PINK - PINK DROPS OUT OF 'CASTING CIRCUS' SURROUNDING JOPLIN FILM

Punk star PINK has taken herself out of the running to play JANIS JOPLIN in a new film, accusing the film-makers of turning the casting process into a circus. Hollywood stars including BRITNEY SPEARS, LINDSAY LOHAN and SCARLETT JOHANSSON are all battling it out for the coveted lead role in THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JANIS. Director PENELOPE SPHEERIS has already said Pink would be her first choice for the part, but the GET THE PARTY STARTED singer has decided not to pursue the project. Pink explains, "I dropped out of it. Scheduling conflicts. "Plus they're trying to turn it into some circus pop contest - who's the 'it' girl who wants to play Janis. "Janis was so much deeper than that."