Pop Music

SINGER Rochelle Humes made jaws drop as she confessed she made more cash from being in S Club Juniors than she did in The Saturdays alongside stars Frankie Bridge and Una Healy.

The businesswoman launched her career as a singer in 2001 when she joined S Club Juniors after being selected for the band on the reality TV show S Club Search.

The juniors, who released their first single One Step Closer in 2002, accompanied S Club 7 on their huge tour as the supporting act.

After just three years in the girl band, Rochelle joined The Saturdays in 2008 and despite their chart topping success, the star revealed she made more money at the beginning of her career.

Speaking on the Great Company with Jamie Lang podcast, Rochelle said: “When I look back on it I made more money from S Club Juniors than I did in The Saturdays.”

Made In Chelsea star Jamie was so baffled by Rochelle’s revelation that she jokingly asked him to call Frankie Bridge, who was also in both bands, to confirm their experience.

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Explaining why she thought she made more money from S Club Juniors, Rochelle said: “The music industry… the money just went out of it.

“It wasn’t the same space to be in anymore.”

The star added: “At the time your the chosen one, you never want to rock the boat because your like do you know how many girls would be whipping these extensions out ready to put them in their hair.

Rochelle joined S Club Juniors in the early noughties, when she was just 12-years-old, alongside Frankie Bridge, Aaron Renfree, Jay Asforis, Stacey Franks, Calvin Goldspink, Daisy Shelvey and Hannah Richings.

While the girl band was successful, The Saturdays were huge with 11 top 10 singles including All Fired Up and What About Us.

The 37-year-old explained that when she was part of The Saturdays she was paid a “salary” and was expected to live a certain type of lifestyle.

But, most of her money actually came from brand deals and touring rather than the group’s singles.

“When someone says your record deal is X amount of money, that doesn’t mean that’s what we’re making. That means they’ll put this money into the album, pay these producers, the marketing budget,” she said.

Rochelle continued: “The tours and the brand deals was where you would make your money. The records weren’t for us. So we’d be the face of a shampoo and all have our own scent – that’s where we’d make our money.

“But then record labels changed their whole strategy…they would then also take a cut of the brand [deals], and then take a cut of the live performances. You’ve got to remember everything you earn, split that in half, basically with tax and an agent. And then there’s five of you. You’re expected to live a lifestyle that you can’t always prop up.”

During her candid interview with Jamie, Rochelle also revealed her uncle is an England footie legend.

Her uncle is none other than Paul Ince, who had 53 caps for England and played most notably for Premier League teams West Ham and Man United.

Paul was the first black player to ever captain the England team and later the first black British manager to coach in the highest tier of English football.

AN *NSYNC star has confessed he was so skint that after failing to pay his bills the lights went out in his house on Christmas Eve.

Joey Fatone, who was one of the American group’s original members, recently opened up on how his boyband millions quickly depleted.

The singer shot to fame in 1995 alongside his fellow bandmates, Justin Timberlake, Chris Kirkpatrick, JC Chasez, and Jason Galasso.

During the new docuseries Boy Band Confidential, Joey admitted he was forced to ask people for money after he was given bad advice by his accountant.

At NSYNC’s peak Joey splashed out on a huge 10,000-square-foot house on four acres of land, but not before running it past his financial advisor.

He recalled in the docuseries: “Money was coming in. I asked my accountant, ‘Hey, are we good?’ ‘Yeah, we’re great.’ ‘I’m OK to buy this house, right?’ He goes, ‘Your kids’ kids’ kids will be fine.’

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“Now, he was saying that as if money was probably still coming in.”

But, ten years later was when Joey really felt the pain of being cashless.

Joey said: “I go to a new accountant, I say, ‘Hey man, can you look at my finances and what’s going on?’ And he goes, ‘You need to get out of that house or you’re gonna go bankrupt.’ I went, ‘I’m sorry, what?’”

After NSYNC went on a indefinite hiatus, Joey was nearly out of cash and was very close to filing for bankruptcy.

His money woes all came to a head on Christmas Eve when he had family around to celebrate the holidays.

Joey continued: “There was one point during Christmas they shut off the lights to my house because I didn’t pay the bill. I almost was gonna go bankrupt.

“And I have a family. This is when I am married, I have two kids. These are certain things that happen in normal people‘s lives as well, but then you have to figure out, for me, how do I do this without the public even watching of what’s going on?”

Joey lost the power in his home before they had even got to opening their presents.

He said: “It was horrible. I had family over at my house. Good thing I had the water, but the power just went pew.”

“I was asking people for money,” he recalled.

The 49-year-old told how he was forced to “put his tail between his legs” and figure out what to do.

The producer ended up flogging his house and moving his then-wife Kelly, to whom he was married from 2004 to 2019, and their daughters, Briahna and Kloey, in with his parents for a year.

Joey made a life for himself in Las Vegas for a year, working to build back up his slowing career.

The Dancing with the Stars alum explained the situation was a “big eye-opener” and he slammed his former accountant saying, “And the one that I had was not the brightest person to help me out. They were always the ones going, ‘Don’t worry, you’re gonna be fine. You’re making so much money.’”

NSYNC won 15 music awards during their heyday and are best known for their hits Bye Bye Bye, Girlfriend and This I Promise You.

THE wait is finally over for Madonna fans – as she returns with new music on Friday.

And I am told that she will finally unveil details of her upcoming 15th studio album.

A source revealed: “Madonna is ready to enter her new era and, on Friday, fans will finally get a taste of what she has been working on with Stuart Price.

“This album has been such a passion project for Madonna.

“It’s taken her to a different level in her artistry and she is excited for her fans to hear what she has been working on.

“Madonna has been through so much in the past few years. She almost died in 2023 after contracting sepsis and she lost her brother Christopher the following year.

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“The album will be steeped in reflections of what she has endured and how she has overcome everything thrown in her path.

“Working with Stuart has been brilliant for Madonna, too.

“Confessions On A Dance Floor back in 2005 was one of her best records and he has injected some of that magic into their new sessions.”

The Queen of Pop last released an album in 2019, with Madame X.

It has been the longest-ever gap between records since her career started.

I told you last month that Madonna had filmed a huge new video to celebrate her return to music.

Celebs including Kate Moss, Gwendoline Christie and Benedict Cumberbatch filmed top-secret scenes at Black Island Studios in West London, alongside a number of other famous faces I can’t reveal as I have been sworn to secrecy.

The video, I am told, pushed boundaries like never before, with Madonna’s stunt double filming an epic car crash scene then legging it into a rave.

Madonna has remained tight-lipped about her return, but yesterday she deleted all the photographs from her Instagram account and updated her profile shot with a blurry new picture of herself.

Last night, Madge also updated her website with a picture of a woman in fishnets and boots and her legs splayed open with a huge speaker covering her modesty.

We can’t wait to hear what you’ve been working on, Madge.

Selena & Demi share the Lov

SELENA GOMEZ and Demi Lovato can’t hide their delight as they are pictured together for the first time in a decade.

The former child Disney stars posed on the opening night of Demi’s It’s Not That Deep Tour in Florida.

It was a joyous moment for their fans, who had long thought the pair had fallen out.

Selena shared the snap online with the caption: “I am in tears.

“This was hands down one of the best shows. Oh and the vocals?”

Since they met backstage, Selena and Demi have started following each other again on Instagram – which is basically millennial code for “everything is fine”.

Given the smiles, I am actually convinced it is.

KANYE WEST might not be able to play festivals these days, but eldest daughter North is having no problems.

She has been signed to make her festival debut at Chicago’s Summer Smash, despite being only 12.

North, who was in the crowd at Coachella at the weekend, has only released a handful of songs but is already high on the line-up for the event, also featuring rappers Lil Uzi Vert and Sexyy Red.

It comes a week after Ye was refused entry to the UK.

It caused Wireless Festival, which he was due to headline for all three nights in July, to be axed.

Here’s hoping North has more luck for this event in June.

Frilled to see you, Anne

ONE WORD springs to mind when I look at this glam snap of Anne Hathaway. Itchy.

The US actress swapped comfort for couture as she promoted new film Mother Mary, alongside her equally elegant British co-star Michaela Coel, in a custom-made designer gown made from swathes of rough-looking fabric.

The psychological thriller, which is out in cinemas on April 24, is a far cry from Anne’s other new film, The Devil Wears Prada sequel which comes out the following week.

She reprises her role as Andy Sachs, alongside Meryl Streep who plays her formidable magazine editor boss Miranda Priestly.

I’m expecting some incredible fashion choices from Anne and co when they start promoting the film, with the UK premiere in London’s Leicester Square on 22 April.

And hopefully her stylist will choose something a little less scratchy.

WRONG ON ROAN MOANS

FOOTBALLER JORGINHO admitted he got it wrong when he accused Chappel Roan of making his stepdaughter cry by ordering her security guard to tell the girl off.

He made the claim last month when his wife Catherine Harding and her daughter Ada were at a hotel in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Chappell received a massive backlash.

But the singer insisted she wasn’t aware of the incident, and the security guard came out to say he was working for someone else.

Addressing the situation on Instagram, the Brazilian midfielder didn’t apologise but said: “I made my initial statement in the heat of the moment.”

Jorginho, who insisted he did not support “hate speech or online attacks” as a result of the saga, said Chappell “reached out privately to Catherine”.

PADDINGTON is digging out his raincoat as he returns to cinemas in a fourth movie.

Film company Studiocanal has confirmed another instalment is in the works following the 2024 release of Paddington In Peru.

Since the first movie in 2014, the series has made more than $700million at the box office worldwide.

WETS TOUR FOR DEBUT’S 40TH YEAR

WET WET WET will play 40 dates around the UK next year to mark four decades since their debut album, Popped In Souled Out.

The band will kick off their tour at Watford Colosseum on February 7, with more shows through the month.

A second leg of the tour starts at Leicester’s De Montfort Hall on October 4.

The band now includes founding member, bassist Graeme Clark, long-time touring guitarist Graeme Duffin, who has been with the band since 1983, and lead vocalist Kevin Simm, formerly of Liberty X, who has toured with the band since 2018.

Graeme Clark said: “Forty years later, those songs have taken on a life of their own, and this tour is about celebrating where it all began without forgetting what followed.”

OLIVIA’S STRICTLY TOURING

OLIVIA DEAN has won four Brits, three Mobo awards and a Grammy so far this year.

But she’s got her eye on something else for her display cabinet – the Strictly Glitterball trophy.

The singer has been having dance tuition and is seriously tempted by the possibility of appearing on the BBC One show.

She said: “I’ve been doing salsa lessons recently.

“Just learning a new skill that’s completely separate from my music and still in music.”

During an appearance on Hits Radio, Marvin Humes asked Olivia whether she would take part in Strictly and she replied: “I actually would.”

Sadly for us, a stint in the ballroom this year is off the cards as Olivia will be on tour across Australia and New Zealand in October, which will be right in the middle of the series.

There could be more music on the way from Olivia as she teased she has several songs we haven’t heard. She said: “Man I Need wasn’t supposed to be a single.

“But I’m glad I followed through with that one.

“There were loads of songs that didn’t make the album, but I might still do something with them.”

Ladies on the lash

LADIES Of London: The New Reign is on course to get a second series, so it’s little wonder the cast hit the town to celebrate.

The Bravo TV series, which stars Mark-Francis Vandelli, Emma Thynn, Myka Meier, Martha Sitwell, Lottie Kane and Misse Beqiri, started again last month and has proved to be a success.

An onlooker who saw the group celebrating at private members’ club 5 Hertford Street, in London, told me: “The Ladies Of London cast went from drinking tea to doing shots of tequila, they were loving life.

“They’d just done a photoshoot and were in really high spirits, talking about the future and what they had coming up.

“The show is all about bitching and backstabbing, but in reality, now especially, they all seem to get on like a house on fire.

“When they left around 6.30pm on Monday, they were definitely a bit squiffy.”

I’ve no doubt they’ll be cracking open more bottles of champers when they get another series.

BEYONCÉ is a cut above the rest as she turns up the heat in her latest look. 

The superstar, 44, stunned in a beige bustier with matching shorts, jacket and fishnets as she showed off bouncy blonde curls at a launch event for her inclusive haircare line, Cécred. 

Her glossy locks took centre stage as she teased: “Take the heat. Body the look.” 

If this style is anything to go by, her latest venture is set to make waves. 

Beyonce is preparing to co-chair the prestigious Met Gala in New York on May 3, where fans believe she will announce a new album. 

She has been teasing the release of the third record in a trilogy following 2022’s Renaissance and 2024’s Cowboy Carter, with the follow-up expected to be a rock’n’roll-influenced project. 

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It’s not all be plain sailing for the star, though, we reported recently how her and Jay-Z’s big move to Britain has been rained off — because the land they had their eyes on is at risk of flooding.

The superstar US couple, worth a combined £1.5billion, were said to be buying a £7.5million 58-acre plot in the Cotswolds.

It had planning permission for a seven-bed property.

But insiders said Beyonce, 44, and 99 Problems singer Jay-Z, 56, had turned their backs on the area after learning it was prone to flooding.

A source said: “Beyonce and Jay-Z buying this plot of land was the talk of the Cotswolds.

“So many locals were excited about them moving in.

“But the plan appears to have fallen through.

“The plot they were looking at has still not been sold and is now being developed by another couple.”

Noah Kahan has bravely opened up about his battle with body dysmorphia in a new Netflix documentary.

In film Out Of Body, the Stick Season singer says: “I’ve always hated the way I looked. It’s something I’ve struggled with my whole life.

“I binge eat a lot of food when I’m feeling stressed and then I get so hateful about my body and what I look like that I don’t eat for a while and I starve myself.

“When I look in the mirror, I feel like I don’t see what my body actually looks like.”

Later in the film, which was released yesterday, he explains: “Disordered eating is something I’ve experienced in ways my whole life but in my adult life, in the last four or five years

“Sometimes I’ll see a photo and people will be like, ‘You look great,’ and I’ll be like, ‘What do you mean? I look like, 300 or 400lb.’

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“I don’t know what I look like. No clue.”

Other scenes reveal fame has not done him any favours mentally. He is shown in late 2024 working on new album The Great Divide, which is due out on April 24, and says: “Now my mental health has never been as low as it has been the last three months of my life.”

With another sold-out tour in June, I hope he’s got the support he needs now.

Leigh’s reddy to rock

Leigh-Anne had a famous face in the crowd for her solo show in London.

Former Little Mix bandmate Jade was spotted as Leigh-Anne took to the stage at the O2 Forum Kentish Town, proving there’s still plenty of love between the girls.

Looking every inch the pop star, the My Love singer wore this red leather bra and matching hula skirt.

And it was a family affair too, with Leigh-Anne bringing her twins on stage for an emotional moment during her song Heaven, which she wrote about them.

Opening the show, she told fans: “My solo journey has been a rollercoaster, it’s allowed me to find myself again.”

She added: “It’s not easy being an independent artist.

“It means everything that you’re here.”

The crowd lapped it up, screaming her name as she powered through tracks including No Hard Feelings – even joking: “I listen to my own music, is that OK?”

Fans lit up the room with their phone torches, while four lucky punters were pulled on stage to join the show.

With her high-energy choreography and the crowd fully behind her, Leigh-Anne proved this new chapter in her career is already hitting all the right notes.

It will end in tears, Sydney

Sydney Sweeney and her hit show Euphoria are facing a backlash after a trailer for the third series showed her character Cassie shooting adult online content – while dressed as a baby.

The HBO show returned last night and a teaser for future episodes showed Sydney wearing a nappy with her boobs on show, a dummy in her mouth and her hair in pigtails.

Her character will make adult content in the series, but fans think the creator Sam Levinson has gone too far.

One person on X called it “actually disgusting”, while another wrote: “There’s a line and Sam Levinson has severely crossed it.”

Chris gets on his soapbox

Ahead of me competing in the Redbull Soapbox Race this summer, Chris Evans has some words of advice.

And, if I’m honest, myself, Virgin Radio’s Ellie Davis and Kej Kamani, are now quaking in our trainers about the prospect of racing down the hill for the event at Alexandra Palace in London on June 20, which will be broadcast on the Discovery Channel.

Speaking on his Breakfast show on Virgin Radio UK, Chris, right, said: “Full disclosure: I used to own the company that makes this TV show so I’ve known about this forever.

“We have our official Virgin Radio Soapbox. And The Sun’s Ellie, Dennie, our boss, and Kej, who runs TFI Unplugged and Ellie who runs the radio station will be in the Soapbox.

“Ally Pally is a serious hill – this is like Formula One. That is why there are hay bales – it can be more dangerous than the F1.

“A regular Redbull Soapbox race in an hour will see more issues and rebuilding of the track than an F1 race. There have been episodes where not a single soapbox gets to the bottom of the hill because they all crash and burn. Well, not burn, but you know what I mean.”

Gulp.

Precious Stones for a grand

The Rolling Stones have sparked a vinyl frenzy, with fans shelling out more than £1,000 for a record that originally cost just £10.07.

Their ultra-limited white label single Rough And Twisted, released under the alias The Cockroaches at the weekend, was sold in tiny numbers at select indie shops, with some stores getting just four copies.

The mystery drop, teased with cryptic QR codes and a secret website, sent demand soaring.

But it’s left plenty of die-hard fans furious after missing out.

One fan said: “Even the crazies like me left empty-handed.”

Now copies are being flipped online for eye-watering prices, sparking calls for the band to release more and “kill the black market.”

Stones fans, of all people, should know that you can’t always get what you want.

Craig loves a chuckle

I thought Barry Chuckle had come back from the grave when I saw Craig Revel Horwood sporting this bushy moustache.

In a snap shared on Instagram, the Strictly judge posed on a balcony with late Barry’s brother Paul.

Craig, who has a surprising friendship with the Chucklevision entertainer, wrote: “What a treat to hang out with my bestie @officialpaulchuckle to film a secret project!”

One fan wrote: “You can’t ever replace Barry but that’s a cracking moustache.”

I couldn’t agree more.

FKA Twigs is in pole position

FKA Twigs closed weekend one of Coachella in sizzling style by performing while twirling around on a pole.

The British singer, clad in a tight black top and knee-high boots, played a 75-minute set on Sunday night and was brought to tears as she belted out her track Cellophane.

But at another point, Twigs – who won her first Grammy in February and has just completed her US tour – wielded a sword and pole danced, top right, while performing Love Crimes.

Bath-born PinkPantheress, who played in a frilly, checked bra-top, delivered one of the most talked-about sets of the festival including recent hits Stateside and Illegal.

Afterwards, she wrote on Instagram that she had “the best time ever”.

They will both be back on stage in California next weekend for the event’s second and final weekend.

A US musician has revealed he’s been scammed out of his entire £300,000 retirement fund in a shocking blow.

Singer G Love revealed that he had accidentally installed some malicious software onto his computer which resulted in scammers taking all of his cash.

The performer took to X – formerly Twitter – to speak out on the incident that saw his entire retirement fund stolen.

He wrote: “I had a really tough day today I lost my retirement fund in a hack/Scam when I switched my @Ledger over to my new computer and by accident downloaded a malicious ledger app from the @Apple store.

“All my BTC gone in an instant.”

The singer appeared to be referring to his bitcoin investments in the tweet.

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One of his fans replied to confirm they had reported his issue to the Ledger app.

Ledger is an app known to be used for storing cryptocurrency.

He further went on to add: “I lost 5.9 BTC all I had for ten years I worked on this f*** be careful out there.”

5.9 BTC can be converted to work out at approximately £300,000.

G Love is best known for being the frontman for the band G. Love & Special Sauce.

The 53-year-old has been in the music industry since the early 90s.

He has released various albums as part of the band as well as being a soloist.

He continues to regularly perform gigs and appear at festivals and events across America.

The most common scams

Source: Citizens Advice

Online shopping scams 26%
Investment scams 18%
Other financial scams 18%
A friend or family member needs help scams 16%
Mobile network scams 14%

HE IS known to not mince his words – and it seems Simon Cowell could get a taste of his own medicine.

I can reveal that his ex, Baywatch model Carmen Electra, and his fellow American Idol judge Paula Abdul are both working on memoirs — which are set to feature their relationships with the music mogul.

A Los Angeles literary agent said: “Paula and Carmen are strong women and they won’t hold back when it comes to their memoirs.

“Carmen dated Simon, so knows what he is like when the cameras stop rolling.

“Rumours have swirled for years about Paula and Simon.

“They had undeniable chemistry on American Idol and now Paula has the chance to put the record straight.”

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Carmen and Simon were first linked in 2012 when she briefly starred as a guest judge on ITV show Britain’s Got Talent.

The pair were spotted on a series of dinner dates.

Speaking about Carmen in December 2012, Simon said: “She’s not my girlfriend. We’re people who date. She’s adorable, isn’t she?”

Paula had starred on American Idol with Simon for eight seasons between 2002 and 2009.

The pair, who also appear­ed together on The X Factor USA, were known for their chemistry on the shows.

Speaking of their relationship in 2011, he said: “On the first two seasons, we couldn’t travel on the same plane together.

“We really disliked each other that much. I think it was sexual tension — on her part.”

When later asked if the pair had ever dated, Paula replied: “Oh no! No! Ew, no!”.

Simon has proved himself as a family man — after getting engaged to American socialite Lauren Silverman in December 2021.

The couple, who have a 12-year-old son Eric, opened up their home to the cameras for Netflix’s show Simon Cowell: The Next Act.

On the six-part docu- series — which charts how the entertainment boss put together boyband December 10 — Simon praised his ­fiancee.

He said: “Lauren, she’s very strong, very emotional, but I love that.

“The reason we have such a great relationship is she always tells me the truth.”

Let’s hope Simon appreciates the same in these upcoming books.

SIMON likes snacking on oranges while filming the auditions for ITV show Britain’s Got Talent.

A source said: “He loves ­oranges – specifically easy peelers. Runners were tasked with keeping the oranges flowing during filming in Blackpool and Birmingham.

“At one point he was giving them out to the crowd, who were ­asking him to sign them.”

Sabrina’s Carchella

SABRINA CARPENTER revved up the crowd with her headline set at Coachella on Friday night.

In a lace leotard, the starlett danced on top of a convertible car amid a sultry performance at the music festival in Palm Springs, America.

She was supported by Irish singer CMAT, Brit rapper ­Centra Cee and US stars Teddy Swims and Lizzo – who showed off her flute-playing skills.

Sisters Kylie and Kendall Jenner, and Kourtney Kardashian watched on.

It sure looks less muddy than Glasto . . . 

Paul on a Roll with the Stones

HAVING made music history by appearing on a Rolling Stones’ album three years ago, Paul McCartney is repeating the feat.

The Beatles legend will feature on a track on their upcoming 25th album, which is due for release in July.

Believed to be titled Foreign Tongues, the collection of songs is largely being touted as the ­Stones’ final record.

It comes after Macca played bass on Bite My Head Off, a track on the Stones’ 2023 record Hackney Diamonds.

An insider said: “Details surrounding the Stones’ new album have been kept secret, but it’s true that Paul features on a new track on it. It’s a real treat for fans.”

Marty Supreme actress Odessa A’Zion is reported to have filmed their new video in a hushed-up two-day shoot at Battersea Arts Centre in South London last week.

Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood dropped a new single yesterday under pseudonym The Cockroaches.

Macca and Jagger have previously ­competed over who was in the best band.

Caught Live: Craig David

By Olivia Monk

HE is marking 25 years in the game, but Craig David proved he has still got it – and revealed there’s plenty more to come.

The 7 Days singer told fans at the venue in Hammersmith, West London that he is working on new music.

At his Born To Do It: 25th Anniversary gig on Thursday he had the crowd hooked from the off, admitting with hand on heart: “Oh man, we’re getting emotional here.”

But the biggest moment came when he brought out Grammy award-winning producer, songwriter and musician Fraser T Smith – who has worked with Craig as well as Adele and Rita Ora among others – and confirmed they are collaborating again.

Craig said: “He’s my brother, and also someone I’m back in the studio making new music with.”

The pair shared a stripped-back set, with Fraser cheekily flipping Craig’s famous ad lib to: “Fraser T all over your . . . ”

Still, fans were there for the classics – and Craig delivered.

Introducing 7 Days – his second consecutive UK No1 in 2000 – he said: “This song changed everything for me.” Delighted fans sang every word back.

Hit song Rewind sparked more chaos, with one over-excited fan even throwing a red bra on stage as the Apollo turned into one big party.

With energy like that, Craig won’t be Walking Away from the music industry any time soon.

SERIES two of Disney+ hit Rivals is set to feature shocking sex scenes between Danny Dyer and his on-screen partner Katherine Parkinson.

The actress, who plays novelist Lizzie Vereker in the show, back next month, teases: “You’ll see a lot of me and Danny, possibly more than you’ll want to see.”

An insider added: “It’s raunchier than the first series and will raise a lot of eyebrows.” I can’t wait.

LOUIS PARTRIDGE is the latest actor tipped to play the next James Bond – and aged 22, he could be the youngest to take the iconic role.

The Brit, whose two-year romance with Olivia Rodrigo ended last year – starred in House of Guinness, which dropped on Netflix last September.

The historical drama series was created by Steven Knight, who is writing the script for the next Bond film.

Of impressing Steven, Louis said: “Maybe I could just be at the bar swilling a martini, saying nothing.”

Glam dash for Doc in frock

SURANNE JONES does a runner as she films for the third and final series of BBC One drama Doctor Foster.

The actress was spotted running in a black satin dress and heels has returned as the titular character.

She was also seen behind the wheel of a burgundy Porsche, and springing from the motor during filming in Hertfordshire this week.

Of her third season in the thriller, Suranne said: “When I got the call to ask if I wanted to return as Gemma Foster, I knew the time was right.”

The first series premiered in September 2015 and followed Dr Foster as she uncovers her husband Simon – Bertie Carvel – having an affair.
Series two aired in 2017.

SABRINA Carpenter has apologised after she was accused of being “rude” and “mean” during her Coachella set.

The Espresso hitmaker called a fan “weird” for yodelling during her headline performance.

In footage posted to X, Sabrina looked confused to hear the high-pitched note.

Addressing the audience, the singer said: “I think I heard someone yodel.”

She then singled out the fan, saying: “Is that what you’re doing? I don’t like it.”

The audience member responded that yodelling was part of their culture and used as a form of celebration.

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Sabrina seemed surprised by the explanation, replying: “That’s your culture, yodeling?” before adding, “Is this Burning Man? What’s going on? This is weird,” followed by a brief laugh.

She then continued with the show, performing tracks including Taste, Please Please Please and We Almost Broke Up Again Last Night.

However, the moment didn’t go down well online. After the performance, social media users criticised her reaction.

One Reddit user wrote they had been enjoying the set until the comment, calling it “really rude.”

Another said her response showed a “total lack of respect,” adding that even after the cultural explanation, the reaction remained inappropriate.

Others suggested the incident could spark wider backlash, while some on X questioned whether she had dismissed someone’s culture as “weird.”

Still, not everyone agreed with the criticism. Some fans defended Carpenter, arguing she likely couldn’t properly hear what was being said from the stage.

One person wrote on X: “Sabrina saying that she doesn’t like a cultural Arabic cheer… this is so insensitive and Islamophobic. I am very disappointed in her.”

Sabrina took to X to apologise, writing: “My apologies i didn’t see this person with my eyes and couldn’t hear clearly.

“My reaction was pure confusion, sarcasm and not ill intended. Could have handled it better! Now I know what a Zaghrouta is! I welcome all cheers and yodels from here on out.”

Earlier in the set, Carpenter had shared her excitement about headlining the festival, telling the crowd: “I can’t believe I’m headlining Coachella! I mean, I can a little bit, but it’s nicer to say that, right?”

Susan Sarandon also made a surprise cameo during Sabrina’s performance.

The Thelma and Louise star, 79, played an older version of Sabrina, and gave a long monologue.

This riled some fans up, who joked that it went on for too long.

The 2026 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is taking place across two weekends in Indio, California.

Carpenter joins Justin Bieber and Karol G as headliners, alongside a wide-ranging lineup including Anyma, Young Thug, Turnstile, David Byrne, FKA twigs, Addison Rae and Ethel Cain.

Veteran acts Iggy Pop, Moby and Devo are also on the bill, while Radiohead appear under a mysterious note referencing Kid A Mnesia. The xx and The Strokes are also set to return.

This comes after Coachella attendees were hit with last-minute cancellations.

Influencers across social media said their short-term rental accommodations through apps like Airbnb were cancelled last minute.

One TikTok user Andrea (@dreaviews) posted to the social media platform sharing that her Airbnb reservation was cancelled by the host just days before the festival.

“I booked everything back in September and they just cancelled my Airbnb reservation this morning,” she explained in the post.

“Very inconsiderate of the Airbnb host to just leave us hanging like that. Everything happens for a reason, but I’m just so sad and disappointed,” she added.

Another TikTok user Dania (@ladaniia) shared that her reservation was cancelled after the host wanted to up the per-night price for the stay.

“They want to raise the price to $1,600 from $500 a night,” they explained in the post.

“What are we supposed to do now? There’s like, three weeks left and everything else is like, $10,000,” she added.

While Andrea later updated that she was able to find a new place to stay, Dania has provided no such update post as of this writing.

Despite these accounts and others appearing on various social media platforms, Airbnb claims it is “not seeing any notable uptick in cancellations over Coachella weekends” per a statement provided to Los Angeles CW affiliate KTLA.

“We know host cancellations can disrupt plans, which is why we have deterrents, including cancellation fees, calendar blocks to prevent rebooking, and a ban on relisting for a higher price, as well as 24/7 guest support,” the statement from an Airbnb spokesperson continued.

The Sun US contacted Airbnb for comment.

A MEMBER of a huge girlband has teased a reunion tour – and fans will likely be bursting with excitement over the potential slew of gigs should they set plans in motion.

The Saturdays are approaching their 20th anniversary, with a reunion tour now on the cards for the girls, as per one of the members.

The hit girlband, who had hits with What About Us and Ego, was made up of Molly King, Frankie Bridge, Rochelle Humes, Vanessa White and Una Healy.

Una is the bandmate who has hinted the possibility of a tour.

The Irish beauty has revealed she is “rallying all the girls” for a reunion tour after discussing plans with bandmate Molly. 

The band initially rose to fame in 2007 before disbanding in 2014. 

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At the time, the girls insisted they were not splitting up, but instead taking a “break”.

Speaking on 2FM Morning with Laura Fox, Una said now would “be a good time” to get reunion plans in the works. 

Una said: “I hope so, you know that it has been 18 years now.

“So only two more to go. It was 2008 since the first single.

“The years are flying by it’s scary.”

She then added: “I was recently talking to Molly and she just reminded me. She was like ‘you know it’s the big 20th now, in two years’.

“I always think that the noughties was ten years ago. So I think that it would be a good time. It would take time to get a tour together.”

Una then revealed: “I am trying to rally them all up and I want it to be all of us as well. We all do. That’s how we all collectively feel. 

“If we ever do anything again it would have to be all five or it wouldn’t be the same.

“I would just love if it was all of us.”

Last summer, we reported the mysterious ‘feud’ between two of the bandmates as the stars ‘snubbed’ each other at Wimbledon after a 24-year friendship.

Rochelle and Frankie grew up in the spotlight together but last summer they mingled with celebrities just yards from each other yet failed to speak between them.

At the time, an insider told The Sun: “It was clear the women were keeping their distance. They sat on opposite sides of the suite and kept to themselves.”

THE ROLLING STONES continue to champion new talent, this time signing up Marty Supreme actress Odessa A’Zion for their next video.

The wise old rockers previously cast Sydney Sweeney in the vid to accompany 2023 comeback single Angry.

Now they are hoping to repeat that success, as I can reveal they have got one of Gen Z’s buzziest names on board.

Odessa filmed the visuals during a hushed-up two-day shoot at Battersea Arts Centre in South London last week.

I’m told loads of extras of all ages and styles were brought in to reflect the Stones over the years.

A music industry insider said: “The video represents the Stones through the ages. There’s a lot going on. They brought in lots of extras to represent subcultures and sonic histories.

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“The idea is it blends everything from blues souls and punk kids with old school rockers and Northern Soul dancers.

“Then there’s a load of glam rock attitude and DIY chaos to echo the legacy of the Stones.

“Odessa is at the centre of it all.

“The video should look really impressive when it’s all tied together.”

The return of the Stones has been talked about for a while, but there isn’t long left to wait at all.

The band is expected to drop a new song today, as I revealed on Wednesday.

Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood have been teasing their return under the pseudonym The Cockroaches.

They are coming back with their 25th album, believed to be titled Foreign Tongues, which is largely being touted as their final record together.

It is a follow-up to their 2023 album Hackney Diamonds, with the tracks mainly being written and recorded during the same sessions.

Unfortunately for their fans, I’ve been told there are no immediate plans for the band to hit the road again just yet.

But I live in hope the band will rethink that — when they see just how many people snap up this new album when it drops later in the year.

Zara up to finny business

ZARA LARSSON is por-poised for action as she lifts a dummy dolphin over her head.

She dazzled in a sequined skirt split to the waist and a tiny bikini top while fronting Spanish label Desigual’s Life’s A Beach campaign.

Zara has signed a major deal with the clothing brand for a new range inspired by her Y2K look.

Meanwhile, her US tour ends tomorrow in Houston, Texas – then she’ll focus on a deluxe version of her 2025 album Midnight Sun, due out next month.

Zara has remixed tracks with female collaborators. Tyga, Madison Beer and Jade are among stars expected to be involved.

The record originally peaked at No36, but with Zara enjoying a popularity surge, I predict a massive leap up the charts.

Derm’s so Keane on his main man

DERMOT KENNEDY has a surprising role model in his music career – football great Roy Keane.

His inspiration during gigs is the memory of Man United hero Keane playing against Juventus in 1999.

Despite being yellow-carded, the captain put in a blistering performance that took them to the Champions League final.

Dermot whose album The Weight Of The Woods became his third No1 last night, said of Roy: “If you ask about the way I sing, it’s purely him.

“He has a thing in his book where, when he was younger trying to get spotted, he would play a match to 100 or 200 people, and he developed the skill of creating the atmosphere in his head.

“I think I have that in music. If I play to ten people, I will rip it because I don’t care how many people are there.”

Dermot also shares a love of football with Roy once playing for Dublin’s Crumlin United.

He said: “I’m a far better person when I’m playing football regularly. Whatever feeling everyone thinks I get from music, I get it from football. It’s the one time my mind is clear.”

But Dermot has another reason to be inspired after his wife Aisling Finnegan gave birth to their daughter.

Asked how long they have been together, he told the And The Writer Is . . .  podcast: “I would have been eight years old.

“We went to school together. What age did I know? Early twenties, probably.”

Michaela in a flap

MICHAELA COEL looks amazing despite her suit falling apart at the seams as she steps out in New York.

The actress, whose outfit had several flappy features, recently admitted she didn’t love appearing in 2022’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, in which she played warrior Aneka.

She said: “I really don’t think I was ready for that world of green screen acting. I don’t know how to do that.”

Maybe she’s struggling with new styles.

Nineties exhibition shines the spotlight on Scary’s catsuit

THE famous leopard-print catsuit Mel B wore when the Spice Girls performed at the Brit Awards in 1997 is going on display.

Former Bizarre editor Dominic MOhan has curated the exhibition, 1996: 30 Years On, and managed to get hold of the catsuit which was worn to perform their debut hit Wannabe.

Mel said: “It was all a crazy Nineties whirlwind but, in my leopard print, I knew I could take on anything. This outfit is sexy, naughty and bold, which pretty much sums me and the Nineties up.”

Also on display will be Emma Bunton’s dress from the same performance, Geri Halliwell’s Union Jack boots and a signed Liam Gallagher‘s tambourine.

It opens on Thursday at the Barbican Music Library in London and runs until September 19.

Dom will be launching his four-part show Cool Britannia on Virgin Radio tomorrow from 6pm.

OLIVIA DEAN is obsessed with Love Island.

She said: “I just watched Love Island All Stars and, oh my god, what amazing television that was.

“Thank you everybody involved for that. It really got me through the last couple of months and I loved it. No notes. Can’t wait for the next season.”

She also had a message for its host: “Maya Jama, I love you.”

Even pop’s busiest acts can’t resist a bit of villa drama.

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THERE aren’t many acts that can pull off five sell- out shows by promising only B sides, album tracks and no hits.

But the Pet Shop Boys did, without breaking a sweat.

I’d happily listen to Neil Tennant sing the back of a crisp packet, but he and Chris Lowe had something more special in store here in Camden, North London.

They whipped out guest Johnny Marr early on, who added some excellent guitar jangling on Up Against it from 1996 and 2003’s I Didn’t Get Where I Am Today.

They might be synthpop’s finest duo, but they can rock out too. With a back catalogue spanning more than 40 years, you can forgive Neil for needing lyrics printed out for the more obscure numbers, and being overjoyed at a stool, joking: “Ooh, I can sit down now, like Westlife.”

They finished by teasing the launch of their upcoming musical, Naked, performing a song from it called I Dream Of A Better Tomorrow.

Right now, that’s a mantra we can all get behind.

SABRINA Carpenter has reached the dye point of her career with her biggest show so far.

The Espresso singer, 26, ditched her trademark blonde locks to go brunette for a retro photoshoot.

In one snap the US star wears a red checked shirt and tiny white tasselled skirt while another sees her in a yellow Sixties-style outfit.

Sabrina, who stars in The Muppet Show 2026 special on Disney+, is also kneeling while rocking a long black wig for Perfect magazine.

It comes as she prepares to headline Coachella Festival later this month.

She will be playing to 125,000 fans in the Californian desert.

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When Beyonce headlined in 2018 she had more than 100 dancers.

Sabrina revealed planning started seven months ago and said: “It’s the most ambitious show I’ve ever done.

“It’s probably the most time I’ve ever had to actually just sit down and talk about a show as I’m building it.”

Sabrina played there in 2024, in the 5.30pm slot, on the day Espresso came out.

She recalled: “I got to play that for the first time at Coachella.

“And now, two years later, we’re back.”

BROKEN Social Scene is more than just a band, it is a community.

The Canadian collective is at the beating heart of Toronto’s freewheeling indie music scene.

If you attempt to count the combined total of active and inactive members, you arrive at a mind-boggling approximation somewhere between 20 and 30.

“What I love about this band is that it’s an open door,” affirms singer and guitarist Kevin Drew.

Since forming Broken Social Scene in 1999 with Brendan Canning, Drew has been its lynchpin . . . albeit one with an unerringly democratic approach.

“We invited everybody in and we didn’t have rules,” adds the 49-year-old frontman. “And we went out and did our f***ing best.”

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Over the years, notable collaborators have included an array of Canada’s finest singers, including solo artist Feist, Amy Millan of Stars and SFTW’s other interviewee this week, Emily Haines of Metric.

Drew cemented his place at the centre of the scene by co-founding progressive label Arts & Crafts in 2003 and has known many of the artists since he was a teenager.

Now, Broken Social Scene are back with their first album in nine years, Remember The Humans, a typically multi-layered affair but one that never loses touch with a winning melody.

Through words and music, it serves as a telling reminder that in this dislocated tech-driven world, we are still mere mortals with very human feelings.

Drew is at home outside Toronto and I’m in London when we hook up for a video call this week.

Before we discuss Broken Social Scene’s welcome return to the fray, he balances his phone on a copy of Irma Rombauer’s hefty culinary classic, The Joy Of Cooking, to bring his face into full view.

He apologises for appearing a bit flushed and says with a big smile: “Sorry, I just took a sauna.”

I quickly discover that Drew is a disarming character with a refreshingly open take on life.

“My dad was from London originally,” he continues. “I said, ‘Hey Pops, I’m gonna speak to The Sun’, and he went, ‘Oh, my gosh, I remember The Sun — it used to have the pin-ups!’ ”

I inform Drew that one of my earliest reviews for SFTW was Broken Social Scene’s self-titled breakthrough third album, released in 2005. “So, we have a long relationship together, which I love,” he responds without a trace of irony.

Introductions out of the way, he’s ready for me to ask why it’s the right time for a new album, as well as a triple headliner tour with Metric and Stars, which is coming to the UK in September.

“We came to a realisation through playing shows after the pandemic that this IS our life,” he says. “This is something we have spent so much of our lives working on.

“We still find much joy in melody and we are part of the muscle memory business now.

“At the age we’re at and with what we’ve achieved already, we made a firm choice to continue.

“Between us all, we have had so much loss of family and friends, but we found that grief made us grateful for what we’ve got.”

Drew is thrilled to be heading out with his comrades from Metric (particularly Jimmy Shaw) and Stars, a trek that summons “the true spirit of what we have been from the beginning”.

Audiences can expect some band-hopping, meaning that Drew can’t really say how many people will be on stage with him.

“I haven’t a clue,” he says. “But I do know there will be a LOT.” The latest chapter in the Broken Social Scene story probably began in 2022 with a 20th anniversary tour of their second album, You Forgot It People, and its songs that still resonate today.

Drew and his fellow travellers realised they might provide some solace in a world where “identity is at war, fear is prominent at every turn” and where “hope is a very tired word”.

He says: “We thought, ‘Let’s do our tiny little protests, let’s continue to demonstrate community’. After all, it’s not hard for us to make music because there’s so many of us.

“Just by being around for 25 years, we have our own sound.”

One song from You Forgot It People — Anthems For A 17-Year-Old Girl, with Metric’s Haines on lead vocals — has acquired a new audience, as Drew explains.

“Thanks to the [2024] film I Saw The TV Glow, the trans community has brought that song into their lives and embraced it.

“It went viral on TikTok, then suddenly all our listens went up. It was the greatest award we’ve ever been given. We were so touched.”

For Drew, it was proof positive that “music helps to build your identity, to find your own people and to express yourself. Right now, that is something to hold on to”.

With its layers of horns, guitars and synthesisers as well as various distinctive voices, new album Remember The Humans is a triumph for freedom of expression.

There’s also a strong feeling of Broken Social Scene coming full circle, enhanced by the return of original producer David Newfeld.

Drew picks up the story: “I moved out of the city, just half an hour away from where Dave had moved 18 years ago.

“He started coming over for dinner and there was a lot of laughter. He’s so old school — still has a flip phone because he doesn’t think smart phones are smart.

“I reached out to him about working together again. I missed his sound and his passion, which were so unpredictable.

“Next thing I knew, I was on a two-and-a-half-year journey of starts and stops — and loss. I lost my mom and he lost his, so we bonded over that.”

It’s clear that the new album’s heartfelt opening song Not Around Anymore is, among other things, a product of their grieving process.

Drew adds: “Dave also latched on to the song And I Think of You. If you put it through headphones, you are hearing his grief over his mom. He records that thing, mixes it and he takes you on a journey.

“His mom was his world — they talked three times a day. Once he’d lost her, I realised it would help him to put love and loss into some of this music.”

We move on to other key contributors, firstly Feist, who resurrects What Happens Now, a song that reportedly didn’t make the cut for Broken Social Scene’s 2017 album Hug Of Thunder.

“Leslie Feist is a different entity because she’s so solo in her success,” says Drew. “There’s us, Metric and Stars, but she became the biggest of all on her own.”

He adds that Feist has “an open invitation” to be part of Broken Social Scene’s endeavours.

“I always tell her, ‘You’re welcome at this home any time you help build it. In fact, you’ve got your own wing!’ ”

Over acoustic strums, atmospheric electronica and occasional swells of horns, Feist’s ghostly delivery turns What Happens Now into a standout moment. “I’m honoured we were able to put it on this record,” says Drew. “It fits the theme.

“I love the cadence of Leslie’s vocals, the way it seems as if she is drowning before she becomes so clear. It’s so Feist.”

Another singer to make a significant contribution is Hannah Georgas, who became involved in Broken Social Scene’s world through being a support act.

Drew says she made Only The Good I Keep her own, and adds: “She neurologically removed my topline [lead vocal melody] — but we need people to have ownership.

“At first, I called Hannah and said, ‘This is great, but I’ve got something I can’t get in’. Two days later, I couldn’t even remember what I was saying and all I could hear was her version.”

Broken Social Scene regular Lisa Lobsinger brought the song Relief into the mix — providing another insight into the band’s democratic process.

Drew reports: “We got this email out of the blue from Lisa saying she kept singing a song in her head while meditating, and she thought it was by Social Scene.”

Lobsinger realised she was making up Relief by herself in that moment, so she submitted it.

“We sent it to the crew, and everyone loved it,” continues Drew. “So, I said, ‘Oh my God, Lisa, let’s do it!’ ”

Before we go our separate ways, Drew leaves me with telling observations about more general topics related to his home country.

Much as he appreciates iconic Canadian artists like Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell and Neil Young, he singles out some of the lesser-known trailblazers who inspired him — “Thrush Hermit, Sloan, Hayden and Godspeed You! Black Emperor”.

And he has this to say about Donald Trump’s wacky idea of making Canada the 51st US state.

“I say to the younger members of the band, ‘Don’t listen to this man. In fact, don’t listen to men in general — if they have a microphone, they won’t do you any favours, including rock singers!’ ”

It’s a typical comment from someone for whom community spirit means everything.

In Broken Social Scene, decides Drew, “we are empaths, not sociopaths. No one has their identity wrapped up in this band”.

BROKEN SOCIAL SCENE
Remember The Humans

★★★★★

BUSTED’S Matt Willis today gave a health update on James Bourne after the star revealed he was having “life extending” surgery.

The singer, 42, was forced to pull out of the band’s tour last year with just hours to go after falling seriously ill.

Last week, after months of silence, James revealed he was having “major surgery” in a bid to “extend his life”.

Today, his best pal Matt, who he has known for over two decades, gave an update on his good friend’s health battle.

Asked on Good Morning Britain about how James’ condition and how he was doing, the star replied: “Ah, I mean, it happened quite quickly.

“He got ill just before the tour started, so he had to pull out of the tour, so we kind of put something up there.

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“But he put something out recently, kind of an update of how he’s getting on.

“And, you know, he’s not very well, but he’s going to be… he’s getting better.

“You know, he’s on the mend.”

Matt also added that he was “seeing James later”.

It comes just days after James issued a worrying update to his fans last Saturday.

“I realised it’s been about six months since I posted last,” he wrote on an Instagram story.

“I have a plan in place to have major surgery that should extend my life and hopefully make me well enough to come back to what I love the most which is touring and making music.

“It really sucks to be out of the game.

“But there is hope!”

James and Matt shot to fame alongside Charlie Simpson when Busted arrived on the pop scene in 2002 with What I Go To School For.

The band split a few years later, and then reformed in 2015, much to the delight of fans, and have been together ever since.

However, in September James pulled out of the band’s tour with McFly with just hours to spare.

In his statement, the singer cited health problems and said he “hoped to come back further down the line”.

He wrote: “The VS tour kicks off tomorrow night in Birmingham and as excited as I’ve been all year for this tour to begin, I’m really sorry to say that over the last 8 days it has become clear that I am not in good enough health to play these shows,”

Although he didn’t disclose what the health issue is, James said at the time: “There’s a lot of information I still don’t have about my condition but my bandmates, management and I are unanimous in deciding that I should focus on medical stuff for now.

“I really hope I can be in a position to come back further down the line.

“It’s still going to be an amazing show and I will miss being there!”

MADONNA has called in the big guns for her new album – reaching out to Britney Spears for a potential collaboration.

I can reveal the Queen of Pop tried to connect with the Circus singer in December and January with hopes of a joint writing or studio session.

Madge has been busy working on the follow-up to 2019 album Madame X, which is expected to be released this year.

However, Britney has so far refused to engage with the Like A Virgin singer, who was one of the few guests at her wedding to model Sam Asghari in 2022.

A collaboration between the two superstars would be huge for the pop universe — 23 years after they scored a No2 hit with Me Against The Music.

That year, 2003, they also made global headlines when they kissed on stage at the MTV VMAs.

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A source close to the younger star said: “Madonna believes Britney is not just a brilliant artist, but a lovely ­person.

“They had a great time in the past working together and had touched on working together again.

“Madonna felt that Britney could bring something to her new album or perhaps join for a writing idea.

“She feels a connection to Britney and has been a vocal supporter of her, despite all the concern about her welfare in the last couple of years.

“Madonna is one of the few people on the planet to understand the stresses and troubles of being one of the most famous people in the world.”

Britney has said she is unsure if she will ever return to music, although she did have a No3 hit in 2022, duetting with Elton John on Hold Me Closer, following the end of her 13-year conservatorship.

Meanwhile, Madonna has also been busy with acting.

Last month she shot a cameo in Venice for the Apple TV series The Studio, in which she will play herself in a storyline inspired by the making of her scrapped biopic.

It will show Julia Garner — who was cast as Madonna in the real film before it was binned — winning a gruelling audition, then heading to the Venice Film Festival for its debut.

It sounds like quite the farce, but I’m glad Madonna can still laugh at herself after all these years.

KAROL COMES OUT TO PLAY

COLOMBIAN beauty Karol G has Playboy covered . . . even if she isn’t.

The singer went topless on the cover of the mag and posed without a bra in a revealing crop top in another shot, as she gears up to headline Coachella festival in California this weekend.

She joins Justin Bieber and Sabrina Carpenter who also top the bill at the three-day desert bash.

And although she is used to massive crowds, she was unsure about stripping off for Playboy, asking her Modern Family actress pal Sofia Vergara for advice.

When Karol told her she wouldn’t do it if Sofia didn’t think it was a good idea, she says the TV star replied: “With that body? When you get to this age, you tell yourself, ‘F***, why didn’t I pose that one time?“

Karol, take it from me – you look amazing.

ARIANA GRANDE has confirmed she is back in the studio – a month after I revealed she was secretly working on new music.

She previously insisted she had no plans to release her eighth album this year, saying she is far too busy with her Eternal Sunshine tour kicking off in June.

However, last night she posted images on Instagram of her clearly making music, tagging her long-time co-writer and co-producer Ilya Salmanzadeh.
She released her seventh album, Eternal Sunshine, in 2024.

BLOW FOR CREDIT CARDI

NOTHING could get Cardi B down as she arrived for an after-party in Philadelphia in this revealing dress.

The rapper has had a tough week, as her ex-husband Offset was shot and she became the victim of credit card fraud.

But she still had a smile on her face with this violet outfit and her colourful hair, despite saying on Instagram that she wanted to have the person responsible for nicking her money “beat the f*** up”.

Cardi claimed almost £45k was spent on her AmEx card in an Apple shop and fancy American department store Saks. Whoever did that messed with the wrong woman.

A SUPER SHOT FOR MARISA

BRIT stars Marisa Abela and Ella Purnell are battling against US actress Adria Arjona to land a key role in the Superman sequel Man Of Tomorrow.

US website Deadline reported last night that the actresses have been testing for the role of Maxima – the warrior queen from the planet Almerac.

The character lands on Earth and swiftly sets her sights on Superman, who is once again being played by David Corenswet.

It will be a coveted role and landing it would be a coup for any of the leading ladies.

THE STROKES are celebrating 25 years since their debut by returning with their seventh album, Reality Awaits.

It will be out on June 26 and they have already released the first taste with new track Going Shopping.

Their album was recorded in Costa Rica and is their first music since 2020’s The New Abnormal.

JACKO KO ON ABUSE MENTION

THE upcoming Michael Jackson biopic has been forced to erase scenes featuring allegations of child abuse.

The film will finally hit cinemas a fortnight tomorrow – a full year after its original release date.

And now the cause of the long delay has been revealed.

According to a clause in a settlement with one of his accusers, Jordan Chandler – the boy whose accusations were at the centre of Jackson’s first sex probe in the Nineties – any depiction or mention of him in an official Jackson film is banned, so producers had to go back to the drawing board.

According to Variety mag, the final third of the film needed to be reshot, resulting in 22 days of extra work last June.

This is estimated to have cost the late singer’s estate around $10-15million.

Jackson’s nephew Jaafar will play him on screen, but the Billie Jean star’s sister Janet is not in the film. I’m sure it’ll still be a box office smash.

SABRINA CARPENTER says she can separate her feelings from her songs when she’s performing – handy, given she has so many hits about failed relationships.

She told Perfect mag: “When I’m on stage, there’s a button. I think it’s been this way ever since I was young.

“I started ­touring when I was 16, and I’ve always felt there’s a button that turns on when you’re performing. And when you’re singing these songs, in that moment, it really becomes a show.

“I am a human being. I’m a 26-year- old girl. I’m hormonal. I’m emotional. I’m ­dealing with a lot of stuff.

“For me, it really just has been compartmentalising the moments where I feel like the show must go on and moments where I allow myself to be a little all over the place.”

MORE than a quarter of a century after they burst on to our screens as one of America’s most dysfunctional and chaotic families, the Malcolm In The Middle clan are back.

FRANKIE MUNIZ, who starred as Malcolm, posed alongside his on-screen parents, played by Bryan Cranston and Jane Kaczmarek, for the premiere of the four-episode sequel Malcolm In The Middle: Life’s Still Unfair, which debuts on Disney+ tomorrow.

Also back as Malcolm’s older brothers Francis and Reese are Christopher Masterson and Justin Berfield.

But Erik Per Sullivan, who played their younger sibling Dewey, decided not to return as he is busy studying Victorian literature at Harvard University.

LIAM PAYNE will live on in the stars after fans sent his name to the moon.

I can reveal kind-hearted supporters opted to include Liam’s name on an SD card that was blasted into space aboard the Artemis II mission.

The singer, who was a life-long lover of space and sci-fi, had his name included alongside 1.5million others inside a cuddly toy of the craft’s ­mascot, Rise.

Taking to X, one fan wrote: “Liam Payne’s name has gone to the moon . . . thanks to a dedicated fan @Annie23703.

“It feels so fitting, because he was always our light.

“From the stage to the stars, he’ll never stop  shining  for us.  You’re on a new journey.

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“We will miss you always.”

Another supporter added: “It’s an honour to do this for Liam. To infinity and beyond.”

In 2015, Liam teamed up with Nasa for One Direction‘s Drag Me Down video, which was shot at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.

Liam said at the time: “One of the coolest things about this is that we got to go and meet the head person at Nasa who is in charge of space stuff.

“The night before, I watched loads of these Nasa unexplained mysteries-style documentaries. I went loaded with all these questions.

“I asked one and the lady was like, ‘That’s ­classified, actually – you’re not supposed to ask that’.

“The suits we are wearing in that video have actually been to the moon. I never thought I would get to do that.”

A CLASSIC British rock band’s touring plans have been put on hold until one member gets a bill of clean health.

The band YES was due to embark on an 11-date European tour this month, launching in Glasgow on April 22nd – but the group’s guitarist Steve Howe has to undergo essential surgery, forcing the band to announce a change in plans.

YES was set to play their much-loved 1971 album Fragile in full, after the success of their North American tour in 2025.

But taking to Instagram, the group have issued a statement explaining the need to postpone.

“The upcoming YES ‘Fragile’ UK and EU Tour has had to be postponed as guitarist Steve Howe requires an essential operation that requires recovery time,” read the statement on social media.

“This decision has been made to ensure that Steve can return to the stage in full health and deliver the performances that fans deserve.

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“We are working hard to reschedule the UK and EU shows to a later date, with full details to be announced after Easter.

“Steve Howe and YES would like to thank their UK fans and hope for their continued support at this time.”

The post explained that tickets would be valid for the rescheduled dates and that the concerts would take place later in 2026.

Fans took to the comments underneath the post to express concern for Steve, wishing him well.

One wrote: “The most important thing is Steve’s health… wishing a full and speedy recovery to one of rock’s greats!”

YES released Fragile as their fourth album – and it’s widely considered their best among fans and critics alike.

The group formed in 1969, but Steve didn’t join until a year later, replacing original guitarist Peter Banks.

The group gained considerable recognition with their third and fourth albums – The Yes Album and Fragile – which were both released in 1971.

The latter included famed single Roundabout.

Over the decades, 20 different members have been part of YES, including founding members Jon Anderson, Chris Squire, Bill Bruford and Tony Kaye.

Steve is the only remaining member of his era, now joined by lead singer Jon Davison, drummer Jay Schellan, keyboard player Geoff Downes, and Billy Sherwood on bass.

In 2017, the group had to cut another tour short due to personal circumstances when Steve’s 41-year-old son tragically died from a heart attack.

YES are considered the pioneers of progressive rock by many music fans, known also for their impressive live performances, and are members of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

The band originally split in 1980, with some members attempting to launch spin-off groups, which mostly failed to take off.

One of these groups ended up comprising mostly of ex-YES members, and in 1983 the band was re-launched.

More incarnations of the group followed, with Steve eventually leaving in the early 1990s, returning later that decade, before the group split again in the early 2000s.

They reformed again in 2009 and have recorded new material and toured on-and-off ever since, marking their 50th anniversary in the process.

In 2024, former keyboardist Rick Wakeman left the group, saying he felt it was “time to call it a day”.

Steve and the other current line-up have continued with the group without Rick over the past two years.

DELTA Goodrem’s first album in half a decade is just around the corner.

The Australian singer, 41, has opened up to The Sun about the project – admitting fans won’t have long to wait.

Chatting ahead of a surprise pop set in Camden, London with Australian chocolatey biscuit Tim Tam, Delta said: “I have finished the new album.

“When Eurovision came up I was in the studio already as it was naturally time to create the new album.

“I am doing a new video next week when I am back in Aus again for the next song.

“That will be straight out the gate and the new album will be there straight away.”

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The record, her eighth, will be Delta’s first since 2021’s Bridge over Troubled Dreams.

During her north London set, Delta performed her Eurovision track Eclipse for the first time in the UK.

The Born To Try singer will represent Australia next month at this year’s contest in Vienna, Austria.

Previously speaking to The Sun, Delta admitted while she’s toyed with the idea of doing Eurovision for a few years, it wasn’t until she opened up about her dreams to Bizarre last May that things really started taking shape.

Delta said: “This is, literally verbatim, all your fault. It is all on you — Bizarre started this.

“Your article went back to the Aussies who were like, ‘Do you want to do this?’ So thank you. I have a big job to do.”

Delta will head to Vienna this May to compete with her song Eclipse and it ticks every box, with an infectiously camp chorus and a complex piano bridge.

A beaming Delta explained: “From your article, people started reaching out.

“Then one of the songwriters, Jonas Myrin, who I wrote the song with, took a screengrab of the article and sent it to me saying, ‘Delta, if you ever go to Eurovision, I want to write the song with you’.

“He’s in Sweden. Sure enough he flew to Australia when I said I was doing it.

“Even the first question I got asked when doing my first Australian interview was, ‘We heard it all started from an article from the UK,’ and yes, it did.”

It’s been three years since Australia last qualified for the live final, which adds to the pressure on Delta, who has sold eight million records worldwide.

Delta added: “Of course I am nervous, but it’s so joyous and I am so excited to be a part of it.”

MEL B has shut down rumours the Spice Girls will reunite to mark the 30th anniversary of Wannabe.

The singer has quashed speculation the band will get back together to celebrate three decades since their debut hit.

Wannabe was released in June 1996, with debut album Spice following that September.

Mel has now confirmed a reunion is not on the cards, disappointing millions fans who had hoped the milestone would bring the group back together.

She reunited with Geri Horner, Emma Bunton and Melanie Chisholm for a string of stadium shows in 2019, although  Victoria Beckham did not take part.

Speaking to HELLO!, Mel said: “I can tell you it’s not happening. If it does, it’ll be a shock to me, let’s put it that way.”

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Reflecting on the last tour, she added: “When I look at that and at the feeling it gave me, I was in my element, but there comes a time… I’m 50.

“You can’t be nagging everyone to go on tour if they don’t want to. I laid that to rest when I turned 50.”

Asked if she would return to the stage if the others signed up, Mel admitted she is unsure.

The 50-year-old said, “I honestly don’t know. I’ve got a lot of respect and love for those girls. I wouldn’t be sitting here if it wasn’t for me being part of the Spice Girls.

“They’ve done a lot for me as a person and in my life. I’ve got fond memories, but I don’t know if I would want to go back up on stage.”

She added: “I can’t even begin to tell you what our bond is – it’s just something that will always be there.

“We’re like family; our umbilical cords are all tied together.”

For now, fans may have to settle for a potential Netflix documentary, in the style of recent Beckham projects.

Mel said: “I think we’ve all been asked and we’re all thinking about it at some point.

“But it has to be done in the right way, and it has to be honest – and not everybody wants to be honest.”

A planned Netflix drama based on the group was shelved last month amid tensions in the group.

Reports in 2024 claimed Geri had concerns about the deal, which is said would have netted the girls a cool £1 million each.  

Sources also alleged tensions between Geri and Mel are making any Spice Girls comeback nearly impossible.

The infamous rift exploded in 2019, after Mel sensationally claimed that she had a secret fling with Geri during the band’s early years in an interview on Piers Morgan’s show.

Geri denied the claim, saying that Mel ‘dreamed it up’ to sell more copies of her Brutally Honest biography.

The Sun told last April how Geri, 53, was back in touch with the band’s former manager Simon Fuller and had flown out to Miami to try and agree on a deal.

As recently as January, Mel C had insisted they were still in active discussions about celebrating the milestone.

And even Victoria, 51, had prompted hopes she could return to the group, saying she “loves” the idea of a residency at Las Vegas venue Sphere.

The Spice Girls have not performed together as a five-piece since the London 2012 Olympics closing ceremony.

ARLO PARKS’ third album is a reset, inspired by the nightlife, freedom and spontaneity she missed out on when she broke through as a teenager. 

For Ambiguous Desire, the London-born singer-songwriter wanted to escape from way she had created songs in the past.  

Arlo, 25, says: “I wanted this to be from ground zero and exactly how I feel now, while I’m really living. 

“When I got to the end of the cycle for my second record, My Soft Machine, I was like, ‘OK, I want to see what it’s like when I DECIDE the path of my days’.  

“I wanted to spend more time in nocturnal spaces, making friends with DJs, club organisers and people in different collectives, and getting inspired by exploring the subcultures and the history and the architecture of those spaces. That’s what was fascinating.” 

Using voicenotes, journal entries and memories from nights out, the Mercury Prize winner’s intimate album is rooted in storytelling.  

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She says: “For this record, my mantra was to write it exactly how it felt.  

“In the past, I was focused on making things as beautiful and poetic as possible, but this time I stripped it right back to the lean truth of it, and that felt more authentic.  

“I also wanted to bring in those references exactly as I heard them, without softening the edges or maybe adding guitars to bring it into the indie world. 

“I wanted it to be inspired by house and garage, the music I’ve been loving. It was just about being true to myself.” 

This raw approach to songwriting runs through 12-track Ambiguous Desire. 

Arlo, real name Anais Marinho, says: “I wanted to make the music feel exciting and dynamic, so the song Jetta is just a voicenote in an Uber with my friends from one of those nights. 

“It’s the sound and the stories of people. Even the vinyl cover and the inserts are photos I took of my friends on nights out.” 

I chat to Arlo at her London record label office the day before she flies back to LA, which has been her home for the past four years. 

Arlo, who won the Brit Breakthrough Artist Award in 2021, following the success of her debut album Collapsed In Sunbeams, says: “LA does feel like home, but London will always BE home.  

“When I moved to LA, I was coming into myself as an artist, so I see it as the place where I built my community and grew into my confidence. But London is where I grew up, where my roots are, where I wrote my first word and heard my first song.”  

While London holds emotional ties — Arlo has been staying with friends and family while in the capital — LA has provided the creative community and space to push her sound. 

She says: “It’s the place where I met a lot of the people that I make music with. And there’s something about the pace of life there, the nature and the sunshine that gives me this sense of peace, where I can just sit and write.  

“My main collaborator, Baird, lives there and we made the whole record in the space he shares with his brother. 

“It’s like a living-room studio with pianos, acrylic paints, sewing machines — it’s an amazing creative hub. The place has been really inspiring for me and given me the peace to experiment.” 

Club culture became both creative research and a release from everyday worries.  

She says: “In New York, we were going to clubs like Nowadays and Basement, which is more in the techno world, and then in LA there are nights like Midnight Lovers. 

“The scene there feels much more DIY, more warehouses than big institutions like London’s Fabric.  

“It was nice to have that as part of our week, like knowing on a Saturday we’d go out and experience it. 

“And I love living in LA because so many artists pass through, so you can catch shows all the time. People like Jamie xx in those spaces were amazing.” 

The euphoric dancefloor-inspired Heaven was the first song that Parks wrote and knew she was on to something special.  

She recalls: “I’d been out with my friend Kelly [DJ Kelly Lee Owens], who was supporting Caribou and, the night after, I’d written all of these little fragments in my journal, like my friend wearing pink Adidas shoes. That’s in the song, which came together exactly like the night had felt.  

“I was able to distil that experience into a song. It felt very cinematic.” 

Clubbing helped Arlo reconsider how songwriting can be a collective experience rather than just a personal one.  

That instinct carries into the brilliant 2Sided, the first track released from the album, which describes the heat and chaos of a night out with friends at a club. 

She says: “It felt like the right song to start this era, and it came about really naturally.  

“I felt it when I made it, and also a lot of my friends — my partner, everyone in my life — were like, ‘That’s the one’.” 

Her other standout tracks explore different themes.  

The dreamy Beams includes the line “I know it’s not a way to treat people you love”, and Parks says: “I think that sentiment is really simple.  

“There’s a moment where you’re in a situation or a relationship and you’ve become used to being treated a certain way and then you realise, ‘Wait, that’s not actually how you treat people. You should be softer, kinder’.  

“It’s about that realisation of what you actually deserve.” 

Luck Of Life is another brilliant track, which explores grief. Arlo says: “That started just me on my computer at the kitch­en table.  

“It’s about loss, something we’ve all experienced whether it’s someone passing away or a break-up, but the impact those people had on our lives and, hopefully, bringing comfort to people who are hurting.” 

On Senses, a collaboration with Sampha, she says: “It’s soothing. I think a lot of that comes from Sampha, as he’s just such a soulful person. 

“He’s always tried out lots of different genres in his career, which is really inspiring to me.” 

For her forthcoming live shows in the UK, US and Europe, Arlo has made some changes. 

She says: “It makes sense to shift the set-up as well for these shows. For a long time, it’s been kind of indie — I had a guitar band — but I want to bring the samplers and the drum machines in.  

“I’ve been inspired by how Massive Attack are touring now and bringing those Nineties sounds into more contemporary spaces. 

“With the smaller shows we did at the end of last year, I had this idea of a light box above with a blue wash, and the stage being in the round with all my samplers and equipment in the middle.  

“I wanted to feel like those nights. Even the imagery came from that.  

“We went back to some of those clubs and did this kind of guerilla-style photography with my friends.  

“It was about staying true to what really happened and trying to recapture that.”  

In 2022, Arlo cancelled some US tour dates due to “debilitating” mental health issues. She has since learned to slow down to avoid another burnout. 

She says: “Music is what I love most in the world, so if I ever feel anything negative, I know it’s because I’m feeling overworked, not because of the music itself.  

“It’s my passion, it’s very much at the centre of who I am.” It is why she also took her time making Ambiguous Desire.  

She says: “I didn’t really want it to be this sprint where I would then have a crash, I want to do this for the rest of my life.”  

Arlo, who became a Unicef UK Ambassador in 2024, to advocate for child mental health, adds: “I’ve always wanted to be a career artist and be making music forever. I knew that I had to pace myself a bit. And, looking back, I’ve had some amazing times. 

“Thinking back to Glastonbury and winning the Mercury Album Of The Year [for Collapsed In Sunbeams] as well, I couldn’t believe it.  

“There’s something really specific about the Mercury because it’s just one winner and it was at the Hammersmith Apollo, which I used to cycle past on the way to school, which made it surreal.” 

Parks has previously been hailed a “voice of her generation”, but that must come with pressure.

She says: “I felt like I was speaking to collective experiences we were going through, rather than being some kind of spokesperson. I never really saw myself as that, so I didn’t feel pressure to be a certain way.  

“I was just telling stories about what I was seeing and living, and that happened to connect with teenagers at that time. 

“But, anyway, my fan base is broad — I love it when I see whole families at a gig and I’ve seen grandparents with grandkids as well as groups of friends. It really is a bit of everything. And I love that. That makes me feel really happy.” 

Ambiguous Desire concludes with track Floette, which she describes as “a note of hope”. 

Arlo says: “I wanted to embrace the fact that change is inevitable and part of life, and we’re all growing and trying our best.  

“ ‘We’re blossoming’ as it says in that song.  

“Looking at myself, I’m more confident and I feel happier than ever.  

“I’ve made something I’m really proud of, which colours the lens that I’m looking at things through.  

“It’s the start of something new, and in the future, I’d love to write a book and a screenplay and be part of a soundtrack for a film.  

“It’s like I’m coming of age. Maybe it’s just growing up. 

“While I’m proud of the music that I made before, this feels a little bit more different.  

“I feel like I’ve finally arrived, after years of making music. I’ve found the confidence to step away and do things my way, take a risk and witness it pay off. 

“I trust myself and my intuition more than ever.” 

• Ambiguous Desire is out today. 

ARLO PARKS
Ambiguous Desire

★★★★☆

AWARD-winner Olivia Dean is on cloud nine posing in a fluffy white coat.

The So Easy (To Fall In Love) singer was also pictured in a red mini-dress for Elle magazine.

The London-born star, 27, said: “My heart is extremely full.”

But she knows to keep up her guard too, adding: “People can get lost within this industry.

“You have to be quite mentally strong.”

So far in 2026 Olivia has scooped four Brits, three Mobos and a Grammy.

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Last week she won Best Female Act, Album Of The Year for The Art Of Loving and Song Of The Year for Man I Need at the Mobos, cementing her reign at the top.

At February’s Brits her album The Art of Loving was named Album of the Year.

Screaming in joy as she received the award on stage, she said: “Making this album has changed my life.

“I feel so proud to have made it and to have worked with everyone that I did on it. Max Bastian, Zack, thank you for believing in me…”

Breaking down in tears again, she added: “This album is just about love and loving each other in a world that feels loveless right now.

“So… I don’t know. Thank you, bye!”

PIANO Man Billy Joel has recorded a special interview to air during Eurovision thanks to his song named after host city Vienna, I can reveal.

Afterwards, Austrian singer Cesar Sampson, who finished third in 2018, will cover the song before the results are revealed.

I’m told there were hopes Billy could fly over to make a surprise appearance at the contest.

But it was ruled out on health grounds.

Billy was diagnosed last May with a rare neurological disorder that can cause issues with hearing, balance and vision, although he is having physical therapy to treat it.

The musician has already cancelled all of his 2026 concerts, including shows in Edinburgh and Liverpool.

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However, he did make a surprise appearance in Florida on January 2.

A source close to the singer, who will turn 77 a week before the final on May 16, said: “Billy has recorded an interview talking about his love for Vienna and his links to the city, which is all tied into his song.

“Organisers originally hoped he could perform but that was ruled out. They will be making a big deal of this very rare interview with him.”

He has sold more than 160million records and is one of the best-selling artists of all time.

Vienna was released in 1977 as the B-side to Just The Way You Are, and is now among his most popular tracks.

Ultravox’s 1980 hit, also called Vienna, is arguably even more popular.

But frontman Midge Ure certainly won’t be there, as he will be in the middle of a UK tour.

The 70th edition of the contest will take place at the Wiener Stadthalle arena after 166million tuned in to see Austrian singer JJ win with Wasted Love last year.

Celine Dion had been in talks to perform at the 2025 event in Switzerland, but it didn’t happen as she continued to battle Stiff Person Syndrome.

I’ll have to keep my fingers crossed that the Eurovision entries themselves provide plenty of entertainment instead.