Music News
Music News
Ariana Grande and David Guetta are among acts confirmed for Capital's Jingle Bell Ball with Coca-Cola.
The annual two-day event at The O2 in London will feature a jam-packed line-up of stars including the 'Problem' hitmaker and French DJ.
After being announced for the show, Ariana said: "I'm so very excited because I'm a festive person and it's going to be a blast, I'm so excited! I'm going to be the funniest, most festive person you've ever seen!"
Both artists will perform on the first day of the Ball on December 5, where other acts including Years & Years, Jason Derulo, Jess Glynne and Nathan Sykes will also grace the stage.
Former The Wanted singer Nathan said: "I'm very excited to be back, it's always a great venue to play, there's always such a special atmosphere at the Jingle Bell Balls. There's always so many great artists and it always comes with a great fan base as well. Everyone's there to have a really great time, so yeah, I'm really looking forward to it."
The second day will feature a performance from 'Black Magic' singers Little Mix who previously played at the event in 2012 and 2013.
And Perrie said: "We love doing the Jingle Bell Ball, everyone is on top form for a good laugh and a good boogie and it's a good chance to catch up with our other artist friends!"
Tickets to the show go on sale on Friday (06.11.15) at 8am.
Ariana Grande and David Guetta for Capital’s Jingle Bell Ball
Ariana Grande and David Guetta are among acts confirmed for Capital's Jingle Bell Ball with Coca-Cola.
The annual two-day event at The O2 in London will feature a jam-packed line-up of stars including the 'Problem' hitmaker and French DJ.
After being announced for the show, Ariana said: "I'm so very excited because I'm a festive person and it's going to be a blast, I'm so excited! I'm going to be the funniest, most festive person you've ever seen!"
Both artists will perform on the first day of the Ball on December 5, where other acts including Years & Years, Jason Derulo, Jess Glynne and Nathan Sykes will also grace the stage.
Former The Wanted singer Nathan said: "I'm very excited to be back, it's always a great venue to play, there's always such a special atmosphere at the Jingle Bell Balls. There's always so many great artists and it always comes with a great fan base as well. Everyone's there to have a really great time, so yeah, I'm really looking forward to it."
The second day will feature a performance from 'Black Magic' singers Little Mix who previously played at the event in 2012 and 2013.
And Perrie said: "We love doing the Jingle Bell Ball, everyone is on top form for a good laugh and a good boogie and it's a good chance to catch up with our other artist friends!"
Tickets to the show go on sale on Friday (06.11.15) at 8am.
Music News
CeeLo Green will receive the Outstanding Achievement prize at the MOBO Awards.
The 'Forget You' hitmaker will be honoured with the accolade at a ceremony at the First Direct Arena in Leeds this evening (04.11.15) where he will also perform.
Speaking about the prize, he said: "I am honoured by this acknowledgement, especially so young in my career.
"And it is all the incentive anyone would need to continue doing what I love."
During his extensive career, the 41-year-old musician has performed as part of Gnarls Barkley and Goodie Mob and he will follow in the footsteps of former recipients Boyz II Men, TLC and Sean (P Diddy) Combs.
The MOBOs - which stand for Music of Black Origin Awards - will also feature performances from Rita Ora, FKA twigs, Stormzy, Krept and Konan, Lethal Bizzle, Naughty Boy, Lianne La Havas and Ella Eyre.
Krept and Konan lead the nominations with four nods in the Best Male, Best Hip-Hop Act, Best Song and Best Album categories, while JME is also in the running for four wins in the Best Album, Best Song, Best Male and Best Grime Act.
Elsewhere, FKA twigs and Lianne La Havas are each up for three prizes.
Earlier this week Wiley became the first recipient of the inaugural Mobo Paving the Way award, for which he was honoured with a paving stone at Bow School in east London where he was educated.
CeeLo Green to receive Outstanding Achievement MOBO Award
CeeLo Green will receive the Outstanding Achievement prize at the MOBO Awards.
The 'Forget You' hitmaker will be honoured with the accolade at a ceremony at the First Direct Arena in Leeds this evening (04.11.15) where he will also perform.
Speaking about the prize, he said: "I am honoured by this acknowledgement, especially so young in my career.
"And it is all the incentive anyone would need to continue doing what I love."
During his extensive career, the 41-year-old musician has performed as part of Gnarls Barkley and Goodie Mob and he will follow in the footsteps of former recipients Boyz II Men, TLC and Sean (P Diddy) Combs.
The MOBOs - which stand for Music of Black Origin Awards - will also feature performances from Rita Ora, FKA twigs, Stormzy, Krept and Konan, Lethal Bizzle, Naughty Boy, Lianne La Havas and Ella Eyre.
Krept and Konan lead the nominations with four nods in the Best Male, Best Hip-Hop Act, Best Song and Best Album categories, while JME is also in the running for four wins in the Best Album, Best Song, Best Male and Best Grime Act.
Elsewhere, FKA twigs and Lianne La Havas are each up for three prizes.
Earlier this week Wiley became the first recipient of the inaugural Mobo Paving the Way award, for which he was honoured with a paving stone at Bow School in east London where he was educated.
Music News
Adele regrets working with Damon Albarn.
The 'Hello' hitmaker, 27, teamed up with the Blur frontman for a number of tracks on her new album '25', but none of them made the cut, and she wishes she'd never met him.
Speaking to Rolling Stone magazine, she said: "It ended up being one of those 'don't meet your idol' moments. And the saddest thing was that I was such a big Blur fan, growing up. But it was sad, and I regret hanging out with him."
Damon, 47, kickstarted the feud between the pair two months ago when he branded her "insecure" and hit out at her for wasting his time, but Adele, who has three-year-old son Angelo, says the only reason she didn't include their collaborations on her LP is because "none of it was right."
She explained: "None of it suited my record. He said I was insecure, when I'm the least insecure person I know."
She added: "I was asking his opinion about my fears, about coming back with a child involved -because he has a child - and then he calls me insecure!"
Meanwhile, the long-awaited third album, which comes four years after her last, is set for release on November 20.
Adele regrets working with Damon Albarn
Adele regrets working with Damon Albarn.
The 'Hello' hitmaker, 27, teamed up with the Blur frontman for a number of tracks on her new album '25', but none of them made the cut, and she wishes she'd never met him.
Speaking to Rolling Stone magazine, she said: "It ended up being one of those 'don't meet your idol' moments. And the saddest thing was that I was such a big Blur fan, growing up. But it was sad, and I regret hanging out with him."
Damon, 47, kickstarted the feud between the pair two months ago when he branded her "insecure" and hit out at her for wasting his time, but Adele, who has three-year-old son Angelo, says the only reason she didn't include their collaborations on her LP is because "none of it was right."
She explained: "None of it suited my record. He said I was insecure, when I'm the least insecure person I know."
She added: "I was asking his opinion about my fears, about coming back with a child involved -because he has a child - and then he calls me insecure!"
Meanwhile, the long-awaited third album, which comes four years after her last, is set for release on November 20.
Music News
Rihanna rejected a song written by Sia and Adele.
The 'FourFiveSeconds' singer, 27, is currently working on her eighth studio album but declined a track co-written by the superstars despite their incredible writing credentials.
Sia, 39, - who has already released 'Alive' which she also penned with Adele - said: "We wrote three songs in two days and none of them made the cut and this was one of them.
"I said to [Adele], 'Do you mind if I pitch it to, say, Rihanna?' And she said, 'Yeah, but can you take my vocal off it because I don't want my vocal floating around out there on a demo'.
"So I went and re-cut the vocal and everybody in my life was like, 'You can't give this away to anybody'."
Despite others insisting she kept the track for herself, she offered it to Rihanna for her new album 'Anti' but doesn't think it was "edgy" enough for her.
She told Ryan Seacrest: "Well actually I believe she did [get a chance to consider it] and she passed.
"We sent it to her, but it's not really her so I don't know why I thought that. It is a smash, but she's a little more edgy."
The track - titled 'Bird Set Free' - will now appear on Sia's seventh album 'This is Acting' due to be released in January.
Rihanna turned down Adele, Sia song
Rihanna rejected a song written by Sia and Adele.
The 'FourFiveSeconds' singer, 27, is currently working on her eighth studio album but declined a track co-written by the superstars despite their incredible writing credentials.
Sia, 39, - who has already released 'Alive' which she also penned with Adele - said: "We wrote three songs in two days and none of them made the cut and this was one of them.
"I said to [Adele], 'Do you mind if I pitch it to, say, Rihanna?' And she said, 'Yeah, but can you take my vocal off it because I don't want my vocal floating around out there on a demo'.
"So I went and re-cut the vocal and everybody in my life was like, 'You can't give this away to anybody'."
Despite others insisting she kept the track for herself, she offered it to Rihanna for her new album 'Anti' but doesn't think it was "edgy" enough for her.
She told Ryan Seacrest: "Well actually I believe she did [get a chance to consider it] and she passed.
"We sent it to her, but it's not really her so I don't know why I thought that. It is a smash, but she's a little more edgy."
The track - titled 'Bird Set Free' - will now appear on Sia's seventh album 'This is Acting' due to be released in January.
Music News
Hozier has criticised Pope Francis for his attitudes towards homosexuality.
The 25-year-old singer has hit out at the leader of the Catholic Church insisting he should be actively encouraging Catholics to accept the LGBTQ community, not just saying he doesn't "judge" them.
He said: "This is one of the paradoxes and weird hypocrisy of that organisation [Catholic Church]. The pope came here last year and said, 'Who am I to judge with regards to somebody's sexual orientation?' I think it is important to differentiate between lip service towards something and actually making change. I think it is hopeful, but saying this in 2015, 'Who am I to judge?' is something that should have been said 100 years ago."
The Irish star - who has remained tight-lipped on his own sexuality - went on to explain how the church's "irrational aversion to homosexuality" was one of the reasons he wrote his global hit single 'Take Me To Church', which was nominated for Song of the Year at the Grammy Awards.
In an interview with 'Larry King Now' guest host Kelly Osbourne, he said: "It is one that has institutionalised gender inequality as well, dangerous policy over contraception and, in this case, it still harbours an irrational aversion to homosexuality. Which in my view I think that is why I was driven to write 'Take Me to Church.' I think the church provides an excuse for homophobia."
Hozier criticises Pope Francis
Hozier has criticised Pope Francis for his attitudes towards homosexuality.
The 25-year-old singer has hit out at the leader of the Catholic Church insisting he should be actively encouraging Catholics to accept the LGBTQ community, not just saying he doesn't "judge" them.
He said: "This is one of the paradoxes and weird hypocrisy of that organisation [Catholic Church]. The pope came here last year and said, 'Who am I to judge with regards to somebody's sexual orientation?' I think it is important to differentiate between lip service towards something and actually making change. I think it is hopeful, but saying this in 2015, 'Who am I to judge?' is something that should have been said 100 years ago."
The Irish star - who has remained tight-lipped on his own sexuality - went on to explain how the church's "irrational aversion to homosexuality" was one of the reasons he wrote his global hit single 'Take Me To Church', which was nominated for Song of the Year at the Grammy Awards.
In an interview with 'Larry King Now' guest host Kelly Osbourne, he said: "It is one that has institutionalised gender inequality as well, dangerous policy over contraception and, in this case, it still harbours an irrational aversion to homosexuality. Which in my view I think that is why I was driven to write 'Take Me to Church.' I think the church provides an excuse for homophobia."
Music News
Adele is undecided on whether she will tour her new album.
The 27-year-old singer had to cancel UK and US tour dates in 2011 following the release of her second album '21' as she had to undergo surgery on her throat and is terrified it may be irreparably damaged if she heads out on the road again.
She said: "When I've sat down and thought, 'What can I do to bring something new to the table?' It was just like, 'Tour.' Because I haven't done it properly.
"If my throat goes, then I'll never be able to do a tour again.
"I'll be able to get my throat fixed again and do studio work, but do I want to do some-thing and then fail at it and be too scared to ever try it again?"
Although she has previously admitted to having terrible stage-fright, the 'Someone Like You' singer has admitted she would love to perform for people again, especially songs from '21' because she thinks she is "defined" by them.
She told Rolling Stone magazine: "Being defined by any record is a dream come true when you're an artist.
"It's like when I go and see certain bands -- not to name any -- and they don't play their f**king biggest hit? *****! That really annoys me.
"To the general public, it's not about your body of work.
"In most cases, it's about the song that reminds them of something in their lives. They take you into their heart."
Adele unsure if she will tour
Adele is undecided on whether she will tour her new album.
The 27-year-old singer had to cancel UK and US tour dates in 2011 following the release of her second album '21' as she had to undergo surgery on her throat and is terrified it may be irreparably damaged if she heads out on the road again.
She said: "When I've sat down and thought, 'What can I do to bring something new to the table?' It was just like, 'Tour.' Because I haven't done it properly.
"If my throat goes, then I'll never be able to do a tour again.
"I'll be able to get my throat fixed again and do studio work, but do I want to do some-thing and then fail at it and be too scared to ever try it again?"
Although she has previously admitted to having terrible stage-fright, the 'Someone Like You' singer has admitted she would love to perform for people again, especially songs from '21' because she thinks she is "defined" by them.
She told Rolling Stone magazine: "Being defined by any record is a dream come true when you're an artist.
"It's like when I go and see certain bands -- not to name any -- and they don't play their f**king biggest hit? *****! That really annoys me.
"To the general public, it's not about your body of work.
"In most cases, it's about the song that reminds them of something in their lives. They take you into their heart."
Music News
Paloma Faith will perform at a concert at London's O2 Forum Kentish Town to raise money for the Help Refugees charity.
The special concert - which will take place on November 22 - will see full sets from the 'Only Love Can Hurt Like This' singer and indie rock quartet Peace and special guests who are yet to be announced.
Paloma said in a statement: "I'm devastated to see what these people are going through. It could just as easily happen to anyone of us.
"So I am glad to do what little I can. We all should."
There will also be performances from various musicians who are refugees themselves including Katherine Hamnett, the creator of a slogan t-shirt who has donated her "CHOOSE LIFE" slogan for a spin off version with "CHOOSE LOVE" instead.
Katherine commented: "CHOOSE LOVE is central for how we should be dealing with this humanitarian crisis. We are all children of migrants and refugees. Civilisations fall apart when we stop caring for our fellow men."
Help Refugees was created by Radio X presenter Lliana Bird, TV presenter Dawn O'Porter and activist and comedian Heydon Prowse, who set up the hashtag #HelpCalais to raise funds and collect goods in response to the refugee crisis.
Lilana Bird commented: "When we put out a call for help in August we never dreamed we would get this far with our efforts and see this much love and support towards the refugee crisis.
"To have Paloma Faith and Peace, plus some special guests to be announced, all come together to raise even further funds really is a dream come true."
Tickets go on general sale from Friday November 6 from www.ticketmaster.co.uk
Paloma Faith to perform at Help Refugees concert
Paloma Faith will perform at a concert at London's O2 Forum Kentish Town to raise money for the Help Refugees charity.
The special concert - which will take place on November 22 - will see full sets from the 'Only Love Can Hurt Like This' singer and indie rock quartet Peace and special guests who are yet to be announced.
Paloma said in a statement: "I'm devastated to see what these people are going through. It could just as easily happen to anyone of us.
"So I am glad to do what little I can. We all should."
There will also be performances from various musicians who are refugees themselves including Katherine Hamnett, the creator of a slogan t-shirt who has donated her "CHOOSE LIFE" slogan for a spin off version with "CHOOSE LOVE" instead.
Katherine commented: "CHOOSE LOVE is central for how we should be dealing with this humanitarian crisis. We are all children of migrants and refugees. Civilisations fall apart when we stop caring for our fellow men."
Help Refugees was created by Radio X presenter Lliana Bird, TV presenter Dawn O'Porter and activist and comedian Heydon Prowse, who set up the hashtag #HelpCalais to raise funds and collect goods in response to the refugee crisis.
Lilana Bird commented: "When we put out a call for help in August we never dreamed we would get this far with our efforts and see this much love and support towards the refugee crisis.
"To have Paloma Faith and Peace, plus some special guests to be announced, all come together to raise even further funds really is a dream come true."
Tickets go on general sale from Friday November 6 from www.ticketmaster.co.uk
Music News
Gwen Stefani has enough new material for "two albums".
The 'Hollaback Girl' hitmaker - who is set to release her latest album next year - has revealed she's been struggling with writer's block for the past couple of years but now has dozens of ideas for new tracks.
She said: "I think I have enough for probably two albums.
"I have to write a few more songs, because I feel like I might as well keep going while it's there."
The 46-year-old star - who recently scrapped an entire LP's worth of music - released 'Used to Love You' following her split from husband Gavin Rossdale and is reportedly set to unveil a "really happy song" titled 'Misery' next.
She's also worked with producer J.R. Rotem on the tracks 'Red Flag', 'Naughty' and 'Make Me Like You'.
Speaking to Zane Lowe on Beats 1 Radio, Gwen revealed: "Dude I got 20 songs. I have a whole record in eight weeks, but I want to keep writing.
"You have to understand how much I couldn't write, and then all of a sudden I'm writing, writing, writing.
"It's so incredible to be able to use my gift again."
The 'Sweet Escape' singer also confessed her split from her husband of 13 years prompted her to start writing again.
She explained: "Everyone knows my life is in crazy turmoil, and I went in to write a song with this guy Rick Nowels, a real songwriter songwriter.
"I walked in the room and he's like, 'Okay, you're gonna sit right here in the middle of this room and there's an engineer you don't know and you don't know me and let's go. And by the way, when Lana Del Rey comes in here, she just whips them out in 10 minutes' ... I was like 'Okay, I've done this before.' We did write a song that day, and it was the first taste of what I need to do right now."
Gwen Stefani has enough new songs for two albums
Gwen Stefani has enough new material for "two albums".
The 'Hollaback Girl' hitmaker - who is set to release her latest album next year - has revealed she's been struggling with writer's block for the past couple of years but now has dozens of ideas for new tracks.
She said: "I think I have enough for probably two albums.
"I have to write a few more songs, because I feel like I might as well keep going while it's there."
The 46-year-old star - who recently scrapped an entire LP's worth of music - released 'Used to Love You' following her split from husband Gavin Rossdale and is reportedly set to unveil a "really happy song" titled 'Misery' next.
She's also worked with producer J.R. Rotem on the tracks 'Red Flag', 'Naughty' and 'Make Me Like You'.
Speaking to Zane Lowe on Beats 1 Radio, Gwen revealed: "Dude I got 20 songs. I have a whole record in eight weeks, but I want to keep writing.
"You have to understand how much I couldn't write, and then all of a sudden I'm writing, writing, writing.
"It's so incredible to be able to use my gift again."
The 'Sweet Escape' singer also confessed her split from her husband of 13 years prompted her to start writing again.
She explained: "Everyone knows my life is in crazy turmoil, and I went in to write a song with this guy Rick Nowels, a real songwriter songwriter.
"I walked in the room and he's like, 'Okay, you're gonna sit right here in the middle of this room and there's an engineer you don't know and you don't know me and let's go. And by the way, when Lana Del Rey comes in here, she just whips them out in 10 minutes' ... I was like 'Okay, I've done this before.' We did write a song that day, and it was the first taste of what I need to do right now."
Music News
The Stone Roses are reportedly working on new music.
The 'She Bangs the Drums' hitmaker announced two huge stadium gigs at Manchester's Etihad Stadium and a headline slot at Scotland's T in the Park festival on Monday (02.11.15) and their return is set to be accompanied by their first new studio album in more than 20 years.
A music insider told The Sun newspaper: "New music was always the hope for Stone Roses fans and now it appears they're getting their wish.
"When the band reunited in 2012 there was never any concrete plans. But now they feel everything is in place to record a new album."
The group - which includes Ian Brown, John Squire, Mani and Reni - released their eponymous debut in 1989 but split after their next album 'Second Coming' in 1994.
Speculation of their imminent return was sparked when posters featuring the band's lemon symbol started appearing around Manchester over the weekend.
They will perform in the city on Friday 17 and Saturday 18 June, before appearing at T in the Park on 8 July.
They reunited for a series of tour dates in 2012 but they have never appeared at Glastonbury and organiser Michael Eavis is reportedly desperate for them to perform.
The rockers were set to headline in 1995 but were forced to pull out after guitarist John was involved in a mountain bike crash.
A festival source told the Daily Star newspaper: "The Stone Roses were asked to play Glasto this year, firstly instead of The Who and then as replacements for Foo Fighters when they cancelled.
"Eavis only has a couple of headline acts left on his wishlist and The Stone Roses are definitely one of them."
The Stone Roses reportedly making music
The Stone Roses are reportedly working on new music.
The 'She Bangs the Drums' hitmaker announced two huge stadium gigs at Manchester's Etihad Stadium and a headline slot at Scotland's T in the Park festival on Monday (02.11.15) and their return is set to be accompanied by their first new studio album in more than 20 years.
A music insider told The Sun newspaper: "New music was always the hope for Stone Roses fans and now it appears they're getting their wish.
"When the band reunited in 2012 there was never any concrete plans. But now they feel everything is in place to record a new album."
The group - which includes Ian Brown, John Squire, Mani and Reni - released their eponymous debut in 1989 but split after their next album 'Second Coming' in 1994.
Speculation of their imminent return was sparked when posters featuring the band's lemon symbol started appearing around Manchester over the weekend.
They will perform in the city on Friday 17 and Saturday 18 June, before appearing at T in the Park on 8 July.
They reunited for a series of tour dates in 2012 but they have never appeared at Glastonbury and organiser Michael Eavis is reportedly desperate for them to perform.
The rockers were set to headline in 1995 but were forced to pull out after guitarist John was involved in a mountain bike crash.
A festival source told the Daily Star newspaper: "The Stone Roses were asked to play Glasto this year, firstly instead of The Who and then as replacements for Foo Fighters when they cancelled.
"Eavis only has a couple of headline acts left on his wishlist and The Stone Roses are definitely one of them."