Britney Spears to release 'Blackout' ahead of schedule

0 Comments | AFP, October, 2007

LOS ANGELES (AFP) — Britney Spears has brought forward the release date of her long-awaited comeback album by two weeks after a string of illegal leaks hit the Internet, her record company said Wednesday.

Jive Records said in a statement that Spears' album -- "Blackout" -- would now go on sale on October 30 after songs and demos from the record were distributed online.

"Due to these numerous unauthorized on-line leaks, the label is doing everything possible to prevent and avoid any further illegal distribution of songs including moving up the release date of the album to October 30th," a statement from Jive Records said.

Spears' hopes of relaunching her career may hinge on the success of the new album, which comes after a period of turmoil in the pop...