Photo: (@ladygaga)
By Rachel Taylor
Lady Gaga may be one of the most anticipated VMA performances of 2013, but she'll have to share center stage for a year of major comebacks. Three other members of pop royalty have albums coming out this year, and they each pack a pro-social punch. Here's why this year couldn't sound any better.
+ Katy Perry
Photo: @AdamLambert
Katy Perry's most recent announcement certainly has us "Wide Awake." A giant gold truck roamed the streets of L.A. Tuesday morning, and it was plastered with the words "KATY PERRY. PRISM. 10.22.13." So it seems the rumors are true, and the singer's first album in two years is on its way! We know Katy's been spending lots of time writing, but music isn't the only thing that keeps her busy. Earlier this year she went on a UNICEF trip to Madagascar, where about three out of four kids are living in poverty and one out of two kids is malnourished. Katy visited a child protection agency and preschool, and even taught about the importance of hygiene. She's also an advocate for autism awareness, a supporter of the Trevor Project, and encourages civic engagement. And what type of birthday present does she ask for? A donation to the David Lynch Foundation for at-risk populations. Katy, you're a firework!
+ Britney Spears
Really excited 2 give u a taste of my new album... can't wait 2 share what I've been working on. Going to be my most personal album ever 
— Britney Spears (@britneyspears) July 3, 2013
Do we want a piece of you? Yes- and rumor has it we're going to get one! Britney recently tweeted she's been working on her first album since 2011, and she says it's the most personal one yet. Philanthropy is another thing close to the singer's heart. Early this summer Brit kicked off the Summer of Hope campaign to raise funds for cancer, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS research. She's a frequent sweet tweeter, sending her support to our troops, recent grads, and Boston marathon survivors. Britney has also vowed to help stop bullying, and even withdrew money from an ATM to help a homeless man in need. "Scream and Shout" for this pop princess, 'cause she's a singer with soul!
+ Prince
That's right; there are rumors of a new album from the crown jewel of pop! Tentatively titled "Plectrum Electrum," this would be our first album from Prince since 2010. We never know quite what to expect from his new music, but the singer's pro-social track record is on point. In 2012 he performed three concerts in Chicago to support Rebuild the Dream, an economic advocacy organization. At the end of his 2011 New York concerts Prince donated $1,000,000 to the Harlem Children's Zone and $250,000 each to Uptown Dance Academy and American Ballet Theatre. Even tributes to the singer do good, like the 2013 all-star collaboration that raised over $100,000 for music education programs. We've got our fingers crossed this new album pans out, because one Royal Prince in the news just isn't enough!
So watch out, Gaga, these do-gooders are hot on your (probably fabulous) heels. Check out how you can help some of their causes below.
