Move over Chris... Gwyneth to record country album

One singing star in the Chris Martin household clearly isn't enough. Now Gwyneth Paltrow is set to release her debut album after impressing critics with her vocal performances. The Oscar-winning actress is reported to be in advanced negotiations with Atlantic Records to release a "country pop" album.

The star of Shakespeare In Love, who is married to the Coldplay frontman, won plaudits for her musical contribution to the film Country Strong, in which she plays an alcoholic Nashville singer on the comeback trail. Paltrow was also praised for her accomplished vocal performances in the hit television series Glee, where she appeared as a substitute teacher and belted out the Cee Lo Green hit, "Forget You". With a voice described as an "effervescent mid-range coo", Paltrow sang live at the Oscar and Grammy awards.

However, film stars who tried to make the transition to the pop charts have enjoyed mixed fortunes. Bruce Willis became a one-hit wonder with "Respect Yourself" in 1987 but Jennifer Lopez flits easily between screen and stage. Minnie Driver has released two albums of country-inflected rock, which found only a select audience.

Paltrow, 38, who first sang on screen in the 2000 film Duets, directed by her father, Bruce Paltrow, admits that she is "lucky that I know some singers in real life". She began taking guitar lessons while her children Apple, six, and Moses, four, were at school.

The actress has suggested that a duet with Jay-Z, her husband's rap mogul friend, who already records for Atlantic, would be a "good combination".

Atlantic, part of the Warner Music group, was once home to Led Zeppelin and now includes Paolo Nutini, James Blunt and Plan B on its roster. A source told the New York Post: "Gwyneth's agents have been talking to a number of labels about landing her a substantial record deal. Those who have heard the music say it's country pop.

"Many labels would be reluctant to give a deal to a star whose first priority is film, but in recent weeks there have been discussions with Atlantic. Gwyneth is a very different name for Atlantic, and one who brings a lot of recognition."

A Warner source confirmed that talks with Atlantic are ongoing.

Singing is just one sideline for Paltrow, who won her Oscar for Shakespeare In Love in 1998. She runs a "lifestyle" website called Goop and has fronted a television series about the food and culture of Spain.

She warned that the flirtation with music may become permanent: "I'm good at acting, but I may be more inclined to do something that I'm less good at and more interested in."

Paltrow comes from a musical family. Her uncle, the actor Harry Danner, is an actor and opera singer. Her mother, the actress Blythe Danner, has also starred in musical roles.

Film stars on song

Ewan McGregor

Duet with Nicole Kidman, Come What May, from musical Moulin Rouge reached the giddy heights of no 27 in the charts. Took on The Stooges' TV Eye in 70s glam rock fantasy film Velvet Goldmine.

Jamie Foxx

Oscar-winning star of Ray Charles biopic Ray has always pursued a musical sideline. Sang the Charles "I got a woman" hook in Kanye West's "Gold Digger" and scored a number one with his solo album, Unpredictable.

Jennifer Lopez

Followed breakthrough role in Out of Sight thriller with 1999 debut album, On the 6. J.Lo became the first actress-singer to have a film and an album at number one in the same week. Has sold 25 million albums worldwide.

William Shatner

Star Trek star's 1968 unique "speak-singing" take on "Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds" became a cult hit. Announced on Twitter that he will release a UFO-themed new album this year.