JANET JACKSON TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM

Remember weeks ago when I posted the "Janet Jackson Missing" photo by her fans? I'm sure there must be rejoicing going on in their camp as Janet Jackson confirmed her next album, her first since 2008's Discipline, will be released this fall via BMG.

The as-yet-untitled album will also be Jackson's first release under her own newly formed Rhythm Nation record label, which Jackson indicated will be open to partnering with "both new and established recording artists" in a press release on her official site this morning. No details on a first single were provided.

Jackson is perhaps the highest profile artist yet to pursue a "label-services" deal with an independent distributor, in which artists retain ownership, costs and revenues of new recordings. Other artists who've recently teamed with BMG include Estelle, Deborah Cox andLeela James, while Prince, David Gray, Nick Cave and the Pet Shop Boys have partnered with Kobalt Label Services in the recent past.

Janet has sold 160 million records worldwide. Will be good to hear her again.