Britney Spears [ tickets ] claims she isn't phased by all the attention she's been receiving in the tabloid press as of late, and is instead focusing on plans to release a new album sometime this year.

"The last couple of years have been quite a ride for me, the media has criticized my every move and printed a skewed perception of who I really am as a human being," she wrote in a letter posted on her official website. "Behind every decision I have made in my public life there always seems to be an apparent contradiction. I have come to terms with that which is why I usually don't pay much attention to it.

"If I were you I'd be unhappy too if I had to read what I've been reading every day," she continued. "But trust me, I get it. I know I've been far from perfect and the media has had a lot of fun exaggerating my every move, but I want you all to know that I love my fans so much, and I appreciate everything you have done for me, so Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!"

Spears went on to say that the "last couple of years have been very enlightening" and that she is now "more mature and feel like I am finally 'free.'"

"I've been working so hard on this new album and I can't wait for you all to hear it and to go on tour again!" she added. "I would like to exclusively tell you that I am working hard to release the new album sometime later this year, but the date is of course not certain yet. I look forward to coming back this year bigger and better than ever, and to also reaching out to my fans on a more personal level."

Dancers who've been searching for a big break will have their shot on Saturday (1/6) when auditions are held for Beyonce [ tickets ]'s upcoming world tour. The pop singer has issued a call for the "hottest and best dancers on the planet" to turn out at the Barbara King Studios (King's Dancing Center) in Bellaire, TX.

"Anyone with a fedora, feel free to bring it along with the dance skills," reads the audition announcement from Columbia Records. Complete details about the tryouts are available at Beyonce's website.

LL Cool J [ tickets ] fans in the New York area can meet the rap icon in person Saturday (1/6) when he turns up at the Borders bookstore in Glendale-Queens, according to a press release from the chain. LL will be signing copies of his new book, "LL Cool J's Platinum Body: Sculpt You rBest Body Ever with Hollywood's Fittest Star."

Additional information about the appearance, as well as a Jan. 9 appearance in Los Angeles, is available by searching for "LL Cool J" in the "Events" section at Borders' website.