Popstars reject in album talks

Warren Jituboh: "Singing is a natural thing for me"

Warren Jituboh, one of the failed contestants in the ITV programme Popstars, is in talks with a record label about an album deal.

The 22-year-old bank worker is talking to a major hip hop and R'n'B label, a spokesman for the singer confirmed.

He is the studio now and we are expecting an album later in the year

Spokeswoman for Warren Jituboh

The label in question is thought to be DefJam UK, which has artists such as LL Cool J on its books.

A spokeswoman for the record label would not confirm or deny reports that the label had given him a five-album deal.

A spokeswoman for Jituboh, said: "We are obviously very excited.

Gospel style

"He is the studio now and we are expecting an album later in the year."

Hear'Say have made chart history

Jituboh, from Wapping, east London, did not make the final line-up on the talent-spotting ITV programme when the judges objected to his gospel-style of singing.

His singing has already invited comparisons with British star Craig David.

During the programme Popstars, Jituboh, said: "Singing is a natural thing with me. I can't help singing even when I'm in work.

"It's a part of me and you can't deny that."

'Huge talent'

A spokesman for LWT, producers of Popstars, said: "Obviously we all thought Warren was a very strong contender for the final band and we all recognised his huge talent.

"We are very pleased to see him do so well out of this and we hope he goes far. That goes for all the other Popstars hopefuls who are seeking a future in the industry."

The final five winners of Popstars, the group Hear'Say, have gone on to make chart history by becoming the first British act to top the single and album charts simultaneously with debut releases.

Their album - Popstars - sold 306,631 in its first week, putting it at the top, along with their number one single, Pure and Simple.