Girl Power!

  Toronto plays host to two female artists who are as different as it gets on Saturday, September 22. Fancy a wild guess? One is the reigning Queen of summer with her brand of dancehall, R 'n B and soul, while the latter is known for her candy pop and film career. To put you out of your misery, it's Rihanna and Mandy Moore who are visiting Toronto this weekend. The former is performing at the Molson Amphitheatre and the latter is scheduled to perform at the Danforth Music Hall.

Mandy Moore was heralded as one among many princesses of Pop when she entered the music scene along with Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Jessica Simpson. She didn't taste success as quickly as her illustrious companions but she certainly was the youngest, being born in 1984. But she has steadily built a fan base with tracks like Candy and I Want To Be With You and her movie career is what keeps her busy these days. Initially criticised for her "juvenile" brand of bubble gum pop, she has attempted a more mature sound in the years that followed. With respect to her latest album, Billboard has stated that "Wild Hope is the gratifying sound of a singer finally finding her comfort zone. Gone is the sugary pop of Moore's early career, replaced instead by thoughtful musings on love and life...an album full of subtle, but undeniable hooks." Toronto will hear an older, more mature Mandy as she performs this Saturday night.

  Rihanna's reputation precedes her as the reigning hit maker with monster hits such as Umbrella and Shut Up And Drive under her belt. Her earlier hits such as Pon de Replay earned her the label of being someone who could churn out dance hits. She has worked since then to change that image with a more softer, sexier image. Having worked with talented artists such as Timbaland, Jay Z and Justin Timberlake has only reaffirmed her standing in the world of popular music. You can expect to hear her infamous anthem of summer Umbrella resonating through the streets of Toronto this weekend.

  LISTEN UP to Mandy Moore and Rihanna - two young achievers in the world of music.