Friday, December 19, 2025

Texas progressive country pioneer Joe Ely, who collaborated with The Clash, dead at 78

Joe Ely, a central figure in Texas’ progressive country scene during the 1970s, has died aged 78.  His representative...

Kylie Minogue tops UK Christmas charts

Kylie Minogue has achieved her first-ever Christmas number one. The 57-year-old pop star has topped the Christmas charts in...

Guitarist Gem Archer reveals Oasis Live ’25 tour setlist was ‘amended’

The Oasis Live ’25 tour setlist went through some last‑minute trimming, leaving a few planned songs on the cutting‑room floor.

Addison Rae doesn’t want to be seen as just a ‘pop star’

Addison Rae says she doesn’t “really care about being a pop star” — she just wants to be a “star”.

Måneskin enjoying the ‘space to experiment’ before regrouping

Måneskin have every intention of getting back in the studio together, but for now, they’re relishing the chance to experiment individually.

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Jason Sudeikis worried about Oscar awards


Jason Sudeikis was worried about how he was going to pronounce the names of the nominees at the Academy Awards.
The 38-year-old actor - who walked the red carpet with pregnant Olivia Wilde - had a piece of paper with the phonetic breakdown of names in the Best Live Action Short Film category to ensure he didn't mess up when he took to the stage at the at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles.
He told E! News: "There's letters in here that aren't even in the alphabet. "There's an ampersand in the middle of this. So I'm just as nervous as anybody nominated."
The winner of Best Live Action Short Film was 'Helium' by Danish filmmaker Anders Walter and Kim Magnusson.
Other nominations in that category included 'Aquél no era yo' (That Wasn't Me), 'Avant que de tout perdre' (Just Before Losing Everything), 'Pitääkö mun kaikki hoitaa?' (Do I Have to Take Care of Everything?) and 'The Voorman Problem'.

Louis Tomlinson hits back at parents’ complaint


Louis Tomlinson has hit back at parents who complained about One Direction's "sexualised" lyrics.
The 22-year-old singer made fun of the complaint made by a mother and father in who pulled their children from a choir showcase in Michigan, because they thought the lyrics to 'Live While We're Young' were too explicit for them to sing.
Louis took to Twitter and defended the lyrics "tonight let's get some, and live while we're young" by posting: "Dear Mr and Mrs Stone, I'm deeply saddened by your complaint to Chelsea High School regarding our lyrics (sic)."
He added: "I hope the two of you 'get some' very soon 🙂 #cryingparents. (sic)."
The cheeky response sent Twitter into meltdown and the post was retweeted by more than 70,000 people.
The parents had previously sent a letter to the Chelsea School District and also claimed the line, 'Don't let the pictures leave your phone', made reference to sexting photographs.
They insisted the song "violated the district's policy for sexual innuendos" and called for it to be taken out of the choir performance.
Meanwhile, One Direction - which also includes Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan and Liam Payne - are on a break ahead of their 'Where We Are' tour.
Louis has been spending his time off playing for the reserve squad for his hometown soccer team Doncaster Rovers Returns.

Bruce Forsyth to leave Strictly Come Dancing?


Sir Bruce Forsyth could be leaving 'Strictly Come Dancing' this year.
The 86-year-old star is reportedly set to discuss his future with the BBC and his long-running role hosting the ballroom dancing content in a meeting with TV bosses next month.
BBC One controller Charlotte Moore told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "He is not young and has missed a couple of programmes, so it is important to have that conversation."
Talks are reportedly due to be held once the TV legend returns from Puerto Rico, where he goes every year for three months to relax once 'Strictly' wraps filming.
Quizzed whether the show could continue without him, Charlotte added: "'Strictly' is a phenomenon of British television and very robust. But it isn't about one presenter."
Meanwhile, a BBC insider suggested the talks were a normal rite of passage, telling the paper: "We speak to Bruce every year about the following year and his contract."
The star has regularly insisted he has no plans to retire from showbiz just yet, but will know when the time is right to retire.
He previously said: "When the time is up I'll be ready for it. I probably won't be very happy about it. But I'll know it's time to go."

Michael Le Vell to meet Corrie bosses over drug claims


Michael Le Vell will meet with 'Coronation Street' bosses today (03.03.14) after admitting to taking cocaine.
The 49-year-old actor was cleared of 12 child sex abuse charges last year but admitted yesterday (02.03.14) that he had turned to drugs in the run up to the trial and also took them after he was cleared because of the stress of the ordeal, and he's now set to meet with ITV bosses to discuss his future on the soap.
A show source told the Daily Star newspaper: "Everyone understands he's been to hell and back so it would come as a massive shock if anything comes of this, especially seeing as Craig Charles (Lloyd Mullaney) and Jimmi Harkishin (Dev Alahan) have both had drug problems in the past."
Michael - who plays car mechanic Kevin Webster - claims he's no longer using drugs and hopes he can continue to work on the Manchester-based soap as he is set to return to screens in three weeks following a two-year break.
He said: "I know what is coming and what can I do? I am not denying it. When you get caught you have hold your hands up.
"But believe me I am not a drug addict or a regular user."
Speaking to a friend, he reportedly added: "I have a clean conscience - let's see what Monday brings."

Jessie J: The Voice needs more criticism


Jessie J has hit out at the lack of "constructive criticism" on 'The Voice' this year.
The former coach - who quit the singing competition last year after two series - thinks this year's coaches are being too easygoing on the contestants after watching Celestine Walcott-Gordon and Mairead Conlon perform her song 'It's My Party' on Saturday (01.03.14).
She wrote on Twitter: "Where is the constructive vocal criticism?! It was TOO MUCH! Vocally messy and too many runs and licks! Singers don't and won't improve if you continually say 'amazing' when it's not... Can't get better in a 'Yes bubble' (sic)"
Jessie, 25, went on to defend her controversial comments after receiving backlash from social media users, insisting vocalists - including her - need to be given criticism in order to improve.
She explained: "Every singer has to take criticism! Myself as an artist included! And I know if I performed 'It's my party' like Team Tom did on the battles that my team wouldn't say it was great. And I wouldn't want them to. The TRUTH is the only thing we can build from! (sic)"
Jessie quit 'The Voice' panel last year along with The Script's Danny O'Donoghue, paving the way for Kylie Minogue and Kaiser Chiefs frontman Ricky Wilson to join Sir Tom Jones and will.i.am.
The 'Wild' singer says her criticism of Team Tom's Celestine and Mairead is intended to be constructive, not hurtful, and she often listens to criticism of her own work.
She added: "I sometimes agree with people when their words may not always positive towards me. [...] listen BUT only when those words are constructive and come from a caring and loving place. (sic)"

Corrie’s Tisha Merry starstruck by Michelle Keegan


'Coronation Street's' Tisha Merry was "starstruck" by Michelle Keegan.
The young actress - who plays waitress Steph Britton - admits she was too scared to talk to her glamorous co-star when she first joined the soap last year, but they have now become fast friends and even get told off for talking too much on set.
Tisha told The Sun newspaper: "She's so famous and I got really starstruck and kept thinking, 'Oh gosh, don't say anything to her unless it's really funny', or, 'Just don't say anything until you're spoken to.' "
Tisha's character will move in with Michelle's Tina McIntyre in episodes to air tonight (03.03.14) and the actress was stunned when she was told the news.
She recalled: "When they first told me Steph was moving in with Tina I thought they were joking. I was happy and excited obviously but a bit scared too. I was a bit intimidated - it was strange.
"But once I got to know Michelle I realised she was a huge laugh and now acting alongside her is great.
"Now we're terrible. As soon as we walk on to set we're chatting away. We talk constantly and get told off and asked to be quiet. She's brilliant. She makes me laugh the whole time."

Susanna Reid to present ITV’s Good Morning Britain


Susanna Reid will join ITV later this year as presenter of new breakfast show 'Good Morning Britain'.
The 43-year-old presenter - who is best known for her work on 'BBC Breakfast' - recently announced that she would be taking a break from the channel following her split from partner Dominic Cotton, and it's now been confirmed that she is set to join rival ITV's new-look morning show, which will replace 'Daybreak'.
The 'Strictly Come Dancing' runner-up will be joined by Ben Shepard, Charlotte Hawkins and Sam Fletcher between 6am and 8.30am on weekdays to front 'Good Morning Britain'.
Director of daytime at ITV, Helen Warner, said of the lineup: "I'm delighted to welcome all four presenters to the ITV Breakfast family. ITV has a first class roster of breakfast and daytime talent both on and off screen and I'm thrilled to be expanding this.
"Engaging, news driven content is our number one priority and will be at the heart of everything we do on 'Good Morning Britain'. I believe we have a top team in place to deliver this and make this a compelling proposition to wake up to in the morning."
Current 'Daybreak' presenter Lorraine Kelly will now be at the helm of her own show 'Lorraine' between 8.30 and 9.25am on weekdays, while Aled Jones will present a brand new morning show 'Weekend' on Saturdays and Sundays in the same time slot.
Aled said of his new role: "What more can I ask for than a mix of all the things I love! It's a dream come true to present a show I've always wanted to watch and I can't wait to get started."

Stars celebrate at Oscars after parties


The stars were out in force at the 86th annual Academy Awards after parties.
Hollywood heavyweights including Reese Witherspoon, Diane Kruger and Bruce Willis were among 160 guests who attended the prestigious Vanity Fair afterparty on Sunday night (02.03.13) in West Hollywood, following the glittering awards ceremony at the Dolby Digital Theatre.
Paula Patton put on a brave front as she made her first solo appearance on the red carpet since announcing her separation from Robin Thicke, her husband of eight years, while all eyes were on Adam Levine and his gorgeous fiancé Behati Prinsloo as they rocked up arm-in-arm.
Meanwhile, Orlando Bloom surprised his estranged wife Miranda Kerr - with whom he has three-year-old son Flynn - on the red carpet while she was giving a TV interview.
In a touching display of affection, the actor planted a kiss on her cheek and quipped, "Hi. You look amazing", as a flustered Miranda tried to regain her composure for the cameras.
The other venue of choice was Sir Elton John's AIDS Foundation Oscar-viewing party at West Hollywood Park, with celebrities including Britney Spears and Heidi Klum getting dolled up for the star-studded event.
Lady Gaga stole the show in a sparkling silver dress as she posed for a series of snaps with her fashion icon Donatella Versace, her close friend Elton and his husband David Furnish.
The likes of Kim, Kourtney and Khloe Kardashian tucked into delicacies by chef Gordon Ramsay, Patron tequila cocktails as they enjoyed performances from Ed Sheeran and DJ Johnny Dynell at the sit-down charity dinner.

John Travolta economises with dancing


John Travolta "economises" with his dancing.
The 60-year-old actor - who has children Ella, 13, and Benjamin, three, with wife Kelly Preston - is known for his fancy footwork thanks to his roles in films like 'Staying Alive' and 'Saturday Night Fever' and admits he tones down his moves in public so he doesn't feel pressure on the dancefloor.
Speaking at Vanity Fair's Oscars party at Sunset Towers, last night (02.03.14), he said: "Now we'll dance, probably not here, but at the Madonna party, here is for schmoozing.
"I economise with my [dance] moves so I don't have too much pressure on me."
The 'Pulp Fiction' star and his spouse had earlier enjoyed the ceremony, which was hosted by Ellen DeGeneres at the Dolby Theatre, and singled out U2's performance of 'Ordinary Love', and wins for Best Supporting Actor and Actress Jared Leto and Lupita Nyong'o as highlights.
Speaking on UK TV show 'Lorraine', John said: "It was a wonderful night and very entertaining, I loved the Lupita moment, I loved the Leto moment, I loved the Bono moment, that was great.
"I thought the Oscars were split beautifully, it was a very fair night."
Kelly added: "Ellen was brilliant too, she was so funny."

Cate Blanchett felt Oscars pressure


Cate Blanchett felt under "intense pressure" to win an Oscar.
The Australian actress - who already picked up Best Actress at the BAFTAs, Screen Actors Guild and Golden Globe Awards for her role in 'Blue Jasmine' - is relieved awards season is over as being favourite for the prizes was so uncomfortable.
Asked about the pressure of being frontrunner to take home the statue, she said: "It's an intense, unbearable pressure, which I'm so glad is over."
And Cate - who previously picked up Best Supporting Actress for her performance in 'The Aviator' in 2005 - admitted she has been "gobsmacked" by the performances of her fellow actresses, both this year and in recent times when she has been working in theatre away from Hollywood.
Speaking backstage at last night's (02.03.14) ceremony, she told reporters: "Every year, I watch this thing remotely and there are five, six, ten, twenty performances by women that I am godsmacked by."
The 44-year-old beauty joked she had selected her ivory Armani gown after comparing it with others she was offered and asking "which one's the heaviest?"
She added: "I had the great good fortunate of being princess this morning and have three dresses to choose from, and I chose this one."
And Cate had begun her preparations for the big day with an intense massage.
She said: "My morning began with being pummeled like Kobe beef. And it's just gotten better and better."
During her acceptance speech, the actress made a cryptic shout out to Julia Roberts, saying "Julia, hashtag suck it," and remained coy afterwards as to what she had meant.
She said only: "It happened in the bar with Ms. Roberts. And that's all I'm prepared to say."

Kelly Osbourne and Lady Gaga make up


Kelly Osbourne and Lady Gaga have officially ended their feud.
The 'Fashion Police' host and her mother Sharon had been engaged in a war of words for over a year, and though they agreed to call a truce late last year, they finally came face-to-face for the first time last night (02.03.14) at Sir Elton John's Annual AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party in Hollywood.
As the host looked on, Kelly, 29, and Gaga, 27, shared a joke before posing for a joke picture which saw the presenter put her hands around the 'Applause' singer's throat.
Posting the photo onto Instagram, Kelly added the caption: "Peace at last."
In October, Gaga tried to make peace with her rival by sending a birthday cake via her mother Sharon after performing on 'The X Factor' in the UK.
However, Kelly rejected the gift, dismissing it as a publicity stunt, but later apologised for her ungrateful response.
She tweeted: ''@ladygaga I acted like a child last night. Just not into publicity stunts call me & we will end this like adults I don't want 2 fight anymore.''
She also said': ''I will just admit that I overreacted. I really did, because when you start to f**k with me and my mom, that's when I start to get a little bit... I saw it wrong. I saw it more as a publicity stunt than an olive branch. There's a lot of really huge misunderstandings on both sides of this ridiculous fight that doesn't even need to be happening.''
The Osbournes had been involved in a bitter feud with Gaga for months, with Sharon previously branding the eccentric singer - whose Born This Way Foundation campaigns against bullying - a ''publicity-seeking hypocrite'' for letting her fans send threatening messages to her Kelly after she blasted Gaga's 2012 Grammy Awards outfit.

Lupita Nyong’o stuns as Best Supporting Actress

Lupita Nyong'o stunned in a pastel blue floor length gown at the Oscars in Los Angeles where she won Best Supporting Actress for her role in '12 Years A Slave'.