Yolanda Adams talks about new album plans, publishing deal and clothing line

AMERICA's trade magazine Billboard has reported on the latest career developments of gospel star Yolanda Adams. In the last six months Yolanda has launched a syndicated morning TV show, signed a multi-album deal with Columbia Records, entered a publishing pact with Rondor Music Publishing and will in June launch her own clothing line Yolanda's Clozet. In the article Adams spoke about how her move to Columbia is similar to what happened when the star signed with Elektra Records under former label boss Sylvia Rhone. "Sylvia was very instrumental in my making the transition from gospel artist in a box to inspirational artist recognized across the nation. And it's the same idea here with [Columbia chairman] Steve Barnett. He's a fan and wants to get my music out to more people, really concentrating on enhancing my presence in the international market."

Currently the singer is collaborating with Grammy Award winning producers Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis ("There's some kind of magic that happens when we get together") on an October-slated Christmas album to be followed by a new studio album in 2008.