HIS detractors say he can't sing but Leon Lai Ming last year managed to produce four multi-platinum-selling albums that brought in tens of millions to Polygram, his record company.
But a rumour has been circulating that Lai is not too happy with Polygram, citing a lack of support for his recent concert run at the Coliseum. It is also said his next album is going to be recorded in Los Angeles with outside funding. Respected producer Gene Page will helm the album while Whitney Houston's songwriters will tailor 10 songs to Lai's limited vocal range.
Top-notch studio musicians will also be involved and, according to Jeffrey Sheen, the veteran promoter who has co-ordinated the joint effort, the LA album will cost twice the $500,000 normally spent on albums made in Hong Kong.
The breakthrough album is scheduled for a September release, to be followed by concerts in October when it is hoped to bring the LA-based musicians to Hong Kong.
CAST ASIDE NOW that he has finally managed to line up a Hong Kong gig, INXS singer Michael Hutchence is determined not to let anything get in his way - even if it is a plaster cast.
Hutchence incurred a hairline fracture of his leg and a sprained ankle during a recent Australian show but has vowed not to let it interfere with the band's current tour which will bring them to Hong Kong's Queen Elizabeth Stadium on February 23 and 24.