#tulisa singer

[herinfluencerdeer]

Tulisa Contostavlos: Why I’m a Celebrity 2024 contestant left the spotlight after The X Factor.

The N-Dubz singer has faced several obstacles in the last 10 years

Read more....

[zot3-flopped]

There's a piece on the Daily Mail that gives a very interesting behind-the-scenes of Liam's life (they also talk about a big childhood trauma but "whose full details the Mail has chosen not to publish"). It's behind a paywall but I've discovered that many times the reading mode in Firefox and Safari gets through anyway, so here it is:

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Liam Payne's serious childhood trauma and why having a baby so young with Cheryl couldn't bring the stability that may have saved him: KATIE HIND

It was the autumn of 2011, and I had been summoned to Sony Music’s west London HQ to meet Britain’s hottest new boy band.

A few months earlier, five hopeful teenagers had auditioned for ITV’s X Factor talent show – and the music impresario Simon Cowell had drawn them together to form One Direction.

The fledgling stars had already attracted a global fanbase in the millions: a juggernaut that was drawing comparisons to 1960s Beatlemania, even though they had yet to release a song.

Now that was about to change. The band’s debut single, What Makes You Beautiful, was launching the following week – and I was there to interview the boys behind it.

Although they had seemed like sweet young things when we had briefly met at the Fountain Studios in Wembley, north-west London, during their X Factor live shows the previous year, I had expected these precocious adolescents to now be full of self-importance at their growing fame.

How wrong I was.

I arrived to find five handsome young men politely waiting to greet me, but one of them stood out thanks to his cute curly hair and his charming, talkative manner.

No, not Harry Styles – the only ex-1D member who has gone on to forge a successful, long-term solo career – but Liam Payne. Dressed down in a navy hoodie and jeans, Liam wrapped me in a warm hug and excitedly introduced me to his bandmates – Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan and Zayn Malik – in his strong Wolverhampton accent.

Looking younger than his 18 years, Liam told me how badly he was missing his beloved mum Karen’s cooking – so much so that he had resorted to eating chicken dippers warmed up in the microwave.

Living as he was out of suitcases in hotels, he asked me for ironing tips as he had yet to learn how to use one – and said he still spent much of his free time playing Nintendo.

He admitted that he had practised putting his hands behind his back and trying to sing like his hero Liam Gallagher, the snarling Oasis frontman. ‘I probably looked a bit stupid though,’ he said.

He also spoke lovingly about West Bromwich Albion, the football team he had supported since he was a young boy – though he regretted that he no longer had time to cheer them on in person.

As for girls, Liam told me he preferred shy and quiet ones, although he revealed he’d fallen in love with X Factor’s 2006 winner Leona Lewis, while he found singer Tulisa Contostavlos ‘really, really hot’.

Overall, he struck me as an innocent abroad – a child, really – who seemed too vulnerable a soul to last long in the cut-throat music world.

As the years passed, I met Liam many times at industry events and in chance encounters – and I never shook that worrying sense that he was, in some ways, a lost little boy.

I could never have known, of course, that just 13 years after our first interview, Liam would perish in the most terrible circumstances – following a long spell of torment, scandal and drink and drug abuse.

His descent into addiction had been playing out, in public and in private, for years – worsened by his fragile emotional state.

Many had tried to help him quit the substances that were destroying his life, but to no avail: following his death in Buenos Aires’s five-star CasaSur hotel on Wednesday evening, what appeared to be cocaine and heroin paraphernalia were found in his wrecked suite, with its smashed TV and half-drunk flutes of champagne.

It was a squalid end for one of the most famous young men in the world, so adored by ‘Directioners’ that he insisted he couldn’t leave his hotel without a large security detail (although it’s worth pointing out that other former bandmates, including the global megastar Styles, often travel without huge entourages).

So where did it all go wrong for him – and how did that smiling boy I met all those years ago, rough around the edges as he was, come to such a terrible end?

There is no doubt that he struggled, even more than his bandmates, with that explosive early fame and notoriety.

In a candid moment at 2014’s Brit Awards, Liam told me how difficult he found it to be unable to blend into a crowd. The band’s relentless schedule had taken its toll on him, as had the long months away from home.

He often wished, one of his friends later told me, that he had gone to university like many of his schoolmates.

Of course, Liam came to enjoy a lifestyle unimaginable to his old contemporaries at St Peter’s Collegiate, his Church of England secondary school in Wolverhampton.

Despite his insatiable appetite for drugs, his large property portfolio, his endless jaunts on private jets, taste for high fashion and luxury hotel stays, his bank balance was still thought to be in the millions when he died.

For all his fears that he had peaked so young, he still had decades ahead of him – and ample time to grow into the contented father to Bear, his son with Girls Aloud star Cheryl Tweedy, his friends and family longed for him to become.

But I can reveal that behind that smiling, cherubic face, Liam had suffered serious trauma in his childhood: a shadow from which he felt he could never escape and whose full details the Mail has chosen not to publish.

One friend told me: ‘Before he even began his showbiz career, he had demons from his formative years. He struggled with that and never quite got over it. He was in a band with four other guys, he could get any girl he wanted and he was earning millions – but he struggled to enjoy any of it.’

I can vouch for that: of all the 1D members, Liam seemed by far the most uncomfortable with his fame and fortune.

I would see him most years at the Brits, where at first he would dash over to say hello, often reminding me that he had enjoyed me asking him ‘fun questions’ at our first interview.

Yet as time went on, his chaotic living began to catch up with him, and his manner became ever more unpredictable.

In February 2013, at a Brit Awards afterparty organised by his music label at the upmarket Arts Club in Mayfair, I saw him drunkenly dancing with his bandmates – by far the most bleary-eyed of them.

That December, I bumped into him in the Kurt Geiger shoe shop in Canary Wharf, east London, where he was buying his then girlfriend Sophia Smith – a former school sweetheart – a pair of boots for Christmas.

Gone was his carefree demeanour of just two years earlier, he now seemed strikingly shy. He told me he had bought a penthouse flat in the Docklands, and at my insistence, he posed for a picture with me before dashing off.

During 2013’s Take Me Home tour, the band performed an average of a concert every two days, completing 124 dates between February and November. That, I’m told, put unbearable pressure on Liam, who would often say that he ‘just wanted to be normal’.

Of course, the fame came with perks – women chief among them. Liam’s best-known romance was with Cheryl, who was ten years his senior, which had begun in 2016 following her split from her French husband Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini.

They quickly became the most talked-about couple in showbiz –and only six months after they were confirmed to be an item, Cheryl revealed she was expecting their baby.

For Liam, however, the pregnancy was a huge shock: he was, he allegedly told friends, not ready to become a dad.

With 1D having gone on ‘permanent hiatus’ in 2016, he was trying to launch his solo career, and becoming a father – especially to a woman a decade older than him –was not part of his plans.

He told friends that he felt like Cheryl, who was 33 when Bear was born, had used him so she could have a baby.

When Bear, now seven, was born in 2017, Cheryl grew increasingly fed up that she was stuck at home with the baby while Liam was away jet-setting.

‘Liam was flying around the world promoting his music,’ said a friend. ‘He was in the zone Cheryl had been in ten years before with Girls Aloud. It led to some furious rows.

‘He began using private jets so he could get home quicker, but it wasn’t enough. Cheryl wanted a proper family unit and Liam just could not give it to her. Things got really bad and tempestuous. Liam was a young lad in his early 20s and he just wasn’t ready for it all.’

Inevitably, they split up – giving Liam even more time to ‘go off the rails’, as one former associate of the star describes it.

Even when they were co-parenting, Cheryl desperately hoped that Liam and Bear would develop a strong father-son bond, despite Liam’s addiction issues.

‘Cheryl knew what a state he was in,’ says a source. ‘She wished she could make it better.’

And she wasn’t alone in that wish: as Liam turned from being a cheerful teenager into a tormented, angry young man, many of those closest to him tried unsuccessfully to rescue him.

He was dropped by more than one of his managers due to his erratic behaviour and his failure to turn up to work engagements.

In September 2017, Cheryl, Liam and Bear went on a luxury holiday to Majorca: a birthday treat for Liam. But he injured himself while drunk.

As the years went on, he only got worse.

In 2022, a gurning Liam appeared to be high on drugs at a post-Oscars party in Hollywood. In footage that went viral for all the wrong reasons, he replaced his Wolverhampton twang with a bizarre Los Angeles accent.

One friend of Liam’s called me in horror to share their fears that he ‘really wasn’t OK’. Last year, Liam moved to a sprawling mansion near the Buckinghamshire town of Chalfont St Giles to be further away from the temptations of London and closer to Bear, who lived nearby with Cheryl.

However, neighbours tell me that he brought his problems with him. They would often spot him coming home in the early hours in chauffeur-driven cars, often with women in tow.

While I’m told he tried to see Bear regularly, his unpredictable lifestyle frequently made this impossible. Instead, Cheryl was largely left to bring up the little boy alone with the help of her mother Joan.

Liam’s new home was also close to a woman who some describe as his fairy godmother – the Olympic heptathlon gold medallist Denise Lewis.

Her husband Steve Finan worked with Liam for several years and the couple were at his side through some of his most difficult times – including his fall-out with Cheryl.

He would often stay at their home as they battled to keep him sober.

‘Liam adored Denise,’ says a source. ‘She mothered him and really tried to support him.’

Yet in recent months, his life was clearly spiralling out of control. His on-off girlfriend, Maya Henry, 23, had recently hired lawyers to send a ‘cease and desist’ letter to the star, accusing him of repeatedly contacting her and her loved ones.

Liam’s friends insisted he was angry and upset at her, adding that her behaviour was due to her wanting to publicise her new book.

And only last week, I’m told Liam had a huge row with his manager over his forthcoming album, whose release – to Liam’s fury – had been delayed because it was deemed ‘too poppy’.

A source said: ‘There was a blazing row and the album was put back again. The single from it had flopped and there were concerns. Liam desperately wanted that album to come out: despite everything, he thought of himself as a musician.’

To make matters even worse, just a few days ago Liam’s record label dropped him.

Another source said: ‘People begged him to get help and suggested that he went to Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous meetings, but he wouldn’t take them up on it.’

His most recent girlfriend was Texan model Katie Cassidy, whom he thought might have been The One. She too had tried to help him, but left Argentina to return to the US two days before he died.

‘Lots of people cared for Liam,’ said a source. ‘He had so much love around him.’

Yet all the love in the world was not enough to rescue this desperately unhappy young man, who for all his fame and fortune could never escape the demons that haunted him from his lost, tormented youth.

www dailymail co uk/tvshowbiz/article-13972405/Liam-Paynes-childhood-trauma-having-baby-young-Cheryl-bring-stability-saved-KATIE-HIND html

Thank you for this. Plenty of interesting insights here.

[goalhofer]

Famous July 13, 2023 birthdays.

Sir Patrick Stewart (British actor)(pictured), 83

Harrison Ford (American actor & pilot), 81

Roger McGuinn (American singer & guitarist), 81

Prof. Rubik Ernő (Hungarian architect & inventor), 79

Richard "Cheech" Marin (American comedian & actor), 77

Tony Kornheiser (American talk show host), 75

Didi Conn Shire (American actress), 72

Gil Birmingham (American actor), 70

David Thompson (American basketball player), 69

Mark Mendoza (American guitarist), 67

Michael Spinks (American boxer), 67

Cameron Crowe (American director), 66

Robert Abraham (American football player), 63

Tom Kenny (American voice actor), 61

Rhonda Vincent Sandker (American singer & mandolin player), 61

Dr. Ken Jeong (American comedian & actor)(pictured), 54

Sheldon Souray (Canadian hockey player), 47

Chris Horn (American football player), 46

Ryan Ludwick (American baseball player), 45

Prodromos Nikolaidis (Greek-Cypriot basketball player), 45

Shin-Soo Choo (South Korean baseball player), 41

Yadi Molina (Puerto Rican baseball player & manager), 41

Charlotte Dujardin (British equestrian & writer), 38

D.J. LeMahieu (American baseball player), 35

Tulisa (British singer & songwriter), 35

Charis Giannopoulos (Greek basketball player), 34

Cody Bellinger (American baseball player), 28

Dante Exum (Australian basketball player), 28

[markowensmile]

The Spotlight - Chapter 10 (A Gary Barlow FanFiction)

I take a deep breath, feeling the hot Los Angeles heat on my skin as I stand among the other contestants.

I turn to David. "Who do you want as a mentor?" I ask, genuinely curious about his thoughts.

David flashes that confident grin of his, the one that seems to light up his whole face. "Definitely not Gary Borelow," he says with a chuckle. "He has a record for losing and bad song choices. Great singer, but he's not for me to win this."

I feel a little twinge in my chest at his dismissal of Gary, but I keep my face neutral as David continues.

"I'm hoping for Nicole," he says, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "She's had multiple winners or has contestants that are in the semi-finals. Being a semi-finalist is almost as good as winning, as there are people who got record deals after." He winks playfully. "Besides, who wouldn't want a Pussycat as their mentor?"

I can't help but smile at his cheekiness, even as I mull over his words. Nicole has indeed had a lot of success as a mentor, but something in me can't help but defend Gary.

"I wouldn't mind Gary," I say, my voice gentle but firm.

David's eyebrows shoot up, and he nudges me playfully with his elbow. "Because he's hot?" he teases, a mischievous glint in his eye.

I feel the heat rush to my cheeks immediately, and I know I must be blushing furiously. It's true that Gary is attractive—I'd be lying if I said I hadn't noticed—but that's not why I admire him. I shake my head, willing my voice to steady as I explain.

"Because of his story," I say, meeting David's gaze. "His comeback is incredible, and you can't deny he's talented, whether he's had a winner or not. You are bound to learn from him."

As I speak, I feel a surge of passion. Gary's journey in the music industry has always resonated with me. The way he bounced back after Take That disbanded, how he reinvented himself as a solo artist, and then reunited with the band—it's a testament to his resilience and dedication to his craft. That's the kind of mentor I want—someone who understands the ups and downs of the industry and can guide us through them.

David seems taken aback by the intensity in my voice. His teasing smile softens into something more thoughtful. "I hadn't thought about it like that," he admits. "You really admire him, don't you?"

Our conversation is interrupted by the commotion of the group. The production assistant has returned, clipboard in hand, looking ready to make an announcement. My heart starts racing.

As we wait for the announcement, I can't help but let my mind wander. What if it is Gary? The thought sends a flutter through my stomach. I imagine standing in front of him, receiving guidance on my performances, and maybe even getting to hear some of his songwriting tips. But then again, what if it's Nicole? Or Tulisa? Or Louis? Each possibility brings its own set of exciting prospects and challenges.

The production assistant clears her throat, and a hush falls over us. "Alright, everyone," she says, her voice carrying across the now-silent group. "It's time to meet your mentor. They will be here shortly."

A collective intake of breath ripples through the group, including me. This is it. In just a few moments, we'll know who will be guiding us through this competition.

I follow the gaze of my fellow contestants, my heart leaping into my throat as I spot a sleek black limousine gliding towards us. The vehicle moves with an almost otherworldly grace, its polished surface reflecting the bright Los Angeles sun.

My breath catches in my chest. Our mentor is about to be revealed.

I feel David tense beside me, his earlier bravado seemingly evaporating in the face of this imminent revelation.

Cameras swivel in our direction, their lenses capturing every nuance of our reactions. I'm acutely aware of my expression, trying to school my features into something resembling calm excitement rather than the tumultuous mix of anxiety and hope that's churning inside me.

The limo comes to a stop, and for a moment, time seems to stand still. Then, with agonizing slowness, the door begins to open.

My heart pounds so loudly that I'm sure the microphones must be picking it up. I hold my breath, my eyes fixed on that opening door, willing it to reveal...

And there he is. Gary Barlow steps out of the limo, and it's as if the world shifts on its axis.

He looks absolutely immaculate in a dark green polo that hugs his broad shoulders and khakis that cling to his body, accentuating every curve and defining his impressive musculature. I can't help but notice how the fabric stretches across his chest as he moves, hinting at the strength beneath. His outfit, while casual, exudes an effortless sophistication that makes my heart murmur. I find myself mesmerized by the way the ensemble complements his tanned skin and highlights his confident posture, creating an image of perfection that's hard to look away from. His presence is commanding and magnetic. The sunlight catches his hair, giving him an almost ethereal glow. But it's his smile that captivates me—warm, genuine, and filled with an excitement that mirrors our own.

For a split second, I'm transported back to that night, watching Gary on old X Factor clips. But this isn't a video on my phone screen. This is real. Gary Barlow is here, in the flesh, and he's going to be our mentor.

The realization hits me like a tidal wave, and I'm swept up in the surge of emotion that ripples through our group. Cheers erupt around me, a symphony of joy and disbelief. I find myself joining in, my voice blending with the others in a chorus of excitement.

Even David, who had been so dismissive of Gary earlier, is swept up in the moment. I watch as he plasters on a grin, his hands coming together in enthusiastic applause. If I didn't know better, I'd never guess he had any reservations about our mentor.

As Gary approaches us, his smile widening, I feel a bubble of laughter rising in my chest. I turn to David, unable to resist the urge to tease him just a little.

Leaning in close, I murmur, "Your wish just came true." The irony of the situation isn't lost on me: David, who had been hoping for anyone but Gary, is now faced with the very mentor he'd dismissed.

David's response is a playful nudge, his eyes twinkling with glee despite the conflict I can see lurking beneath the surface. "Careful what you wish for, right?" he whispers back, his voice tinged with a mix of resignation and humor.

I want to say more to reassure him that Gary isn't the "Borelow" he thinks he is, but there's no time. Gary has reached our group now, and his presence seems to fill the entire space around us.

Gary's voice rings out, clear and strong. "You are my final six. Congratulations and welcome to my judge's home. A big round of applause for everybody!"

The air around us erupts with applause, and I join in, my hands clapping almost of their own accord. The excitement is electric. I can feel it thrumming through my body and see it reflected in the faces of my fellow contestants. We've made it this far, and now we're here, at Gary Barlow's judge's house.

Gary's voice cuts through the applause, commanding our attention once more. "Now I want you all to give it everything you've got. I want this to be the performance of your life. I want to see everyone's amazing vocals and everything you have to show and have to offer for this competition."

His words resonate within me as I nod along with the others, my resolve strengthening with each word.

But Gary's not done surprising us yet. "Now, I'd like to introduce someone very special who will be the guest judge for tonight," he says, a hint of a smile playing at his lips. "Please welcome, Mark Owen!"

The cheers that erupt at Mark's entrance are even louder than before. I can hardly believe it—Mark Owen is here with us! Another Take That legend approaches us, his face lit up with a genuine smile.

Mark takes the time to shake hands with each of us, and when it's my turn, I'm struck by how down-to-earth he is. His grip is firm, and his smile is bright and encouraging. "I've heard so much about you all," he says, his eyes twinkling with excitement. "I'm really excited to hear you all sing tonight."

As Mark moves on to the next contestant, I feel a surge of inspiration. To have not just Gary, but Mark as well, here to listen to us and guide us—it's more than I could have ever dreamed of.

Gary and Mark stand before us, two legends of the music industry.

I close my eyes for a moment, soaking it all in. The sounds of excited chatter around me, the heat of the sun on my skin, the lingering echo of Gary's words in my mind.

I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart as Gary addresses our small group.

"Right, let's get down to business," Gary says, clapping his hands together. "We've got a busy day ahead of us. You'll start with the vocal coach and warm up first thing in the morning. It's crucial to take care of your voices, especially with tonight's performance coming up."

I nod along with the others, mentally noting to set an early alarm. Gary continues, his voice filled with enthusiasm, "After warm-ups, you'll have the rest of the day to rehearse your chosen song. This is your chance to really shine, to show Mark and me what you're made of."

My mind immediately starts sprinting, thinking about the list of song choices I've been debating about. What would showcase my voice best? What would impress Gary and Mark? I'm so lost in thought that I almost miss Gary's next words.

"You'll be performing for us this evening. This is your moment to leave it all on the stage. We want to see your passion, your talent, and everything you've got."

Gary's eyes sweep over our group, making sure we're all paying attention. "Remember, this isn't just about hitting the right notes. It's about connecting with the song. Show us who you are as an artist."

This is what I've always dreamed of—a chance to show who I truly am through my music.

"Alright then. I'll see you all tonight." With that, Gary dismisses us.

As we start to disperse, I hear Mark call out, "And remember, this is your chance to shine. Make the most of it!"

I turn to follow the other contestants into the house, but just before I go inside the house, something compels me to look back.

My breath catches in my throat. Gary is standing there, his gaze fixed in our direction. For a fleeting moment, our eyes meet, and I feel a jolt of heat run through me. Is he watching me specifically, or is he just observing all of us? I can't be sure, but the intensity of his gaze makes my heart rush.

As if sensing my attention, Gary's lips curve into an amiable grin. It's brief but genuine, and I feel my cheeks flush, which has nothing to do with the LA heat. Before I can react, he turns back to Mark, their conversation resuming.

I shake my head slightly, trying to clear the fog of confusion... and excitement I'm feeling? It was probably nothing, I tell myself. He's just being a good mentor, keeping an eye on all of us. But as I step into the cool interior of the house, I can't shake the feeling that there is something more.

The vocal coach, a petite woman with a commanding appearance, leads us through our warm-up drills. Her voice carries over the group, guiding us through scales and exercises designed to prepare our voices for the day ahead.

"Remember, breathe from your diaphragm," she instructs, demonstrating the proper technique. I focus on my breathing, feeling the expansion in my lower abdomen as I inhale deeply.

To my left, David mimics the coach's movements, his face crunched up in concentration. On my right, Trisha executes each exercise with precision, her eyes darting around the room as if to gauge everyone else's performance. Sean, Melissa, and Dean are scattered throughout the group, each absorbed in their own warm-up routines.

"Now, let's try some tongue twisters," the coach announces. "Repeat after me: 'The sixth sick sheikh's sixth sheep's sick.'"

We stumble through the phrase, laughter rippling through the group as we trip over our words, except for Trisha, who looks at us with disgust for laughing.

As we continue with our exercises, the coach offers tips on maintaining vocal health and improving our warm-up routines. "Hydration is key," she emphasizes. "And don't underestimate the power of a good night's sleep."

After what feels like both an eternity and no time at all, the coach wraps up the session. "Alright, everyone. You've done well this morning. Remember these techniques as you prepare for tonight. Good luck!"

With that, we're dismissed to spend the rest of the day rehearsing our chosen songs. I make my way back to my room, my mind already cycling through potential song choices. As I close the door behind me, I reach for my phone, thinking I might look up some lyrics for inspiration.

That's when I see it. A notification for a new post on Instagram. My heart drops as I recognize the familiar face of my ex, Ethan. The man who broke my heart and shattered my trust. And he's not alone.

Sitting in his lap is a girl I've never seen before. She's stunning, with long, flowing chestnut hair that cascades over her shoulders in perfect waves. Her eyes, a striking ocean blue, sparkle with joy as she smiles at the camera. Her arms are wrapped around Ethan's neck in a possessive embrace, and the intimacy of the pose feels like a punch to my gut.

But it's the caption that really twists the knife: On the way to true love. #soulmates #forever

I feel the anger rising within me—hot and fierce. How dare he? After everything we went through, after the pain he caused me, how can he act as if none of it mattered? As if our relationship, our love, was nothing more than a stepping stone to this moment?

The phone trembles in my hand as I stare at the image, unable to look away yet desperate to erase it from my mind. Years of memories flash before my eyes—the laughter, the shared dreams, and the plans we made together. All of it is tainted now by his betrayal and by this blatant display of his new "happiness."

I toss the phone onto the bed, pacing the room as emotions war within me. Anger, hurt, betrayal, and a fierce determination all vie for dominance. How could I have been so blind? How could I have given so much of myself to someone who clearly never truly valued me?

As I move restlessly around the small space, my eyes fall on the notepad where I've been jotting down song ideas. Suddenly, everything clicks into place. I know exactly what song I'm going to sing tonight.

I grab my phone again, ignoring the Instagram post still glaring from the screen, and search for the lyrics I need. As I read through them, I feel a sense of catharsis washing over me. This song isn't just about impressing Gary and Mark anymore. It's about reclaiming my power and turning my pain into strength.

With renewed purpose, I begin to practice. The words flow from me, charged with all the emotion I've been holding back. Each line feels like a declaration, a promise to myself that I won't let Ethan's actions define me any longer.

As I sing, I can almost feel Gary and Mark watching me, their eyes assessing every note and every inflection. But for once, I'm not nervous about their judgment. I'm too focused on the story I'm telling and on the emotions I'm channeling through the music.

Hours pass in a blur of repetition and fine-tuning. I barely notice the sun moving across the sky outside my window, too engrossed in perfecting my performance. I hear a knock on my door, signaling that it's almost time for us to sing.

I take one last look at my phone, at the image that sparked this fire within me. But instead of anger, I now feel a sense of gratitude. Ethan's post, painful as it was to see, has given me the fuel I needed for tonight's performance.

As I head down to join the others for dinner, I silently thank Ethan and his new girlfriend. They think they're on the way to true love. Well, I'm on my way to something even better.

And tonight, Gary Barlow and Mark Owen are going to see exactly what I'm capable of.

I take a deep breath and make my way downstairs to rejoin the others. The air is thick with tension as we gather in the living room, each of us lost in our own thoughts about the performances to come. David, Sean, Dean, Melissa, and Trisha are already there, sitting on the couches.

Dermot enters the room, and it's both comforting and nerve-wracking to see him. He gives us a friendly smile, but I can see the seriousness in his eyes.

"Alright, everyone," Dermot begins, his voice steady and reassuring. "It's time. You'll be performing one by one for Gary and Mark. Remember, this is your chance to show them everything you've got." He pauses, looking at each of us in turn. "David, you're up first."

David stands, smoothing down his shirt and taking a deep breath. I catch his eye and give him an encouraging nod as he follows Dermot out of the room.

The wait is excruciating. I find myself fidgeting, unable to sit still. My mind races, going over my song choice, my performance, and every little detail. What if I've made a mistake? What if I'm not ready?

After what feels like an eternity, David returns. His face is split into a wide grin as he sits back down next to me. Before I can ask him how it went, Dermot is back, calling for Melissa.

As Melissa leaves, I turn to David. "How did it go?" I whisper, desperate for any information.

David's eyes are bright with enthusiasm. "I think they were impressed," he says, his voice low but filled with confidence. "I gave it everything I had, and they seemed to really respond to it."

I hold my breath as we anticipate Melissa's return, but when she finally appears, I'm completely unprepared for her condition. My spirits plummet at the sight of her tear-filled eyes. She collapses into her seat, her posture radiating disappointment.

Sean leans forward, concern etched on his face. "What happened? Why are you crying?"

David moves to give Melissa a supportive hug. I can't help but see how kind and good of a person David is. Even in this competitive environment, he's still looking out for others.

Melissa takes a shaky breath. "I messed up on my final high note," she says, her voice barely above a whisper. "I think... I think I'm going home now."

My heart goes out to her. I know how devastating it feels to think you've blown your chance. Dean tries to console her, but I can see the worry in his eyes too. We're all acutely aware of how easily any of us could be in Melissa's position.

Before we can say anything more, Dermot is back, calling for Trisha. She stands with a toss of her hair, and the atmosphere shifts, becoming even more tense in her absence.

When Trisha returns, she's practically glowing with self-assurance. As she takes her seat, she casts a glance at Melissa, who's still visibly upset. A sly smile plays at the corners of Trisha's mouth.

I watch as Trisha opens her mouth, her tone oozing insincere compassion. "Oh dear," she coos, feigning concern. "I'm just devastated to learn about your mistake... Though I guess that means there's one fewer competitor to fret over."

I feel a surge of anger at her words, but before I can say anything, David is on his feet. "Shut it, Trisha," he snaps, his earlier kindness replaced by fierce protectiveness.

Trisha looks taken aback for a moment but quickly rolls her eyes dismissively. The tension in the room ratchets up another notch.

Dermot's return breaks the standoff. "Sean, you're up," he announces, seemingly oblivious to the drama unfolding in the room.

As Sean leaves, I try to catch David's eye, wanting to thank him for standing up to Trisha. But he's focused on comforting Melissa, and I don't want to interrupt.

The wait continues, with each minute feeling like an hour. When Sean returns, looking neither elated nor devastated, I barely have time to register his expression before I hear my name.

"Riley," Dermot calls, "it's your turn."

I stand up, my legs feeling like jelly. As I walk towards Dermot, I repeat my mantra in my head: "You can do this. You're ready. This is your moment."

Dermot greets me. "How are you feeling?" he asks as we start walking.

I manage a shaky smile. "Nervous," I admit. "But excited too."

He nods understandingly. "That's perfectly normal. Just remember, you're here because you earned it. Show them what you've got."

As we step outside, I see Gary and Mark sitting in chairs by the pool, shaded by a large white umbrella. They're deep in conversation but fall silent as Dermot and I approach.

I come to a stop a few feet in front of them, and my heart will not stop ferociously pounding. Gary and Mark both smile at me, and I feel a small measure of relief.

"Hi Riley," Gary says, his voice calm and cheerful.

Mark chimes in, "I've got to say, I loved your audition. You sing our song better than Gaz here." He taps Gary on the shoulder teasingly.

Gary tilts his head back, laughing good-naturedly. "Oi, watch it, you," he retorts, but there's no heat in his words.

I feel a rush of warmth at Mark's compliment, but it's quickly overshadowed by nerves as Gary's expression turns serious.

"Riley," he says, leaning forward slightly, "what would winning the X Factor mean to you?"

I take a deep breath, trying to organize my thoughts. This isn't just about impressing them. It's about being honest and sharing the truth about who I am and why I'm here.

"Winning the X Factor... it's not just about the competition for me," I begin, my voice growing stronger as I speak. "It's a life-changing opportunity. Music—it's everything to me. It's how I express myself, how I make sense of the world around me."

I pause for a moment, gathering my courage to continue. "I want to share that with others. I want to create music that touches people, makes them feel understood, and makes them feel less alone. Because that's what music has always done for me."

As I speak, I notice Gary watching me intently, his gaze thoughtful and assessing. It's as if he's trying to see beyond my words to understand who I truly am as a person. The scrutiny is unnerving, but I hold his gaze, willing him to see my sincerity.

Gary and Mark both nod, their expressions serious but understanding. There's a moment of silence, and then Gary speaks.

"Good luck," he says simply, but there's a weight to his words that I can't quite decipher.

I nod my thanks, and then I hear the opening notes of the song. The man at the keyboard begins to play "Resentment" by Beyoncé, and I close my eyes for a brief moment, centering myself.

As I begin to sing, I'm no longer by the beautiful garden and pool, performing for Gary Barlow and Mark Owen. I'm back in my small apartment, staring at the empty drawers that used to be filled with Ethan's clothes, then remembering his Instagram post with him and his new girlfriend. All the pain, the anger, and the betrayal I felt at that moment came rushing back, fueling every word and every note.

The lyrics pour out of me as if I'd written them myself, each line a catharsis, a release of everything I've been holding inside. I'm not just singing; I'm telling my story, baring my soul through Beyoncé's words.

"I'll always remember feeling like I was no good

Like I couldn't do it for you like your mistress could

And it's all because you lied..."

As I sing, I can feel the emotion building inside me, threatening to overflow. But I channel it into my performance, using it to add depth and power to my voice. This isn't just about technical perfection anymore; it's about raw, honest emotion.

"I know she was attractive but I was here first

Been ridin' with you for six years why did I deserve

To be treated this way by you, you..."

I pour every ounce of hurt and anger into these lines, remembering all the years I spent with Ethan and all the dreams we shared, all now tainted by his betrayal. But as I sing, I feel something shifting inside me. The pain is still there, but it's no longer overwhelming. Instead, it's fueling something stronger: determination, resilience, and a fierce desire to prove my worth.

As I reach the final verse, my voice soars with newfound strength and conviction. This song, this moment—it's not just about Ethan anymore. It's about me, about reclaiming my power, about turning my pain into art.

"I gotta look at her in her eyes and see she's had half of me

How could you lie?"

With the last note, I open my eyes, coming back to the present moment. The garden is silent except for the gentle lapping of the pool water. I see Mark lean towards Gary, whispering "Wow" with wide eyes.

But it's Gary's reaction that catches me off guard. His face is stern, almost painful. He doesn't respond to Mark's comment; he doesn't even look at him. Instead, his eyes are fixed on me, and I can't read the emotion in them. Is it disappointment? Anger? Or something else entirely?

"Thank you," Gary says, his voice flat and emotionless. The contrast to his earlier goodwill is jarring, and I feel my confidence wavering.

"Thank you," I manage to reply, pushing a few strands of hair out of my eyes. My heart is racing, but now it's from uncertainty rather than the adrenaline of performance.

As I turn to walk back with Dermot, my mind is whirling. Did I make a mistake? Was the song too emotional or too personal? I thought I had given it my all, but Gary's reaction has me second-guessing everything.

"How do you think that went?" Dermot asks as we walk back towards the house.

I hesitate, unsure how to answer. The confidence I felt during my performance has evaporated, replaced by a gnawing doubt. "I'm not sure..." I finally admit that my voice is small.

Dermot must sense my apprehension because he gives me a small side hug, trying to console me. But even his kindness can't shake the feeling that I've somehow messed up.

As we walk back inside, I hear Dermot call for Dean. I make my way back to my seat, feeling dazed and confused. David notices my demeanor and sits next to me, his presence a silent offer of support. I try to smile at him, but I can feel it faltering before it even forms.

My mind keeps replaying Gary's expression after my performance. What did it mean? Was he annoyed? Disappointed? The more I think about it, the more convinced I become that I've made a terrible mistake. Maybe choosing such an emotional song was the wrong move. Maybe I let my feelings about Ethan cloud my judgment.

Dean returns from his performance, his expression neutral. He doesn't seem upset, but he's not exactly jubilant either. Before I can ask him how it went, Dermot is addressing us all.

"I hope everyone gave it their best," he says, his voice serious. "Tomorrow, Gary will be picking his final three for the live shows."

With those words, the reality of our situation comes crashing down on me. Everyone gets up to leave the room, but I find myself still sitting, lost in my thoughts. Tomorrow, our fates will be decided. And after my performance today, I'm no longer sure where I stand.

All I can do now is wait and hope that, despite Gary's reaction, my performance was enough to secure my place in the final three.

[qudachuk]

The singer, 35, talks about escaping from childhood, living with Bell’s palsy, that sex tape release and the highs and lows of fameI couldn’t wait to escape from my childhood. My mum had bipolar disorder and schizophrenia – I...

[whatsonmedia]

Music Monday: Hitlist Of the Week!

Here is the list of top Songs of the week. WhatsOn music editor Adam Humphries has come up with a new hit list for the week. Add these songs to your playlist and get grooving! The Kut releases 2022 FIFA World Cup Single - 'Fun When You're Winning'! Now we've had Fat less with Vindaloo and New Order with England football team as well as that single with James Corden and Tinnie Tempa with "Shout" but now the court has released her own single fun when you're winning. Now, what's actually quite good about it's one of those songs that could just as easily not be a football anthem?  Whenever you listen to the lyrics of the song it doesn't come across as a sure typical football anthem, even though there is a lot of individuality about the song.  As a songwriter, Kut really is showing that she has what it takes to make an anthem-type. Track. https://open.spotify.com/track/1JIanUHIrFdwFmnrectZGK?si=Y3p1n5hNT4-TXtru9BoP9A&utm_source=copy-link The video is a similar sort of thing to The Script and Will.i.am's Hall of fame In that it could just as easily be a song about anything that motivates, and inspires.  I think of anything this is where the genius of the song in the video more or less comes into its own. It's a song about motivation yeah just as easily as a standalone. https://youtu.be/ffCB9-ytvc4 The Kut Socials https://thekut.co.uk https://instagram.com/thekutofficial https://facebook.com/thekut https://twitter.com/thekutgirlsrock https://tiktok.com/@thekutofficial https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsKXv_zDVAs6yFH82xbpXeBmqILr7YXJI www.thekut.co.uk  | www.criminalrecords.cc Becky Hill - Losing First released nearly a decade ago, yes that long ago, and was the first solo single by Voice UK contestant Becky Hill. Losing marks a different genre as when we were first introduced to her we only ever heard her sing rock music so this was definitely something new. It was quite refreshing to hear Becky come out with this number as it sounded a bit fresh a put something new on the dance floor. https://youtu.be/PCulrBwoeqc In the video, Becky just wonders around a funfair occasionally going to the attractions whilst singing. It's quite an intriguing one to watch as it's almost as though you're at the funfair with her and it's you she's talking about or to N Dubz - Charmer Absolutely amazing tune and signals the much needed return of the infamous hip hop grime trio to the music scene. Charmer not only shows us N Dubz in all their glory. But also that they have grown along with both the music industry and their loyal fan base. Dappy and Fazer are as incredible as they were the last time we heard them rap and Tulisa is every inch a front woman of hip-hop and grime. The lyrics are more of a tongue-in-cheek reference to being able to charm someone both with what you've got and what you can do. It's been over ten years and they've not lost touch. https://youtu.be/lBKPfnXck-8 The video has their personal touch and taste pretty much written all over as well as another tongue-in-cheek reference to being a 'charmer'. Their video reminds us of why we fell for the charms of N Dubz and why their fans, both old and new will be wanting them for a while yet SG. Lewis - Meant to Be An amazing attract by British singer SG Lewis. What is disappointing is that this song didn't nearly get enough recognition or attention that it probably deserved when it first appeared. Vocally as a singer, Lewis is in a similar music vein to Billie Eilish in that he demonstrates that you don't have a loud voice just make a record sound good it is easily slightly coarse up to almost whispering. SG Lewis's voice is that quiet soft and smooth, almost a whisper. What's interesting about this song is that it's about acknowledging an attraction that will probably never happen. Listening to lyrics there's that direct reference to the infamous saying it is meant to be it's meant to be https://youtu.be/hfWdOpuNgGw The video for Lewis's song doesn’t follow the typical love story type of situation. And in which you have two characters meet and fall for each other. There are references to relationships between people at a race track. For a debut track onto the music scene, it was quite a good attempt.  Musically he's in the vein of Disclosure, vocally he's in the same vein as Billie Eilish. Overall an absolutely brilliant singer-songwriter with a whole lot more to show Read the full article

[influencermagazineuk]

Singer Tulisa Contostavlos is readying herself for her stint on I'm A Celebrity. Get Me Out Of Here! and is making headlines with a body that's sure to get tongues wagging. Seen flaunting some of the tightest abs ever, former X Factor judge and N-Dubz singer has been undergoing a fitness regime that would put even many top athletes to shame. To reach her fitness goals, Tulisa has been dedicated to an intense regimen of Tibetan Rites, an ancient yoga practice known for its energy-boosting and revitalizing effects. This form of yoga, which she’s reportedly practicing up to 21 times a day, is a cornerstone of her fitness journey and is said to promote strength, flexibility, and rejuvenation through regular sessions. On top of that, she has also been training with a personal fitness coach with boxing exercises to build endurance and agility. Sean Reynolds from Liverpool, United Kingdom, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons She has also been frank about other treatments, like Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+), she has been undergoing. This would amount to energy-boosting therapy - high on people's lists if they want to restore vitality and stamina the natural way. Now 36, she's set to go into the show with every bit of energy she can muster, and these treatments seem to be considered part of a concerted effort at preparation. Tulisa's makeover is only a couple of months away from undergoing a major surgery on her part: the double hernia operation in July. This was certainly a setback, but not enough to keep her from pursuing her active lifestyle. A close friend reported how "Tulisa has been all set to be her best before going into the jungle. She's been attending yoga classes throughout and often appearing at the local gym. She even met with a boxing trainer to remain one step ahead of everyone else." As the launch of I'm A Celeb gets close, Tulisa has taken the next steps to gear up for this on-camera life in the jungle. Known to spend almost weeks in the wilderness without makeup, she has had her lip liner tattooed on—a practical decision to hold on to a little style amidst the ruggedness of the show. While she is ready for anything that life may throw at her, Tulisa already demonstrated that she was not going to be the I'm A Celeb version of that "jungle shower moment" she alleged Myleene Klass became famous for. "I am wearing black," she said of her style choice for the time in camp. She will be coming in with three basic bikinis and has avoided the traditional swimwear related to Myleene, which is in white. "I am not going to step out in white. It will be the polar opposite, and if someone can hold up a towel, then I'll ask them to," she joked. Fans can't wait to see her enter the jungle, and with such preparation both mentally and physically, it looks like Tulisa has really gone out of her way with regard to getting fit and grooming herself for a physically grueling regime that will tax her in so many ways that most people wouldn't imagine. It speaks of a real desire on her part to get fit, healthy, and ready for the ordeals that specifically exist in the realm of the reality show. This was set to be its first screening this Sunday but I'm A Celebrity. Get Me Out Of Here! promises drama, challenges, and a few surprises, and Tulisa's transformation is already creating a buzz among the show's fans who cannot wait to get her in action. From disciplined training to grounded attitudes, Tulisa sets a new standard for celebrity preparedness. Read the full article

[ripcca]

[tulisadiaroyce]

this is my roaring 20s, | 22.08.20

[celebritynetworth-blog]

#Tulisa #NetWorth|Wiki: Know her earnings, songs, albums, movies, tv shows, age #singer #actress #TheXFactor

[crashing9against9the9walls]

My Six Modern!AU headcannon (based on the lyrics of Six)

Catherine of Aragon would be a singer similar to Whitney Houston or Aretha Franklin. In this headcannon, Aragon refused an arranged marriage and joins the local church choir where she would stand out among the rest. This caught the attention of her town and it reach all the way to a music agent when they overhear a worker talk about how good Aragon is. The music agent found her and ask if she would want to have a singing career and gave her a record deal, which she accepts. Now, she's one of the most famous soul singers in the country and her fame found its way around the world.

Anne Boleyn would be one of those singers who found fame in YouTube, similar to Jasmine Thompson. Her ex-boyfriend wrote her a poem in hopes of getting her back but she's done with his BS and re-write the poem by adding her own lyrics and made a song out of it. The song went viral and was even mentioned by a few celebs like Chris Evans and Shawn Mendes. Realising her dream, she kept making music and now has a has a large fanbase.

Jane Seymour is in a band that is like a mash up of The Von Trapps and The Corrs. In this headcannon, She and Henry are married and have a son and two stepdaughters from Henry's previous marriage. Henry is faithful to her but has IED so to help him calm down in his explosive episodes, Jane uses her music therapist background and forms a band with her family where she is main vocals, Henry plays guitar, Edward plays bass, Mary plays the drums and Elizabeth plays the violin. The therapy worked and every now and then, the family band have small gigs, playing at birthday parties and local fairs, where people began talking about them. Since then, their family grew stronger and now has a record deal with Sony Music.

Anna of Cleves is a DJ with Krewella, Rebecca and Fiona, NERVO, Sofi Tukker, and The Blessed Madonna as her inspiration. After nobody wanted to date her (even going as far as to belittle her looks), she decided to one-up her haters and learned how to DJ and use music making apps like Ableton Live. Her first song went viral on Soundcloud and Beatport and became #1 in the sites charts. Her real breakthrough though was her fourth song, where it got the attention of Martin Garrix and now has her signed to his record label. Since then, she plays in the hottest clubs, the biggest festivals, the best parties and even has her music featured in movie, tv shows, games and sporting events. Everyone who rejected her pretty much regret not dating her.

Katherine Howard is a cheerleader with a passion for singing. After getting assaulted by her music teacher, she decided to make her voice be heard by joining a music reality competition (think of The Voice, American Idol, or The X-Factor) where she shares her experience and uses those shows to advocate for women's rights and end sexual assault. Although she only ended up fifth place, she did manage to have her former music teacher arrested and is now living the best live while advocating for her causes, even getting a chance have a collab with Lady Gaga, Kesha, Ariana Grande, Halsey, and Taylor Swift.

Catherine Parr is a struggling singer-songwriter who worked as a waitress just to get by. While out grocery shopping, she managed to caught the attention of a famous K-Pop producer and asked him to let her write a song for him. While hesitant, he accepts her wish and she submitted songs to BLACKPINK and iKon. The songs became massive hits and now has been writing songs for both groups and more artist like BTS, Red Velvet, KARD, Tulisa, Rita Ora, Bebe Rexha, Dua Lipa, and Alan Walker. After hearing the music of the aforementioned girls, she tracks them down and ask if they could do a song together, which they accept. It was biggest collaboration she had and their song is a massive hit. Since then, she writes songs for the girls and is happy with her achievements in life.

[dailytomlinson]

Louis Tomlinson will be going head to head with Simon Cowell tonight as his X Factor acts battle it out for to win the show. The 26-year-old singer has not just one act competing in this year's final, which begins tonight, but two in Anthony Russell and Dalton Harris . Meanwhile media mogul Simon, 59, will be championing Scarlett Lee to singing her way to victory. Fellow judge Robbie Williams, whose acts have all been knocked out, will be singing a duet with Scarlett tonight to that 90s classic Angels. Dalton will be singing Beneath Your Beautiful with Emeli Sande while Anthony will be performing Leave a Light On with Tom Walker. But why isn't Louis performing with either of his acts tonight? Back in July, both he and Robbie said that they were "definitely" up for singing a duet - together. When Robbie was asked, he said: "I'd like to," while Louis added: "When? Does that happen on the show?! Definitely up for it!" Sadly, this idea never became reality but viewers had hoped they would take part in duets with their acts. In the past, a number of judges have sung with their acts, including Tulisa and Little Mix and Gary Barlow with Marcus Collins. However Louis likely hadn't banked on having two of his acts in the final and choosing just one of them would have appeared like favoritism.

[omdaily10]

HEART SKIPS A BEAT

Guest Artist: Rizzle Kicks

Writers: Alex Smith, Samuel Preston, Jim Eliot, Jordan Stephens, Harley Alexander Sule

Producers: Alex Smith, Matt Furmidge

Album: In Case You Didn't Know

Release Date: 21/08/2011

B-Side: 'On My Cloud' (Writers: Olly Murs, Mark Taylor, Samuel Preston / Producer: Mark Taylor)

Chart Positions: #1 (UK), #1 (Germany), #1 (Luxembourg), #1 (Switzerland), #1 (Poland), #2 (Scotland), #6 (Ireland), #6 (Austria), #9 (Belgium), #12 (Hungary), #60 (Sweden), #67 (Romania), #76 (Netherlands), #85 (Australia), #91 (Canada)*, #96 (US)*

Sales: 700k+ (UK, Platinum), 450k (Germany, 3x Platinum), 15k (Austria, Platinum), 30k (Switzerland, Platinum)

Nominations: 'Best British Single', BRIT Awards 2012

It doesn't matter what genre you operate in, the age-old music industry cliché of the "difficult second album" can either make or break an artist if they're to confirm themselves as a long-term prospect. And whilst it wasn’t difficult for him, as the summer of 2011 dawned, Olly was no different when it came to his follow-up effort. He had already started writing and recording for it in March that same year.

The demo of 'Heart Skips A Beat' had actually been around for the best part of a year and had started life when it was initially put forward for consideration to be included on his self-titled debut album. Nick Raphael and Jo Charrington at Epic however, whilst impressed with it, decided to hold it back for inclusion on his second album. The track was written by the then up & coming songwriter and producer Alex Smith (who had cut his teeth on a clutch of top 20 hits for motormouthed Brit rapper Example) in collaboration with former lead singer and guitarist with The Ordinary Boys, Samuel Preston, and Jim Eliot, formerly one half of electropop duo Kish Mauve, who had been behind "2 Hearts" and "All The Lovers", both massive hits for Aussie pop royalty Kylie Minogue.

It marked the first time that Olly hadn't had a hand in writing a single, but speaking to Music Week on its release, he understood what a special song it was from the get-go: "It was a curve ball and nothing like anything else on the album, but I loved the production and the writers wrote it for me." Sonically, it retained some of the sprightly, catchy feel of 'Thinking of Me', whilst also introducing an early 90s dance/big beat styling, in the vein of The 45 King, Beats International or Dee-Lite (the latter of which’s single "Groove Is In The Heart" Olly performed as a mashup with this single at the following year's BRIT Awards when it earned him his second nomination for the 'Best British Single' trophy).

But there were two more vital rolls of the dice to be made before the single bought him to another level of success altogether. The first was the appearance of Jordan Stephens and Harley Alexander Sule, aka Brighton based teenage hip hop duo Rizzle Kicks, who had been making waves that summer after signing to Universal Island the year before and were riding high in the UK top 10 with their debut single 'Down With The Trumpets'. Sensing that they were to become a big name, even on a rival label, they were approached by Epic to contribute a guest rap to 'Heart Skips A Beat'. They immediately obliged, and their perfectly cheeky, playful rap was incorporated on just two weeks before the final version was cut and delivered to radio.

They also turned up to join Olly at the single's video shoot. Filmed at the skate park in Mile End, East London in July 2011, with a cast of two dozen extras hoofing it around a giant Olly sized record player, it was the perfect backdrop for the single, as Olly, resplendent in a straw trilby, blue and white striped tee and red chinos, delivered one of the most iconic videos and looks of his career. 'Heart Skips A Beat' took many people in the UK by surprise, including many of the detractors who'd disputed he'd even get past his first single a year previously and were now grudgingly eating their words. As its release drew closer, it had built up a good head of steam with strong airplay on radio and TV. And then, on the weekend of its 21st August release, there was also the first showcase for Olly's other seemingly endless pool of talents in entertainment.

Towards the end of his first theatre tour, a call came in from the producers at The X Factor. Some major personnel shifts had occurred on the show, which was then still at its peak - chiefly, the departures of Simon Cowell and Cheryl (albeit briefly) to the then just launched US version of the format, and Dannii Minogue to concentrate on being a full-time mum.

Only Dermot O’Leary (hosting the main show) and Louis Walsh (on the judging panel) remained for the new look show, this time headed by the Captain of Take That, Gary Barlow, and also consisting of former Destiny's Child star Kelly Rowland and Tulisa, the lead female vocalist with British hip hop group N-Dubz. Former Blue Peter presenter Konnie Huq, the host of the show's lovingly irreverent ITV2 spin off, The Xtra Factor, had also left after just one year.

The producers, knowing how popular he was and that he'd bring the cheeky likeability needed to the show, had Olly in mind to take over from her. An understandably nervous Olly, who by his own admission couldn't dream of hosting anything on his own, let alone a show as big as the very one he got his start from, fortunately had an anchor to play off. Enter one-time CBBC and MTV host Caroline Flack, who had been on the ITV2 spin off for I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here for two years and was already a hit with the same channel's audience.

They immediately proved a winning combination, and it was indeed our very own fansite which christened them with the name which their loyal army of internet shippers - but chiefly the ones on here - have used for them ever since (Carolly). All of these factors combined to ensure that Olly was, not for the first time in his career, going to confound his critics by launching his second album with a bang, and just a week shy of a whole year since ‘Please Don’t Let Me Go’ managed it, ‘Heart Skips A Beat’ rocketed straight in at the top to give him his second UK number one.

It was still on the chart some thirteen weeks later, when the single we’ll meet next week was about to make its debut. And it was also with this single that Olly broke a territory which, after the UK, is to this day one of the most ardent supporters of him and his music, as it hit the top in Germany the following spring, as well as hitting number one in three other European countries. A modern pop classic to be proud of.

OTHER THOUGHTS

Another taster of this single’s parent album was given as a B-side, in the form of an early version of the perky, piano led dream pop meets Britpop number ‘On My Cloud’. Olly co-wrote this with Samuel Preston, whilst additional writing and production came from Mark Taylor at Metrophonic, who had amongst other things produced Cher’s mega-selling number one hit ‘Believe’ in 1998. When performed on tour the following year, Olly did it as a mashup with ‘I Need A Dollar’, which had been a huge worldwide hit for Aloe Blacc twelve months previously.

* = the asterisk against the US and Canada chart positions indicates that the single charted there, but under a different version for these territories. More information on this will be covered in our future entry on 'Troublemaker'.

[bronva]

Unseen X Factor footage reveals Kelly Rowland was brains behind Little Mix formation

Unseen X Factor footage reveals Kelly Rowland was brains behind Little Mix formation

Kelly Rowland deserves ALL the credit for Little Mix’s formation (Picture: Joseph Okpako/WireImage) In new unseen X Factor footage, singer Kelly Rowland is seen using her expertise and insisting the, at the time, Little Mix foursome was going to be the next big thing.  In the short video, posted on Twitter, we see the show’s judges, Louis Walsh, Gary Barlow, Tulisa, and Kelly discussing singers…

[irish-nlessing]

who's rochelle? they looked cute together!

It was Rochelle humes’ bday party - she’s married to Marvin Humes, who was in a British boy band (jls??). Niall bought his old house from Marvin. The girl he’s dipping is Tulisa. She’s a singer and was at the party as a princess. They weren’t there together.