Word is that Atlantic Records isn't happy with Estelle's look and wants her to upgrade her appearance to appeal to US audiences. Apparently the label brass requested that she get her teeth fixed and ditch her short hairstyle for something more feminine. At this rate, could suggestions of skin bleaching and a nose job be too far behind?
Now as someone who has benefited from the magic of orthodontia, I'm all for people getting their dental situation straightened out, but I'm having a hard time wrapping my mind around what's wrong with Estelle's cute 'do. Isn't short hair all the rage right now thanks to Rihanna? Furthermore, I've heard Estelle describe the concept behind her hairstyle as "Audrey Pepa," mixing the classic styling of Audrey Hepburn on one side with the hot, cool and vicious look of vintage Salt-N-Pepa on the other side. How many people do you know have themed hair? But apparently a lacefront wig hanging down to her butt would be a better look.
Shame on Atlantic if this is true, but I can't say that I'm surprised. I've argued numerous times that legendary soul sisters like Stephanie Mills, Patti Labelle and Aretha Franklin would be hard pressed to get a record deal today because they don't fit the Cassie-Ashanti-Pussycat Doll mold although those aforementioned artists can sing circles, squares and triangles around the latter. Talent has sadly taken a back seat to imaging and packaging. And call me crazy if I don't see a problem with Estelle's image and package. She's different and the recording industry needs a healthy dose of that right now.
US label wants Estelle to fix teeth? [DS]
