BEYONCE DENIES DISRUPTING RIVAL’S LAUNCH

Singing sensation BEYONCE KNOWLES has slammed claims the launch of her new album was timed to interfere with former DESTINY’S CHILD bandmate LETOYA LUCKETT’s debut. Luckett, who left the band in 2000, released her first album last week (ends30JUL06), the same date Knowles made her forthcoming record B’DAY available for pre-orders, ahead of its 4 September (06) release date. However, Beyonce denies underhand tactics, telling MTV, “I have enormous respect and admiration for LeToya as an artist and as a businesswoman and I wish her incredible success. “LeToya and I have known each other since childhood and, because of all we’ve been through, I know that we both really care – and want what’s best – for each. “It makes me sad that people are trying to stir up a controversy where there is none.” Beyonce’s father and manager MATHEW KNOWLES adds it is “standard practice” for upcoming albums to go on pre-sale well in advance of an in-store date