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    With Vampire Weekend there’s no rules…we want to get out there & everyone go wild with us, says Ezra Koenig on UK tour

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    FOR Ezra Koenig, the critical response to Vampire Weekend’s new album has been more than satisfying.Their fifth album Only God Was Above Us has been met with heaps of praise.A dog, held by Ezra, gives Chris Baio a kiss and, right, Chris TomsonCredit: Michael SchmellingKoenig says: ‘I can’t deny it’s a good feeling to know people have connected with the music and they get it’ as the band’s album has been praisedCredit: Michael Schmelling“I don’t want it to be important to me. But I can’t deny it’s a good feeling to know people have connected with the music and they get it,” says frontman Koenig.It’s been five years since the band from New York put out Father Of The Bride, essentially a solo record by Koenig.“It doesn’t feel like five years,” he tells me via a video call from his home in LA.“Not at all. I was just doing an interview with Rick Rubin for his podcast and we went through our entire career, album by album.READ MORE IN SHOWBIZ“I remember how much pressure I felt to get Contra out within two years of the first album. Back then it felt like a long time but now, even though I’d like to release music more often, five years feels like nothing.”Only God Was Above Us is the first album Koenig has written since he became a dad. He and his wife, actress Rashida Jones (daughter of music legend Quincy), had Isaiah five years ago.“It’s always been important to me to come back to normal life as I don’t like to feel like a full-time musician,” says Koenig. “With these long breaks, you get a chance to go back into regular life and being a parent is the ultimate regular life.Most read in Music“You’re engaging in family life and responsibility. This will be an interesting year because I haven’t toured much since he was a baby.“But, even back in the day, if I got home from tour, I’d be back to the laundromat or the supermarket to feel like I was connecting with real life again. Taylor Swift’s new album takes aim at ex boyfriends”But even that’s not quite as real as waking up early the next morning to drive to school.“Our son is aware of what Mum and Dad do. My wife has done voices on some kids’ shows. There’s a cartoon of the Grinch where she does a voice and he got really obsessed with that for a while.“And part of the reason the album took a long time is there were long periods where I’d go with my family to London and Tokyo, because Rashida had work in those places.“I feel like I’ve really defeated my workaholism. Now, when I have time off, I really want to hang out with my family, and take long walks and read rather than lock myself in the studio.”I feel like I’ve really defeated my workaholismKoenig Sonically, the new album is “dark and light” and the “most aggressive record Vampire Weekend have made”.But Koenig says: “This album contains some of our most positive messages and my most optimistic worldview as a lyricist.”The contrast can be heard on album opener Ice Cream Piano which begins with a muttered “f*** the world” before it transitions into a galloping indie romp.The record finishes with the eight-minute epic Hope with its gentle message of acceptance and repeated refrain of “let it go” delivered with warming brass lines and a piano riff. It’s a heavenly album.Koenig says: “I love having the dark and light together not because I like to be a smart ass but because I believe that’s the real texture of life. That’s what being human really feels like.”The album is like a journey from a kind of uneasy attitude towards a type of acceptance and hope.As a staunch supporter of US leftwinger Bernie Sanders during both his 2016 and 2020 presidential campaigns, how does Koenig feel about the possible return of Trump as President?‘Lot of admiration’He says: “It’s nothing but chaos but whatever happens it’s about accepting the things you cannot change.“I’ve never been in AA, but I know people who are and have a lot of admiration for it and I think whether you’re an alcoholic or not the Serenity Prayer can be very meaningful to all people.“So many people on this planet have been through so many things and we have thousands of years of human history to take inspiration from.”Father Of The Bride, Vampire Weekend’s 2019 album, was essentially a solo record by Koenig. But for this new release drummer Chris Tomson and bassist Chris Baio are back on board, again working with producer Ariel Rechtshaid.The singer tells me: “This album is the first time CT and I have a song, Gen-X Cops, we wrote together on it.This album contains some of our most positive messages and my most optimistic worldview as a lyricistKoenig “Over the course of the band, I’ve been lucky that I’ve received a huge vote of confidence from both Chrises. They trust me, as a songwriter and as a leader to take the band to good places.Vampire Weekend’s fifth album Only God Was Above UsCredit: Michael SchmellingKoenig and his wife, actress Rashida Jones (daughter of music legend Quincy), have a son togetherCredit: Getty“That stuff’s not always easy when you’re in your 20s. Famously, so many bands have personality conflicts, but I think we’ve reached a place where they have put their faith in me and I’ve put my faith in them.“Over the course of five albums, we’ve done it so many ways. “We’ve done four guys in a room; the singer and the producer hunched over a laptop, I did that with Rostam Batmanglij and I did it with Ariel.”Vampire Weekend is always going to be a community and it’s not just three of us. It’s the live members and the team we work with including producers.”The Surfer is another album standout that Koenig had originally worked on with former band multi-instrumentalist and producer Rostam.We have thousands of years of human history to take inspiration fromKoenig “Yes, that was one that Rostam and I started a long time ago and it was pretty different,” says Koenig. “The album version was more like Ariel and I working on new music.“I’d never quite found the right place for it on an album, but I found myself returning to the lyrics I’d written and it was suddenly darker and slower and took on a life of its own. That song was kind of reborn.”On the harmonious Prep School Gangsters — inspired by a New York magazine cover story from the 90s — Blood Orange aka Dev Hynes plays drums. Koenig is a huge fan.He says: “I’ve just always loved Dev, he’s a great person to talk to. Whenever we’re in the same city, we love to hang out and catch up.Psychedelic playfulness“This time, me and Ariel were working in New York and Dev stopped by. He’d just broken his arm playing football and had a cast on. So, he played on the album with his broken arm.”New single Mary Boone is another Vampire Weekend classic which celebrates the legendary New York art gallery owner with a psychedelic playfulness and shuffling percussion lifted by a sample of the drum loop from Soul II Soul’s Back To Life“That sample was Ariel’s idea,” explains Koenig. “And when it comes in, it’s 100 per cent worth it and we’re lucky we were able to clear it.“A big part of what Vampire Weekend does is push our music as far as it can, while having a sense of familiarity. That’s the frequency we’re trying to operate on.”Since making Only God Was Above Us, which comes from a New York Daily News headline on the album’s cover, Koenig says he’s only concentrating on Vampire Weekend.A big part of what Vampire Weekend does is push our music as far as it can, while having a sense of familiarityKoenig Past extracurricular activities have included creating an animated series for Netflix, Neo Yokio, and writing and producing songs for Beyonce, Liam Gallagher and — for the Peter Rabbit soundtrack — James Corden.But he says: “Lately, I feel mostly excited about continuing to work on my albums but I enjoy working and writing for others. “Liam was a great experience and I could listen to him talk forever. He’s such a funny guy.”After two years of not touring, Koenig has been enjoying getting back on stage and played a special show in Texas to celebrate the solar eclipse — also the day of his 40th birthday — plus a “last-minute addition” to the Coachella line-up where Paris Hilton joined them for the end of their set.“Playing a release show in Texas and then Coachella was a good week. It felt like our community coming together,” says Koenig.“Seven years ago, at the last total eclipse, I’d made a mental note that the next one was coming and it was my 40th birthday. “We’d booked the show and because it was a show in the day it meant I could enjoy myself with my family and friends. You don’t want to party at midnight when you’re 40!”Vampire Weekend will be in the UK touring in December but before that you can see them at Radio 1’s Big Weekend on Sunday, May 26, at Luton’s Stockwood Park.Koenig says: “We can’t wait. And it’s funny it’s in Luton, because I just went there for the first time in February — I went to see a Luton match.I feel mostly excited about continuing to work on my albums but I enjoy working and writing for otherKoenig “My manager is involved with the team so we got to meet some of the players and we had a great time. Harry Styles was also there.“We can’t wait to play London in December as well as we’re doing four different shows which also gives us a nice opportunity to switch things up. It’s been fun to rehearse the new album and breathe some more life into it and at the same time go back to some of the old songs.“With Vampire Weekend there’s no rules. We just want to get out there and everyone go wild with us.”READ MORE SUN STORIES
    Only God Was Above Us is out now. Vampire Weekend play Radio 1’s Big Weekend on Sunday, May 26.

    VAMPIRE WEEKENDOnly God Was Above Us★★★★★ More

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      Spice Girls reunion in chaos as star refuses to take part in documentary – and it’s not Victoria Beckham

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      SPICE Girls fans were given fresh hope of a reunion after the girls got together for Victoria Beckham’s 50th birthday party.However, plans to mark 30 years since the ‘girl power’ band launched are in chaos after Geri Horner allegedly refused to film a documentary.Spice Girls reunited for Victoria Beckham’s 50th birthday partyCredit: InstagramDavid Beckham shared video of them singing and dancingCredit: Instagram/davidbeckhamThere were hopes the five-piece would agree to make a reunion show for Netflix – following Victoria and husband David’s successful series.According to the Daily Mail, Victoria, Mel B, Mel C and Emma Bunton were all keen to sign up, but Geri has remained unconvinced.There are suggestions Geri wasn’t up for the project following a difficult time in her marriage to F1 chief Christian Horner.Red Bull cleared Horner of any wrongdoing after an internal investigation into alleged sexual harassment and coercive and abusive behaviour by a female employee.READ MORE ON SPICE GIRLSThe unnamed complainant has since been suspended by the team and has launched an appeal against the decision.A source told the newspaper: “It might have been awkward for Geri to get out there and talk about Girl Power in these circumstances surrounding Christian.”But in truth even before it all came out she wasn’t keen on revisiting those days. She just didn’t want to go over all the fun, wild times that they had.”The girls were filmed singing and dancing at Victoria’s £250,000 brash thrown by Becks.Most read in CelebrityTom Cruise led a host of star guests including Eva Longoria and Gordon Ramsay.No expense was spared at the soiree, which served £3,000 bottles of her favourite Chateau Mouton Rothschild, £500 bottles of champagne and food by a private chef.David Beckham broke major rule at Victoria Beckham’s star-studded 50th birthday bash with video of Spice Girls performing StopGuests were served champagne and cocktails before a lavish four-course dinner, which included oysters. Starters were Italian-inspired shared platters.Main courses included sea bass and steak, and Victoria was presented with a huge birthday cake. More

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      Christy Turlington, 55, shows endless legs and cleavage as she models slashed dress and high heels

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      STATUESQUE Christy Turlington proves she’s not lost her supermodel status in a series of stunning photos.The American beauty, 55, who found fame in the 1980s, showed off her long legs in a slashed dress and high heels.Christy Turlington showed off her long legs in a slashed dress and high heelsCredit: Ethan James GreenThe supermodel, 55, went braless in a plunging top for a second black and white shotCredit: Ethan James GreenYoga fan Christy turned back the years by going braless in a plunging top, in a second black and white shot.The mum-of-two was posing for Harper’s Bazaar, also gracing the cover, in a brown faux fur coat.During the Noughties, the US model launched her own skincare line Sundari, two collaborations with sportswear brand Puma, plus a women’s yoga-wear company.In 2010 she launched her non-profit foundation Every Mother Counts, which aims to make pregnancy and childbirth safer for women all over the world.READ MORE IN SHOWBIZShe met Saving Private Ryan actor Ed Burns when he was a PA on US TV show Entertainment Tonight and handed her a cup of coffee.They met again at a party in 2000 and got engaged six months later.Ed and Christy postponed their wedding, set for October 2001, in the wake of 9/11.They then split but got back together again and married in 2003. The couple have two children, daughter Grace and son Finn.Most read in CelebrityIn 2017, Christy bravely spoke out about the “harassment and mistreatment” in the modelling industry, while also admitting she may have unknowingly aided men who preyed upon young models.She said: “The industry is surrounded by predators who thrive on the constant rejection and loneliness so many of us have experienced at some point in our careers.”The American star also posed in this skin-tight set for the magazineCredit: Ethan James GreenChristy graced the cover of Harper’s Bazaar in a brown faux fur coatCredit: Ethan James GreenEngland star Mason Mount’s ‘mystery woman’ revealed as gorgeous Instagram model and TikTok star More

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      Model Tina Kunakey wows as she poses with a leather belt to hold a towel around her waist

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      MODEL Tina Kunakey gets a wrap across the buckles — as she uses a leather belt to hold a towel around her waist.The model, who is the ex wife of Westworld star Vincent Cassell, wears a black bikini as she poses for Victoria’s Secret.Tina Kunakey poses with a leather belt holding a towel around her waistCredit: Victoria’s SecretTina was also pictured in a nude bandeau top and white net skirtCredit: Victoria’s SecretIn another shot from Victoria’s Secret’s Escape to Summer campaign, Tina can be seen sporting a nude bandeau top and white net skirt.Previously Victoria’s Secret has propelled models including Heidi Klum, Tyra Banks and ­Gisele Bundchen to catwalk superstardom.But then in 2019 the lingerie brand cancelled its once-beloved show, which was televised annually in the States, due to low viewing figures.It said: “We think it’s important to evolve the marketing of Victoria’s Secret. We’re figuring out how to advance the positioning of the brand and best communicate that to customers.”READ MORE ON VICTORIA’S SECRETThen in 2021 the catwalk show’s stars themselves, known as Angels, were ditched in favour of The Collective, a more diverse group of women, including plus-size pin-ups, sports stars and transgender models.The move was widely celebrated at the time, with calls for more inclusion across the board at the once hugely profitable company.However, Victoria’s Secret came under fire from loyal customers for going “too far”, after it announced what seems to be a revival of its fashion show — a world tour billed as a “global fashion event featuring a new generation of women”.And that new generation of women featured The Collective — women such as British presenter-turned-photographer Amanda De Cadenet and American soccer player Megan Rapinoe.Most read in CelebrityHowever, in a sharp U-turn from the recent Victoria’s Secret campaigns — that have been a bit less supermodel and a lot more woke — the lingerie brand has gone back to its original format of almost scarily sexy women in their undies.Tina is the ex wife of Westworld star Vincent CassellCredit: GettyHailey Bieber poses in white lace lingerie for Victoria’s Secret video as fans say husband Justin is ‘lucky guy’_1 More

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      Paul Oakenfold and Carl Cox unite to celebrate 30 years of Perfecto

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      Paul Oakenfold and Carl Cox have united for their first collaboration concentrate, released as part of Perfecto 30 – a huge celebration of the labels’s 30th anniversary.Paul says; “I’m going back to doing straight club records – underground tracks that I love. Perfecto is now a 30- year old brand. There are generations that have grown up with the sound. They got into dance music and have grown up with the label. It’s turned into much more than a label.”Carl Cox and Paul Oakenfold – AI style!A seamless blend of Paul and Carl’s unique styles, Concentrate is a testament to their collective prowess showcasing a fusion of cutting-edge sounds and infectious rhythms, an exhilarating slice of techno from two giants of dance music doing what they do best. And what better way to mark 30 years of Paul’s iconic label.Paul tells us; “Teaming up with Carl for ‘Concentrate’ was a natural evolution for us. It’s our way of paying homage to our history and to show where we’re at right now musically.  Carl is a pioneering legend that was signed to the label so it marks a nice full circle moment. This is the first collaboration of many to come.”Carl Cox adds, “Working with Paul on this track was an absolute blast. ‘Concentrate’ represents the perfect synergy between our styles, and we can’t wait for our everyone to hear it.”[embedded content]Concentrate comes out as part of this year’s Perfecto 30 – a year of special releases, remixes, collaborations and live events to celebrate a huge milestone of one of dance music’s most iconic labels. There’s a documentary coming, Welcome to Perfecto (which features commentary from the legendary likes of Fatboy Slim, Carl Cox, Todd Terry and David Guetta and more) and Paul himself will make a series of special DJ appearances crisscrossing America and the UK to Ibiza and Australia –involving the parties, festivals, and superclubs like Cream where he made his name. CLICK OR TAP THE IMAGE TO LISTEN OR DOWNLOAD PAUL OAKENFOLD’S PERFECTO 30 CHART ON BEATPORTHe’ll be revisiting Perfecto classics and deep cuts like PPK’s ResuRection, Planet Perfecto’s Bullet in a Gun, and his own smashes like Starry Eyed Surprise (the hit collaboration with Crazy Town’s Shifty Shellshock from Oakenfold’s platinum debut solo album, 2002’s Bunkka). And they’ll be releases from today’s most cutting-edge artists and producers including Velvet Cash, Danny Stubbs, Blink, Adam White, and Nat Monday.For the next chapter of Perfecto, Oakenfold claims he’s returning to the roots of the label’s original mission. “I’m going back to doing straight club records – underground tracks that I love,” Oakenfold says.LISTEN TO PAUL OAKENFOLD’S EXCLUSIVE MIX FOR THE NIGHT BAZAAR SESSIONS HEREWe caught up with Paul to find out more this week and he very kindly recorded an exclusive mix for The Night Bazaar Sessions which you can listen to by clicking or tapping the image above.Reflecting on the three decades since Perfecto’s inception, how do you feel the label has influenced the global dance music scene, and what does this milestone mean to you personally?Most read in MusicPerfecto Records is one of Britain’s longest independent dance labels with over 10 million records sold. We’ve flown the flag for British dance music around the world and pioneered some of Britain’s biggest dance acts. The milestone is a big personal achievement for me, and I think a lot of artists on the label and dance music in general, we are no longer seen as a small industry. Dance music is global now and massive. Paul Oakenfold was the focus of The Night Bazaar in Something For The Weekend on Friday 26th April 2024You’ve been recognized by Pete Tong and even the British Empire for your contributions to dance music. Can you share a moment or decision in your career that you believe was pivotal in earning you the Pioneer of the Nation accolade?It’s an absolute honour to be recognized by the British Empire as a Pioneer of the Nation by spreading dance music around the world. I’ve been making, releasing, and signing dance music for over 40 years now. Proud to be British.I’d say some pivotal moments would be becoming a DJ opening for one of the biggest bands in the world, playing stadiums for two years, championing British music. And then playing at the special Olympic Games in Abu Dhabi to over a billion people worldwide. Paul Oakenfold – A true British electronic dance music pioneer and legendWith Perfecto 30 marking a return to your roots, what inspired you to focus on underground club records again, and how do you feel the current dance music landscape has evolved to embrace these sounds?It certainly made me want to head back to my roots and make some great underground dance music I can share with a lot of people. We are starting off with my collabs with Franky Wah and Carl Cox.The current landscape in dance music is incredibly healthy. It’s a worldwide industry that gets richer ever year. Your last album, Shine On showcased an impressive array of collaborations. How do you choose your collaborators, and is there an artist or producer you’re particularly excited to be working with for the Perfecto 30 series?I really enjoy collaborating with young new artists and established artists from different genres. I choose my collaborations based on talent and being a fan. There’s so many great young musicians out there. Barry Can’t Swim, Anyma, John Summit, Rebuke, Teddy Swims, Anne-Marie, Anunnakis, Velvet Cash, AP Dhillon, and LUM1NA. [embedded content]You’ve performed at some of the world’s most unique venues, from Stonehenge to the Great Wall of China. Can you hint at any upcoming performances that might continue this tradition of groundbreaking shows?After I DJ’d at Basecamp Mt. Everest, and then I went to DJ in Area 51 in Nevada, I’m being offered a lot of unique and wonderful locations, which I’m certainly looking at.Looking back at the journey of Perfecto and your career, how do you want to be remembered in the dance music world, and what future ambitions do you have for both yourself and the label?Perfecto will be doing festivals and signing new talent from around the world. It’s a very exciting time for the label. It’s been a wonderful achievement for Perfecto and the artists on the label. We have a documentary coming out toward the end of the year, where we interviewed lots of colleagues. And we are signing a lot of new young artists, helping them today and making them stars tomorrow. Paul Oakenfold and Carl Cox at Stonehenge in 2018 – Picture: Carl Cox official Facebook pageIn an unprecedented collaboration, you and Carl Cox have joined forces to create Concentrate marking the first time you two legends have produced a track together. Can you share the creative process behind this collaboration and what it was like to blend your distinct styles into a single track? Additionally, what do you hope listeners and fans of both your music will take away from Concentrate?I loved working on this track with Carl. It’s a blend between techno, trance, and the old rave scene. It’s a really unique sounding record.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe process behind any collab is back and forth, whether you’re in the studio or not. It was the same working with Carl. Ideas flow and you share them. It was a great experience. I hope everyone likes the song!Concentrate by Paul Oakenfold and Carl Cox is out now.CLICK OR TAP IMAGE TO PURCHASE DOWNLOAD ON BEATPORT More

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      Inside Taylor Swift and Kim Kardashian’s bitter eight year-long feud from stolen friends to savage diss tracks

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      IT is the showbiz feud that refuses to die.And Kim Kardashian has stoked the coals of her almost decade-long war with Taylor Swift this week by posting a selfie with the singer’s former bestie, Karlie Kloss.On her new track thanK you aIMee (note capital letters spelling KIM) Taylor Swift hits out at a ‘spray-tanned’ bully who threw punches at herCredit: GettyKim Kardashian lost 100,000 followers following Taylor Swift’s song about herCredit: GettyThe fake Taylor with Kim in 2016 vid for Kanye’s Famous songKim, back right, with Taylor’s best friend Karlie Kloss, front leftCredit: InstagramIt comes one week after Taylor released what many saw as a diss track about Kim on her chart-topping album The Tortured Poets Department.In the track, titled thanK you aIMee — spelling out KIM in strategically placed capital letters — Taylor, 34, sings about being unable to forgive a “spray-tanned” bully who threw punches at her.Following the song’s release, Kim lost more than 100,000 Instagram followers — a huge dent to the audience on one her most lucrative platforms.It comes as The Sun can exclusively reveal deep-seated speculation from Swifties that Kim, 43, had been targeting Taylor’s friends to appear in her Skims campaigns.READ MORE ON TAYLOR KIM FEUDLast month, Sabrina Carpenter, Taylor’s long-time pal and the main support act on her Eras world     tour, starred in a campaign for the reality star’s lingerie line.The sponsored posts, showing the up-and-coming star posing in Barbie pink underwear, saw Sabrina gain 30,000 followers on Instagram overnight.It prompted an outcry from Taylor’s fans — known as Swifties — who flooded the comments section to tell Sabrina they were “disappointed” in her, with one saying: “It makes me question your friendship with Taylor.”Go into hidingThe collaboration is the latest in a long line of Skims partnerships that fans think will have ruffled Taylor’s feathers.Most read in CelebrityIn February, Kim recruited singer Lana Del Ray — another of Taylor’s closest pals and collaborators — to model her Valentine’s underwear range.No expense was spared on the campaign, which received widespread media attention and launched just days before Taylor and Lana attended the 2024 Grammys together.Taylor Swift ‘shades’ Kim Kardashian with hidden message in new album as fans tell singer to ‘get over it’And in October 2023 — shortly after Taylor confirmed her romance with Kansas City Chiefs American football player Travis Kelce — Kim enlisted Taylor’s new Wag bestie Brittany Mahomes and her husband Patrick, who plays alongside tight end Travis, for a family pyjama campaign.But it is her latest post with model Karlie that cuts the deepest, with Taylor’s former best friend and once-closest confidante defecting to the side of the Kardashian star.Kendall was never part of Taylor’s squad.Kim on the feudThis picture wasn’t a campaign image intended to drive underwear sales but an intimate photograph of the pair at a party with other friends.Fans were quick to point out that the picture of Kim and Karlie was at least two years old and questioned why she would post it now — four days after Taylor’s album release — if it was not a pointed attack.Karlie and Taylor — once inseparable, with Karlie a prominent member of Taylor’s infamous girl squad and even appearing on the cover of Vogue magazine with her — have never addressed their feud publicly.Kanye West stuns MTV award winner Taylor in 2009Credit: GettyKim leaked a recording about Famous, in which Kanye had read a selection of his lyrics out to TaylorCredit: E! NetworksTaylor’s 2017 Reputation album, from which fans took the track Look What You Made Me Do to be an attack on KimBut it is widely believed they fell out after Karlie maintained a working relationship with record label executive Scooter Braun when he sold the masters of Taylor’s first six albums for £240million in 2020.It prompted the I Knew You Were trouble hitmaker to start re-recording her entire back catalogue and hit out at Braun for “bullying” her, which he vehemently denies.While other stars distanced themselves from Braun in the aftermath, Karlie invited him to both of her weddings, where Taylor was notably absent.In the cheap seatsSwifties also hit out at Karlie for never speaking out against Braun when Taylor publicly begged other stars under his management to help her. While her other best friends, model Gigi Hadid and singer Selena Gomez, both hit out at him, Karlie was slated for posting a stream of photos of herself amid the ongoing drama.Last August, Karlie was seen in the cheap seats at the final show of the Eras tour in LA while the rest of Taylor’s world-famous friends enjoyed the show from a VIP tent, cementing the end of their friendship to the singer’s legion of loyal fans.And now Karlie is friends with Kim, it seems there is no going back.I moved to a foreign country. I didn’t leave a rental house for a year. I was afraid to get on phone calls. I pushed away most people in my life because I didn’t trust anyone any more. I went down really, really hard.Taylor on the feudKim launched her first attack on Taylor in 2016, when her then-husband Kanye West released Famous, a song which included the lyrics “I made that bitch famous” in reference to him storming Taylor’s VMAs acceptance speech in 2009, and claimed he could “still have sex” with her if he wanted.Taylor branded the lyrics misogynistic, and Kim retaliated by posting a secret recording of a phone call taken some months before in which Kanye had read a selection of his lyrics out to Taylor which she seemingly agreed to. Kim’s fans then flooded Taylor’s Instagram account with snake emojis, calling her out as a liar. And Kim did nothing to calm the storm, posting a string of snake emojis on her own social media. The hashtag #TaylorSwiftIsOverParty began trending, prompting Taylor to go into hiding for two years.It was during this time she wrote her 2017 Reputation album in response to the drama.Fans took the track Look What You Made Me Do to be an attack on Kim, with the lyrics: “I don’t like your little games/Don’t like your tilted stage/The role you made me play of the fool/No, I don’t like you.”A clip of the full conversation between Kanye and Taylor resurfaced in 2020 and appeared to dispel any evidence that Taylor had agreed to the lyrics — and suggested the original clip had been manipulated.But the damage was already done.Taylor spoke openly in several magazine interviews about the impact the feud had on her, telling Time magazine: “That took me down psychologically to a place I’ve never been before.“I moved to a foreign country. I didn’t leave a rental house for a year. I was afraid to get on phone calls. I pushed away most people in my life because I didn’t trust anyone any more. I went down really, really hard.”In the years that followed, famous friends of the pair have been forced to choose between the two camps.Kim’s sister Kendall Jenner, one of the A-listers who supported Taylor on stage in London in 2015, has not been seen with her since, with Kim saying in a 2017 interview: “Kendall was never part of Taylor’s squad.”Meanwhile, Taylor’s long-term best friend, Selena Gomez, distanced herself from the Kardashians after the drama, despite having fledgling friendships with both Kylie and Kendall.And while Kim had appeared to try to quash the feud in recent years, posting Taylor’s songs on her social media profiles and telling one chat show host that the war was over, it seems Taylor’s latest release has dispelled any peace between the pair.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn fact, this might just be the start of their biggest battle yet.Taylor and Karlie Kloss in happier timesCredit: GC ImagesTaylor’s pal Lana Del Ray was hired by Kim’s Skims brandCredit: SKimsLast month, Sabrina Carpenter, Taylor’s long-time pal and the main support act on her Eras world     tour, starred in a campaign for Kim’s lingerie lineCredit: Skims More

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      Inside Lewis Capaldi’s new life in London as he settles in £3m pad and talks about starting football team

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      HE only bought a fancy new house in a leafy part of North London last month but Lewis Capaldi is already one of the area’s most popular celebs.Insiders at his favourite boozer told me that the Scottish Beyonce has already enamoured himself with residents — who have branded him their favourite famous face.Lewis Capaldi has settled into London livingCredit: GettyCapaldi has a load of famous mates like Harry StylesCredit: GettyAnd it seems the Someone You Loved singer is keen to ingratiate himself further into the fold by getting involved in the local footie scene.A source said: “Lewis has found a home for life here and everyone loves him.“He is a regular in a few of the local pubs and has got great banter with the locals.“Lewis is a big football fan and has said he’d be keen to get involved if the chance came up.READ MORE ON CELEBS“He’s got a load of famous mates like Harry Styles, in the area, and Liam Gallagher and Patrick Kielty live nearby too, so he could band together a whole team to take on the locals.“He seems really happy and is in such a great place.“Everyone who sees Lewis is so pleased to see how well he’s doing.”We told last month how Lewis had splashed out £3million on a house close to Harry’s in the capital.Most read in BizarreHe has been spotted in recent weeks hanging out with his girlfriend, actress Ellie MacDowall, as he takes time out of the spotlight.Lew’s second album, Broken By Desire To Be Heavenly Sent, went straight to the No1 spot last year.Lewis Capaldi struggles to continue during Glastonbury set during Tourette’s battle as audience step in to help during emotional momentHe later went on an extended break after struggling with his mental health.But in January he treated fans to an extended version of the record with five new songs.Lew said at the time: “I’m going to continue taking some time to carry on looking after myself, maybe writing some music and taking a moment to reflect on some of the most incredible years of my life.“I want to make absolutely sure I’m 100 per cent before getting back out there again properly for more shows and doing what I love more than anything.”I can’t wait to see Lewis back on stage again but looking after himself is the most important thing.Patrick Kielty is another of Lewis’s palsCredit: GettyLiam Gallagher is also the Scot singer’s friendCredit: GettyIt’s all change for ZenZENDAYA has nailed the four-hand smash on her Challengers junket tour.The Hollywood actress plays a tennis coach in the new film and showed off four amazing outfits as she promoted it in New York.Zendaya has nailed the four-hand smash on her Challengers junket tourCredit: GettyZen kicked off the day in a smart white top and trousers for a fan screening of ChallengersCredit: GettyAlthough she admitted earlier this week she had no idea about tennis before starting work on the film, Zendaya has clearly been using Wimbledon for style inspiration.She kicked off the day in a smart white top and trousers for a fan screening of Challengers at AMC Lincoln Square before changing into a Kylie Minogue-style hooded dress.Zendaya then switched up for her look again – and wore a tennis ball-coloured dress at Zero Bond in the Big Apple, before putting on a grey top and trousers for a well-earned dinner at Mamo.Given how hard Zendaya has been working on the promo trail for Challengers, I hope for her sake it’s ace.The actress wore a tennis ball-coloured dress at Zero BondCredit: SplashThe star donned a grey top and trousers combo for a well-earned dinner at MamoCredit: BackGridScott has Swift replyTAYLOR SWIFT’s new record The Tortured Poets Department has broken records since its release this time last week and today is at the No1 spot in the album chart.Despite this, Pet Shop Boys frontman Neil Tennant says he cannot understand the Taylor “phenomenon”.Neil Tennant, middle, says he can’t understand the Taylor Swift phenomenonCredit: GettyTaylor released a new album this monthCredit: GettyI told you on Wednesday that Neil had questioned whether she really had hits, saying: “What is Taylor Swift’s Billie Jean?“Shake It Off? Is it though? I even know that is the answer but I listened to that the other day and it is not Billie Jean, is it?”In my eyes, Neil couldn’t have been more wrong.And now Scott Mills has agreed with me.He said on his Radio 2 show yesterday: “Neil from Pet Shop Boys has questioned the success of Taylor Swift.“Taylor Swift, the biggest pop star on the planet.“But, apparently, Neil can’t name any famous Swifty songs.”Reeling off her accolades, including the No1 position today, Scott added: “She was 2023’s Person of the Year, she’s won 14 Grammy awards and has so far had eight UK No1s. She’s quite big, Neil.”Jokingly, Scott added: “You know she will now write a song about you, Neil, I hope you realise.”Be warned, Neil. The Swifties have quite the bite.Scott Mills disagrees with the Pet Shop Boys frontmanCredit: BBCRicky is stage struckJIM and Barb reunited in Stockport after Sue Johnston surprised her Royle Family hubby Ricky Tomlinson.He is appearing in a new UK-wide production called Irish Annie and was stunned when Sue walked out on stage this week.Sue Johnston surprised co-star Ricky Tomlinson on stageShe was in character as the BBC sitcom’s long-suffering Barb and she strolled on mid-performance to shock Ricky and then said: “I thought I would find you in Irish Annie’s pub”Afterwards, Ricky admitted: “I had no idea Sue was making an appearance and it was a wonderful surprise.”The Royle Family is one of my stepdad Alan’s favourite telly shows, and we were both gutted when the final special was screened in 2012.In 2028, it will be 30 years since it first came out, so I’m holding out hope for an anniversary special.Madonna ex in Rio gig snubMADONNA’s ex Jesus Luz will swerve her huge beach concert in Brazil after a major falling out.The pair managed to stay friends following the end of their two-year romance in 2010.Madonna’s ex Jesus Luz will swerve her huge beach concert in BrazilCredit: RexBut now he won’t be going to her huge May 4 gig.The model told local press in Rio De Janeiro, where Madonna will wrap up her Celebration tour: “There’s no way to pretend that everything is fine. I had a disagreement with her last week, via text. And I’m not going to the show.”Oh to be a fly on that WhatsApp chat.More than a million fans are expected to be heading to Copacabana Beach for the concert, which Madge is putting on for free, so I doubt Jesus will be missed.As Liam Gallagher would say, it’s going to be biblicalChris is short on styleDON’T worry, Chris Pine has not gone a little bit strange and sacked his stylist.The Hollywood actor, who usually looks pretty hot, top, dressed up as the leading character from his new film Poolman during the Toronto International Film Festival.Chris Pine dressed up as the leading character from his new film Poolman during the Toronto International Film FestivalCredit: APChris is normally very smartly dressedCredit: Getty Images – GettyChris, who appears in the film alongside Danny DeVito and Jennifer Jason Leigh, went full method with shaggy hair and shorts – and even drove up to the red carpet at the Vista Theatre in his character Darren Barrenman’s Awesome Aquatics pool cleaning van.I’d need a few G&Ts before I’d be persuaded to do that.Penguin power
      WE celebrated the brilliant Brentford Penguins FC last year at The Sun’s Who Cares Wins Awards – and got David and Romeo Beckham to surprise founder Allan Cockram with the Unsung Hero gong.
      Now children in the club, who have Down’s Syndrome, are now going to be seeing a little bit more of Romeo after he became an ambassador for the Penguins.

      Roman: nice side of nepoROMAN KEMP is embracing his “nepo baby” label and says he isn’t alone.On The Brits Podcast, which is back for a third series, the radio DJ said that being the son of Spandau Ballet’s Martin Kemp has its upsides – despite the fact he regularly gets the mickey ripped out of him.Roman Kemp is embracing his ‘nepo baby’ labelWhen asked if he’s got a nepo WhatsApp group, Roman said with a laugh: “Yep. Me, Brooklyn Beckham and Lily Allen,” before adding:“It’s the best. People go, ‘You haven’t worked’. Well, actually I have worked but I’ve had really nice things.”Roman told host Jordan Stephens he is now working to get his FA football badges after quitting Capital FM’s Breakfast Show.When asked about his plans for the future, Roman said:“Football coaching. I’m going to do One Show as well but I’m going to do my coaching.”As a joke, he added: “Nepo ref.”I can hear the chants already.Mabel gets a vitamins boostMABEL is back today with her new song, called Vitamins.The track is inspired by her early R&B roots and she told me: “It is my family and friends’ favourite out of all the music I’ve made over the past couple years.”Mabel is back today with her new song, VitaminsCredit: GettyIn a nod to her boyfriend, Sony executive Preye Crooks, Mabel added: “It’s a reminder to the man I love to take care of himself, but also that in difficult times I’ll always be there in his corner.”Meanwhile, Griff has announced her debut album Vertigo, out on July 19, and a world tour that includes dates in Glasgow, Birmingham, Bristol and London.Today, Florence And The Machine reveal a special BBC Proms performance on September 11, celebrating 15 years since debut album Lungs.READ MORE SUN STORIESMadness will drop an expanded version of their first No1 studio album, last year’s Theatre Of The Absurd Presents C’est La Vie, with five new tracks.And Jess Glynne’s third, self-titled album, also drops today. More

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      Denise Welch takes a savage swipe at Taylor Swift after singer branded Loose Women star’s son Matty Healy ‘small’

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      DENISE Welch has taken a savage swipe at Taylor Swift she branded her son Matty Healy ‘small’.The international pop star stunned fans earlier this week when she released not one but two albums.Denise Welch has taken a savage swipe at Taylor Swift she branded her son Matty Healy ‘small’Credit: InstagramThe singers dated for a period after Taylor’s split from her long-term boyfriend Joe Alwyn last yearCredit: GettyIn some of the newly-released tracks Taylor, 34, appears to reference her short-lived romance with 1975 frontman MattyCredit: GettyThe Smallest Man Who Ever Lived, from Swift’s album The Tortured Poets Department, appears to be about Matty, 35Credit: instagramBut in some of the newly-released tracks Taylor, 34, appears to reference her short-lived romance with 1975 frontman Matty.The singers dated for a period after Taylor’s split from her long-term boyfriend Joe Alwyn last year.Matty’s Loose Women mum Denise Welch was even snapped with Taylor as she got to know the panellist.However, she’s now swiped at her while hosting Thursday’s edition of the ITV talk show.more on taylor swiftThe 65-year-old’s co-stars asked her if she had listened to any of Taylor’s new hits.Replying, she said: “I wasn’t aware she had an album out at all… Anyway I wish her all the best.”The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived, from Swift’s album The Tortured Poets Department, appears to be about Matty, 35.Another track, Fortnight, gives a flavour of the heartbreak Taylor experienced when their romance ended.Most read in CelebrityMatty finally broke his silence on the new album when he was stopped in the street and quizzed on the tracks.He had a mature response when a journalist approached him on the street in the US and asked for his thoughts on Taylor’s “diss” track about him.Watch the moment Matty Healy breaks silence on ex Taylor Swift’s ‘diss track’Wearing a navy hoodie and white vest top, a surprised Matty said: “My diss track? Oh [laughs], I haven’t listened to the album much but I’m sure it’s good.”He then politely continued on his way, casually walking along the sidewalk.Last night we exclusively revealed that Healy is working on new music and, crucially, didn’t sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) during his romance with Taylor.Those who know Healy told us he had no idea he was going to be referenced and only found out when his name started trending on social media last Friday.Timeline of Taylor and Joe’s RelationshipThe couple had six years together, much of which they tried to keep a secret.
      Here we take a look at the timeline of their romance:

      A source said: “Matty is currently keeping a low profile working on The 1975’s next album.“This time last week he had no idea he was about to become one of the most talked about men on the planet.“He has opted to keep silent, but no NDA has been signed.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Like Taylor, he uses his music as a form of release and storytelling.”It’s naturally caused him to think about their time together and he’s never been one to hold back when speaking his mind.”The international pop star stunned fans earlier this week when she released not one but two albumsCredit: instagram More

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      Sacha Baron Cohen hits out again in bitter feud with Rebel Wilson – after parts of tell all book are BANNED in UK

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      SACHA Baron Cohen has hailed a “clear victory” in his battle with Rebel Wilson as her memoir was published with allegations against him scrubbed out.Almost an entire page of Rebel Rising about the Ali G and Borat star, 52, is covered in thick black redaction marks.Sacha Baron Cohen has spoken out after parts of Rebel Wilson’s book were banned in the UKCredit: GettyRebel’s highly anticipated memoir was finally published on ThursdayCredit: WireimageAllegations about Sacha were redacted from the UK editionCredit: PASacha and his wife Isla, pictured, announced their breakup shortly after the allegations came to lightCredit: The Mega AgencyA note on page 216 — which originally included damning claims about Sacha’s conduct on set — says the passage was removed “due to the peculiarities of the law in England and Wales”.The book was released in the UK yesterday, having been out in the US and other countries since the start of the month.Yesterday, his spokesman said: “This is a clear victory for Sacha Baron Cohen and confirms what we said from the beginning — that [the allegations are] demonstrably false, in a shameful and failed effort to sell books.All the signs Isla and Sacha had secretly splitThe couple have revealed they actually split last year, despite only just revealing their divorce.
      Here we look at the signs they had already broken up before revealing their split news:
      Social media silence –  Sacha has been absent from Instagram since last Christmas.
      Spending time with friends – Isla has been been following that classic post break-up move of spending more time with her girlfriends.
      Hidden ring finger – No fans noticed at the time, but in many Instagram shots from this year, Isla has hidden her right hand so her wedding finger was not visible in many shots.
      Missing man – The last image Isla shared of her and Sacha prior to the divorce announcement was back in November last year.

      “Printing falsehoods is against the law in the UK and Australia — this is not a ‘peculiarity’ as Ms Wilson said, but a legal principle that has existed for many hundreds of years.”more on rebel wilsonIn Australia and New Zealand, the entire chapter entitled “Sacha Baron Cohen and Other Assholes” is said to have been removed.In those pages, Aussie Rebel, 44, wrote about her negative experiences working with Sacha on the 2016 spy comedy Grimsby, which he also co-wrote and produced.They played a couple and Rebel accused her co-star of repeatedly asking her to “go naked”.She added: “I was constantly saying no to him and he didn’t like it.”Most read in CelebrityShe also claims Sacha encouraged her to “stick a finger up his ass” to make a scene funnier.Publisher Harper Collins said every page was in the UK edition of Rebel Rising adding: “For legal reasons, we are redacting most of one page with some other small redactions.”How long have Sacha Baron Cohen and Isla Fisher been married, and do they have any children?Sacha split from wife Isla Fisher last year, with the row said to have prompted their public announcement this month.The chapter in question was titled ‘Sacha Baron Cohen And Other A**holes’Credit: PA More