PIPES FOR HIRE Charnow

Paris Hilton's debut album was not exactly a triumph of artistic expression. But how much less impressive would Paris be if the thin, hyper-processed voice it showcases wasn't even hers?

A rumor to that effect has been gestating on the Internet for months. On websites like Perez Hilton, Popsugar, and MP3.com, persons unknown have posted comments claiming that the lead vocals on Paris were supplied by Carah Faye Charnow, lead singer of the Los Angeles–based indie band Shiny Toy Guns. A typical comment, by "flower" on Popsugar, claims Hilton's tracks were mixed in with Charnow's to make the deception more convincing, adding, "This is all true! I was using a recording studio down the hall from the band, and watched and heard everything happen."

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