by ‘Ugly Betty’ star Vanessa Williams is gearing up for a return to music with the help of noted producers Babyface Edmonds and Stargate ! Williams, known as a successful actress who has not only carried a several year role on ABC’s hit series “Ugly Betty” but has also been successful in films including “Shaft (2000),” is already recording songs for her eight studio album, Singersroom has learned. According to Concord Records, Williams is slated to release the album, titled “The Real Thing,” June 2. In addition to putting finishing touches on the forthcoming effort, Williams is gearing up for the first of several “Real Thing” related shows in Atlantic City during the month of May. Williams signed a deal with Concord Records in February of 2008 after confirming Grammy Award-winning producer Keith Thomas for the first album. “Vanessa is an extraordinarily talented artist, and we’re thrilled that she has chosen Concord for the next phase of her recording career,” says John Burk, Executive Vice President of A&R at Concord Music Group. Williams has received a total of 11 GRAMMY Award nominations, four NAACP Image Awards, and numerous New York Music Awards since her debut in 1983. She has been chosen as one of Glamour Magazine’s “Women of the Year,” People Magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful People in the World,” Entertainment Weekly’s “Entertainer’s of the Year” and Harper’s Bazaar’s “America’s 10 Most Beautiful Women , ” among many other honors and accolades.
