It’s a city famous for food and music, so it’s no wonder singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor looks at home when HELLO! catches up with her in New Orleans. “My family, good music and really good food are what’s important to me,” says the 30-year-old pop star, who lives in London with her bassist husband Richard Jones of the band The Feeling and their sons Sonny, five, and Kit, nearly one. Having shot to fame a decade ago when she sang on dance classic Groovejet, Sophie’s first three albums were hits around the world while her fourth – as yet untitled – is due out soon. Here, as she enjoys the Big Easy, Sophie talks hangovers, hauntings and happiness... read more.

Last week, Sophie filled us in on the latest album and video news! Take a look below to read the second instalment of Sophie’s special Q&A where she discusses her touring plans and her date with SpongeBob SquarePants...

So, you've got some live dates coming up, at The Feeling's Little World Festival in Meribel.
That's right. It's taking shape nicely, actually. They've got loads of bands and DJs and all sorts. I think we've got one Easyjet flight with around 80 of us booked onto that one plane. I think whoever else is on there will find it quite a funny ride.

Didn't you go out in 2008 when they played in Meribel?
I did, yes. But I didn't perform. It was really exciting, though. The gigs were really full-on and rammed... read more.

" One touch and there's a rush of Electricity. So wont you show me all there is to know? " S.E.B. 2010

Perks of being old friends with a Freemason - @SophieEB's "Bittersweet" is an absolute MONSTER!! HUGE RIFF ALERT!!! - amazing amazing

As Sophie gears up for the exciting release of her new album, she popped by for a chat to talk about what she's been up to. Check out the first instalment below and come back next week for more from your favourite lady.

Hello Sophie, how are you?
I've had a busy morning. Lots of workmen have been turning up.

What are you having done?
Some of them were trimming these quite tall trees we've got at the bottom of our garden, and then... read more

Bid for your very own unique SpongeBob statue designed by a celebrity!

Date of event: 21 January 2010
Event end date: 04 February 2010

A host of celebrities have donated their creativity to ChildLine by re-designing 1ft high statues of Nickelodeon's SpongeBob SquarePants, which will be auctioned off to the highest bidder in aid of ChildLine.

Leigh Francis, well known for his portrayal of Michael Jackson in his hit TV series Bo' Selecta, has created SpongeBob ThrillerPants to pay homage to the star. He said:

'It was a proper privilege to be asked to design a SpongeBob. I love Mr SquarePants. To see him in the guise of the late great King of Pop is brilliant!

It's great to be able to help something as serious as ChildLine by doing something as fun as this'.

You can now bid on your favourite SpongeBob here, between Thursday 21 January and Thursday 4 February.

To place your bid contact Hannah Davies or call 0207 825 2703

SpongeBob Squarepants charity auction (x9)

As DJ, who has never played at least once Groovejet or Murder On The Dancefloor? - Junior Caldera wonders. I adore Sophie because her voice is singular and she's an important person. She's funny, educated and charismatic, so british! I was surprised that she immediately accepted to collaborate with me to make Can't Fight This Feeling and it's really a pleasure to have her as a guest on my album.