THE oldest member of a much-loved 70s pop group has passed away, his family has announced.
Alan Osmond, the founding brother and guitarist of The Osmonds, died on Monday aged 76.
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The Osmonds performing together with Alan sat on the chairCredit: RedfernsThe Osmonds in 1972. Front; Donny. Centre, left to right: Wayne, Jay and Alan. Back; Merrill.Credit: Getty Images – Getty
The family said in a statement that his wife Suzanne and their eight sons were beside Osmond at his bedside when he passed away, but did not reveal an official cause of death.
Alan Osmond had battled multiple sclerosis for 40 years after being first diagnosed in 1987.
He was the third-born child of parents George Virl Osmond Sr. and Olive Osmond, and in 1958 performed alongside his younger brothers Wayne, Merrill and Jay on a TV show at the age of 12.
The group first found fame as a barbershop quartet on The Andy Williams Show.
This early success set the stage for their siblings to join the lineup; once younger brother Donny arrived, the group transitioned into pop music as “The Osmonds,” quickly achieving superstar status as teen heart-throbs.
They had hits such as One Bad Apple, Yo-Yo, Down by the Lazy River and Love Me for a Reason.
Alan left the group in 2007, and his brothers went on with solo careers.
Alan and his brother Merrill founded the Stadium of Fire in Provo, Utah, a massive Fourth of July celebration, and he also co-founded and ran the OneHeart Foundation.
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He then published his memoir, “One Way Ticket,” in 2024.
Osmond is survived by his wife, their eight sons, 30 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
The family have not released a cause of death for the starCredit: Redferns
“A challenge like this is definitely not in Ella’s comfort zone but she wanted to experience something new and push herself. Both Sam and Ella are competitive and they’re in it to win it.
“They filmed the show earlier this year but their fans will have to wait until it airs before they can see who did the best.”
Earlier this month, I revealed that Sky Sports legend Jeff Stelling had signed up to take part with his son Matt.
They’re also competing against Junior and Princess Andre — who are making their reality TV contest debut together.
On Friday, Sam was one of Chris Evans’ first guests on his new run of TFI Unplugged on Channel 4, to promote his telly series Your Song with Paloma Faith and Alison Hammond.
Sam’s show invites amateur singers to take to the stage in a live roadshow across the UK.
Sam explained: “It’s berserk. We go up and down the country, we bring a stage with us for people who have probably never sung in public before with a live band. They come, share a story and sing a song that’s attributed to that. The connection you see being made is beautiful.”
On working with Paloma and Alison, Sam joked: “They’re mad as a box of frogs but great to be around. All of our laughs are so cackly, it’s unreal.
“The three of us laughing together is like the Witches Of Eastwick.”
Sam added: “There is no winning a record deal. There is an event at the end of it and every singer is invited — they rinse the free bar, and a couple of people from each round perform on the night. That is the prize.
“It’s a show that’s got heart.”
LOOK MUM, I’M ALL SET
THERE is less than a month to go until Eurovision and the UK act is now out of the gates, with Look Mum No Computer giving his first live performance of zany track Eins, Zwei, Drei.
The singer– whose real name is Sam Battle – performed at the London Eurovision Party on Sunday night, but admitted it was a struggle to get there after becoming a dad less than a fortnight ago.
Look Mum No Computer is giving his first live performance of zany track Eins, Zwei, DreiCredit: GettyThe singer– whose real name is Sam Battle – performed at the London Eurovision Party on Sunday nightCredit: GettyBoy George and Italian Senhit are representing San MarinoCredit: Getty
In an exclusive chat with Bizarre’s Howell, he confessed: “The concept of sleep is something I fondly miss.”
But it isn’t just his newborn Max who has taken up his time, as he has also built his set for the contest in Vienna.
The YouTuber and inventor said: “Just before we went to the hospital for the baby, I was finishing the props – making and soldering all the bits for Eurovision.
“I didn’t build all of the props – the BBC didn’t trust my welding! – but I’ve built the synthesiser bits for it, and it’s already on a lorry on the way to Vienna.”
Sam has also been working on his voice and dance moves as he prepares for the contest, which starts on May 12.
He added: “I’ve been singing, and I’ve also been working out. I just need to get my stamina up.”
On his staging, he said: “It’s quite complicated. There are some things that require coordination, which is not my forte. I’ve got two left feet.
But (choreographer) Benke Rydman, who I’m working with on the stage setup – he’s very much pushing my boundaries.”
Also at the event in London on Sunday was Boy George, who features on the San Marino act Senhit’s song Superstar.
He was in chipper spirits before the show and spent over an hour talking to journalists, so I’m sure he’ll be hoping to one-up our British act at the final on May 16.
ARNIE TO BACK AUSTRIA
HE is the most famous living Austrian and despite it being rather at odds with his macho persona, Arnold Schwarzenegger has been invited back to his home nation to attend the Eurovision final.
I’m told that organisers are preparing for the Terminator star to be in the audience at the Wiener Stadthalle in Vienna, with the hope that his presence will help celebrate Austrian culture and draw in viewers.
Arnold Schwarzenegger has been invited back to his home nation to attend the Eurovision finalCredit: Getty
Arnie already has a surprising soft spot for the contest after meeting with 2022’s Ukrainian winners KALUSH ORCHESTRA and then starring in the music video to their song Shchedryi Vechir in 2023.
Reflecting on the response after they won, frontman Oleh Psiuk previously said: “In Los Angeles, we met Arnold, who has been actively supporting Ukrainians since the early days of the war.
“He invited us over to his house and came out to greet us with a pet donkey.
“We talked about the situation in Ukraine and thanked him for his support and shared how important it was to us.”
Unfortunately though, I don’t think the movie hero’s donkey will be coming with him to the final.
APPLE Music is getting behind Eurovision in a big way, with the streaming service conducting interviews with all the key stars which will air in the run-up to the event.
And you can get to the heart of this year’s songs on Apple Music’s Eurovision 2026 official playlist, which has translated and phonetic lyrics for each of the tracks.
NOW WOODY TELLS HIS OWN TOY STORY
WITH Toy Story 5 hitting cinemas on June 19, the bigwigs over at Mattel invited Bizarre to visit their top-secret studios in LA – where characters Woody and Buzz were once again working their magic before our eyes.
Nick Karamanos at Mattel revealed: “We are bringing to life what happened in Andy’s room for the first time.” (Andy is the central child character in the original film.)
And that means fans of the films won’t just hear Tom Hanks and Tim Allen voicing the characters on screen – they’ll be able to hear them having full-blown conversations in their own homes.
The new Toy Story 5 toy range lets Buzz and Woody actually talk to each other, with no imagination required.
And Hollywood star Tom’s brother Jim Hanks was brought into the studio to bring the speaking toy version of Woody to life.
Mattel designer Baxter Crane explained: “He sounds just like him (Tom), and he knows how to sound like him. He said, ‘To be Tom you’ve just got to yell more, like whatever you wanna say you’ve just got to yell it instead.’
“And it really worked – he sounds just like his brother.”
The craftsmanship behind it all is next level, with Nick revealing that Mattel still uses manual sewing machines to make the characters’ clothes.
Nick explained: “When we think about Toy Story and taking inspiration, a lot of it is just being true to what the characters are and what is the best way to bring them to life.”
It’s not just Toy Story characters being reimagined either, with Camila Mendes, Idris Elba and Nicholas Galitzine all working with Mattel to create figures for Masters Of The Universe.
Andy and his pals will go on sale this Sunday, just in time to get us all excited about the film’s release.
Despite this, I hear fans of the Stones will be able to see Ronnie in action at a top-secret gig later this year.
Fans of the Stones will be able to see Ronnie Wood in action at a top-secret gig later this yearCredit: Getty
My music moles say he is putting on a special, intimate show at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, London, on August 31.
They revealed: “Ronnie is doing a show and some big rock names will join him. This isn’t a Stones gig, so it’s not with Mick and Keith, it’s other well-known industry names.
“So far, he’s got Imelda May on board to sing and Ronnie is currently talking to other artists about getting involved.
“He absolutely loves to play live. The show should be announced next week, with tickets on sale soon after.”
Confirming the gig, Ronnie told me: “I’m looking forward to kickin’ ass with my back catalogue and some new songs – look out London!”
I revealed last month that the band was back with a brand new record, and that the legends had signed up actress Odessa A’Zion to star in their comeback video.
Last week, they proved their fan base is still crazy for their music. The Stones released an ultra-limited white label vinyl single, Rough And Twisted, under the alias The Cockroaches – with all copies snapped up within seconds.
They are now being flogged online for more than a grand.
HUGH’S PREMIERE LEAGUE
HUGH JACKMAN and his actress girlfriend Sutton Foster couldn’t have looked happier as they attended his latest movie premiere – three years after he split from his wife.
The Greatest Showman actor stepped out in a blue suit to the launch of The Sheep Detectives in New York City on Sunday evening, alongside Sutton in a sequin gown.
Hugh Jackman stepped out in a blue suit to the launch of The Sheep Detectives in New York CityCredit: Getty
He moved on after his 27-year marriage to Deborra-Lee Furness came to an end, with their divorce finalised last summer.
ROBBIE WILLIAMS could be getting back in the studio — this time with boyband Blue.
It comes after Rob wrote the lads’ new single Flowers, which is on the setlist for the UK leg of their 25th Anniversary world tour.
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The Sun’s Emily with Antony Costa, Simon Webbe, Lee Ryan and Duncan JamesCredit: UnknownRobbie co-wrote Blue’s new single FlowersCredit: Getty
Biz on Sunday’s Emily caught up with Blue members Antony Costa, Simon Webbe,Lee Ryan,and Duncan James at the Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith, West London, this week.
The band are on their milestone tour following the release of seventh studio album Reflections.
Antony said: “We would love to work with Robbie’s people and that is the conversation that is happening.
“Karl Brazil (Robbie’s music director) is very much on our side.
“He is championing Blue and us and the lads have spoken to Karl separately and together.
“You never know, watch this space.”
Antony revealed that Robbie reached out to the band after watching their story on the BBC documentary Boybands Forever.
He said: “It resonated with him because we were all young and he was a young lad in Take That.
“Take That went on a different journey than us, but we still wanted that same goal.
“Robbie has always been there and he’s been a big supporter of me and the boys.”
Duncan said: “We’re so lucky that after 25 years we’re still getting to sell out gigs, still touring around the world and we’ve got the adoration from the fans.
Blue are on the UK leg of their 25th Anniversary world tourCredit: Mark Passmore Photography
“We’ve had the nod from Robbie to write that song for us, so it’s almost like the industry is opening the door again and we’re feeling the love.”
Of their new hit Flowers, Duncan added: “A lot of people have said it sounds like a Robbie song as well.”
Blue are one of the few bands still touring with an original line-up.
Simon said: “One of the reasons we have stood the test of time is all four of us wanted to be in a boyband.
“Most are full of members who want to be solo artists but weren’t good enough.
“So all of a sudden you’ve got egos.
“We don’t understand why bands argue or why they don’t get on because when you’re a team, you’re a team player.”
The boys are playing at London’s Royal Hospital Chelsea on June 11.
I will get my prosecco and picnic blanket ready.
Tickets are on sale at myticket.co.uk.
Meanwhile, the band revealed Ellie Goulding got them to perform at her 70s-themed baby shower in January, ahead of the birth of her daughter Iris.
The boys sang their 2002 track One Love with Ellie.
Duncan added: “We didn’t realise she was a big fan of our music.”
SAM THOMPSON is stepping down from his role on Love Island: Aftersun.
Sam Thompson is stepping down from his role on Love Island: AftersunCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
But an insider revealed: “Sam’s schedule is jam-packed and producers are going in a different direction so there’ll be a bit of a shake-up on Aftersun.
“ITV is really keen on harnessing new talent, especially plucking from its pool of influencers and TikTokkers to boost ratings.
“Sam may well return as a guest, but he won’t be a regular.”
A spokeswoman for Sam said: “He absolutely loved his time as part of the Love Island team and the show will always have a special place in his heart.”
NOEL SHOWS HIS SCENTS OF STYLE
NOEL GALLAGHER might have a thing for cigarettes and alcohol – but he also likes more refined smells, too.
The Oasis great shares the same taste in scent as suave Thirties and Forties playwright and composer Noel Coward.
Noel Gallagher visited bespoke perfumer Azzi Glasser at her London studioCredit: Shutterstock EditorialNoel chose the scent favoured by Noel CowardCredit: PopperfotoNoel is also a fan of her £259 Mystere VetivertCredit: Supplied
He visited bespoke perfumer Azzi Glasser at her London studio.
Azzi, who has created scents for Kylie Minogue, Tom Hardy And Jude Law, charges £1,500 for a “fragrance workshop” to create a one-off scent to match your personality.
Noel spent £400 on candles and chose Vetiver scent by Floris London – favoured by Noel Coward.
Azzi revealed that Noel is also a fan of her £259 Mystere Vetivert.
She said: “It smells like you’re wearing a million dollars.”
IS THAT MADGE? CORSET IS
MADONNA returned to Coachella in the same jacket and corset she performed in 20 years ago as she joined Sabrina Carpenter for her headline set on Friday.
The sparkling duo performed the Queen of Pop’s hits Vogue and Like A Prayer before launching into a new song, I Feel So Free, from Madonna’s long-rumoured new album, Confessions II, set for release on July 3.
Madonna joined Sabrina Carpenter on stage at CoachellaCredit: SuppliedMadonna wore the same jacket and corset she performed in 20 years agoCredit: SuppliedThe pair performed Vogue and Like A PrayerCredit: Supplied
Madonna was delighted to stand four inches taller than Sabrina, who is just under 5ft.
She told the crowd: “The other thrilling thing I need to point out to everybody right now is this is probably the first time I’ve ever performed with someone who’s shorter than me.
“So, thank you for giving me that experience.”
In response, Sabrina shouted, “Amen!”.
Cute as a button.
Madonna said she was happy to share the stage with someone shorter than herCredit: SuppliedThey also performed new Madonna song I Feel So FreeCredit: Supplied
’ROACHES ROLLING OUT AGAIN?
ROLLING STONES fans reckon there could be live dates on the horizon under their alias, The Cockroaches.
Rumours started after the rockers updated their website to include a poster of a 1977 surprise gig at El Mocambo Club in Toronto, attended by Princess Margaret , which was billed as a gig by The Cockroaches.
Rolling Stones fans reckon there could be live dates on the horizon under their alias, The CockroachesCredit: Supplied
Keith Richards also posted a cryptic comment saying: “Great fun though huh?
A good rhythm section, a couple of mates, where else can you go.”
A source said: “There is a lot of buzz about this as next year it will be 50 years since the Stones last played live as The Cockroaches.”
TALIA MAR is hoping to work with DJ Sigala again.
The pair collaborated on 2022 dance track Stay The Night.
Asked if she would like to work with him this year, Talia told me: “Oh my God, yes. I was talking to him the other day. He is summer. I was like, ‘Can we get some new music please, because it is summer?’.”
Talia who has released new track Lady, will play at London’s Courtyard Theatre on May 16.
She said: “I want it to be really casual, I don’t want it to be glitz and glamour.
“Stripping it down is a really lovely moment.”
TIM’S CHILL TIME DOWN TO A TEE
TIMOTHEE CHALAMET has been enjoying some chill-out time on the beach.
After watching Justin Bieber at Coachella with his girlfriend Kylie Jenner last weekend, he headed for Miami to relax.
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.
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Noah Kahan has opened up about his long struggle with body dysmorphia in a candid new Netflix documentaryCredit: Getty Images – Getty
“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.’
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
Looking every inch the pop star, Leigh-Anne wore this red leather bra and matching hula skirt for her solo showCredit: Getty
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 in the controversial scene from EuphoriaCredit: HBO Max
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
Chris Evans has been giving advice ahead of the Redbull Soapbox Race this summerCredit: Getty
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’ ultra-limited white label single Rough And Twisted, was released under the alias The Cockroaches at the weekendCredit: Getty
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
Craig Revel Horwood and Paul Chuckle share a jokeCredit: Instagram
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 wowed Coachella fans with an emotional set that saw her pole dance and break down in tears on stageCredit: GettyThe star shows off her pole skillsCredit: GettyBath-born PinkPantheress, who played in a frilly, checked bra-top, delivered one of the most talked-about sets of the festivalCredit: Getty
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 Californianext weekend for the event’s second and final weekend.
A BOYBAND singer songwriter has turned heads on the Olivier Awards green carpet with striking new facial fuzz.
The former Strictly star showcased the suave new look at the Royal Albert Hall on Sunday night.
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Tom Fletcher showcased his new facial hair at the swanky Olivier AwardsCredit: AlamyThe prestigious event was held at The Royal Albert HallCredit: Alamy
Musician Tom Fletcher looked worlds away from his old self as he joined his wife, Giovanna Fletcher, to celebrate his stage show Paddington winning multiple awards.
The 40-year-old sported a smart blue velvet blazer with a white shirt and black bow tie.
Posing alongside him, Giovanna, 41, looked equally glam in a strapless navy floor-length gown with diamond earrings and a black clutch.
The couple appeared at the 50th anniversary of the star-studded event hosted by comedian and The Traitors favourite Nick Mohammed.
The McFly musician composed the score for the award-winning West End hit Paddington The Musical.
The show won awards for Best Set Design, Best Costume Design, Best Director, Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical, Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical, Best Actor in a Musical and Best New Musical.
Adapted from Michael Bond’s beloved book series and the successful film franchise, the production is currently running at London’s Savoy Theatre.
Mum-of-three Giovanna recently revealed she suffered a second devastating miscarriage in 2025 after a “surprise” pregnancy.
The podcaster and author, who has been married to McFly star Tom since 2012 – share three sons – Buzz, Buddy and Max.
To mark the 300th episode of her podcast Happy Mum Happy Baby in February,Giovannawas interviewed by her best pal, Emma Willis.
The author said she doesn’t believe parents should have to wait until the 12-week mark to tell people as it means they can’t necessarily be there if a miscarriage happens before that time.
The former I’m A Celebritywinner revealed she had rearranged the year ahead as she prepared to welcome the baby into the family and was looking forward to having a reason to slow down.
Prior to parenting and stage success, former The Voice judgeTom was one of the original members of Busted but soon got shown the door.
The budding star auditioned for the group alongside Charlie Simpson but fate formed its own version of pop history.
Musician Tom was gutted to learn the record label had changed their mind and only wanted a trio.
In 2003, Tom joined musical forces with Danny Jones and McFly was born – named after Back to the Future‘s Marty McFly.
He has written 10 UK number-one singles and 21 top-ten singles and is credited as having written songs for One Direction, Busted, The Vamps and 5 Seconds of Summer.
The It’s All About You singers became the youngest band to have an album reach the top of the charts.
Tom and wife Giovanna Fletcher at The Olivier Awards 2026Credit: GettyBoyband star Tom used to look very differentCredit: WireImage – GettyMcFly boyband Harry Judd, Tom Fletcher, Danny Jones and Dougie PoynterCredit: Handout
WITH two singles in the top 20, a sold-out world tour, a recent album and a string of festival headline slots, Zara Larsson will be the soundtrack of the summer. And as teen girls clamour for tickets to the Swedish star’s upcoming gigs, she is determined to overthrow Taylor Swift as the ultimate pop princess….
After a major national debacle on live TV when she was only 20 years old, Ashlee Simpson Ross finally found a way to win back a small-screen audience’s love: She put a galaxy mask over her head and let the vocals rip.
Forget that 2004 incident where she got caught singing over a backing track in an appearance on “Saturday Night Live.” Sure, she did a weird little dance, then fled the set. Sure, her dad made excuses. But that’s in the past.
“I feel like I became Galaxy Girl and I had the best team ever,” Simpson told People. “So I mean, it felt great to do it. It felt great to perform, not being able to see where I’m going. You can hardly see where you’re going. I think just becoming that character of Galaxy Girl and people not knowing who I was, it was just a different way of performing that. I enjoyed that. It was definitely a moment of discovery.”
Back in fall 2004, Simpson, who’s now 41, was about to do her second song as the musical guest on “SNL.” Following in her famous sister’s footsteps as Jessica Simpson’s newlyweds reality show with then-husband Nick Lachey was hitting its stride, she had just released what would become the year’s top-selling album by a female singer.
Lorne Michaels would confirm later that it had been a first for the sketch show.
“What can I say? Live TV,” host Jude Law told the audience during the show’s goodbye sequence that night. Simpson, standing at his side, jumped in with a rapid-fire explanation of what had just happened, throwing her band under the bus and not making much sense at all.
“I feel so bad. My band started playing the wrong song and I didn’t know what to do, so I thought I’d do a hoedown. I’m sorry!” she said.
This was a year after her sister had asked, with cameras rolling, whether a can of Chicken of the Sea contained tuna or chicken, and whether Buffalo wings were made out of buffalo. So what stuck in people’s minds were those lyrics playing out of the ether. Ashlee Simpson, it was clear, intended to lip sync, which sort of implied to casual observers that she couldn’t sing. She became, to many, a laughingstock.
Her dad said afterward that acid reflux had made her vocal cords swell, necessitating the last-minute switch from live to Memorex. He called it a learning experience and said she would prove herself in future shows.
“Unfortunately, that happened to us on Saturday, so just like every other artist in America she has backing tracks … so you don’t have to hear her croaking through a song on national television,” Joe Simpson told Ryan Seacrest in a radio interview.
“She never used them before,” he said of the vocal tracks, but “you have to do what you have to do.”
A few months later, she was booed on national TV when she did the halftime show at the 2005 Orange Bowl. Folks joked that it was worse than what happened on “SNL.”
So, yes, her career continued, but it hasn’t been 100% smooth. After a couple more albums, she took a role in a Broadway musical and eventually she returned to acting. She said over and over that she was going to get back into music, but life kept getting in the way.
Then in 2025, after celebrating the 20-year anniversary of her breakout album release with a short gig at a WeHo nightclub the year prior, she announced a residency at the Venetian in Las Vegas. The gig proved popular enough that it was extended into 2026.
And over the course of “The Masked Singer” season, Simpson finally proved to those casual observers that she has a voice and knows how to use it. She even bested her husband, who competed this season as Stingray and was cast out in Episode 10.
“Performing is my happy place, and to be doing that again just feels so nice,” she told People. “I’m inspired to keep playing shows and creating new music. And moments like ‘Masked Singer’ and Vegas, and I’m looking forward to Pride and Stagecoach — those moments just make me realize, ‘Oh, this is what I love to do.’