Eurovision Showbiz and Celebrity Breaking News

NME following the city’s inaugural Beyond the Music conference about how he hopes it will “galvanise” the music industry as issues affecting the industry fall on “deaf ears” at Westminster.Last month’s Beyond the Music explored multiple crises the music industry is currently facing, such as the future of grassroots venues and the continuing impact of Brexit on UK musicians struggling to tour Europe.On the latter, Burnham said “it’s just wrong” that the careers of young musicians are still suffering as they continue to face difficulties touring Europe post-Brexit.At the conference in October, Burnham discussed the “ridiculous” Brexit rules for artists travelling around Europe. Back in 2021, the UK music industry spoke out on how they had essentially been handed a “No Deal Brexit” when the government failed to negotiate visa-free travel and Europe-wide work permits for musicians and crew.Despite trying to raise these issues with ministers, Burnham told NME it’s still falling on “deaf ears” as the government continues to ignore the chaos Brexit has caused as artists struggle to navigate “all kinds of hidden obstacles” to performing in Europe.“It’s so frustrating, particularly given that Europe offered a better arrangement and in the rhetoric of Brexit, it got turned down,” he explained, referring to Boris Johnson’s rejection of a deal for artists proposed by Europe.

Antiques Roadshow has not only amazed BBC viewers with the value of items over the years, it's also seen a string of celebrity hosts. Stars like Michael Aspel, Question Time's Fiona Bruce and this year's Strictly Come Dancing star Angela Rippon have all led the famous show in the past four decaades, but where are they now? From hosting some of the UK's most popular TV shows to appearing on Morecambe and Wise and winning Rear Of The Year, the Antiques Roadshow hosts have had interesting lives. Here, OK! takes a look at what's happened to the popular TV show's famous hosts...

Eurovision Song Contest onto its wanted list.Jamala – real name Susana Alimivna Jamaladinova – was listed as being sought for violating a criminal law in the Interior Ministry database (via AP News). She was allegedly charged for spreading false information about the Russian military and the ongoing fighting in Ukraine after a law banning such was adopted last year.The singer won the 2016 singing contest with her song ‘1944’, which was named after the year that the Soviet Union deported Crimean Tatars, an annexation largely regarded as illegitimate by other countries who still viewed Crimea as a Ukrainian territory – nearly two years after Russia annexed Crimea, according to Pitchfork.A post shared by Jamala (@jamalajaaa)‘1944’ depicted the suffering endured by her ancestors during deportations under the regime of the Soviet dictator Josef Stalin, which caused further tension with Russia.According to AP News, Russia protested against the song from being allowed in the competition, saying it violated rules against political speech in Eurovision.

A post shared by Sony Music Portugal (@sonymusicpt)Tavares was born in Lisbon in 1978 to parents who emigrated to Portugal from Cape Verde. She rose to fame singing Whitney Houston’s ‘One Moment in Time’ on Chuva de Estrelas, a national singing competition, in 1994.She also won the Festival da Canção that same year, the national selection contest for Eurovision.

Eurovision star Sara Tavares, who represented Portugal in the 1994 contest, has sadly passed away at just 45 after a a decade-long fight with a brain tumour. Sara is fondly remembered for her performance of "Chamar a Musica" in Dublin, which secured one of Portugal's best results ever in the competition when she finished eighth. Her family announced the heartbreaking news of her passing to Portugese media, with tributes for the singer quickly pouring in across social media.Taking to X, formerly Twitter, one fan wrote: "Sara Tavares was such a talent, with a beautiful voice and an amazing discography, and I’m so saddened to hear of her passing.

Eurovision Song Contest has announced that it will keep Liverpool’s ‘United By Music’ slogan for all future installments.The tag was made by the BBC specifically for the 2023 edition of the iconic song contest earlier this year, and was the latest of a long-running range of slogans made for the event.It comes after a different tagline was created for each installment since 2002, except for in 2009 when no slogan was used.Now, in a new announcement from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), organisers have said that they are “excited” to confirm that the latest slogan will be sticking around for years to come.“The legacy of Liverpool’s good vibes lives on – with United By Music set to resonate from Merseyside to Malmö and well beyond,” the statement read (via BBC News). It also added that the tagline “reflects the power of music to bring people together across the world”.The tag was chosen as the UK was picked to host the 2023 instalment, which aired in May, after 2022’s winners Ukraine were unable to host following Russia’s invasion.Swedish singer Loreen was this year’s winner, meaning that the 2024 contest will be held in Malmö next May.

Eurovision legend Johnny Logan has been left heartbroken at the death of his brother, as he told his fans that there is a “hole in our hearts that will never heal.” The 69 year old took to social media on Wednesday, 1 November, to announce the passing of Michael Sherrard. Michael’s sad death comes exactly six years after the death of their younger brother, Eamon, in 2017. For many years, Michael had been living in Manchester and working as Johnny’s musical director and guitarist.Taking to Facebook, Johnny told his fans that it was with a “broken heart” that he announced the news.

Pop legend Sonia first shot to fame as a fresh-faced 18 year old in 1989, with her No 1 chart hit, You'll Never Stop Me Loving You. She went on to have a string of further hits while working with the legendary songwriting and music production trio Stock Aitken Waterman, including Can't Forget You and Listen To Your Heart.The singing superstar even represented the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1993 – coming a very respectable second place with Better The Devil You Know – and was the first female artist to have five Top 20 singles from one album. But incredibly Sonia, who's now 52, hardly seems to have changed a bit since her heyday, recently appearing on BBC Breakfast looking much younger than her age.

Cast your mind back to 2016, when a fresh faced Joel Dommett decided to head into the Australian jungle to compete in the 16th series of I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! Arguably, his stint on one of the most watched and beloved ITV shows (where he finished in second place to Gogglebox's Scarlett Moffatt) was his breakthrough moment in terms of accessing a wider audience - but before his trip Down Under, Joel had already been pretty successful. From his early work in Casualty and The Golden Hour to his stand-up hustle that saw him perform gigs all around the world, the 38 year old's latest career highlight is in the form of BBC's revival of Survivor - the iconic reality show that sees a group of contestants become castaway as they try and fend for themselves in an isolated location.

Robert Irwin, the son of the late wildlife conservationist Steve Irwin, will join a host of stars announcing the winners at the Earthshot Prize ceremony in Singapore. Irwin will take to the stage, as will Oscar winner Cate Blanchett and actors Lana Condor and Nomzamo Mbatha, during the Prince of Wales’ event on November 7, aimed at recognising solutions to “repair” the planet.

Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Georgia Harrison and the Lionesses were among the winners at the Glamour Women of the Year awards 2023.The ceremony that celebrates 'game changers and feminist heroes' was held on Tuesday, 17 October in London, with Canadian comedian Katherine Ryan as the host. Little Mix's Leigh-Anne was awarded the musician gong.The 32 year old rose to fame after winning The X Factor as part of girl band Little Mix in 2011 – alongside Jade Thirlwall, Perrie Edwards and Jesy Nelson – and spent a decade in the group before they went on hiatus.

The sight and sound of the royals playing musical instruments is not something we are often privy to, but many of them are skilful musicians who can more than hold a tune. Unsurprisingly, cream of the crop in the musical stakes is the Princess of Wales, who holds a Grade Three in piano and flute, plus Grade Five in singing and theory.

Katie Price has been mocked over her singing abilities, as the former glamour model announces she is releasing a brand new single.The 45-year-old mum of five teased fans with an excerpt of her new track on an episode of her podcast The Katie Price Show. Presenting the show alongside her sister, the I'm a Celeb star treated listeners to her cover of R&B singer Jermaine Stewart's 1986 song We Don't Have to Take Our Clothes Off.

Eurovision 2023 star Käärijä has teamed up with Tommy Cash for a new song and video – watch ‘It’s Crazy, It’s Party’ below.The singer became known for his huge Eurovision entry ‘Cha Cha Cha’, and has now returned with an even more intense second effort.“A big dream came true as I got to make a song with Tommy Cash,” he said in a statement about the new song.“I was on vacation after the Eurovision, sitting in a beach chair when I received a DM from Tommy. The song came together very quickly, and ‘It’s crazy, It’s party’ reflects both of our vibes.“Tommy is a top-notch artist, and I’ve learned a lot from him along the way.

Eurovision star Netta has announced her debut album and shared a new single ‘Wonderful & Great’. Check it out below.The new track marks the Israeli singer’s second English single.

Hannah Waddingham says she will no longer be hosting the BBC Fantasy, Myths And Legends Prom at the Royal Albert Hall, out of solidarity with the ongoing Hollywood actors’ strike.The actress and singer, known for her performance in the Bafta-winning Apple TV+ series Ted Lasso, said she was “respectfully” stepping down. In a post on social media shortly before the event, she wrote: “Hey guys, I very sadly won’t be able to host tonight’s @‌bbcproms ‘Fantasy, Myths and Legends’. “It will be a magical night, but due to my ongoing support for the @‌sagaftra strike, I must respectfully step down.

Eurovision contestant, Patricia Bredin, has died at the age of 88.Bredin was only 22 years old when she performed at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1957 in Frankfurt, Germany.

Eurovision star Luke Black has returned with the buoyant and Lily Allen-inspired new single ‘I’m So Happy’. Check it out below along with our interview with the artist.Back in May, Black represented his native Serbia at the Song Contest with the political, “cyber-punk”, sci-fi and video game inspired ‘Samo Mi Se Spava‘ (also known as ‘Sleep Forever’). Now, the London-based artist has returned with a new single – inspired by the landscape, culture and music of his surroundings.“‘I’m So Happy’ is the first song I created when I moved to London to study music,” Black told NME.

Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks is facing a number of big changes after a mass exit.The show's executive producer Lucy Allan has decided to leave after two years in the role on the programme. She is not the only major departure, as reports suggest that series producer Philip Dodds and script and storyline executive Josie Day are also leaving.The Sun is reporting that the trio have been given their marching orders after record-low ratings and chaos on set.

Måneskin have announced a new single called ‘Honey! (Are U Coming?)’ – check out the preview below.The Italian rockers, who released their third album ‘Rush!’ in January, shared a snippet of the forthcoming song on social media earlier this week (August 8).It wasn’t confirmed when the track will arrive, but the group promised it would be “coming soon” (pre-save/pre-add here).The news was accompanied by an official visual that features a five-second clip of ‘Honey! (Are U Coming?)’.

Sam Ryder and Mae Muller, has announced that it will not be selecting the UK’s entry for Eurovision 2024.The management company, which is also behind artists including Lana Del Rey and Ellie Goulding, has helped the BBC select the UK representatives for the past two years at Eurovision. However, the team has now confirmed that it will be stepping down from the role ahead of next year’s instalment.Headed by Ben Mawson and Ed Millett, the company was responsible for choosing Sam Ryder as the contestant for 2022 and Mae Muller as the entry earlier this year.Ryder fell just shy of the winning position last year, coming second place to Ukraine with his song ‘Space Man’.

Follow OK! on Threads here: https://www.threads.net/@ok_mag The X Factor star Eoghan Quigg looks unrecognisable nearly 15 years after appearing on the show. The singer from Northern Ireland was just 16 when he appeared on hit ITV programme, but he is now 31 and a dad to two. His partner Amy Campbell has shared some sweet family snaps of the singer, and he looks nothing like he did in the X Factor days.

Kate Garraway was left in tears by Sam Ryder on Friday's Good Morning Britain as the singer performed live in the studio.The TV presenter had been chatting to Eurovision Song Contest runner-up Sam earlier in the show as he promised he would come back to perform before the episode ended. Switching from an interview where she grilled Health Secretary Steve Barclay on radical plans to boost NHS staffing, Kate went from tough journalist mode to wiping away tears as she was so moved by Sam's voice.

TV personality Rylan has channelled Austrian singer Conchita Wurst with a daring new makeover.The Celebrity Gogglebox star has shown off his new stylish hairstyle during a shoot over in Venice.The 34 year old is in Italy shooting his new TV show. As he posed for the selfie showing off his new look, Rylan gazed off into the distance as the sun appeared to be setting.

Eurovision 2023 entry Alessandra has shared a brand new single – listen to raucous cut ‘Pretty Devil’ below.The singer’s new track follows her Eurovision single ‘Queen Of Kings’ and comes after she announced a new UK and Ireland tour.Speaking of ‘Pretty Devil’, she said: “The song is about me singing to a girl that knows that she’s gorgeous, but at the same time carries a lot of insecurities with her. The goal of the song is for her to see herself the same way I see her.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor is on the shortlist to become the UK’s entry to Eurovision 2024, according to a source.The country was represented by Mae Muller at this month’s home competition in Liverpool, scoring just a few points.As Mail Online report, a source believes that only one name is currently being touted for next year’s entry.The source said: A source shared: “At the moment there is only one artist on the BBC’s list for Eurovision 2024, and they don’t intend to add to it.“Sophie Ellis-Bextor is seen as the ideal fit for the contest – she’s a great singer and performer, and she is already known to audiences, both straight and gay, across Europe.”Speaking to NME backstage after her performance at Liverpool’s Eurovision Village on ‘EuroEve’, the night before the Song Contest’s Grand Final in the city (Friday, May 12), Ellis-Bextor discussed her chances of appearing as the UK’s entry in 2024.“I think doing it is an amazing opportunity, and that Mae Muller will smash it, but it was never the right thing at the right time – and I’m a big believer in serendipity like that,” she said.She continued: “Recent times have seen Eurovision artists release amazing songs outside of it and these amazing careers being launched. Sam Ryder’s approach to it last year where we always just so positive and upbeat just saw him really seize the opportunity a bit.

ABBA have responded to rumours that they are planning to reunite for next year’s edition of the Eurovision Song Contest in their native Sweden.After previous victor Loreen won the competition with her song ‘Tattoo’ earlier this month, rumour spread online that it was all part of a plan to have ABBA reform to mark 50 years of their own Eurovision win as the contest returns to their home country as the 2024 host nation. Now, they have shot down the chances of it happening – even just for one evening.“I don’t want to,” Benny Andersson told the BBC, “and if I don’t want to, the others won’t.

Mae Muller has finally announced her debut album, ‘Sorry I’m Late’.Today (May 24), Muller revealed the album’s title, cover art, track list and release date. Titled ‘Sorry I’m Late’, the 17-track debut will be made available from September 15 via Capitol Records/EMI.

This Morning presenters Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby have been nominated for best TV presenter at this year's National Television Awards after a turbulent week which saw the end of their decade-long presenting partnership. The show itself is also up for the daytime prize, and This Morning's Alison Hammond, Dermot O'Leary and Rylan Clark are also among the 50 names longlisted for the presenter award.

Eurovision 2023 winner and pop iconoclast Loreen has announced her UK and EU ‘Tattoo’ tour. Check out the tour dates below.The tour is set to Kick off in Dublin on November 7 and run throughout the UK and Europe.

BBC bosses are reportedly keen to sign singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor as their 2024 Eurovision representative. It comes after this year's contestant, Mae Muller, came second from last in the competition, which was hosted by the UK in Liverpool. It was the first time in 25 years that Eurovision has been hosted by the UK.

BBC sign language translator has gone viral after translating the Finnish entry ‘Cha Cha Cha’ into British sign language at the Eurovision final.The upbeat dance track by Käärijä was an early favourite to win the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest 2023. One viewer described the performance as “fucking bonkers and brilliant”, with another adding: “The Eurovision village went wild for Finland…biggest reaction of the night so far.”However, ‘Cha Cha Cha’ ultimately came in at second place to Swedish singer Loreen and her song ‘Tattoo’.BBC sign language translator Adrian Bailey was praised for his enthusiastic performance of the tune.

Eurovision 2023 star Käärijä has spoken to NME about crashing the Top 10 singles chart with his entry ‘Cha Cha Cha’ – as well as the response to the competition, future plans and finding fans in the likes of Rammstein.The singer’s track, fusing rap, metal, electronic and schlager music, proved a favourite among Eurovision viewers at the final of the Song Contest last Saturday (May 13) – winning the audience vote and racking up millions of streams online, but ultimately coming second to Sweden’s entry Loreen.Now, ‘Cha Cha Cha’ has landed at Number Six in the UK singles charts – making it the first Finnish language song to ever land in the Top 10.“It feels great – I wasn’t expecting that,” Käärijä told NME. “I’m just a stupid Finnish guy who did something crazy and then it went viral. I have to take the time to think about what has happened to me because it’s so huge.”He continued: “I don’t know how this happened.

Eurovision 2023 winner Loreen has been announced for The Mighty Hoopla in London next month.The Swedish singer won last weekend’s contest in Liverpool with her song ‘Tattoo’, describing the historic win as “surreal”.She will now join the line-up at the Brockwell Park event, which runs from June 3-4, and her Sunday slot will mark the singer’s first festival performance since winning Eurovision.

Charlotte Church has spoken to NME about her decision to bring her famed Late Night Pop Dungeon to an end, and what to expect from her “joyful” but “naughty” new material.The former opera singer turned alt-pop solo star and political activist gained a reputation on the festival, club and grassroots venue scene over the last seven years for her Late Night Pop Dungeon gig series – performing a range of high octane covers by the likes of Destiny’s Child, Nirvana, Rage Against The Machine, Beastie Boys, Beyoncé, En Vogue, Black Sabbath, Prince and many more, along with cuts from her solo career.She embarked on the final UK tour for the project last year, before giving the Pop Dungeon one last outing at Liverpool’s Eurovision village last week (Friday May 11).Speaking to NME backstage at the village ahead of her performance, Church explained how the gig series came about in the first place – seeking to do something different and separate to her alt-rock leaning set of EPs ‘ONE’ through ‘FOUR’ released from 2012-2014.“The origin story of it really is that [comedian] Stewart Lee asked us to play All Tomorrow’s Parties, which you know is super arch, chin-strokey, ’Patrish’ and all the rest of it,” she explained. “We very far away in time from the EP project so it didn’t make much sense to do that.”Church and her band then came up with a concept of “old school covers” they found to be “really disruptive” but still “fucking excellent”.

After her incredible performance during Saturday’s Eurovision Grand Final, Swedish singer Loreen swept the score board, taking home the highly-coveted trophy. She snatched the top spot with her song Tattoo, making her the first woman to have won the competition twice. But viewers on the night were as much fans of her stage costume, as they were her music.