Prince - Free Prince Album Sparks Internet Bidding Frenzy

PRINCE may regret his decision to give away his new album for free with British newspapers - entrepreneurial readers are selling copies online for more than $20 (£13.30).

The Purple Rain hitmaker struck a deal with the U.K.'s Daily Mirror and Daily Record to hand out his new disc 20TEN with copies of the newspapers on Saturday (10Jul10).

He insisted it was the right move as it would circumvent internet piracy and would cause him "no stress".

But the singer might already be ruing his decision - hundreds of copies of the CD have gone onsale on various websites, attracting bids of more than $20.

One star who won't be bidding on the record is Sir Elton John - the Daily Mirror reports he ordered five copies of the paper to be sent to his home by courier on Saturday to ensure he got hold of the album.