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart 'White Flag' went up 2 places to number 29 and in the Billboard 200 album chart 'Life For Rent' went down 3 places to number 12.

13th November 2003 - Love Actually

Dido's 'Here With Me' appears on the soundtrack to the new British film 'Love Actually'. The film is a new romantic comedy in the tradition of 'Four Weddings And A Funeral', 'Notting Hill' and 'Bridget Jones's Diary'. Set in contemporary London in the run-up to Christmas, it tells one story which weaves together a spectacular number of love affairs, sometimes romantic, sometimes sad, sometimes stupid - all funny in their own way.
'Love Actually' is directed by Richard Curtis, and stars Alan Rickman, Colin Firth, Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant, Keira Knightley, Liam Neeson and Rowan Atkinson and hits cinemas UK wide from Friday 21st November 2003. The soundtrack is released on Monday 17th November 2003.

12th November 2003 - A Million UK Copies Sold

'Life For Rent' has sold it's millionth UK copy this week in only it's seventh week of release. 'Life For Rent' sold 400,000 copies in the first week, 199,000 in the second week, 123,000 in the third week, 90,000 in the fourth week, 89,000 in the fifth week, 82,500 in the sixth week and so far this week it has sold 28,000 copies making 1,011,500 copies sold so far. 'Life For Rent' is now the year's second best selling album behind 'Justified' by Justin Timberlake. It's expected to go back to number 1 in the album chart this week after a two-week gap.

12th November 2003 - Dido At The MTV AMAs

Dido is to perform at the MTV Asia Music Awards 2004 event which is scheduled to take place next year on Saturday 14th February 2004 at the Indoor Stadium in Singapore. Dido has been nominated in the Favourite Female Artist category.

11th November 2003 - Meet And Greet Dido

Dido will be playing a very exclusive acoustic set in London at The Villiers Theatre on Monday 17th November 2003. If you would like to win a pair of tickets to see Dido live plus meet her in person visit the official Dido website.

11th November 2003 - BMG/Sony An Update

Dido's record label BMG plans to merge with Sony. If approved, the company would have an annual turnover of £3.3 billion, or a quarter of worldwide music sales. The deal could be finalised within two months.

9th November 2003 - UK Chart

This week in the singles chart 'White Flag' went back up 2 places to number 16 and in the album chart 'Life For Rent' went down 1 place to number 3 and 'No Angel' went out of the top 75.

8th November 2003 - European Chart

This week in the Eurochart Hot 100 singles chart 'White Flag' stayed at number 2 and in the Eurochart Hot 100 albums chart 'Life For Rent' stayed at number 1. Both charts are compiled by Billboard.

6th November 2003 - USA Chart

This week in the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart 'White Flag' went up 8 places to number 31 and in the Billboard 200 album chart 'Life For Rent' went down 2 places to number 9.

3rd November 2003 - MTV EMAs

When Dido takes to the stage at the MTV Europe Music Awards 2003 event on Thursday 6th November 2003 she will be backed by students with limited experience of performing in public.
Dido's appearance is expected to be one of the highlights of the awards ceremony. She will be backed by a 40 piece string orchestra, featuring 7 cellists, 18 violinists, 19 viola players and 2 double bass players when she performs 'White Flag'.
Christina Aguilera will be hosting the event at the Ocean Terminal Arena in Edinburgh, UK.

2nd November 2003 - UK Chart

This week in the singles chart 'White Flag' went down 4 places to number 18 and in the album chart 'Life For Rent' went down 1 place to number 2 and 'No Angel' went down 22 places to number 66.

1st November 2003 - Dido Rocks

Dido will be featured in the November/December 2003 issue (issue number 9) of the USA magazine, 'Women Who Rock'. The article features an exclusive interview where she talks about the making of 'Life For Rent' and why she has "to take lessons to act like a pop star."
Here is an excerpt from the exclusive interview.

All the Right Moves
by Bob Gulla

Sitting cross-legged on a big, comfy chair, Dido Armstrong says what many of us metal dudes, pop divas, and punk toughies alike would admit only in a moment of weakness. "I really like James Taylor's 'Fire and Rain'."
Well, who doesn't like JT deep down but what prompted such an admission? It happened like this: Dido had suffered through a couple of bad weeks. She was overtired. She had been on a promotional tour and found herself talking about herself to strangers way too much not a good thing for someone so obviously humble and down-to-earth. "I was going mad," she says. "I went home and desperately had to decompress." Late one night, she heard the JT chestnut, and it found a soft spot within her soul and nestled there in one of those moments when a simple melody hits you acutely. Dido picked up her guitar and taught herself the song immediately. "When I heard it, I thought, This is exactly why I make music. I was getting so much pleasure sitting at home all alone learning 'Fire and Rain'. It sounds really dumb, but it's quite easy to forget why you're in this business. Your focus on music is key to holding on to yourself."

For the rest of the article, please refer to the November/December 2003 issue of 'Women Who Rock' magazine which hits newsstands on Tuesday 11th November 2003.
To place advance orders of the magazine visit the 'Women Who Rock' website.

1st November 2003 - European Chart

This week in the Eurochart Hot 100 singles chart 'White Flag' stayed at number 2 and in the Eurochart Hot 100 albums chart 'Life For Rent' stayed at number 1. Both charts are compiled by Billboard.

31st October 2003 - TV Appearances

Dido will be a guest and will be performing 'Life For Rent' on 'V Graham Norton' on Monday 24th November 2003 at 10.00pm on Channel 4 in the UK, and on the relaunch of 'Top Of The Pops' on Friday 28th November 2003 at 7.00pm on BBC1 in the UK. She will also be a special guest on 'TRL' on Tuesday 25th November 2003 on MTV in the UK.

30th October 2003 - USA Chart

This week in the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart 'White Flag' went up 11 places to number 39 and in the Billboard 200 album chart 'Life For Rent' went down 1 place to number 7.

29th October 2003 - Up For Selection

The video for 'Life For Rent' is now available for selection on the UK satellite music television channel, The Box (smash Hits you control). The selection number is 120. The video for 'White Flag' is still available for selection also. The selection number is 822.
For more information visit the 'The box' website.
The video was filmed in London and is directed by Sophie Muller.

28th October 2003 - Track Listing

The UK formats for 'Life For Rent' the single have been confirmed. Pre-order 'Life For Rent': UK Limited Edition CD1 and/or UK CD2. The track listing is as follows:

CD Single 1 Limited Edition (82876579462):
Life For Rent
Life For Rent - Live Acoustic Performance

CD Single 2 (82876579472):
Life For Rent
Life For Rent - Skinny 4 Rent Mix
Stoned - Spiritchaser Mix
Life For Rent - Enhanced Video

26th October 2003 - UK Chart

This week in the singles chart 'White Flag' went down 2 places to number 14 and in the album chart 'Life For Rent' stayed at number 1 for a fourth week and 'No Angel' went down 12 places to number 44.

25th October 2003 - European Chart

This week in the Eurochart Hot 100 singles chart 'White Flag' stayed at number 2 and in the Eurochart Hot 100 albums chart 'Life For Rent' stayed at number 1. Both charts are compiled by Billboard.

24th October 2003 - Are You A Betting Person?

The bookmakers Coral have Dido at 66/1 today for the UK Christmas Number 1 Single 2003.

23rd October 2003 - USA Chart

This week 'White Flag' entered the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart top 50 at number 50 and in the Billboard 200 album chart 'Life For Rent' went down 2 places to number 6.

23rd October 2003 - BMG To Merge With Sony?

Dido's record label BMG have opened talks to merge with Sony, according to reports in the USA's 'New York Post'.
It's thought to be unlikely that monopoly regulations in the European Union would allow the merger to go ahead. Sony were also recently in talks to merge with Warners, but those broke down.

22nd October 2003 - Please Vote For My Website

Please vote for my website for the People's Choice Award at the Interactive Music Awards. My website came 277th out of thousands last year and I hope to improve on that position this year.
There's an added bonus of prizes for voters too. You can get the chance to win a safari, a luxury car, a home entertainment system and many more great prizes. So please get your vote in and make a difference.
Many thanks.

21st October 2003 - Secret Gig

Dido will be playing a gig at a secret Scottish venue for only 250 people. The acoustic gig is on Wednesday 5th November 2003 and tickets can be won via some Scottish radio stations.

20th October 2003 - New Remixes

There are two new Dido remixes that are around. At the moment an they are only available on a promo 12" vinyl release in a plain black die-cut sleeve.
The first remix is 'White Flag - Scumfrog Remix', remixed by Scumfrog and according the official Scumfrog website he first says, "Sad news on the Dido front, my remix of her song 'White Flag' will not be released, as she is apparently not happy with the way I used her vocals (and I didn't even sing on it!)" and he now says, "It looks like my mix of Dido will make it to vinyl after all and that MP3 preview will be on this site as soon as the mix is pressed."
The second remix is 'Stoned - Deep Dish Remix', remixed by Deep Dish. This remix has been played by Pete Tong on his 'Essential Selection' show on Radio 1.
For samples of both of the remixes visit the Yo Shop website.

19th October 2003 - UK Chart

This week in the singles chart 'White Flag' went down 6 places to number 12 and in the album chart 'Life For Rent' stayed at number 1 for a third week and 'No Angel' went down 8 places to number 32.

18th October 2003 - European Chart

This week in the Eurochart Hot 100 singles chart 'White Flag' stayed at number 2 and in the Eurochart Hot 100 albums chart 'Life For Rent' stayed at number 1. Both charts are compiled by Billboard.

16th October 2003 - USA Chart

This week in the Billboard 200 album chart 'Life For Rent' stayed at number 4.

16th October 2003 - Life For Rent The Next Single

'Life For Rent' is the next single to be released from Dido's stunning new album. It will be released on Monday 1st December 2003. The video is directed by Sophie Muller and was filmed in London.
I wonder what the odds are on 'Life For Rent' being on top of both the single and album charts at Christmas. Now that would be a nice birthday and Christmas present for Dido.

12th October 2003 - UK Chart

This week in the singles chart 'White Flag' went down 1 place to number 6 and in the album chart 'Life For Rent' stayed at number 1 for a second week and 'No Angel' went down 5 places to number 24.

12th October 2003 - Imagine Interview

Dido was on my local radio station in Manchester, Imagine FM this afternoon. Here are the best bits from the interview with Dido:

On turning 30
"I made the big mistake of not lying about my age at the beginning, I should of said I was 23 and now I'd only be about 26 and it would all be fine. I was fine until about a month before and then just suddenly I just flipped and was changing everything and trying to mess everything up. I love getting older and I love all that comes with it. I love that whole thing of growing up and seeing more. I turned 30 and it was great. I had a really nice party."

On her greatest influences
"The band that sort of made me wanna do what I do were the Police. They were writing these fantastic songs and producing them in a way that was properly funky and you just wanted to listen to it again and again and again. My favourite Police song is probably the most obvious and the most over heard one, but I think it's one of the best songs ever written, which is 'Every Breath You Take'. I just think it's an incredible song and I love the fact that it's such a dark song."

On touring
I'm looking forward to actually getting on a proper tour and getting out there. It's going to be fun having two albums worth of stuff to play as well, which is going to be quite exciting rather than me telling lots of very long jokes. That's going to be great and travelling the world again, it's just going to be so much fun."

11th October 2003 - European Chart

This week in the Eurochart Hot 100 singles chart 'White Flag' stayed at number 2 and in the Eurochart Hot 100 albums chart 'Life For Rent' stayed at number 1. Both charts are compiled by Billboard.

10th October 2003 - Worldwide Charts

'Life For Rent' is at number 1 in the UK, Ireland, Australia, France, Denmark, Sweden, Poland, South Africa, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Switzerland, at number 2 in Italy, Canada, Holland, New Zealand and Singapore, at number 3 in Austria, Finland and Germany, at number 4 in the USA, at number 5 in Norway, Portugal and Argentina, at number 6 in the Czech Republic, at number 7 in Israel, at number 9 in Spain, at number 12 in Iceland, at number 15 in Brazil and at number 20 in Hungary. And those are just what I could find. 'Life For Rent' has sold around 3 million copies worldwide, making it the best selling album in the world this week.

9th October 2003 - USA Chart

This week 'Life For Rent' entered the Billboard 200 album chart at number 4. It had sold around 191,500 copies in its first week.

8th October 2003 - Dido At The MTV EMAs

Dido is to perform at the 10th annual MTV Europe Music Awards 2003 event which takes place on Thursday 6th November 2003 at the Ocean Terminal Arena in Edinburgh, UK. Other scheduled performers include Kylie Minogue, Pink, Sean Paul, Chemical Brothers & Flaming Lips, Beyonce and Travis.
Members of the public are being offered the chance to attend the event, with tickets on sale on Monday 13th October 2003 at 6.00pm.
For more information visit the MTV website.

7th October 2003 - TV Appearances

Dido will be performing 'Life For Rent' on 'Top Of The Pops' on Friday 10th October 2003 at 7.30pm on BBC1 in the UK. The television special 'Headliners' recorded on Saturday 30th August 2003 will be shown in the early hours of Thursday 16th October 2003 at 12.30am on Channel 4 in the UK.

5th October 2003 - Second UK Number 1 Album

Dido has registered her second number 1 album. 'Life For Rent' entered the UK album chart at the top this evening.
'Life For Rent' has become the fastest selling album in the UK in the last six years. It had sold over 400,000 copies in its first week, which was more than the rest of the other top 10 albums put together. It was the highest first week album sales since 'Be Here Now' by Oasis in 1997. Oasis sold over 300,000 copies on their first day and went on to sell 696,000 copies in its first week. 'Life For Rent' has sold the most copies in a week since '1' by The Beatles, which sold 319,000 copies in a week in 2001.
'No Angel', Dido's first number 1 album has re-entered the top 20 albums at number 19.

5th October 2003 - UK Chart

This week in the singles chart 'White Flag' went down 1 place to number 5 and 'Life For Rent' entered the album chart at number 1. Also in the album chart 'No Angel' went back up 4 places to number 19.

4th October 2003 - European Charts

This week in the Eurochart Hot 100 singles chart 'White Flag' went down 1 place to number 2. The chart is compiled by Billboard. 'White Flag' is also at number 2 in Italy and at number 1 in Germany.

3rd October 2003 - TV Appearance

Dido will be performing 'Don't Leave Home' on 'cd:uk' on Saturday 4th October 2003 at 11.30am on ITV1 in the UK.

2nd October 2003 - Tour Rumours

The tour rumour is that Dido is intending to tour from April to Christmas 2004 taking in lots of places on the way.

2nd October 2003 - Hidden Track

The hidden track on 'Life For Rent' is called 'Closer'.

1st October 2003 - UK CD Singles Revamped

UK CD singles are to be given a new format in a bid to boost sales. The Official UK Charts Company has announced that a two-tier single format will be take effect from Thursday 1st January 2004. The changes which were agreed last week, are said to be the most radical review of the charts set-up in the last five years.
The CD single can have two different tracks and can have a total running time of 10 minutes or less. They cannot offer any free gifts and will have to be in standard CD jewel cases and will cost £2.00. The CD Maxi single can have three different tracks, they can also have mixes of those tracks and can have a total running time of 20 minutes or less. They can also include two enhanced videos and will cost £4.00. Three different formats will count towards the chart position.

1st October 2003 - Fire And Rain

Dido performed on the Los Angeles radio station KCRW's morning show 'Morning Becomes Eclectic' yesterday. She performed acoustic versions of 'White Flag', 'Mary's In India', 'Don't Leave Home' and 'Life For Rent'. She also did a version of 'Fire And Rain' by James Taylor.
To listen to the songs and to an interview with Dido visit the KCRW website.

30th September 2003 - Years Fastest Seller

'Life For Rent' has become this years fastest selling album in the UK. Yesterday on its release 'Life For Rent' sold more than 152,000 copies easily beating the previous fastest selling album of the year 'Hail To The Thief' by Radiohead which sold around 114,000 copies in the first week of its release. 'Live At Knebworth' by Robbie Williams which was also released yesterday sold just under 27,000 copies.

30th September 2003 - Transatlantic Dido

Dido made history yesterday when she played gigs in London and New York on the same day to celebrate the release of 'Life For Rent'. At 7.30am Dido performed an acoustic set for fans at the Virgin megastore in Oxford Street, London and then she did an album signing. After an hour or so she was whisked off to Heathrow Airport to board a specially-chartered plane to New York where at 8.00pm she performed the same acoustic set for fans at the Virgin megastore in Union Square and then she did an album signing there also.
The British Airways plane, flight DIDO 1, was emblazoned with her name and the album title. The plane was also carrying more than 100 lucky competition winners. Dido performed three songs from the new album including 'White Flag' and she also treated fans to a rendition of 'Thank You'. Dido couldn't contain her excitement at the trip she said "I've been waiting and waiting for this day and it's a little bit surreal. I kept saying to my Dad, it's a whole plane and it's ours and it's going to have my name on it!. It's so much fun, it's making me giggle. I feel like a princess today."

29th September 2003 - Out Today And Tomorrow

Don't forget that 'Life For Rent' is released in the UK today and in the USA tomorrow. Buy 'Life For Rent': UK CD and/or USA CD. The track listing is as follows:

White Flag
Stoned
Life For Rent
Mary's In India
See You When You're 40
Don't Leave Home
Who Makes You Feel
Sand In My Shoes
Do You Have A Little Time
This Land Is Mine
See The Sun

29th September 2003 - All Dido Gets A New Look

I have given my website its second new look. After being based on the 'No Angel', I have now based it on the new album, 'Life For Rent' which is released today.

28th September 2003 - UK Chart

This week in the singles chart 'White Flag' went down 1 place to number 4 and in the album chart 'No Angel' went back up 31 places to number 23.

27th September 2003 - Dido And Dion

It appears that singing diva Celine Dion is a fan of Dido. She has reportedly asked Dido to pen her a hit. Insiders for Dido said "She is really flattered and looking at timescales."

27th September 2003 - European Charts

This week in the Eurochart Hot 100 singles chart 'White Flag' stayed at number 1. The chart is compiled by Billboard. 'White Flag' is also at number 39 in Holland, at number 5 in France, at number 5 in Germany and at number 1 in Italy.

26th September 2003 - New Album Breaks Pre-order Record

Dido has broken the Amazon pre-order sales record with her stunning new album 'Life For Rent'. 'Life For Rent' is released this Monday 29th September 2003 and the UK and US Version of the CD album also includes access to an internet exclusive album area. From Monday onwards you will be able to access exclusive footage of Dido on her USA promo tour plus a gallery and a special competition by visiting the Life For Rent website. Pre-order 'Life For Rent': UK CD and/or USA CD.

26th September 2003 - Box Tops

'White Flag' was the tenth most requested video this week on the UK satellite television music channel, The Box (smash Hits you control). The most requested video was, yes you've guessed it, 'Where Is The Love?' by Black Eyed Peas.

25th September 2003 - Dido At The MTV VMALAs

Dido is scheduled to perform at the 2nd annual MTV Video Music Awards Latin America 2003 event which takes place on Thursday 23rd October 2003 at the Jackie Gleason Theatre in Miami Beach, USA. Other scheduled performers include Cafe Tacuba, Control Machete, The Mars Volta, Alejandro Sanz, Sum 41, La Ley, Natalia Lafourcade and Iggy Pop.
The MTV VMALA will be shown live in Spanish across MTV Latin America and with English subtitles on MTV2 in the USA. It can also be seen on all of MTV's channels around the world.

23rd September 2003 - Album Playback

You can hear Dido's highly anticipated new album 'Life For Rent' before it is released on Monday 29th September 2003. If you live in the UK exclusive 'Life For Rent' listening parties will take place in the bar chain 'The Living Room'. The locations of these playbacks are: Nottingham, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, Liverpool, Edinburgh and London (Islington). Wristbands are collectible from HMV stores in these regions. Your wristband will include a free drink. These playbacks will happen on Thursday 25th September 2003 at 6.00pm.
For more information and the addresses for each venue visit the official Dido website.

22nd September 2003 - White Flag's 3rd Weeks UK Sales

'White Flag' sold around another 40,000 copies last week went it went down 1 place to number 3. The number 1 single, 'Where Is The Love?' sold around another 70,000 copies and the number 2 single, 'Sweet Dreams My L.A. Ex' by Rachel Stevens sold around 60,000 copies.

22nd September 2003 - Worldwide Charts

This week 'White Flag' is at number 1 in Australia, at number 1 in Israel and at number 2 in Peru.

21st September 2003 - UK Chart

This week in the singles chart 'White Flag' went down 1 place to number 3 and in the album chart 'No Angel' went down 11 places to number 54.

20th September 2003 - European Chart

This week 'White Flag' entered the Eurochart Hot 100 singles chart at number 1. The chart is compiled by Billboard. 'White Flag' is also at number 36 in Holland, at number 8 in France and at number 4 in Germany.

19th September 2003 - Box Tops

'White Flag' was again the second most requested video this week on the UK satellite television music channel, The Box (smash Hits you control). The most requested video was 'Where Is The Love?' by Black Eyed Peas.

18th September 2003 - UK Chart Midweeks

According to the midweek sales it looks as though Dido's chance of getting to number 1 has gone, as 'White Flag' is only at number 4. 'Where Is The Love?' by Black Eyed Peas is set for a third week at the top of the singles chart with 'Sweet Dreams My L.A. Ex' by Rachel Stevens a new entry at number 2 and 'Hey Whatever' by Westlife another new entry at number 3.

17th August 2003 - TV Appearance

Dido will be performing on the award-winning chat show 'Parkinson' on Saturday 27th September 2003 at 10.50pm on BBC1 in the UK.

16th September 2003 - Dido Doesn't Give A Flying F***

Dido said "I don't give a flying f*** about any other chart." She was refering to the only taking notice of the UK official charts as rather than any other UK chart.

15th September 2003 - White Flag's 2nd Weeks UK Sales

'White Flag' sold around another 50,000 copies last week to stay at number 2. The number 1 single, 'Where Is The Love?' sold another 90,273 copies.

15th September 2003 - One Big Weekend

Dido performed in front of a capacity crowd of 10,000 for Radio 1's Free One Big Weekend at the Cardiff Copper Field in the UK yesterday. It was Dido first concert in Wales and her first concert in almost two years. Dressed in a T-shirt and jeans she played an acoustic set including, 'White Flag', 'Thank You', 'Here With Me' and the title track from her new album 'Life For Rent'.
For images of Dido at Radio 1's Free One Big Weekend event visit the Radio 1 website.

14th September 2003 - Dido Misses Out Again

Dido has missed out again on registering her first number 1 solo single. 'White Flag' stayed at number 2 in the UK singles chart this evening. It was beaten to the top spot again by, 'Where Is The Love?' by Black Eyed Peas.
Again there is always next week when she might yet get that number 1 spot, but she will face tough competition from 'Sweet Dreams My L.A. Ex' by Rachel Stevens, 'Hey Whatever' by Westlife and yet again from 'Where Is The Love?' by Black Eyed Peas.

14th September 2003 - UK Chart

This week in the singles chart 'White Flag' stayed at number 2 and in the album chart 'No Angel' went down 4 places to number 43.

13th September 2003 - Box Tops

'White Flag' was the second most requested video this week on the UK satellite television music channel, The Box (smash Hits you control). The most requested video was 'Sweet Dreams My LA Ex' by Rachel Stevens who used to be in S Club.

12th September 2003 - Show Us Your Hits

Dido's videos will be shown Back-to-back on the UK satellite television music channel, VH1 on Monday 15th September 2003 at 5.00pm.

11th September 2003 - UK Chart Midweeks

According to the midweek sales 'White Flag' is set to miss out again on this weeks number 1 as 'Where Is The Love?' by Black Eyed Peas is again easily ahead on sales at the moment and is set for a second week at the top of the singles chart.

8th September 2003 - White Flag's 1st Weeks UK Sales

'White Flag' sold 73,584 copies last week to get it to number 2. The number 1 single, 'Where Is The Love?' sold 94,308 copies.

8th September 2003 - I'm Jinxed

Dido thinks she's jinxed after two television performances in one week fell victim to technical mishaps. She was recording 'White Flag' for 'Top Of The Pops' when soundmen fought against malfunctioning equipment. An insider says, "It just all went wrong and it took her five attempts to nail it." The sound issues echoed similar problems Dido experienced earlier in the week at London's Riverside Studios. During that recording, she told the audience, "I feel like I'm jinxed."

7th September 2003 - Dido Misses Out

Dido has missed out on registering her first number 1 solo single. 'White Flag' was a new entry in the UK singles chart this evening at number 2. It was beaten to the top spot by another new entry, 'Where Is The Love?' by Black Eyed Peas. The group from the USA feature backing vocals from Justin Timberlake.
However 'White Flag' is Dido's biggest ever solo hit to date beating 'Thank You' which got to number 3 in May 2001 and it's her 3rd top 10 hit solo single. There is always next week when she might yet get that number 1 spot, but she will face tough competition from 'Sunshine' by Gareth Gates and again from 'Where Is The Love?' by Black Eyed Peas.

7th September 2003 - UK Chart

This week 'White Flag' entered the singles chart at number 2 and in the album chart 'No Angel' went back up 8 places to number 39.

6th September 2003 - Dido's Perfect Day

Apparently Dido's perfect day is going to the pub and then to a football match. Hey Dido please get in touch I think even I can manage that.

6th September 2003 - Box Tops & Box Tones

'White Flag' was for the second week running the most requested video on the UK satellite television music channel, The Box (smash Hits you control).
The 'White Flag' ringtone was the second most popular ringtone ordered from Box Tones. Click Here to preview the Nokia version of it.

5th September 2003 - Free One Big Weekend

All tickets for Radio 1's Free One Big Weekend event on 13th-14th September 2003 have now been given away. Dido will be performing on the Sunday in front of a capacity crowd of 10,000 at the Cardiff Copper Field in the UK.

5th September 2003 - Hidden Track

Some reviews of 'Life For Rent' suggest that there is a hidden track on the album. We will have to wait and see.

4th September 2003 - Single Of The Week

Woolworths stores in the UK have made 'White Flag' their Single Of The Week.

4th September 2003 - UK Chart Midweeks

According to the midweek sales 'White Flag' is set to miss out on this weeks number 1 in the singles chart as 'Where Is The Love?' by Black Eyed Peas is easily ahead on sales at the moment. We will have to wait and see at the weekend.

3rd September 2003 - Global Launch

Dido will celebrate the release of her eagerly anticipated new album 'Life For Rent' by playing a special acoustic session at Virgin Megastores in London on the morning of Monday 29th September 2003 and another special in-store appearance that very same evening in New York City.
What's more, she'll be taking a plane load of lucky competition winners and assorted VIP European media with her on a specially chartered British Airways flight.
Celebrations begin at 8.00am on Monday 29th September 2003 when Dido will showcase four songs from her new album including the glorious first single 'White Flag' at the Virgin Megastore in Oxford Street, London followed by an album signing. After winging her way across the Atlantic, Dido will then perform that same day at the Virgin Megastore in Union Square, New York City between 7.00pm and 8.00pm TBC.
'White Flag' is already being hailed as a landmark single while 'Life For Rent' looks set to repeat the incredible global success of 'No Angel' which sold over 12 million copies worldwide and remains the biggest selling debut album by a female artist in the UK ever.
The exclusive competition for this special event will be on the official Dido website soon and tickets for the London showcase are available in store.

2nd September 2003 - Radio 1 Interview

Dido played acoustic versions of 'White Flag' and 'Thank You' yesterday on Radio 1 with Jo Whiley. Here are the best bits from the interview:

On reviews of the new album
"I've only seen one and it was appalling, but actually quite funny. You have to take it with a pinch of salt. Everything they said in the review was what I was trying to do with my music anyway, which was be simple and write about everyday things."

On singing karaoke
"I did karaoke in Japan - oh, my god I had fun. I did 'Wuthering Heights' by Kate Bush which was the worst rendition you've ever heard, and then a whole Backstreet Boys routine!"

On the video for 'White Flag'
"I asked David Boreanaz, from Angel, to be in it. I wanted someone dark and twisted, and young. He's a lot of fun, and he was really up for it even though it was something that he didn't have to do."

2nd September 2003 - White Flag Limited Edition

'White Flag' has now been released on a 7" limited edition white vinyl. The 1-track 1-sided white vinyls are individually numbered. Buy 'White Flag': UK 7" Limited Edition White Vinyl. The track listing is as follows:

7" Single Limited Edition White Vinyl (82876546027):
White Flag

1st September 2003 - Out Today

Don't forget that 'White Flag' is released in the UK today. Buy 'White Flag': UK CD and/or UK 12". The track listing is as follows:

CD Single (82876546022):
White Flag
Paris
White Flag - Johnny Toobad Mix

12" Single (82876546021):
White Flag - Beginerz Remix
White Flag - Version Idjut

31st August 2003 - UK Chart

This week in the album chart 'No Angel' went down 2 places to number 47.

31st August 2003 - Life For Rent Preview

There were previews of 'Stoned', 'Mary's In India', 'Don't Leave Home', 'Who Makes You Feel' and 'See The Sun' on The Month CD-Rom which came with today's 'Sunday Times' newspaper in the UK.
For more information visit the Times Online website.

30th August 2003 - Free One Big Weekend

Dido will be performing on day two of Radio 1's Free One Big Weekend event on Sunday 14th September 2003. The event takes place at the Cardiff Copper Field in the UK.
Joining Dido performing on the Sunday will be The Thrills, Kosheen, The Darkness, Starsailor, Pink and Travis. Performing on the Saturday will be Lottie, Yousef, Seb Fontaine, Nic Fanciulli, Basement Jaxx, Erick Morillo, Chemical Brothers and Sander Kleinenberg.
Tickets for the event are free and they will be given away on Friday 5th September 2003 at 9.00am for Sunday's massive live music line-up and at 6.00pm for Saturday's awesome dance extravaganza at the Millennium Walkway just next to the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. The capacity for each day is 10,000 and there will be a limit of two tickets per person.
For more information visit the Radio 1 website.

30th August 2003 - Box Tops

'White Flag' was the most requested video this week on the UK satellite television music channel, The Box (smash Hits you control).

29th August 2003 - TV Appearances

Dido will be performing 'White Flag' on 'GMTV' on Wednesday 3rd September 2003 between 6.00am and 9.25am (not as previously mention on Wednesday 3rd September 2003) on ITV1 in the UK, on 'Top Of The Pops' on Friday 5th September 2003 at 7.30pm on BBC1 in the UK and on 'cd:uk' on Saturday 6th September 2003 at 11.30am on ITV1 in the UK. She will also be performing a special live acoustic version of 'White Flag' on 'TRL' on Tuesday 2nd September 2003 on MTV in the UK.

29th August 2003 - Radio Appearances

Dido will be previewing some of the tracks from 'Life For Rent' on Radio 1's 'Live Lounge' on Jo Whiley's show on Monday 1st September 2003 between 10.00am and 12.45pm. Then she will be popping over to Steve Wright's show on Radio 2 to talk about the album between 2.00pm and 5.00pm on the same day.

27th August 2003 - White Flag Ringtone

I've just got the 'White Flag' ringtone for my Nokia mobile from Box Tones. Click Here to preview it.

26th August 2003 - Dido TV Special

Dido is going to be performing a rare one-off television special for UK television shows 'Headliners' and 'cd:uk'. This is happening on Saturday 30th August 2003 from 6.45pm at the Riverside Studios in London. The best thing is that tickets for this are free. There are only 200 tickets for this very special, very rare, very exclusive and very intimate performance. You have to be over 18 years old. Please note that this is a ticket only performance. If you turn up at the venue without a ticket, entrance will be denied.
For more information visit the Applause Store website.

24th August 2003 - UK Chart

This week in the album chart 'No Angel' went up 7 places to number 45.

23rd August 2003 - Up For Selection

The video for 'White Flag' is now available for selection on the UK satellite music television channel, The Box (smash Hits you control). The selection number is 822.
For more information visit the 'The box' website.
The video was filmed in Los Angeles and is directed by Joseph Kahn who has directed videos for Eminem. The video also features David Boreanaz (aka TV's Angel).

22nd August 2003 - Track Listings

Some of the UK formats for 'White Flag' have been confirmed. The CD single includes a new track called 'Paris'. The track listing is as follows:

CD Single (82876546022):
White Flag
Paris
White Flag - Johnny Toobad Mix

12" Single (82876546021):
White Flag - Beginerz Remix
White Flag - Version Idjut

'White Flag' was also going to be released as a DVD single, but that seems to have been cancelled. 'White Flag' is released in the UK on Monday 1st September 2003. Pre-order 'White Flag': UK CD and/or UK 12".
The track listing for 'Life For Rent' has finally been confirmed and is as follows:

CD (82876545982):
White Flag
Stoned
Life For Rent
Mary's In India
See You When You're 40
Don't Leave Home
Who Makes You Feel
Sand In My Shoes
Do You Have A Little Time
This Land Is Mine
See The Sun

'Life For Rent' is released in the UK on Monday 29th September 2003. Pre-order 'Life For Rent': UK CD.

21st August 2003 - The Making Of

The making of Dido's new video will be on 'Making The Video' on Tuesday 26th August at 10.30am on MTV in the UK, where MTV go behind the scenes with Dido on the making of 'White Flag'.

19th August 2003 - TV Appearance

Dido will be performing 'White Flag' on 'GMTV' on Monday 1st September 2003 between 6.00am and 9.25am on ITV1 in the UK.

17th August 2003 - UK Chart

This week in the album chart 'No Angel' went up 1 place to number 52.

12th August 2003 - Life For Rent

The new single, 'White Flag' is the first taste from Dido's eagerly anticipated new album 'Life For Rent'. Written by Dido, Rick Nowels and Rollo, the single showcases a new-found musical and lyrical confidence. Like most of the album, 'White Flag' is produced by Dido and Rollo.
'No Angel', Dido's first album, was released in 1999 and has sold over 12 million copies worldwide, almost three million in the UK alone. The new album features eleven new songs mostly written with Rollo.
"There's a little of everything I myself like to listen to thrown into the mix: folk, rock, pop, dance, hip hop, whatever" Dido explains. "Neither Rollo or myself likes music that's polished to perfection and lacking in edge. We wanted a multi-layered sound, so that a year from now you might notice in the mix something you've never heard before."
The eleven songs on 'Life For Rent' paint a varied and absorbing musical portrait of modern life. Each song is a separate vignette, written from an intriguing perspective. It's adventurous yet unmistakably Dido. "The music is diverse enough to draw in new listeners, without ever sounding like it's by anyone other than me." Dido admits.
Highlights are many and include the glorious first single 'White Flag', the contagious title track 'Life For Rent', the sun drenched 'Sand In My Shoes' and the epic closer 'See The Sun'.

10th August 2003 - UK Chart

This week in the album chart 'No Angel' went up 19 places to number 53.

5th August 2003 - Pepsi Smash

Dido will be performing for 'Pepsi Smash' presented by Pepsi and WB. 'Pepsi Smash' will take place in Los Angeles, on Tuesday 12th August 2003. There will be only 500 people at this event.
'Pepsi Smash' will feature four acts per episode. Three of the acts will be hit artists with instant name recognition and the fourth artist will be an act just about to break to a mass audience.
The show will be aired on Wednesday 20th August 2003 at 9pm/8pm Central on The WB. other acts on the show will be Ashanti, Fabolous/Lil' Mo and All American Rejects.
For more information visit the 'Pepsi Smash' website.

4th August 2003 - Key 103 Interview

Here are the best bits from Mike Toolan's interview with Dido on Key 103 yesterday:

On Eminem
She thanked him and said that she was very grateful to him. She last spoke to him about a year ago and he was polite, sweet and cool when they did 'Stan'.

On 'No Angel' and 'Life For Rent'
She said it was "Cool" that 'No Angel' got to number 1 in thirteen countries and was the best selling album in the world at one point. When asked about 'Life For Rent' and was she under any pressure, she laughed and said "err no."

On Britney Spears
She helped Britney's writers with the lyrics on 'I'm Not A Girl, Not Yet A Woman' because, "They were all guys and they need a girls point of view" so she gave them some lyrics. When asked, do you like the song? she said "It's alright, I wouldn't sing it, moving on."

On plastic surgery
"There's no way I would have plastic surgery, yet."

3rd August 2003 - UK Chart

This week in the album chart 'No Angel' went up 1 place to number 72.

1st August 2003 - Dido On My Local Radio Station

Dido will be on my local radio station in Manchester, Key 103 (the number 1 radio station for Manchester and the North West). She will be on with Mike Toolan from 9.00am on Sunday 3rd August 2003.

30th July 2003 - Anti-copying Technology

Dido's new album 'Life For Rent' includes anti-copying technology that is intended to prevent unlawful copying of the CD with a PC, which may affect playability of the CD on certain computer devices such as PCs and gaming platforms.

27th July 2003 - UK Chart

This week in the album chart 'No Angel' went back up 6 places to number 73.

26th July 2003 - Dido Snubs Charlotte Church

Teenager Charlotte Church has apparently been given the brush-off by Dido, her pop idol, says the 'Daily Star' newspaper.
17 year-old Charlotte is desperate to ditch the classical music that made her millions. She begged the chart topping rock queen to write some songs to kick start her new career. But the request fell on death ears, a pal of Charlotte's said sniffily, "Dido is too busy wotking on her own material to help out."
Cardiff singer Charolette banked £15 million from grand concert appearances and tracks including 'Pie Jesu' and 'Danny Boy'. She had a top three hit with the dance track 'The Opera Song' under her initials CMC, with Jurgen Vries. But now she prefers to listen to hip hop with her rap DJ boyfriend Steven Johnson and she wants to rock as successfully as Dido. The pal went on, "Charlotte is looking for songs which will appeal to the mainstream pop market and has now been talking to other writers about coming up with Dido-style tracks. She wants a big strong ballad that is atmospheric and dramatic, she desperately wants to be taken seriously in the rock world."

25th July 2003 - A White Flag Remix

Pete Tong has just played 'White Flag - Beginerz Mix' on his 'Essential Selection' show on Radio 1. If you missed it, or you would like to listen to it again, then visit the Radio 1 website. It will only be there for about a week though and you will need to have RealOne Player or RealAudio Player to listen to it.
'White Flag - Beginerz Remix' is the fourth track to be played. If you want to know what other the tracks were played check out the Track Listing page for Pete Tong's 'Essential Selection' show.

24th July 2003 - Life For Rent Track Listing

The track listing for 'Life For Rent', which still has to be confirmed is:

White Flag
Stoned
Life For Rent
Mary's In India
See You When You're 40
Don't Leave Home
Who Makes You Feel
Sand In My Shoes
Do You Have A Little Time
This Land Is Mine
See The Sun

20th July 2003 - UK Chart

This week in the album chart 'No Angel' went down 3 places to number 79.

19th July 2003 - White Flag Gets A DVD Release

Dido's new single 'White Flag' will also be released as a DVD single. The DVD single is released in the UK on Monday 1st September 2003 along with the CD single. Pre-order 'White Flag': UK CD and/or UK DVD.

18th July 2003 - White Flag Video

Dido has been filming the video for 'White Flag' this week at the Universal Studios in Los Angeles. The video is directed by Joseph Kahn.

13th July 2003 - UK Chart

This week in the album chart 'No Angel' went down 16 places to number 76.

11th July 2003 - Pre-order White Flag And Life For Rent

Pre-order Dido's new single 'White Flag': UK CD and her new album 'Life For Rent': UK CD. 'White Flag' is released on Monday 1st September 2003 and 'Life For Rent' is released on Monday 29th September 2003.

10th July 2003 - Radio 1 Interview

Here are the best bits from Jo Whiley's interview with Dido on Radio 1 yesterday:

On touring America
"The toilet tour is fun, it's one of my favourite things to do. You go around in this van and see huge amounts of Amercia, you're meeting fans and playing the songs acoustically. The further you get out of the big cities, the more fun you have."

On the new album
"I think I've moved further on. I haven't gone mad and done a rap-rock album. When I listen to it, it definitely feels different from the first one...maybe I've inadvertently been more been adventurous with the beats."

On the record company hearing the album for the first time
"If you feel good, you just feel excited about it...it's definitely nerve racking 'cos it would be awful if they turned round and said start again when it's something that you were so passionate about."

On Eminem
"I didn't go to Milton Keynes, I was in the studio. We were never like hanging out, only when we worked together. I still have the highest level of respect for him."

9th July 2003 - New Album Is Dido's Most Personal

Dido claims her new album contains her most personal and best work to date. She became so involved in making 'Life For Rent' that she forgot the music would eventually be heard by the public, leaving her terrified because of its personal nature.
She says, "It's slightly horrifying at the moment as I had forgotten that people would hear it. That sounds bizarre, but when it's all your mates playing in the same studio, it's easy to forget people will hear it and pick your life apart."
But, despite feeling proud of the album, ambitious Dido reckons her music can only improve in the future.
She says, "I have pushed myself further on this album and it is the best I can make right now. But in time to come I will be a better producer and a better player and it's lovely to be in a world where you can aspire to something more without being unhappy with what you've got."

6th July 2003 - UK Chart

This week in the album chart 'No Angel' went down 5 places to number 60.

5th July 2003 - Release Dates Change

'Life For Rent' is now scheduled to be released in the UK on Monday 29th September 2003 (not Monday 8th September 2003) and in the USA one day later on Tuesday 30th September 2003 (not Tuesday 9th September 2003). 'White Flag' is now scheduled to be released in the UK on Monday 1st September 2003 (not Monday 25th August 2003).

4th July 2003 - White Flag's UK Debut

Dido's new single 'White Flag' will get its first UK play via Radio 1 on Jo Whiley's show on Wednesday 9th July 2003 between 10.00am and 12.45pm. Dido will also be a guest on the show. The single will be airing on the rest of the UK's radio networks from the following day, Thursday 10th July 2003.

1st July 2003 - Never Say Never

Dido says she'd loved to increase the size of her boobs. She says if she knew the operation was 100 per cent safe, she wouldn't think twice about going under the knife to give her a little extra something up top. "I'd never say never" she confessed, when 'Hot Stars' magazine asked if she'd ever consider plastic surgery, "but I can't imagine putting anything alien into my body. I'd love a boob job if it was safe. Health to me is very important so if you're healthy why mess with anything? But it's easy to say now, because my face hasn't started falling off! You don't know what you're going to be like when you're 60 and it might be a lot safer then!"

30th June 2003 - Out And About

Dido, Coldplay, Bon Jovi, Coldplay, Ms Dynamite, Natalie Imbruglia and Liz McClarnon of Atomic Kitten were amongst the stars at the 28th annual Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Silver Clef Awards on Friday 27th June 2003. The lunch was held at the Inter-Continental Hotel in London. Dido presented an award to Coldplay.
The Lunch is the biggest fund raising event in the Nordoff-Robbins calendar and has become the music business charity lunch of the year.

29th June 2003 - UK Chart

This week 'No Angel' re-entered the album chart top 100 again at number 55.

28th June 2003 - White Flag Get's Its Debut On AOL

Dido's new single 'White Flag' will get its first play via AOL's First Listen tomorrow and then on US radio staions from Monday 7th July 2003. I have no UK dates as yet.
First Listen is part of MusicNet on AOL which expands AOL Music's range of offerings, which offer members the chance to watch exclusive interviews and performances and experience new songs, videos and entire CDs before they are available anywhere else. Complementing AOL's integrated commerce opportunities, MusicNet on AOL provides members with a whole new way to purchase and own music.
Dido will travel from the UK to the US in August 2003 to begin an intensive three week promotional tour in support of the single.

27th June 2003 - Life For Rent Rumoured Track Listing

This was posted on a Dido forum today:

An unofficial and partial track listing for the upcoming 'Life For Rent' Dido album:

Sand In My Shoes
Who Makes You Feel
This Land Is Mine
See You When You're 40
Life For Rent
Mary's In India
Stoned
See The Sun
Don't Leave Home
Don't Leave Me Alone
Do You Have A Little More Time

'White Flag' isn't listed, but I'm know that's on the album as it's the first single to be released off it. As for the other tracks, I can only say that from interviews that Dido has done the tracks that are confirmed as being on 'Life For Rent' other than 'White Flag' are, 'Sand In My Shoes', 'This Land Is Mine', 'Life For Rent' and 'Mary's In India'.

26th June 2003 - No Angel Facts And Figures

According to Arista, in the US 'No Angel' was certified 4x platinum by the RIAA and 5x platinum in Europe by the IFPI, with worldwide sales of more than 12 million copies. Following its release in June 1999, 'No Angel' became a chart phenomenon, reaching number 4 in the Billboard 200 album chart, earning distinction for several months as the longest-running title on the chart. It spent a total of 69 weeks on the chart, including 17 consecutive weeks in the top 10. The success of 'No Angel' was propelled by back-to-back hit singles, 'Here With Me' (theme song of 'Roswell') and 'Thank You' (a number 1 AC smash for 9 weeks that achieved global notoriety when it was sampled on Eminem's 'Stan', whose MTV/VMA-nominated video clip featured Dido).
Internationally, 'No Angel' was certified 9x platinum in the UK, reaching number 1 in the album chart and it became the biggest selling debut album by a female artist in the UK ever. Dido swept the BRIT Awards in the categories of British Female Solo Artist Of the Year and MasterCard British Album Of the Year, and won the Ivor Novello Award as Songwriter Of the Year. Dido took home Best Artist Rock/Pop International at the German Echos. The album was also certified platinum in over a dozen other territories, among them Denmark (where she won the Danish Music Award for Best International Artist), and Spain (the Amigo award as Best Newcoming Artist), and multi-platinum in a dozen territories including Ireland (13x platinum, with the Meteor Award for Best International Female), Italy (2x platinum), Canada (4x platinum), Australia (6x platinum), New Zealand (5x platinum), and Singapore (3x platinum). Dido also won Best New Act at the MTV Europe Awards, Best International Newcomer and Best International Album at the NRJ Awards, and Best Selling British Artist, World's Best Selling Female Artist, and World's Best Selling Adult Contemporary Artist at the World Music Awards.

20th June 2003 - Renta Dido

It's been four years since the release of Dido's debut album 'No Angel'. The follow up will be called 'Life For Rent' and this time around Dido's "gotten more extreme with the beats." 'Life For Rent' will be released in the UK on Monday 8th September 2003 and in the USA one day later on Tuesday 9th September 2003. The first single to be released off the album, 'White Flag' will be released in the UK two weeks earlier on Monday 25th August 2003.
Talking to 'Rolling Stone', Dido described 'White Flag' an "anthem type song set to hip-hop beats. It's a classic, I-still-love-you-but-I'll-never-admit-it song" in which she sings, "And when we meet, which I'm sure we will/All that is there will be there still/I'll let it pass and hold my tongue/And you'll think that I've moved on." "A proper love song," Dido says, laughing. "Just that things don't work out, what a surprise!"
The title track, she explains, is an equally anthemic song about "not being afraid to do all the things that you actually dreamed of doing in your life." Elsewhere on 'Life For Rent' there are big dance tracks. 'Sand In My Shoes' is a "summery dance song" about the letdown after returning from vacation. But Dido also drops the electronic tools for a simple acoustic sound on 'Mary's In India' and 'This Land Is Mine'.
Dido also said "When I make a record, all I'm ever trying to do is make something I want to listen to." Don't expect any 'Dido From the Block' songs as she says, "I'll never as long as I live write a song about what it is to be famous, at that point, remove me from this life, I've lost it."
'Life For Rent' is produced by Dido's brother Rollo from Faithless and was recorded at The Church in London which is owned by the Eurythmics' Dave Stewart. Pre-order 'Life For Rent'.

11th June 2003 - New Single Rumours

The first single to be released off Dido new album is rumoured to be called 'White Flag'. The title is still unknown for the album. The rumoured released date for the single is Monday 8th September 2003. I thought that the album was being released on that date, so I can only assume (if this is true) that the release of the new album will be put back a few weeks, maybe into October. We will have to wait and see.

1st June 2003 - Dido's Wanted

According to the 'Daily Mail' newspaper, the Italian style duo Dolce & Gabbana are hoping to get their hands on Dido. Apparently they want to reinvent her, inspired by the successful raunchy transformation of Kylie.
Dolce & Gabbana whose clients have included everyone from Madonna to Victoria Beckham in the past announced that they were going to be more selective about who they dress in future and they have agreed to dress just one famous person per country. "We want to be more exclusive and not dress everyone," said Stefano Gabbana. "So we have started turning people down who ask to be dressed by us."

31st May 2003 - Little Dido, Part 2

Tonight 13-year-old Rebecca from Dublin performed as Dido in the 'Stars In Their Eyes: Kids' 2003 final. After she had sung 'Thank You', Rebecca was presented with a belt which Dido had worn during one of her appearances and a personalised gold disc of 'No Angel'. Both items were signed by Dido. Dido also sent a message to Rebecca, she said "Hi Rebecca, I saw you on Saturday, you sang beautifully and you looked fantastic, good luck in the final and have fun."
Out of the nine finalists Rebecca came eighth in the public phone vote with 19,961 votes, one of which was mine.

24th May 2003 - Little Dido, Part 1

There is a TV show in the UK called 'Stars In Their Eyes: Kids', which is the offspring of a top-rating entertainment show called 'Stars In Their Eyes'. It features kids aged 16 and under taking a trip through the magical doors and emerging as sound a likes of their favourite singing superstars. On tonight's show 13-year-old Rebecca from Dublin performed as Dido and she sang 'Thank You'. She won and goes through to next weeks final.

20th May 2003 - New Album Gossip

Sir Elton John is said to feature on at least one track on Dido's new album. Dido said "Sir Elton is one of the reasons I entered the music biz."

1st May 2003 - More New Album Info

Dido's second album is scheduled for release in the UK on Monday 8th September 2003 and a day later in the USA on Tuesday 9th September 2003. Other release dates and the title of the album will be announced soon. A single from the album will be released in August 2003. Pre-order The New Album.

14th April 2003 - Dido's Not On RZA's World

The track that Dido recorded with RZA is not now appearing on RZA's new album, 'The World According To RZA'. It might feature on future Dido or RZA material.

29th March 2003 - Happy Birthday All Dido!

All Dido is two years old today!

18th March 2003 - Dido's World According To RZA

Dido's appearance on the long-awaited new album by RZA (real name Robert Diggs) isn't that far away now. 'The World According To RZA' is released on Monday 28th April 2003.
The album, which was supposed to be released in 2001 features amongst others, Dido, IAM, Saļan Supa Crew, Petter, Xavier Naidoo, Ghostface and Articolo 31. The album will also be accompanied by a DVD which will be released in the summer.
The title of the track which Dido appears on is not yet known.

2nd March 2003 - UK Chart

This week 'No Angel' went back out of the album chart top 100.

23rd February 2003 - UK Chart

This week 'No Angel' re-entered the album chart top 100 at number 98.

11th February 2003 - A Raspberry for Dido?

'I'm Not A Girl, Not Yet A Woman', the track that Dido co-wrote for Britney Spears has been nominated for a Golden Raspberry Award in the Worst 'Original' Song category. Madonna's 'Die Another Day' has also been nominated in the same category. The ultra-low-budget ceremonies are scheduled for Saturday March 22nd 2003 at the Four-Points Sheraton Hotel in Santa Monica, USA.
For more information visit the Golden Raspberry Award Foundation website.

27th January 2003 - Dido's Predictions For 2003

Dido says of the sudden popularity of "American Idol" and similar shows in the UK, "I think there's going to be a massive backlash to that this year." She expects David Gray and Tom McRae to have big years. "Hopefully what will come out of it will be a lot more attention to singer/songwriters, the whole singer connecting to what they are singing thing. I think people are desperate to hear something with some validity and integrity and something that's going to stick around."

25th January 2003 - More New Album Info

When Dido returned to the studio where she'd recorded 'No Angel' she found it had been torn down. It had been that long.
"When I made 'No Angel' I was in my early 20s, and now I'm 30. I'm a completely different person. My world has changed."
The second album, which is more than half-finished, will reflect that, she said. "The songs are definitely deeper. I've had quite a bit of mad experiences in the last few years. But it's the same soundwise, in that I'm writing songs on the piano and guitar and producing them the way I want to listen to, with beats that excite me."
Dido is recording the album at Church Studios (her second choice was also knocked down) with older brother Rollo and some of the musicians and songwriters associated with his Faithless collective. Although she's contributed to material by Eminem, Britney Spears and Santana since her last album, Dido doesn't have plans for any big-name collaborations on her second release.
"There was a lot of magic around the first record, so obviously I want to work with those people first, because it's fun and it's family," she said. "At the moment it's even a smaller group of people than the first album. I'm working with a guy who was an assistant in the studio on the first album, and it turns out he's a hip-hop genius. He's called P*nut. He's amazing and I've written a lot of stuff with him."
Dido's new material ranges from "classic relationship songs" similar to 'No Angel', to "stuff about life and philosophy." Though her success after Eminem sampled 'Thank You' in 2000's 'Stan' has changed her life, the success itself won't be a song topic.
"I still write about personal moments that will be relateable to other people," she explained in her thick accent. "I still live an incredibly normal life. I've really fought for it. I do everything on my own. One of the things I love doing is walking around London and going to the pub and a football match. I don't want to write about being famous and making money. Who's going to relate to it, apart from me and 136 other people?"
Dido plans on finishing the album by early summer for an August 2003 release. That is, if she can decide on a title.
"I do think about that day and night," she said, laughing. "It's sort of like every 10 minutes. And they're getting more and more ridiculous." Dido is anxious to hit the road when she's finished recording, although she also plans to continue writing for other artists.

2nd January 2003 - Some New Album Info

Apparently 'Do You Have A Little Time' is confirmed to be on Dido's as yet untitled second album. 'See The Sun', 'Afraid To Sleep' and 'Don't Leave Home' have yet to be confirmed if they will be on the album or not. Dido started writing the lyrics for the new album quite some time before she started recording it. There is still no news as to when the album will be released.

2nd January 2002 - UK End Of Year Chart

'No Angel' was the 27th biggest selling album of 2002.

1st January 2003 - Happy New Year!

What will Dido be up to in 2003? Keep up to date by regularly checking back here.
All the best for 2003.